| WoS | WOS:000293025900002 | 12-month mortality and loss-to-program in antiretroviral-treated children: The IeDEA pediatric West African Database to evaluate AIDS (pWADA), 2000-2008 | Azondekon, Alain,Dabis, Francois,Dicko, Fatoumata,Eboua, Francois T.,Ekouevi, Didier K.,IeDEA Pediat W Africa Working Grp,Kouadio, Kouakou,Leroy, Valeriane,Malateste, Karen,Peterson, Kevin,Renner, Lorna,Sy, Haby Signate,Toure, Pety | 2011 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-519 | Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (Inserm), Universite de Bordeaux, ACONDA, CHU Treichville, CHU Yopougon, CIRBA, Hop Enfants Albert Royer, Hop Instruct Armees St Anne, Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (Inserm), Korlebu Hosp, MRC | None | Background: The IeDEA West Africa Pediatric Working Group (pWADA) was established in January 2007 to study the care and treatment of HIV-infected children in this region. We describe here the characteristics at antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation and study the 12-month mortality and loss-to-program of HIV-infected children followed in ART programs in West Africa.
Methods: Standardized data from HIV-infected children followed-up in ART programs were included. Nine clinical centers from six countries contributed to the dataset (Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Mali and Senegal). Inclusion criteria were the followings: age 0-15 years and initiated triple antiretroviral drug regimens. Baseline time was the date of ART initiation. WHO criteria was used to define severe immunosuppression based on CD4 count by age or CD4 percent < 15%. We estimated the 12-month Kaplan-Meier probabilities of mortality and loss-to-program (death or loss to follow-up > 6 months) after ART initiation and factors associated with these two outcomes.
Results: Between June 2000 and December 2007, 2170 children were included. Characteristics at ART initiation were the following: median age of 5 years (Interquartile range (IQR: 2-9) and median CD4 percentage of 13% (IQR: 7-19). The most frequent drug regimen consisted of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (62%). During the first 12 months, 169 (7.8%) children died and 461 (21.2%) were lost-to-program. Overall, in HIV-infected children on ART, the 12-month probability of death was 8.3% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 7.2-9.6%), and of loss-to-program was 23.1% (95% CI: 21.3-25.0%). Both mortality and loss-to program were associated with advanced clinical stage, CD4 percentage < 15% at ART initiation and year (> 2005) of ART initiation.
Conclusion: Innovative and sustainable approaches are needed to better document causes of death and increase retention in HIV pediatric clinics in West Africa. | ,COTE-DIVOIRE,DIAGNOSIS,FOLLOW-UP,"HEALTH-CARE FACILITIES","HIV-1-INFECTED CHILDREN",INFANTS,OUTCOMES,SURVIVAL,THERAPY,TRANSMISSION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84957683924 | A 15-year study of the impact of community antiretroviral therapy coverage on HIV incidence in Kenyan female sex workers | McClelland R.S., Richardson B.A., Cherutich P., Mandaliya K., John-Stewart G., Miregwa B., Odem-Davis K., Jaoko W., Kimanga D., Overbaugh J. | 2015 | AIDS | 29 | 17 | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000829 | Department of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Division of Vaccine and Infectious Disease, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; National AIDS and STD Control Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Mombasa County Department of Policy and Research, Mombasa, Kenya | McClelland, R.S., Department of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359909, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Richardson, B.A., Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Division of Vaccine and Infectious Disease, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Cherutich, P., National AIDS and STD Control Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Mandaliya, K., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; John-Stewart, G., Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Miregwa, B., Mombasa County Department of Policy and Research, Mombasa, Kenya; Odem-Davis, K., Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Jaoko, W., Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Kimanga, D., National AIDS and STD Control Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Overbaugh, J., Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States | Objective: To test the hypothesis that increasing community antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage would be associated with lower HIV incidence in female sex workers (FSWs) in Mombasa District, Kenya. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: From 1998 to 2012, HIV-negative FSWs were asked to return monthly for an interview regarding risk behavior and testing for sexually transmitted infections including HIV. We evaluated the association between community ART coverage and FSW's risk of becoming HIV infected using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results: One thousand, four hundred and four FSWs contributed 4335 woman-years of follow-up, with 145 acquiring HIV infection (incidence 3.35/100 woman-years). The ART rollout began in 2003. By 2012, an estimated 52% of HIV-positive individuals were receiving treatment. Community ART coverage was inversely associated with HIV incidence (adjusted hazard ratio 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.61-0.98; P=0.03), suggesting that each 10% increase in coverage was associated with a 23% reduction in FSWs' risk of HIV acquisition. Community ART coverage had no impact on herpes simplex virus type-2 incidence (adjusted hazard ratio 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.79-1.20; P=0.8). Conclusion: Increasing general population ART coverage was associated with lower HIV incidence in FSWs. The association with HIV incidence, but not herpes simplex virus type-2 incidence, suggests that the effect of community ART coverage may be specific to HIV. Interventions such as preexposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral-containing microbicides have produced disappointing results in HIV prevention trials with FSWs. These results suggest that FSWs' risk of acquiring HIV infection might be reduced through the indirect approach of increasing ART coverage in the community. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. | Africa; antiretroviral therapy; HIV; sex worker; transmission; women | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; adolescent; adult; antiviral therapy; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cohort analysis; community care; female; follow up; herpes simplex; Herpes simplex virus 2; high risk behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus 2 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; incidence; Kenya; Kenyan; priority journal; prospective study; prostitution; sexually transmitted disease; virus load | None |
| WoS | WOS:000293382500007 | A 3-year Cohort Study to Assess the Impact of an Integrated Food- and Livelihood-based Model on Undernutrition in Rural Western Kenya | Amoroso, L,Diru, W.,Fanzo, J.,Kim, D.,Lelerai, E.,Masira, J.,Muniz, M.,Mutuo, P.,Negin, J.,Nemser, B.,Palm, C.,Pronyk, P. M.,Remans, R.,Sachs, J. D.,Sachs, S. Ehrlich,Sanchez, P.,THOMPSON, B,Wariero, J. | 2011 | COMBATING MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES: FOOD-BASED APPROACHES | None | None | None | Columbia University, KU Leuven, University of Sydney, Biovers Int | "Kim, D.: Columbia University","Negin, J.: University of Sydney","Pronyk, P. M.: Columbia University","Remans, R.: KU Leuven","Sanchez, P.: Columbia University", | Reducing extreme poverty and hunger is the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG). With undernutrition contributing to one third of all child deaths, improving nutrition is a precondition for accelerating progress towards other MDG targets. While the role of technical interventions such as micronutrient fortification and supplementation in reducing morbidity and mortality has been well documented, evidence to support more comprehensive multi-sectoral approaches remains inconclusive. This chapter aims to evaluate the impact of an integrated food- and livelihood-based model on nutrition-related outcomes in rural western Kenya.
A 3-year prospective cohort study was undertaken among 300 randomly selected wealth-stratified households. Detailed socio-economic and health surveys were conducted. A nutrition module assessed household levels of food security, food consumption frequency and diet diversity. This was complemented by anthropometric measurement and assessments of serum levels of vitamin A among children under 5 years old.
The average food insecurity score decreased from 5.21 at baseline to 4.13 at follow-up (P < 0.0001). Average diet diversity scores for daily, weekly and monthly time periods increased from 6.7 to 7.3; from 10.7 to 11.2; and from 12.4 to 12.6, respectively (P < 0.0001). Daily consumption for 14 out of 16 food groups increased significantly. For children under 2 years of age, underweight and stunting decreased from 26.2% to 3.9% (P = 0.002) and from 62.3% to 38.3% (P = 0.014), respectively. Vitamin A deficiency as measured by serum vitamin A levels decreased from 70.0% to 33.3% (P = 0.007) for children under 5 years old.
This study presents encouraging evidence that a multi-sectoral food- and livelihood-based model can improve diet quality, enhance food security and positively affect childhood nutritional outcomes. The wider application of this approach to a diversity of agro-ecological zones in sub-Saharan Africa is currently being assessed. | "diet diversity",Food-based,"FOOD SECURITY",multi-sectoral,STUNTING,"VITAMIN A","CHILD UNDERNUTRITION","DIETARY DIVERSITY",GROWTH,HEALTH,INTERVENTIONS,OPPORTUNITY,"VITAMIN-A INTAKE" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054031490 | 'A bridge to the hospice': The impact of a Community Volunteer Programme in Uganda | Jack B.A., Kirton J., Birakurataki J., Merriman A. | 2011 | Palliative Medicine | 25 | 7 | 10.1177/0269216310397566 | Evidence-based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Edge Hill University, Faculty of Health, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP, United Kingdom; Hospice Africa Uganda, Little Hospice Hoima, Uganda; Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda | Jack, B.A., Evidence-based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Edge Hill University, Faculty of Health, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP, United Kingdom; Kirton, J., Evidence-based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Edge Hill University, Faculty of Health, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP, United Kingdom; Birakurataki, J., Hospice Africa Uganda, Little Hospice Hoima, Uganda; Merriman, A., Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda | In Africa, the need for palliative care provision is escalating with an increasing number of people living with HIV/AIDS, coupled with rising cancer and AIDS-related cancer diagnoses. In Uganda there is a shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas. To address this Hospice Africa Uganda developed a Community Volunteer Programme to train volunteers to help by providing support to patients in their own homes. The aim of this qualitative study was to evaluate the impact of the Community Volunteer Programme. Sixty-four interviews, with patients (21), community volunteer workers (CVWs) (32), and the hospice clinical teams (11) were conducted, using semi-structured digitally recorded individual, group and focus group interviews, at the Hospice Africa Uganda sites. The results reported the value of the Community Volunteer Programme, including the impact on patients and families, and how the CVWs acted as a 'bridge to the hospice' in identifying patients. Developing financial challenges that are emerging which could potentially impact on the programme were reported. The Community Volunteer Programme appears to be having a positive impact on patients, families and the hospice team, and is a model worthy of consideration by other developing countries to allow the expansion of palliative care. © 2011 SAGE Publications. | Community Volunteer Programme; developing countries; palliative care | adult; aged; article; clinical article; community program; developing country; female; health program; hospice; hospital personnel; human; male; palliative therapy; qualitative research; semi structured interview; Uganda; voluntary worker; Adult; Community Health Services; Counseling; Developing Countries; Female; Focus Groups; Health Services Needs and Demand; HIV Infections; Hospice Care; Hospital Volunteers; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Patient Care Team; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Qualitative Research; Rural Population; Uganda | None |
| WoS | WOS:000313110000001 | A call for parental monitoring to improve condom use among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Jimba, Masamine,Mbwambo, Jessie K. K.,Mlunde, Linda B.,Otsuka, Keiko,Poudel, Krishna C.,Sunguya, Bruno F.,Ubuguyu, Omary,Yasuoka, Junko | 2012 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2458-12-1061 | University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts System, University of Tokyo, Muhimbili Univ Hlth & Allied Sci | "Jimba, Masamine: University of Tokyo","Mlunde, Linda B.: University of Tokyo","Otsuka, Keiko: University of Tokyo","Poudel, Krishna C.: University of Massachusetts Amherst","Poudel, Krishna C.: University of Massachusetts System","Sunguya, Bruno F.: University of Tokyo","Yasuoka, Junko: University of Tokyo", | Background: The number of people newly infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been decreasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but prevalence of the infection remains unacceptably high among young people. Despite the alarming pervasiveness of the virus, young people in this region continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors including unprotected sexual intercourse. In developed countries, parents can play important roles in protecting young people from such behaviors, but evidence regarding the impact of parental involvement is still limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the magnitude of risky sexual behaviors and the association of parental monitoring and parental communication with condom use at last sexual intercourse among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study among 2,217 male and female students aged 15 to 24 years from 12 secondary schools in Dar es Salaam. From October to November 2011, we collected data using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of parental monitoring and parental communication with condom use at last sexual intercourse, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results: A total of 665 (30.3%) secondary school students reported being sexually active within the year prior to data collection. Among them, 41.7% had multiple sexual partners, 10.5% had concurrent sexual partners, and 41.1% did not use a condom at last sexual intercourse. A higher level of parental monitoring was associated with increased likelihood of condom use at last sexual intercourse among male students (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.32; p = 0.03) but not among female students (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.71-3.37; p = 0.28). The association between parental communication and condom use at last sexual intercourse among both male and female students was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: A high level of parental monitoring is associated with more consistent condom use among male students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania -many of whom have engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors such as multiple sexual partnerships, concurrent sexual partnerships, and unprotected sexual intercourse in the past one year. Interventions should thus be strengthened to reduce multiple sexual partnerships, concurrent sexual partnerships, and to improve parental monitoring among such students toward increasing condom use. | "CONDOM USE","parental monitoring","SEXUAL BEHAVIORS",Tanzania,"YOUNG PEOPLE","ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH",AFRICA,COMMUNICATION,HIV,INTERVENTIONS,PREVALENCE,PREVENTION,"PROTECTIVE FACTORS","RISKY SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR","TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873736578 | A capability perspective on performance deficiencies in utility firms | Worch H., Truffer B., Kabinga M., Eberhard A., Markard J. | 2013 | Utilities Policy | 25 | None | 10.1016/j.jup.2012.12.001 | Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Department of Management, Technology and Economics, Chair of Sustainability and Technology, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland | Worch, H., Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Truffer, B., Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Kabinga, M., University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Eberhard, A., University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Markard, J., Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Department of Management, Technology and Economics, Chair of Sustainability and Technology, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland | This paper proposes a capability-based framework to explain performance deficiencies in utility firms as a result of policy and regulatory changes. The framework complements conventional explanations such as transaction cost and agency approaches, which suggest that appropriate incentives and regulations increase the performance of public utilities after relatively short adaptation processes. In contrast, we argue that capability gaps - understood as an inadequate availability of competences, skills and experiences - tend to have long-lasting effects on firm performance. A crucial implication of the capability perspective is that regulatory interventions that create capability gaps at the firm level may affect utility performance - and the ability of infrastructure sectors to provide adequate services - more severely than expected by traditional approaches. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Capabilities; Performance; Regulation; Utilities | incentive; industrial performance; industrial policy; regulatory framework; transaction cost; utility sector | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862086247 | A case study evaluation of the impacts of optimised waste bin locations in a developing city | Aremu A.S., Sule B.F. | 2012 | Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems | 29 | 2 | 10.1080/10286608.2012.672411 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Aremu, A.S., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Sule, B.F., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | This study was undertaken to evaluate the impacts of placing waste bins at optimal locations in the city of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. The optimal locations of 1-10 waste bins were determined by the built-in solver for p-median problems in TransCAD v. 5.0 (Caliper, Corp.) software. The spatial performance of a particular number of waste bins created social, economic and environmental impacts which were evaluated from a combination of the attribute table from the p-median solution, solid waste generation data and collection operation data. The issues examined under these impacts were service coverage, public satisfaction, waste bin utility, costs associated with service provision and emissions from collection vehicles. The results indicate that service coverage and public satisfaction improved as the number of waste bins was increased from one to five. With 6-10 waste bins, 100% service coverage and public satisfaction was attained, however, some waste bins became underutilised. The service provision costs and emissions from the collection vehicle also increased as the number of waste bins increased. A multi-criteria analysis of these impacts can assist municipal authorities in achieving sustainable solid waste management. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | developing country; impact; optimised location; solid waste; waste bin | Collection vehicles; Developing cities; impact; Multi Criteria Analysis; Municipal authorities; North Central Nigeria; Optimal locations; P-median; P-median problems; Public satisfaction; Service provisions; Solid waste generation; Spatial performance; Waste bins; Data acquisition; Developing countries; Optimization; Refuse collection; Solid wastes; Waste management; Bins; developing world; environmental impact; multicriteria analysis; municipal solid waste; optimization; service provision; socioeconomic impact; waste management; Ilorin; Kwara; Nigeria | None |
| WoS | WOS:000242431900008 | Accelerating reproductive and child health programme impact with community-based services: the Navrongo experiment in Ghana | Bawah, Ayaga A.,Binka, Fred N.,Phillips, James F. | 2006 | BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION | 84 | 12 | None | University of Ghana | None | Objective To determine the demographic and health impact of deploying health service nurses and volunteers to village locations with a view to scaling up results.
Methods. A four-celled plausibility trial was used for testing the impact of aligning community health services with the traditional social institutions that organize village life, Data from the Navrongo Demographic Surveillance System that tracks fertility and mortality events over time were used to estimate impact on fertility and mortality.
Results. Assigning nurses to community locations reduced childhood mortality rates by over half in 3 years and accelerated the time taken for attainment of the child survival Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in the study areas to 8 years. Fertility was also reduced by 15%, representing a decline of one birth in the total fertility rate. Programme costs added US$ 1.92 per capita to the US$ 6.80 per capita primary health care budget.
Conclusion. Assigning nurses to community locations where they provide basic curative and preventive care substantially reduces childhood mortality and accelerates progress towards attainment of the child survival MDG. Approaches using community volunteers, however, have no impact on mortality. The results also demonstrate that increasing access to contraceptive supplies alone fails to address the social costs of fertility regulation. Effective deployment of volunteers and community mobilization strategies offsets the social constraints on the adoption of contraception. The research in Navrongo thus demonstrates that affordable and sustainable means of combining nurse services with volunteer action can accelerate attainment of both the International Conference on Population and Development agenda and the MDGs. | ,AFRICA,FERTILITY,INNOVATION,KASSENA-NANKANA,MORTALITY,"NORTHERN GHANA",PROJECT,PUBLIC-HEALTH | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65449123866 | Accelerating the health impact of the Gates Foundation | Black R.E., Bhan M.K., Chopra M., Rudan I., Victora C.G. | 2009 | The Lancet | 373 | 9675 | 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60886-2 | Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Croatian Centre for Global Health, University of Split Medical School, Split, Croatia; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Universidad Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil | Black, R.E., Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Bhan, M.K., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India; Chopra, M., Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Rudan, I., Croatian Centre for Global Health, University of Split Medical School, Split, Croatia, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Victora, C.G., Universidad Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil | [No abstract available] | None | vaccine; article; child health; childhood disease; childhood mortality; diarrhea; financial management; funding; government; health care delivery; health care quality; health care system; health program; health service; lowest income group; malnutrition; maternal welfare; medical research; non profit organization; oral rehydration therapy; pneumonia; priority journal; Child; Child Mortality; Foundations; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Organizational Objectives; Research Support as Topic; Vaccination; World Health | None |
| WoS | WOS:000254159500011 | Accounting for institutional change in health economic evaluation: A program to tackle HIV/AIDS and gender violence in Southern Africa | Jan, Stephen,Kim, Julia,Pronyk, Paul | 2008 | SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE | 66 | 4 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.11.010 | University of London, University of Sydney, University of Witwatersrand, George Inst Int Hlth, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | "Jan, Stephen: University of Sydney", | There has been growing interest in the application of institutionalist perspectives in the health economics literature. This paper investigates the institutionalist notion of social value and its use in economic evaluation with particular reference to a program to address HIV/AIDS and gender violence in Southern Africa (IMAGE). Institutions are the rules that govern the conduct between individuals, groups and organisations. Their social value stems from their capacity to reduce the uncertainty in human interactions thereby both reducing transaction costs and, importantly, enabling the initiation and sustainability of various activities (instrumental value). Furthermore, institutions tend to be formed around certain ethical positions and as a consequence, act in binding future decision making to these positions (intrinsic value). Incorporating such notions of social value within a conventional welfare-based measure of benefit is problematic as institutional development is not necessarily consistent with individual utility. An institutionalist approach allows for these additional domains to be factored into economic evaluation.
IMAGE is an intervention to reduce gender violence and HIV through microfinance, health education and community development, and involves significant initial investment in institution-building activities, notably through training activities with pro-gram staff and community members. The key to employing an institutionalist approach to the evaluation of IMAGE is in understanding the nature of those actions that can be seen as institution-building and determining: (1) the instrumental value of follow-up activities by appropriate amortisation of transaction costs over an horizon that reflects the economies gained from the intervention; and (2) the intrinsic value of any transformation in the community through a cost-consequences approach informed by an a priori conceptual model. This case study highlights how health sector interventions can effect institutional changes and how these are captured within a theory-based economic evaluation framework. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "ECONOMIC EVALUATION",GENDER,HIV/AIDS,IMAGE,institutionalism,"SOCIAL WELFARE","SOUTHERN AFRICA","TRANSACTION COSTS",BENEFITS,CARE,HIV,INTERVENTION,"INTIMATE-PARTNER VIOLENCE",OUTCOMES,PREVENTION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942767778 | A century of tuberculosis epidemiology in the northern and southern hemisphere: The differential impact of control interventions | Hermans S., Horsburgh C.R., Jr., Wood R. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0135179 | Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Hermans, S., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Horsburgh, C.R., Jr., Department of Epidemiology, Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Cape Town has one of the highest TB burdens of any city in the world. In 1900 the City of Cape Town, New York City and London had high mortality of tuberculosis (TB). Throughout the 20th century contemporaneous public health measures including screening, diagnosis and treatment were implemented in all three settings. Mandatory notification of TB and vital status enabled comparison of disease burden trajectories. Methods: TB mortality, notification and case fatality rates were calculated from 1912 to 2012 using annual TB notifications, TB death certifications and population estimates. Notification rates were stratified by age and in Cape Town by HIV status (from 2009 onwards). Results: Pre-chemotherapy, TB mortality and notification rates declined steadily in New York and London but remained high in Cape Town. Following introduction of combination chemotherapy, mean annual case fatality dropped from 45-60% to below 10% in all three settings. Mortality and notification rates subsequently declined, although Cape Town notifications did not decline as far as those in New York or London and returned to pre-chemotherapy levels by 1980. The proportional contribution of childhood TB diminished in New York and London but remained high in Cape Town. The advent of the Cape Town HIV-epidemic in the 1990s was associated with a further two-fold increase in incidence. In 2012, notification rates among HIV-negatives remained at pre-chemotherapy levels. Conclusions: TB control was achieved in New York and London but failed in Cape Town. The TB disease burden trajectories started diverging before the availability of combination chemotherapy in 1952 and further diverged following the HIV epidemic in 1990. Chemotherapy impacted case fatality but not transmission, evidenced by on-going high childhood TB rates. Currently endemic TB results from high on-going transmission, which has been exacerbated by the HIV epidemic. TB control will require reducing transmission, which is inexorably linked to prevailing socio-economic factors. | None | age distribution; Article; bacterial load; bacterial transmission; BCG vaccination; chemotherapy; childhood disease; death certificate; disease association; disease exacerbation; fatality; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; incidence; mortality; Northern Hemisphere; social status; South Africa; Southern Hemisphere; survival; tuberculosis; tuberculosis control; United Kingdom; United States; vital statistics | R01AI058736-02, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| WoS | WOS:000233072000017 | Achieving social change on gender-based violence: A report on the impact evaluation of Soul City's fourth series | GOLDSTEIN, S,Japhet, G,Scheepers, E,Usdin, S | 2005 | SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE | 61 | 11 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.04.035 | University of Witwatersrand, Soul City Inst & Dev Commun | None | The Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication-a South African multi-media health promotion project-together with the National Network on Violence Against Women, formulated an intervention to address domestic violence. Recognising that behavioural change interventions aimed solely at individuals have limited impact, the intervention was designed to impact at multiple mutually reinforcing levels; individual, community and socio-political environment. The intervention and its evaluation results are presented. Soul City successfully reached 86%, 25% and 65% of audiences through television, print booklets and radio, respectively. On an individual level there was a shift in knowledge around domestic violence including 41% of respondents hearing about the helpline. Attitude shifts were also associated with the intervention, with a 10% increase in respondents disagreeing that domestic violence was a private affair. There was also a 22% shift in perceptions of social norms on this issue. Qualitative data analysis suggests the intervention played a role in enhancing women's and communities' sense of efficacy, enabling women to make more effective decisions around their health and facilitating community action. The evaluation concluded that implementation of the Domestic Violence Act can largely be attributed to the intervention. While demonstrating actual reductions in levels of domestic violence was not possible, the evaluation shows a strong association between exposure to intervention components and a range of intermediary factors indicative of, and necessary to bring about social change. This paper reports on the evaluation, discusses its limitations and challenges as well as lessons learned regarding multi-level interventions on domestic violence. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "behaviour change","DOMESTIC VIOLENCE",enter-educate,"health/development communication","soul city","SOUTH AFRICA","DOMESTIC VIOLENCE" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941670445 | A cluster randomised trial introducing rapid diagnostic tests into registered drug shops in Uganda: Impact on appropriate treatment of malaria | Mbonye A.K., Magnussen P., Lal S., Hansen K.S., Cundill B., Chandler C., Clarke S.E. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0129545 | Ministry of Health, Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda; School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Mbonye, A.K., Ministry of Health, Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Magnussen, P., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Lal, S., Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Hansen, K.S., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Cundill, B., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Chandler, C., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Clarke, S.E., Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Inappropriate treatment of malaria is widely reported particularly in areas where there is poor access to health facilities and self-treatment of fevers with anti-malarial drugs bought in shops is the most common form of care-seeking. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of introducing rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (mRDTs) in registered drug shops in Uganda, with the aim to increase appropriate treatment of malaria with artemisininbased combination therapy (ACT) in patients seeking treatment for fever in drug shops. Methods: A cluster-randomized trial of introducing mRDTs in registered drug shops was implemented in 20 geographical clusters of drug shops in Mukono district, central Uganda. Ten clusters were randomly allocated to the intervention (diagnostic confirmation of malaria by mRDT followed by ACT) and ten clusters to the control arm (presumptive treatment of fevers with ACT). Treatment decisions by providers were validated by microscopy on a reference blood slide collected at the time of consultation. The primary outcome was the proportion of febrile patients receiving appropriate treatment with ACT defined as: malaria patients with microscopicallyconfirmed presence of parasites in a peripheral blood smear receiving ACT or rectal artesunate, and patients with no malaria parasites not given ACT. Findings: appropriate ACT treatment was 72·9% versus 33·7% in the control arm; a difference of 36·1% (95% CI: 21·3-50·9), p<0·001. The majority of patients with fever in the intervention arm accepted to purchase an mRDT (97·8%), of whom 58·5% tested mRDT-positive. Drug shop vendors adhered to the mRDT results, reducing over-treatment of malaria by 72·6% (95% CI: 46·7-98·4), p<0·001) compared to drug shop vendors using presumptive diagnosis (control arm). Conclusion: Diagnostic testing with mRDTs compared to presumptive treatment of fevers implemented in registered drug shops substantially improved appropriate treatment of malaria with ACT. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01194557. A total of 15,517 eligible patients (8672 intervention and 6845 control) received treatment for fever between January-December 2011. The proportion of febrile patients who received © 2015 Mbonye et al. | None | artemisinin; artesunate; adolescent; adult; Article; blood smear; child; controlled study; drug response; female; fever; geographic distribution; health care availability; health impact assessment; health service; help seeking behavior; human; major clinical study; malaria; malaria rapid test; male; microscopy; middle aged; nonhuman; outcome assessment; parasite control; patient assessment; pharmacy; preschool child; randomized controlled trial; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751068997 | A combined school- and community-based campaign targeting all school-age children of Burkina Faso against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis: Performance, financial costs and implications for sustainability | Gabrielli A.-F., Touré S., Sellin B., Sellin E., Ky C., Ouedraogo H., Yaogho M., Wilson M.D., Thompson H., Sanou S., Fenwick A. | 2006 | Acta Tropica | 99 | 42403 | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2006.08.008 | Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Programme National de Lutte contre la Schistosomiase et les Vers Intestinaux, Ministère de la Santé, 06 BP9103, Ouagadougou 06, Burkina Faso; Réseau International Schistosomoses, Environnement, Aménagements et Lutte, Saint-Mathurin, 56270 Ploemeur, France; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG581, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Direction de la Lutte contre la Maladie, Ministère de la Santé, 03 BP7035, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso | Gabrielli, A.-F., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Touré, S., Programme National de Lutte contre la Schistosomiase et les Vers Intestinaux, Ministère de la Santé, 06 BP9103, Ouagadougou 06, Burkina Faso; Sellin, B., Réseau International Schistosomoses, Environnement, Aménagements et Lutte, Saint-Mathurin, 56270 Ploemeur, France; Sellin, E., Réseau International Schistosomoses, Environnement, Aménagements et Lutte, Saint-Mathurin, 56270 Ploemeur, France; Ky, C., Programme National de Lutte contre la Schistosomiase et les Vers Intestinaux, Ministère de la Santé, 06 BP9103, Ouagadougou 06, Burkina Faso; Ouedraogo, H., Programme National de Lutte contre la Schistosomiase et les Vers Intestinaux, Ministère de la Santé, 06 BP9103, Ouagadougou 06, Burkina Faso; Yaogho, M., Programme National de Lutte contre la Schistosomiase et les Vers Intestinaux, Ministère de la Santé, 06 BP9103, Ouagadougou 06, Burkina Faso; Wilson, M.D., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG581, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Thompson, H., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Sanou, S., Direction de la Lutte contre la Maladie, Ministère de la Santé, 03 BP7035, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; Fenwick, A., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom | A combined school- and community-based campaign targeting the entire school-age population of Burkina Faso with drugs against schistosomiasis (praziquantel) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (albendazole) was implemented in 2004-2005. In total, 3,322,564 children from 5 to 15 years of age were treated, equivalent to a 90.8% coverage of the total school-age population of the country. The total costs of the campaign were estimated to be US$ 1,067,284, of which 69.4% was spent on the drugs. Delivery costs per child treated were US$ 0.098, in the same range as school-based only interventions implemented in other countries; total costs per child treated (including drugs) were US$ 0.32. We conclude that a combined school- and community-based strategy is effective in attaining a high coverage among school-age children in countries where school enrolment is low and where primary schools cannot serve as the exclusive drug distribution points. The challenge for Burkina Faso will now be to ensure the sustainability of these disease control activities. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Burkina Faso; Control; Financial costs; Performance; Schistosomiasis; Soil-transmitted helminthiasis; Sustainability | albendazole; praziquantel; child health; community care; cost; disease transmission; disease treatment; drug; performance assessment; sustainability; adolescent; article; Burkina Faso; child; community care; controlled study; disease control; drug cost; drug distribution; female; health care cost; health care delivery; helminthiasis; human; intervention study; major clinical study; male; primary school; schistosomiasis; school health service; Adolescent; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Burkina Faso; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Costs; Female; Health Care Costs; Humans; Male; Praziquantel; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Schools; Africa; Burkina Faso; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945962318 | A Community-based eye care intervention in Southern Egypt: Impact on trachomatous trichiasis surgical coverage | Mousa A., Courtright P., Kazanjian A., Bassett K. | 2015 | Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology | 22 | 4 | 10.4103/0974-9233.167808 | Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O Box: 245, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology International, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Epidemiologic and International Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada | Mousa, A., Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O Box: 245, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Courtright, P., Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology International, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, British Columbia Centre for Epidemiologic and International Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Kazanjian, A., School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Bassett, K., British Columbia Centre for Epidemiologic and International Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada | Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of a community-based intervention on uptake of trichiasis surgery in Southern Egypt. Methods: Four villages where trachoma is endemic were randomly selected in the Samalout district, Egypt. Two villages were selected for intervention (intervention villages) and two matched villages for nonintervention (nonintervention villages). The intervention model provided community information sessions, door-to-door health education, screening, and improvements in the clinical capacity of eye care providers. The intervention was evaluated through two pre - and post-intervention community-based surveys that included the prevalence of trachoma and the utilization of eye care services at local hospitals. All patients with trichiasis answered a questionnaire regarding surgical utilization and barriers. Results: In the baseline survey, the trachomatous trichiasis (TT) surgical coverage was 22.7% (38.9% males, 16.7% females) in all villages. Following the intervention, the TT surgical coverage increased to 68% in villages that received the intervention (81.5% males, 60% females). Nonintervention villages had a TT surgical coverage of 26.1% (37.5% males, 20% females). In the intervention villages, the prevalence of TT significantly decreased from 9.4% (5.7% males, 11.8% females) to 3.8% (1.9% males, 5.1% females) (P = 0.013), in 2008. In nonintervention villages, there was a slight, but insignificant decrease in TT from 10.1% (3.1% males, 14.4% females) to 8.2% (3% males, 11.5% females) (P = 0.580). The major barriers to uptake of TT surgical services were: 'Feeling no problem' (17.3%), 'fear of surgery' (12.7%) and 'cost' (12.7%). Conclusion: A community-based eye health education program with door-to-door screening significantly increased the uptake of TT surgical services. Although improvements to the delivery of surgical service are essential, they did not lead to any significant improvements in the nonintervention villages. © 2015 Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow. | Health Education; Intervention Model; Surgical Uptake; Trachoma; Trichiasis | adult; Article; capacity building; clinical competence; community care; controlled study; cross-sectional study; Egypt; eye care; eye surgery; fear; female; health care access; health care cost; health care quality; health care utilization; health education; help seeking behavior; human; major clinical study; male; prevalence; priority journal; screening; trachoma; treatment outcome; trichiasis | None |
| WoS | WOS:000256748300009 | A community-based impact assessment of the Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative, 1997-2004 | Andersson, Neil,Merhi, Serge,Mitchell, Steven,Ngxowa, Ncumisa | 2008 | DEVELOPMENT SOUTHERN AFRICA | 25 | 2 | 10.1080/03768350701837895 | University of Ottawa, CIETafrica, CIETcanada, CIET Trust, Univ Autonoma Guerrero | "Mitchell, Steven: University of Ottawa", | Much of the debate around the spatial development initiatives (SDIs) in South Africa is based on economic theory. To add the community perspective, an evaluation of local economic development on the Wild Coast followed a baseline in 1997 with comparable surveys in 2000 and 2004. Apart from an increase in access to piped water and a reduction in unofficial payments for health services, there was little community evidence of development over this period. Residents reported decreasing knowledge of the SDI and there was no increase in numbers considering small business ownership. In the investment-intensive 'anchor' areas, as in the SDI as a whole, there was no significant increase in employment and more households received remitted incomes from migrant workers. In an SDI for small businesses in tourism and agriculture, there was a dramatic fall off in food production. No more households had loans in 2004 than in 1997, but more were taking loans from loan sharks. Other spatial planning initiatives might learn from the Wild Coast, not least through the perspectives gained from community-based impact assessments. | ,GROWTH,SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000314371300020 | 'Acquisitive Culture' and its Impact on Nigeria's Socio-Economic Development | Ademakinwa, Adebisi,COLLIER, G | 2012 | FOCUS ON NIGERIA: LITERATURE AND CULTURE | 40 | None | None | University of Ibadan, University of Lagos | None | This is an interdisciplinary study of the role of culture in the development of Nigeria as a nation. The essay raises questions, among which are: what are the externalized and internalized aspects of Nigerian national culture? Which innate concepts of this culture do contemporary Nigerians understand and which concepts are grasped or misunderstood by foreigners? Russian and Nigerian literary works - Nikolai Gogol's and Chinua Achebe's, to mention but two - are utilized to determine similarity and dissimilarity of the pervasive nature of materialism in two different cultures. The essay finds philistine the platitude of Nigerian cultural managers inherent in such externalized cultural fiestas as FESTAC '77 and Nigerian Carnivals, while the more beneficial one, the internalized aspects which we call the fundamental culture, are merely mulled over, wholly misjudged, and mostly left unexplored. The essay finds, furthermore, that development can only be strengthened when the internalized aspects of Nigerian traditional societies are understood and synthesized with modern hybrid cultures before human development can take place. The essay makes no pretence to being a specialist study; rather, it crosses the borders of fiction, the social sciences, cultural anthropology, and history. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000271954100013 | A Critical Analysis of the Social and Economic Impact of Asian Diaspora in Kenya | Afolabi, N,Akala, Winston Jumba,Falola, T,Kiruthu, Felix,Ogino, Francis | 2007 | TRANS-ATLANTIC MIGRATION: THE PARADOXES OF EXILE | None | None | None | Catholic University of Eastern Africa, University of Nairobi | "Akala, Winston Jumba: Catholic University of Eastern Africa","Kiruthu, Felix: University of Nairobi","Ogino, Francis: University of Nairobi" | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27844527498 | A critical evaluation of the South African state antiretroviral programme | Venter W.D.F. | 2005 | Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine | None | 20 | None | Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Venter, W.D.F., Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | antiretrovirus agent; azithromycin; didanosine; efavirenz; nevirapine; stavudine; article; geographic distribution; health behavior; health care access; health care system; health program; hepatitis; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human rights; infection complication; lactic acidosis; lifestyle; nutritional health; pancreatitis; patient compliance; patient counseling; peripheral neuropathy; population distribution; population research; public health service; resource management; South Africa; statistical analysis; statistical significance; Stevens Johnson syndrome; treatment failure | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938751855 | A cross-sectional evaluation of the correlation between disease severity and quality of life in chronic rhinosinusitis patients in Nigeria | Olowosusi O.Z., Asoegwu C.N., Olagunju A.T., Nwawolo C.C. | 2015 | European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | 272 | 9 | 10.1007/s00405-014-3348-0 | Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Psychiatry, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria | Olowosusi, O.Z., Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria; Asoegwu, C.N., Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria; Olagunju, A.T., Department of Psychiatry, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria; Nwawolo, C.C., Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria | Quality of Life (QoL) studies are increasingly being used as the primary outcome measure in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) globally. However, little is known about QoL and the interplay of identifiable factors on QoL in CRS in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the correlation between disease severity and QoL in chronic rhinosinusitis patients. A total of 147 adults with subjective severity rating of CRS were studied. Participants were assessed using designed questionnaire, Individual Rhinosinusitis Symptom Severity Score Assessment (IRSSSA) and Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) questionnaires to elicit socio-demographic/clinical profile, CRS symptom severity and QoL, respectively. The mean age of the participants was 36.86 ± 11.91 years. The mean severity score of all 147 CRS cases was 3.8 ± 1.13. The majority of participants (N = 80; 54.4 %) had moderate disease. The RSDI mean scores for the participants for overall HRQoL were 40.6 ± 19.8. (Median = 40; Range = 77), for physical domain 15.2 ± 7.7, functional domain 12.1 ± 6.4 and emotional domain 13.2 ± 8.2. The trend of association between the disease severity scores and the overall HRQoL on Pearson linear correlation indicates a positive linear association of worsening overall HRQoL with increasing disease severity (R = 0.83; P < 0.0001). The severity of CRS impacted negatively on the HRQoL. All domains were significantly affected by the disease severity particularly the physical domain. Patients adjudged severity of their disease and its’ impact on their quality of life should be considered in the determination of the line of their management which could include psychosocial intervention. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Africans; Chronic rhinosinusitis; Quality of life; Rhinosinusitis disability index | adult; aged; Article; chronic rhinosinusitis; correlational study; cross-sectional study; disease severity; disease severity assessment; emotion; female; functional status; human; Individual Rhinosinusitis Symptom Severity Score Assessment; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; physical activity; priority journal; quality of life; quality of life assessment; Rhinosinusitis Disability Index; adolescent; chronic disease; middle aged; psychology; rhinitis; severity of illness index; sinusitis; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Quality of Life; Rhinitis; Severity of Illness Index; Sinusitis; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83255164754 | A decade of private sector initiative in tertiary education in Nigeria: Impact analysis on human capital development | Okwu A.T., Obiakor R.T., Oluwalaiye O.B., Obiwuru T.C. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 26 | 4 | None | Department of Economics, Banking and Finance, Babcock University, Nigeria; Department of Actuarial Science, University of Lagos, Nigeria | Okwu, A.T., Department of Economics, Banking and Finance, Babcock University, Nigeria; Obiakor, R.T., Department of Economics, Banking and Finance, Babcock University, Nigeria; Oluwalaiye, O.B., Department of Economics, Banking and Finance, Babcock University, Nigeria; Obiwuru, T.C., Department of Actuarial Science, University of Lagos, Nigeria | In any economy, human capital development is a function of the quality of its educational system, particularly at the tertiary level. Consequently, investment in human capital through qualitative education programmes is worthwhile especially where the potentials for tertiary admission are in their hundreds of thousands who could become liability to the nation, if not catered for. The geometrical expansion of potentials for tertiary admission has outstripped the capabilities of the nation's tertiary institutions due to limitations beyond their control. This paper attempts an empirical analysis of the impact of a decade of private sector initiative in tertiary education in Nigeria on human capital development. For the analysis, a multiple regression model is specified based on perceived functional relationship between education and human capital development. Data considered relevant indicators of private sector tertiary education initiative and human capital development were elicited and used to estimate and evaluate the model via the ordinary least squares (OLS) techniques and relevant statistics. The result shows that the sector's initiative is yet to make significant contribution to human capital development, though it possesses great potentials for significant positive impact in no distant future subject to appropriate strategic approaches. The paper identifies private tertiary institutions as a veritable factor in human development issues in Nigeria, consequently, the paper recommends, among others, that the private tertiary institutions should adopt piece meal approach in their expansion and diversification processes into the core human resource need of the country - science and technology-oriented programmes. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011. | Human capital development; Private sector initiative; Tertiary education | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868319452 | A descriptive study on health workforce performance after decentralisation of health services in Uganda | Lutwama G.W., Roos J.H., Dolamo B.L. | 2012 | Human Resources for Health | 10 | None | 10.1186/1478-4491-10-41 | Department of Health Studies, Unisa and IMA World Health Sudd Health Project, IMA World Health, 500 Main Street, PO Box 429, New Windsor, MD, 21776, United States; Department of Health Studies, PO Box 392, Pretoria, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Lutwama, G.W., Department of Health Studies, Unisa and IMA World Health Sudd Health Project, IMA World Health, 500 Main Street, PO Box 429, New Windsor, MD, 21776, United States; Roos, J.H., Department of Health Studies, PO Box 392, Pretoria, Unisa 0003, South Africa; Dolamo, B.L., Department of Health Studies, PO Box 392, Pretoria, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Background: Uganda, like many developing countries, is committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. However, serious challenges prove to hamper the attainment of these goals, particularly the health related MDGs. A major challenge relates to the human resources for health. The health system in Uganda was decentralised in the 1990s. Despite the health sector reforms, the services have remained significantly deficient and performance of health workers is thought to be one of the contributing factors. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate the performance of health workers after decentralisation of the health services in Uganda in order to identify and suggest possible areas for improvement.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey, using quantitative research methods was utilised. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 276 health workers in the districts of Kumi, Mbale, Sironko and Tororo in Eastern Uganda. The health workers included doctors, clinical officers, professional nurses and midwives. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling. The data was analysed using SPSS version 18.0 and included both univariate and bivariate analysis. The results were presented in tabular and text forms.Results: The study revealed that even though the health workers are generally responsive to the needs of their clients, the services they provide are often not timely. The health workers take initiatives to ensure that they are available for work, although low staffing levels undermine these efforts. While the study shows that the health workers are productive, over half (50.4%) of them reported that their organisations do not have indicators to measure their individual performance. The findings indicate that the health workers are skilled and competent to perform their duties. In general, the results show that health workers are proficient, adaptive, proactive and client-oriented.Conclusion: Although Uganda is faced with a number of challenges as regards human resources for health, the findings show that the health workers that are currently working in the health facilities are enthusiastic to perform. This may serve as a motivator for the health workers to improve their performance and that of the health sector. © 2012 Lutwama et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Decentralisation; Health sector reforms; Health workers; Health workforce; Performance | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000250834900004 | Adherence to HAART therapy measured by electronic monitoring in newly diagnosed HIV patients in Botswana | Anand, Bene,Cohen, Adam,Iwebor, Henry Uchechukwaka,Kristanto, Paulus,Rakesh, Pande,Stiekema, Jacobus,Vriesendorp, Reinout,Vrijens, Bernard | 2007 | EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY | 63 | 12 | 10.1007/s00228-007-0369-2 | Leiden University, VU University Amsterdam, Ardex Ltd, CHDR, Nyangabgwe Hosp, Pharmion Syst Ltd | None | Aims This pilot study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of electronic adherence monitoring of antiretroviral medications in HIV patients who recently started Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) in Francistown, Botswana and to compare this with self-reporting.
Methods Dosing histories were compiled electronically using Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) monitors to evaluate adherence to prescribed therapies. Thirty patients enrolled in the antiretroviral treatment program were monitored over 6 weeks. These patients were all antiretroviral (ARV) naive. After each visit (mean three times) to the pharmacy, the data compiled by the monitors were downloaded. Electronic monitoring of adherence was compared to patient self-reports of adherence.
Results The mean individual medication adherence level measured with the electronic device was 85% (range 21-100%). The mean adherence level measured by means of self-reporting was 98% (range 70-100%). Medication prescribed on a once-a-day dose base was associated with a higher adherence level (97.9% for efavirenz) compared with a twice-a-day regimen (88.4% for Lamivudine/Zidovudine).
Conclusions It is feasible to assess treatment adherence of patients living in a low resource setting on HAART by using electronic monitors. Adherence, even in the early stages of treatment, appears to be insufficient in some patients and may be below the level required for continuous inhibition of viral replication. This approach may lead to improved targeting of counselling about their medication intake of such patients in order to prevent occurrence of resistant viral strains due to inadequate inhibition of viral replication. In this pilot study a significant difference between the data recorded through the electronic monitors and those provided by self-reporting was observed. | ADHERENCE,HAART,"MEMS caps","ANTIRETROVIRAL ADHERENCE",CLINICAL-PRACTICE,COMBINATIONS,DIDANOSINE,DRUG-RESISTANCE,"INFECTED PATIENTS",NEVIRAPINE,"PROTEASE INHIBITORS",SELF-REPORT,ZIDOVUDINE | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000338472600001 | Advancing the application of systems thinking in health: realist evaluation of the Leadership Development Programme for district manager decision-making in Ghana | Agyepong, Irene Akua,Kwamie, Aku,van Dijk, Han | 2014 | HEALTH RESEARCH POLICY AND SYSTEMS | 12 | None | 10.1186/1478-4505-12-29 | University of Ghana, Wageningen Univ, Wageningen University & Research Center | "Agyepong, Irene Akua: University of Ghana", | Background: Although there is widespread agreement that strong district manager decision-making improves health systems, understanding about how the design and implementation of capacity-strengthening interventions work is limited. The Ghana Health Service has adopted the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) as one intervention to support the development of management and leadership within district teams. This paper seeks to address how and why the LDP 'works' when it is introduced into a district health system in Ghana, and whether or not it supports systems thinking in district teams.
Methods: We undertook a realist evaluation to investigate the outcomes, contexts, and mechanisms of the intervention. Building on two working hypotheses developed from our earlier work, we developed an explanatory case study of one rural district in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data collection included participant observation, document review, and semi-structured interviews with district managers prior to, during, and after the intervention. Working backwards from an in-depth analysis of the context and observed short-and medium-term outcomes, we drew a causal loop diagram to explain interactions between contexts, outcomes, and mechanisms.
Results: The LDP was a valuable experience for district managers and teams were able to attain short-term outcomes because the novel approach supported teamwork, initiative-building, and improved prioritisation. However, the LDP was not institutionalised in district teams and did not lead to increased systems thinking. This was related to the context of high uncertainty within the district, and hierarchical authority of the system, which triggered the LDP's underlying goal of organisational control.
Conclusions: Consideration of organisational context is important when trying to sustain complex interventions, as it seems to influence the gap between short-and medium-term outcomes. More explicit focus on systems thinking principles that enable district managers to better cope with their contexts may strengthen the institutionalisation of the LDP in the future. | "Continuous quality improvements","district health systems","realist evaluation","systems thinking",CARE,MODELS,"TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT",UGANDA,WORKERS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000318962000001 | Advancing the theory and practice of impact assessment: Setting the research agenda | Bond, Alan,Morrison-Saunders, Angus,Pope, Jenny,Retief, Francois | 2013 | ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW | 41 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2013.01.008 | Curtin University, Murdoch University, North West University - South Africa, University of East Anglia, Integral Sustainabil | "Retief, Francois: North West University - South Africa", | Impact assessment has been in place for over 40 years and is now practised in some form in all but two of the world's nations. In this paper we reflect on the state of the art of impact assessment theory and practice, focusing on six well-established forms: EIA, SEA, policy assessment, SIA, HIA and sustainability assessment. We note that although the fundamentals of impact assessment have their roots in the US National Environmental Policy Act 1969 (NEPA) each branch of the field is distinct in also drawing on other theoretical and conceptual bases that in turn shape the prevailing discourse in each case, generating increasing degrees of specialisation within each sub-field. Against this backdrop, we consider the strengths and weaknesses of collective impact assessment practice, concluding that although there are substantial strengths, the plethora of specialist branches is generating a somewhat confusing picture and lack of clarity regarding how the pieces of the impact assessment jigsaw puzzle fit together. We use this review to suggest an overarching research agenda that will enable impact assessment to evolve in line with changing expectations for what it should deliver. (c) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | EIA,"IMPACT ASSESSMENT",RESEARCH,"STATE OF THE ART","ASSESSMENT SEA PRACTICE",EIA,MANAGEMENT,PARTICIPATION,PERSPECTIVES,POLICY-MAKING,REFLECTIONS,SOUTH-AFRICA,"STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT","SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-75649146220 | A framework for mandatory impact evaluation to ensure well informed public policy decisions | Oxman A.D., Bjørndal A., Becerra-Posada F., Gibson M., Block M.A.G., Haines A., Hamid M., Odom C.H., Lei H., Levin B., Lipsey M.W., Littell J.H., Mshinda H., Ongolo-Zogo P., Pang T., Sewankambo N., Songane F., Soydan H., Torgerson C., Weisburd D., Whitwor | 2010 | The Lancet | 375 | 9712 | 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61251-4 | Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Council on Health Research for Development, Mexico DF, Mexico; Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Centre for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Milbank Memorial Fund, New York, NY, United States; Department of Policy and Regulation, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China; University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Peabody Research Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, United States; Commission for Science and Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Centre for the Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Research Policy and Cooperation Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Office of the Principal, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Geneva, Switzerland; Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services, University of Southern California, School of Social Work, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Institute for Effective Education, University of York, York, United Kingdom; Institute of Criminology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States; John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand | Oxman, A.D., Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway; Bjørndal, A., Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Becerra-Posada, F., Council on Health Research for Development, Mexico DF, Mexico; Gibson, M., Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Block, M.A.G., Centre for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Haines, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Hamid, M., Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Odom, C.H., Milbank Memorial Fund, New York, NY, United States; Lei, H., Department of Policy and Regulation, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China; Levin, B., University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Lipsey, M.W., Peabody Research Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Littell, J.H., Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, United States; Mshinda, H., Commission for Science and Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ongolo-Zogo, P., Centre for the Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Pang, T., Research Policy and Cooperation Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Sewankambo, N., Office of the Principal, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Songane, F., Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Geneva, Switzerland; Soydan, H., Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services, University of Southern California, School of Social Work, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Torgerson, C., Institute for Effective Education, University of York, York, United Kingdom; Weisburd, D., Institute of Criminology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States; Whitworth, J., John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Wibulpolprasert, S., Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand | [No abstract available] | None | article; conceptual framework; decision making; developing country; education; environmental impact; evaluation; funding; government; health care policy; health care system; health program; justice; law; management; organization; politics; priority journal; public health; research; social evolution; social welfare; Decision Making; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Evidence-Based Practice; Health Services Research; Humans; Policy Making; Politics; Public Policy; World Health Organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907330626 | A framework for monitoring social process and outcomes in environmental programs | Chapman S. | 2014 | Evaluation and Program Planning | 47 | None | 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.07.004 | Institute for Monitoring and Evaluation, Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | Chapman, S., Institute for Monitoring and Evaluation, Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | When environmental programs frame their activities as being in the service of human wellbeing, social variables need to be integrated into monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks. This article draws upon ecosystem services theory to develop a framework to guide the M&E of collaborative environmental programs with anticipated social benefits. The framework has six components: program need, program activities, pathway process variables, moderating process variables, outcomes, and program value. Needs are defined in terms of ecosystem services, as well as other human needs that must be addressed to achieve outcomes. The pathway variable relates to the development of natural resource governance capacity in the target community. Moderating processes can be externalities such as the inherent capacity of the natural system to service ecosystem needs, local demand for natural resources, policy or socio-economic drivers. Internal program-specific processes relate to program service delivery, targeting and participant responsiveness. Ecological outcomes are expressed in terms of changes in landscape structure and function, which in turn influence ecosystem service provision. Social benefits derived from the program are expressed in terms of the value of the eco-social service to user-specified goals. The article provides suggestions from the literature for identifying indicators and measures for components and component variables, and concludes with an example of how the framework was used to inform the M&E of an adaptive co-management program in western Kenya. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Adaptive co-management; Collaborative adaptive management; Community based natural resource management; Conceptual framework; Conservation; Ecosystems services theory; Environmental programs; Indicators; Monitoring and evaluation; Theory-based evaluation | adaptive management; comanagement; community resource management; conceptual framework; conservation; ecosystem service; environmental planning; monitoring; social impact; environmental management; Kenya; cooperation; environmental health; environmental protection; human; Kenya; methodology; organization and management; policy; procedures; program evaluation; socioeconomics; sociology; Conservation of Natural Resources; Cooperative Behavior; Environmental Health; Humans; Kenya; Policy; Program Evaluation; Research Design; Social Sciences; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902523905 | African primary care research: Performing a programme evaluation | Dudley L. | 2014 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 6 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v6i1.634 | Community Health Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Dudley, L., Community Health Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | This 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. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955095277 | AIDS in the family and community: The impact on child health in Malawi | Kidman R., Hanley J.A., Subramanian S.V., Foster G., Heymann J. | 2010 | Social Science and Medicine | 71 | 5 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.05.027 | McGill University, Canada; Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, United States; Harvard School of Public Health, United States; Family AIDS Caring Trusts, Zimbabwe | Kidman, R., McGill University, Canada, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, United States; Hanley, J.A., McGill University, Canada; Subramanian, S.V., Harvard School of Public Health, United States; Foster, G., Family AIDS Caring Trusts, Zimbabwe; Heymann, J., McGill University, Canada | Pediatric HIV infections jeopardize children's health and survival. Much less is known about how the experiences of being orphaned, living with chronically ill parents, or living in a severely affected community impact child health. Our study responds by examining which HIV/AIDS-related experiences place children at greatest risk for poor health. Data from the 2004-2005 Malawi Integrated Household Survey were analyzed using logistic multilevel modeling to examine whether HIV/AIDS-related experiences within the family and community predicted reported health status among children age 6-17 years. We found higher burdens of acute and chronic morbidity for children whose parents have an AIDS-related illness. No other AIDS-related exposure, including orphanhood and recent household deaths, demonstrated a clear relationship with health status. Children living with sick parents may be at increased risk due to the spread of infectious disease and receiving limited adult care. Community home-based care programs are best situated to identify children in these difficult circumstances and to mitigate their disadvantage. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; child health; disease control; disease spread; health impact; health risk; human immunodeficiency virus; infectious disease; numerical model; risk factor; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; asthma; child; child health; childhood injury; chronic disease; community living; death; diarrhea; epilepsy; exposure; family; female; fever; health status; household; human; influenza; major clinical study; malaria; Malawi; male; morbidity; orphaned child; parent; prevalence; respiratory tract disease; respiratory tract infection; risk; schistosomiasis; stomach disease; stomach pain; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Child; Child, Orphaned; Family Health; Female; Health Status; Health Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Logistic Models; Malawi; Male; Morbidity; Multilevel Analysis; Parent-Child Relations; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Malawi | None |
| WoS | WOS:000302068100001 | Aligning vertical interventions to health systems: a case study of the HIV monitoring and evaluation system in South Africa | Blaauw, Duane,Fonn, Sharon,Kawonga, Mary | 2012 | HEALTH RESEARCH POLICY AND SYSTEMS | 11 | None | 10.1186/1478-4505-10-3 | University of Witwatersrand | "Blaauw, Duane: University of Witwatersrand","Fonn, Sharon: University of Witwatersrand","Kawonga, Mary: University of Witwatersrand" | Background: Like many low-and middle-income countries, South Africa established a dedicated HIV monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system to track the national response to HIV/AIDS. Its implementation in the public health sector has however not been assessed. Since responsibility for health services management lies at the district (sub-national) level, this study aimed to assess the extent to which the HIV M&E system is integrated with the overall health system M&E function at district level. This study describes implementation of the HIV M&E system, determines the extent to which it is integrated with the district health information system (DHIS), and evaluates factors influencing HIV M&E integration.
Methods: The study was conducted in one health district in South Africa. Data were collected through key informant interviews with programme and health facility managers and review of M&E records at health facilities providing HIV services. Data analysis assessed the extent to which processes for HIV data collection, collation, analysis and reporting were integrated with the DHIS.
Results: The HIV M&E system is top-down, over-sized, and captures a significant amount of energy and resources to primarily generate antiretroviral treatment (ART) indicators. Processes for producing HIV prevention indicators are integrated with the DHIS. However processes for the production of HIV treatment indicators by-pass the DHIS and ART indicators are not disseminated to district health managers. Specific reporting requirements linked to earmarked funding, politically-driven imperatives, and mistrust of DHIS capacity are key drivers of this silo approach.
Conclusions: Parallel systems that bypass the DHIS represent a missed opportunity to strengthen system-wide M&E capacity. Integrating HIV M&E (staff, systems and process) into the health system M&E function would mobilise ear-marked HIV funding towards improving DHIS capacity to produce quality and timely HIV indicators that would benefit both programme and health system M&E functions. This offers a practical way of maximising programme-system synergies and translating the health system strengthening intents of existing HIV policies into tangible action. | "HEALTH SYSTEMS",HIV,INTEGRATION,"monitoring and evaluation","vertical programme","ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT",INFORMATION-SYSTEM,INITIATIVES,MALAWI,POLICY,PUBLIC-HEALTH,STATISTICS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000305336100002 | Allocating Scarce Resources Strategically - An Evaluation and Discussion of the Global Fund's Pattern of Disbursements | Kinyua, Kelvin,McCoy, David | 2012 | PLOS ONE | 7 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0034749 | University College London, University of London, Aidspan | None | Background: The Global Fund is under pressure to improve its rationing of financial support. This study describes the GF's pattern of disbursements in relation to total health expenditure (THE), government health expenditure (GHE), income status and the burden of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. It also examines the potential for recipient countries to increase domestic public financing for health.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 104 countries that received Global Fund disbursements in 2009. It analyses data on Global Fund disbursements; health financing indicators; government revenue and expenditure; and burden of disease.
Findings: Global Fund disbursements made up 0.37% of THE across all 104 countries; but with considerable country variation ranging from 0.002% to 53.4%. Global Fund disbursements to government amounted to 0.47% of GHE across the 104 countries, but again with considerable variation (in three countries more than half of GHE was based on Global Fund support). Although the Global Fund provides progressively more funding for lower income countries on average, there is much variation at the country such that here was no correlation between per capita GF disbursements and per capita THE, nor between per capita GF disbursement to government and per capita GHE. There was only a slight positive correlation between per capita GF disbursement and burden of disease. Several countries with a high degree of 'financial dependency' upon the Fund have the potential to increase levels of domestic financing for health.
Discussion: The Global Fund can improve its targeting of resources so that it better matches the pattern of global need. To do this it needs to: a) reduce the extent to which funds are allocated on a demand-driven basis; and b) align its funding model to broader health systems financing and patterns of health expenditure beyond the three diseases. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892552142 | A logical framework for monitoring and evaluation: A pragmatic approach to M&E | Myrick D. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p423 | University of South Africa, UNISA, South Africa | Myrick, D., University of South Africa, UNISA, South Africa | The following article discusses theoretical approaches to Monitoring and Evaluation that over time come to be streamlined and modified for implementation in the real world. Logical Frameworks (logframes) and pragmatic approaches to Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frequently facilitate the need to modify processes that can be used in instances where there are limited resources, limited financial capital and limited human capital to determine whether programmes and projects have had an impact. The practice of M&E often moves from detailed log frames being used for measuring impact, to the implementation of orderly pragmatic approaches and finally resorting to utilizing simple fundamental principles of M&E that entail identifying measureable objectives, performance measurement indicators, targets and periodic reporting. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), for example, offers a detailed framework for insuring that intervention logic is measured in terms of verifiable indicators. The framework, however, requires the establishment of a means of verification to determine whether activities are being accomplished and outputs are being achieved. An alternative to such a detailed approach is to assess the risk of projects and programmes, and then report on the likelihood or unlikelihood of objectives being achieved. In the case of limited resources, the organization should at the least report on measureable objectives in terms of performance indicators. This paper concludes by emphasizing that no matter what approach is used in monitoring and evaluation, establishing targets is necessary in order to conduct meaningful Monitoring and Evaluation for impact. | Accountability; Performance Measurement; Project Management and Governance | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000304490600006 | A longitudinal evaluation of religiosity and psychosocial determinants of suicidal behaviors among a population-based sample in the United States | Agbanu, Harry L. K.,Agbanu, Samuel Kwami,Diedhiou, Abdoulaye,Nkansah-Amankra, Stephen,Opoku-Adomako, Nana Serwaa,Twumasi-Ankrah, Philip | 2012 | JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS | 139 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jad.2011.12.027 | Central 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" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000296353600001 | Alternative antiretroviral monitoring strategies for HIV-infected patients in east Africa: opportunities to save more lives? | Bacon, Melanie C.,Braithwaite, R. Scott,Diero, Lameck,Kimaiyo, Sylvester,Musick, Beverly,Nucifora, Kimberly A.,Wools-Kaloustian, Kara,Yiannoutsos, Constantin T. | 2011 | JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY | 14 | None | 10.1186/1758-2652-14-38 | Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana University System, Moi University, National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA, New York University, National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA, NIH National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID) | "Bacon, Melanie C.: National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA","Braithwaite, R. Scott: New York University","Diero, Lameck: Moi University","Kimaiyo, Sylvester: Moi University","Musick, Beverly: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis","Musick, Beverly: Indiana University System","Nucifora, Kimberly A.: New York University","Wools-Kaloustian, Kara: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis","Wools-Kaloustian, Kara: Indiana University System","Yiannoutsos, Constantin T.: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis","Yiannoutsos, Constantin T.: Indiana University System", | Background: Updated World Health Organization guidelines have amplified debate about how resource constraints should impact monitoring strategies for HIV-infected persons on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We estimated the incremental benefit and cost effectiveness of alternative monitoring strategies for east Africans with known HIV infection.
Methods: Using a validated HIV computer simulation based on resource-limited data (USAID and AMPATH) and circumstances (east Africa), we compared alternative monitoring strategies for HIV-infected persons newly started on cART. We evaluated clinical, immunologic and virologic monitoring strategies, including combinations and conditional logic (e. g., only perform virologic testing if immunologic testing is positive). We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) in units of cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), using a societal perspective and a lifetime horizon. Costs were measured in 2008 US dollars, and costs and benefits were discounted at 3%. We compared the ICER of monitoring strategies with those of other resource-constrained decisions, in particular earlier cART initiation (at CD4 counts of 350 cells/mm(3) rather than 200 cells/mm3).
Results: Monitoring strategies employing routine CD4 testing without virologic testing never maximized health benefits, regardless of budget or societal willingness to pay for additional health benefits. Monitoring strategies employing virologic testing conditional upon particular CD4 results delivered the most benefit at willingness-to-pay levels similar to the cost of earlier cART initiation (approximately $2600/QALY). Monitoring strategies employing routine virologic testing alone only maximized health benefits at willingness-to-pay levels (> $4400/QALY) that greatly exceeded the ICER of earlier cART initiation.
Conclusions: CD4 testing alone never maximized health benefits regardless of resource limitations. Programmes routinely performing virologic testing but deferring cART initiation may increase health benefits by reallocating monitoring resources towards earlier cART initiation. | ,ADHERENCE,COST-EFFECTIVENESS,MODEL,OUTCOMES,PROGRAMS,"RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTINGS",THERAPY,"VIRAL LOAD" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000246542000007 | A multivariate evaluation of mainstream and academic development courses in first-year microeconomics | Edwards, Lawrence,Smith, Leonard | 2007 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS | 75 | 1 | None | University of Cape Town | None | This paper analyses the impact of the University of Cape Town's first-year microeconomics academic development course on performance in examinations. The paper makes two advances to existing empirical literature in this area. Firstly, we compare performance with a control group drawn from the mainstream economic course. Secondly, we evaluate performance in subsequent courses in first-year macroeconomics and second-year microeconomics. The results suggest that the academic development course has a major impact on students' performance in the structured/essay questions, relative to the control group, in first- and second-year microeconomics, and for the multiple-choice questions in first-year macroeconomics.
Matriculation results, mathematics, English first language, physical science and gender are also important determinants of performance. | "ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT","economic education","SOUTH AFRICA","student performance",ACHIEVEMENT,"COLLEGE PRINCIPLES",DETERMINANTS,EDUCATION,GENDER,"HIGH-SCHOOL ECONOMICS",IMPACT,"MALE-FEMALE DIFFERENCES","STUDENT PERFORMANCE" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83355164167 | Analysis of the economic impacts of cultural festivals: The case of calabar carnival in Nigeria | Esu B.B., Arrey V.M.-E., Basil G., Eyo E.E. | 2011 | Tourismos | 6 | 2 | None | University of Calabar, Department of Marketing, Calabar, Nigeria; Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria | Esu, B.B., University of Calabar, Department of Marketing, Calabar, Nigeria; Arrey, V.M.-E., Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Basil, G., University of Calabar, Department of Marketing, Calabar, Nigeria; Eyo, E.E., University of Calabar, Department of Marketing, Calabar, Nigeria | This study investigates the economic impacts of the Calabar Carnival Festival in Nigeria. A convenience sample of 464 attendees was used for the study. A semistructured, self-administered questionnaire was employed in collecting relevant social and economic data from respondents. The result supported the claim that event tourism has positive economic impacts on the host community. © University of the Aegean. | Attractions; Calabar; Destination; Economic impacts; Event tourism; Festival; Participants; Spectators | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897395164 | An assessment of the impact of government intervention projects on poverty alleviation/reduction in Ekiti State, Nigeria | Opafunso Z.O., Okhankhuele O.T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p273 | School of Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Opafunso, Z.O., School of Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Okhankhuele, O.T., Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This study assessed the impact of Ekiti State Government's intervention projects on poverty alleviation/reduction in Ekiti State, Nigeria, from 2007-2011. The paper identified some intervention projects/programmes executed in six Local Government Areas in the three Senatorial Districts selected for this study, identified the providers of these projects, and assessed the extent to which the projects impacted on poverty alleviation of the people. The study attempted finding answers to research questions by using survey design and judgemental sampling technique to collect data from 630 respondents with the aid of a 25-item structured questionnaire and personal interview. The respondents comprised of civil servants, farmers, and traders/artisans within the communities. Data for this study were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square (X2) was used to test the hypothesis posed for the research at 5% significant level. The findings revealed that developmental projects were implemented by the State, local government and international/non-governmental agencies within the study area during the study period. Also there was an impact of government's intervention projects on poverty alleviation in Ekiti State within the study period but, the impact was insignificant. The study recommended proper coordination of efforts of all parties towards the poverty alleviation intervention programmes in Ekiti State in order to avoid duplication of efforts, implementation of a well-planned and concerted policy framework, projects/programmes, and provision of an adequate budget towards poverty alleviation/reduction in Ekiti State by the Federal and Ekiti State governments, and the involvement of the community members in the conceptualization, and implementation of projects. | Intervention projects/programmes; Life uplift; Poverty; Poverty alleviation/reduction | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000228149500054 | An education and counseling program for preventing breast-feeding-associated HIV transmission in Zimbabwe: Design and impact on maternal knowledge and behavior | Gavin, L,HUMPHREY, JH,ILIFF, PJ,Lunney, K,Marinda, E,Nathoo, KJ,Piwoz, EG,Tavengwa, N,Zunguza, C,ZVITAMBO Study Grp | 2005 | JOURNAL OF NUTRITION | 135 | 4 | None | Johns Hopkins University, University of Zimbabwe | None | International guidance on HIV and infant feeding has evolved over the last decade. In response to these changes, we designed, implemented, and evaluated an education and counseling program for new mothers in Harare, Zimbabwe. The program was implemented within the ZVITAMBO trial, in which 14,1110 mother-baby pairs were enrolled within 96 h of delivery and were followed at 6 wk, 3 mo, and 3-mo intervals. Mothers were tested for HIV at delivery but were not required to learn their test results. Infant feeding patterns were determined using data provided up to 3 mo. Formative research was undertaken to guide the design of the program that included group education, individual counseling, videos, and brochures. The program was introduced over a 2-mo period: 11,362, 1311, and 1437 women were enrolled into the trial before, during, and after this period. Exclusive breast-feeding was recommended for mothers of unknown or negative HIV status, and for HIV-positive mothers who chose to breast-feed. A questionnaire assessing HIV knowledge and exposure to the program was administered to 1996 mothers enrolling after the program was initiated. HIV knowledge improved with increasing exposure to the program. Mothers who enrolled when the program was being fully implemented were 70% more likely to learn their HIV status early (< 3 mo) and 8.4 times more likely to exclusively breast-feed than mothers who enrolled before the program began. Formative research aided in the design of a culturally sensitive intervention. The intervention increased relevant knowledge and improved feeding practices among women who primarily did not know their HIV status. | BREAST-FEEDING,"EXCLUSIVE BREAST-FEEDING",HIV,"MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION",ZIMBABWE,"TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-25644457535 | An empirical analysis of the impact of education on economic development in Nigeria | Lawanson O.I. | 2005 | Resources, Energy, and Development | 2 | 2 | None | Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Lawanson, O.I., Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Nigeria has been experiencing low levels of economic development over the years. It has been observed that education plays a vital role in the economic development of any nation. It is the aim of this study to empirically establish whether the low level of education in Nigeria has influenced its low level of economic development. This will be achieved by carrying out an empirical analysis of the impact of education on economic development in Nigeria over the period 1980-2000. For this purpose, endogenous models are formulated and regression analysis using the Ordinary Least Squares method is applied. The results reveal that education has a statistically significant impact on economic development in Nigeria. Therefore, the level of education must be improved in order to spur economic growth and development. | None | Economic and social effects; Mathematical models; Regression analysis; Social aspects; Economic development; Empirical analysis; Endogenous models; Nigeria; Education | None |
| WoS | WOS:000264910100004 | An ethnographic exploration of the impacts of HIV/AIDS on soil fertility management among smallholders in Butula, western Kenya | Misiko, M. | 2008 | NJAS-WAGENINGEN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES | 56 | 3 | None | None | None | This paper shows how HIV/AIDS negatively affects soil fertility management strategies among Kenyan smallholders. The paper examines this relationship, using ethnographic interviews of purposively selected affected households in Butula Division, Busia District, Kenya. Soil fertility management was given low priority in the face of high HIV/AIDS prevalence although it is a critical resource for meeting basic needs. Findings show that HIV/AIDS poses a significant and complex threat to the already deficient soil fertility management practices among smallholders. The disease's synergistic relation with poverty increases the stress on soil fertility management. It destructs local social structures and households by taking away resource persons, overburdening traditional insurance systems, and obliterating any modest capital and labour useful for soil fertility management that has been accumulated by the household. There is need for robust soil fertility policy-action frameworks that can be sustained tinder the limiting conditions of affected households and that can mitigate HIV/AIDS impacts amidst high poverty. | CAPITAL,"HIV/AIDS prevalence",HOUSEHOLD,labour,POVERTY | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000263568900008 | An evaluation of a brief motivational interviewing training course for HIV/AIDS counsellors in Western Cape Province, South Africa | Engelbrecht, Sarah-Kate,Evangeli, Michael,Forsberg, Lisa,Soka, Nosiphiwo,Swartz, Leslie,Turner, Karen | 2009 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 21 | 2 | 10.1080/09540120802002471 | Human Sciences Research Council-South Africa, Karolinska Institutet, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, Independent Educ Consultant | "Forsberg, Lisa: Karolinska Institutet","Soka, Nosiphiwo: University of Cape Town", | HIV/AIDS counselling in South Africa covers a range of areas of prevention and treatment with a commonly used model of lay counsellors trained by non-governmental organisations and working alongside professionals in public health settings. This study presents a single group evaluation of a six-session (12-hour) course of Motivational Interviewing (MI) delivered to 17 HIV/AIDS lay counsellors working in peri-urban settings in Western Cape Province, South Africa. Counsellors reported that they used MI techniques both at the start and at the end of the training. In addition, they reported confidence in their ability to influence their clients' motivation at both time points. The results from the ratings of role play performance showed that there was a marked change in emphasis over the group of counsellors from MI non-adherent practice before training (with advice giving, directiveness, control and confrontation) to more MI adherent practice (asking permission before giving advice, emphasising client autonomy, affirming the client and stressing the client's responsibility to change) at the end of the training. Only a small proportion of the counsellors reached the level of beginning proficiency (according to the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity code) on the measure of the ratio of MI adherent to non-adherent responses. The ratio of reflections to questions and the percentage of open questions also showed improvements in performance across the group but generally to levels below that suggesting beginning proficiency in MI. There was no evidence of any change on global therapist ratings (of empathy and the spirit of MI, i.e. collaboration, evocation and autonomy support) or the percentage of complex reflections across the group of counsellors. Possible explanations for the results and public health implications are discussed. | AIDS,HIV,"motivational interviewing","SOUTH AFRICA",TRAINING,ADHERENCE,"ASSESSING COMPETENCE",CLINICIAN,CONTROLLED-TRIAL,INTERVENTION,THERAPY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942933120 | An evaluation of a community-based food supplementation for people living with HIV in Ghana: Implications for community-based interventions in Ghana Public Health | Mensah K.A., Okyere P., Doku P.N. | 2015 | BMC Research Notes | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13104-015-1511-3 | School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana | Mensah, K.A., School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Okyere, P., School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Doku, P.N., Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana | Background: Community-based care and support services are limited in sub-Saharan Africa and as a result a high number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) are not getting the required care and support services. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of food supplementation services for PLHIV in Ghana on weight gained and factors associated with weight gained. Methods: The study employed mixed methods study design involving quantitative and qualitative techniques. These were structured questionnaire administered to 200 PLHIV selected through simple random sampling and a qualitative component consisting of 14 semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected stakeholders and eight focus group discussions with the beneficiaries. Results: The analysis of the quantitative data showed on average, beneficiaries had gained weight [mean difference in weight was 2 kg with 95 % CI (1.1, 2.9), P value <0.001]. Multivariate analysis showed that the support group to which the beneficiary belonged was the most important determinant of gaining weight. Through the qualitative interviews, beneficiaries indicated that the anti-retroviral drugs were making them hungry and the food helped to alleviate that effect. Notwithstanding, they indicated that the food was nutritious, made them healthy and strong, contributed to their weight gain and was their main sources of hope at home when they had no money. Conclusions: A broad strategy of food supplementation for PLHIV should be implemented in different ways for different support groups taking into account the differences between different support groups when planning such an intervention. © 2015 Mensah et al. | Community-based care; Food supplementation; HIV/AIDS; Programme evaluation; Stakeholders; Support groups; Weight gained | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69549105719 | An evaluation of a community leadership training programme in Soweto | Nel H. | 2009 | Social Work | 45 | 2 | None | Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Nel, H., Department of Social Work, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | The article describes a partnership initiative between the Department of Social Work of the University of Johannesburg and a non-governmental organisation, the African Self-Help Association (ASHA), situated in Soweto. The purpose of the partnership was to help ASHA transform its preschool centres into 40 one-stop community centres through a community leadership training programme, within the context of the developmental welfare policy of South Africa. The results of the training programme showed that, amongst other aspects, the programme contributed to a participatory management style, personal and professional skills, and the establishment of projects in the community. | None | leadership; nongovernmental organization; participatory approach; partnership approach; training; welfare provision; Africa; Gauteng; South Africa; Southern Africa; Soweto; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864054602 | An 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. | 2012 | Acta Academica | 44 | 1 | None | Centre 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 Africa | Marais, 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 Africa | This 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. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000209023700016 | An Evaluation of a Helping Skills Training Program for Intern Psychometrists | du Preez, Jani,Jorgensen, Lene I. | 2012 | JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA | 22 | 1 | 10.1080/14330237.2012.10874530 | North West University - South Africa | "du Preez, Jani: North West University - South Africa","Jorgensen, Lene I.: North West University - South Africa" | This study reports on the effectiveness of a helping skills training program for intern psychometrists. A randomised pretest-posttest comparison group design was used to evaluate the training program. Participants (N = 22; 82% = female, and Afrikaans-speaking = 95%) were selected from the psychometrist-in-training program from a tertiary institution. Three helping skills development measuring instruments were administered before and after the training program. Data were quantitatively analysed to examine training effects on empathy, respect and genuineness, as well as the participants' ability to respond to content and personalise meaning. At the conclusion of the training, participants appeared to have evidently developed a heightened sense of purpose in life. | evaluation,HELPING,"helping skills",psychometrists | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000280501500030 | An evaluation of a national intervention to improve the postabortion care content of midwifery education in Nigeria | Akiode, Akinsewa,Daroda, Ramatu,Fetters, Tamara,Oji, Ejike,Okeke, Bridget | 2010 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS | 110 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.05.003 | Ipas, Ipas Nigeria | None | Objective: To examine the impact of a national intervention to improve the postabortion care (PAC) content of midwifery education in Nigeria. Methods: A 3-part quantitative assessment was carried out during and post-intervention. The first baseline component developed and examined the intervention to improve teaching capacity and improve the PAC curriculum among 6 midwifery schools that were to become regional training centers. The second survey was a pre- and post-assessment conducted among midwifery instructors from all schools of midwifery schools were interviewed once 3-9 months after graduation to evaluate whether the intervention had improved their knowledge of PAC and clinical practice, and the likelihood that they would provide PAC after graduation. Results: Data from 6 schools of midwifery in 2003 showed that none offered PAC or had educators trained in PAC prior to the intervention. Incorporation of PAC content and teaching capacity increased in all 6 study schools during the 3 years after a national intervention. Midwifery instructors demonstrated statistically significant improvements in knowledge of and exposure to PAC and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) after the intervention. A follow-up interview with 149 student midwives post graduation showed increased knowledge, exposure to, and use of MVA in the workplace. Conclusion: Significant changes in graduate midwives' exposure, practice, and provision of PAC services resulted from a national intervention to improve the training environment and skills of midwifery instructors and students in the 6 schools of midwifery selected for evaluation. (C) 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | "MANUAL VACUUM ASPIRATION","midwifery education","postabortion care",pre-service,COMPLICATIONS,INDUCED-ABORTION,"UNSAFE ABORTION","UNWANTED PREGNANCY" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896722850 | An evaluation of a new automated duplicate-sample Fischer Assay setup according to ISO/ASTM standards and analysis of the tar fraction | Roets L., Bunt J.R., Neomagus H.W.J.P., Van Niekerk D. | 2014 | Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis | 106 | None | 10.1016/j.jaap.2014.01.016 | Coal Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North West-University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd, Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | Roets, L., Coal Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North West-University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Bunt, J.R., Coal Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North West-University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd, Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Neomagus, H.W.J.P., Coal Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North West-University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Van Niekerk, D., Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd, Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | The ISO 647 standard describes a method for the pyrolysis of coal that quantitatively yields water, gas, tar and char, also known as a Fischer Assay. This method has several limitations i.e. The versatility of the method is limited by the thermal properties of aluminium (the retort material); the result is operator-dependent due to manual manipulation of the retort temperature using a gas generated flame. This study evaluates an alternative method (referred to as the automated Fischer Assay setup), which operates with a pre-programmed heating curve using two stainless steel retorts in an electrical oven. Comparison of the methods indicated a lower tar yield for the automated Fischer Assay method, whilst the water yield increased and the gas and char yields were within the same ranges. The automated Fischer Assay experiments were, however, more repeatable when compared to the standard ISO method. Simulated distillation (simdis) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC-UV) analyses of the tar fractions found no significant differences between the tars from the two methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) found the tars of the automated Fischer Assay method to contain more alkyl-phenolic groups, with a decrease in the mixed compounds (compounds that exhibited both aromatic and aliphatic mass peaks in the mass spectra). It is concluded that the new method is more versatile with regard to the operating temperature control and the pre-programmed heat curve. Additionally, it provides an alternative means to generate a Fischer Assay that is not limited by the thermal properties of the retort material. It is noted, that the goal of the study was not to propose a replacement to the current ISO 647 Fischer Assay method, but to establish an automated system that can be used in pyrolysis research (qualitative and quantitative studies). Results showed that this method is adequate for qualitative and quantitative pyrolysis research and can be used as an alternative, less-biased method for ISO 647. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Coal tar; Fischer Assay; Fischer tar; GC/MS; ISO 647; Pyrolysis | Automated systems; Gas chromatography-mass spectrometries (GC-MS); GC/MS; ISO 647; Operating temperature; Quantitative pyrolysis; Quantitative study; Simulated distillation; Coal tar; Distillation; Gas chromatography; Mass spectrometry; Pyrolysis; Size exclusion chromatography; Thermodynamic properties; Automation | None |
| WoS | WOS:000261313000017 | An Evaluation of an HIV/AIDS Prevention Program in a Nigerian Setting | Ezeokana, Jude Obinna,Madu, Sylvester Ntomchukwu,Nnamdi, Azikiwe,Nnedum, Anthony | 2008 | JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA | 18 | 3 | None | University of Limpopo, University of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe Univ | "Madu, Sylvester Ntomchukwu: University of Limpopo","Nnamdi, Azikiwe: University of Nigeria", | The study examined the success of a group based behavioural intervention with Nigerian youths aimed at reducing the risk of contracting and spreading HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted illness (STI). Participants were 147 youths (males=75, females=72, age range 5 to 24 years). The study explored the influence of motivational factors (self efficacy), attitudinal factors (perceived personal risk), knowledge (instrumental knowledge of AIDS) and behavioural factors (refusal of high-risk behaviour) in predicting condom use amongst youth participating in a group-based HIV prevention intervention. Findings indicated that the intervention program reliably predicted participants' attitudinal dispositions to high risk heterosexual behaviour. Instrumental knowledge of HIV/AIDS, perceived self-efficacy, perceived personal risk of HIV/AIDS and refusal of risk behaviour were significant predictors of condom use. | HIV/AIDS,INTERVENTION,"Nigeria youth",AIDS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000308717900019 | An evaluation of an operations research project to reduce childhood stunting in a food-insecure area in Ethiopia | Bulti, Assaye T.,Duffield, Arabella,Fenn, Bridget,Nduna, Themba,Watson, Fiona | 2012 | PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION | 15 | 9 | 10.1017/S1368980012001115 | Le Rocher, Save Children | None | Objective: To determine which interventions can reduce linear growth retardation (stunting) in children aged 6-36 months over a 5-year period in a food-insecure population in Ethiopia.
Design: We used data collected through an operations research project run by Save the Children UK: the Child Caring Practices (CCP) project. Eleven neighbouring villages were purposefully selected to receive one of four interventions: (i) health; (iii) nutrition education; (iii) water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); or (iv) integrated comprising all interventions. A comparison group of three villages did not receive any interventions. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted at baseline (2004) and for impact evaluation (2009) using the same quantitative and qualitative tools. The primary outcome was stunted growth in children aged 6-36 months measured as height (or length)-for-age Z-scores (mean and prevalence). Secondary outcomes were knowledge of health seeking, infant and young child feeding and preventive practices.
Setting: Amhara, Ethiopia.
Subjects: Children aged 6-36 months.
Results: The WASH intervention group was the only group to show a significant increase in mean height-for-age Z-score (+0.33, P = 0.02), with a 12.1% decrease in the prevalence of stunting, compared with the baseline group. This group also showed significant improvements in mothers' knowledge of causes of diarrhoea and hygiene practices. The other intervention groups saw non-significant impacts for childhood stunting but improvements in knowledge relating to specific intervention education messages given.
Conclusions: The study suggests that an improvement in hygiene practices had a significant impact on stunting levels. However, there may be alternative explanations for this and further evidence is required. | ETHIOPIA,"food insecure","impact evaluation","OPERATIONS RESEARCH",STUNTING,CHILDREN,GROWTH,INFECTION,INTERVENTIONS,"INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY",NUTRITION,UNDERNUTRITION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939810973 | An evaluation of a palliative care outreach programme for children with Burkitt lymphoma in rural Cameroon | Tamannai M., Kaah J., Mbah G., Ndimba J., D'Souza C., Wharin P., Hesseling P.B. | 2015 | International Journal of Palliative Nursing | 21 | 7 | 10.12968/ijpn.2015.21.7.331 | Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Banso Baptist Hospital, Cameroon; Nottingham University Hospitals, United Kingdom; Beryl Thyer Memorial Africa Trust, United Kingdom; Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Tamannai, M., Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Kaah, J., Banso Baptist Hospital, Cameroon; Mbah, G., Banso Baptist Hospital, Cameroon; Ndimba, J., Banso Baptist Hospital, Cameroon; D'Souza, C., Nottingham University Hospitals, United Kingdom; Wharin, P., Beryl Thyer Memorial Africa Trust, United Kingdom; Hesseling, P.B., Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Background: Palliative care (PC) is the most appropriate treatment for patients with life-limiting, incurable diseases, but it is a relatively new concept in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A lack of curative treatment options for some conditions creates a great need for PC, but such services are rarely provided in SSA. More research into PC in SSA is urgently needed to create an evidence base to confirm the importance of appropriate PC services. Objectives: To gain a better understanding of the needs of patients and their families visited by a children's PC nurse in Cameroon and to identify aspects of the service that can be improved. Methodology: A qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews was used. Tape-recorded interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: Twelve interviews were conducted with patients, carers and nurses. Financial aid, general disease improvement and prayers were the directly expressed needs of service recipients. Specialist training in children's PC was the main need expressed by the nurses. Open communication about clinical status and treatment failure, more detailed counselling, more distraction for patients and respite for carers were identified as underlying needs. Conclusion: It is possible to provide an effective children's PC service that meets the most urgent needs of recipients in a rural setting in SSA. Recommendations include improved counselling, specialist education for staff, expansion of local support networks and more frequent home visits. More studies are needed to help define the need for PC in children with life-limiting diseases. © 2015 MA Healthcare Ltd. | Burkitt lymphoma; Children's palliative care; Health-related quality of life; Outreach; Sub-Saharan Africa | adolescent; Burkitt lymphoma; Cameroon; child; child health care; family; female; health care planning; health service; human; interview; male; nursing; palliative therapy; program evaluation; rural population; standards; Adolescent; Burkitt Lymphoma; Cameroon; Child; Child Health Services; Family; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Medically Underserved Area; Palliative Care; Program Evaluation; Rural Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247594240 | An evaluation of awareness: Attitudes and beliefs of pregnant Nigerian women toward voluntary counseling and testing for HIV | Okonkwo K.C., Reich K., Alabi A.I., Umeike N., Nachman S.A. | 2007 | AIDS Patient Care and STDs | 21 | 4 | 10.1089/apc.2006.0065 | Division Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States; West African AIDS Group, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66106, Unit | Okonkwo, K.C., Division Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66106, United States; Reich, K., West African AIDS Group, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Alabi, A.I., West African AIDS Group, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Umeike, N., West African AIDS Group, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Nachman, S.A., Division Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States | The rate of HIV seroprevalence in Nigeria is troublesome because it is one of the highest prevalence rates worldwide. As in most developing countries, vertical transmission from mother to child accounts for most of the HIV infections in Nigerian children. The purpose of this study was to determine the awareness, attitudes, and beliefs of pregnant Nigerian women toward voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV. Two hundred forty pregnant women in Awka, Nigeria, completed questionnaires aimed at determining their willingness to accept or reject VCT. Furthermore, participants where questioned about their knowledge of HIV infection, routes of transmission, and treatment options. The majority of the women (87%) approved of VCT; of those who approved, 93% were aware that VCT could reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to their babies. All respondents who accepted VCT were willing to be tested if results remained confidential and 89% would accept if they were tested simultaneously with their partners. 69% of the women who refused VCT attribute their refusal to the social and cultural stigmatization associated with HIV. Overall, the acceptance of VCT appears to depend on the understanding that VCT has proven benefits for the unborn child. Sociocultural factors such as stigmatization of HIV-infected individuals appears to be the major barrier toward widespread acceptance of VCT in Nigeria, thus the development of innovative health education strategies is essential for providing women with information regarding the benefits of VCT and other means of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. | None | adult; article; attitude to health; awareness; evaluation; female; health belief; health education; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; infection prevention; infection risk; Nigeria; patient counseling; pregnancy; pregnant woman; questionnaire; stigma; treatment refusal; vertical transmission; Adult; Counseling; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Evaluation Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections; Humans; Nigeria; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prejudice; Questionnaires | None |
| WoS | WOS:000344612400016 | An Evaluation of Community Perspectives and Contributing Factors to Missed Children During an Oral Polio Vaccination Campaign - Katsina State, Nigeria | Achari, Panchanan,Ashenafi, Samra,Biya, Oladayo,Bwaka, Ado,Corkum, Melissa,Mackay, Susan,Mahoney, Frank,Michael, Charles A.,Newberry, David,Nguku, Patrick,Ogbuanu, Ikechukwu U.,Ohuabunwo, Chima,OPV Campaign Missed Children Study,Storms, Aaron D.,Sule, Ada | 2014 | JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 210 | None | 10.1093/infdis/jiu288 | African Field Epidemiol Network AFENET, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, United Nations Children Fund UNICEF, US Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, WHO | None | Background. Unvaccinated children contribute to accumulation of susceptible persons and the continued transmission of wild poliovirus in Nigeria. In September 2012, the Expert Review Committee (ERC) on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization in Nigeria recommended that social research be conducted to better understand why children are missed during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), also known as "immunization plus days (IPDs)" in Nigeria.
Methods.aEuro integral Immediately following the SIA in October 2012, polio eradication partners and the government of Nigeria conducted a study to assess why children are missed. We used semistructured questionnaires and focus group discussions in 1 rural and 1 urban local government area (LGA) of Katsina State.
Results.aEuro integral Participants reported that 61% of the children were not vaccinated because of poor vaccination team performance: either the teams did not visit the homes (25%) or the children were reported absent and not revisited (36%). This lack of access to vaccine was more frequently reported by respondents from scattered/nomadic communities (85%). In 1 out of 4 respondents (25%), refusal was the main reason their child was not vaccinated. The majority of respondents reported they would have consented to their children being vaccinated if the vaccine had been offered.
Conclusions.aEuro integral Poor vaccination team performance is a major contributor to missed children during IPD campaigns. Addressing such operational deficiencies will help close the polio immunity gap and eradicate polio from Nigeria. | "missed children",non-compliance,OPV,"ORAL POLIO VACCINE","vaccine coverage" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000331797900011 | An Evaluation of Equitable Access to a Community- Based Maternal and Newborn Health Program in Rural Ethiopia | Barry, Danika,Sibley, Lynn,Spangler, Sydney A. | 2014 | JOURNAL OF MIDWIFERY & WOMENS HEALTH | 59 | None | 10.1111/jmwh.12133 | Emory University, MaNHEP, Maternal & Newborn Hlth Ethiopia Partnership MaNH | None | IntroductionThe Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership (MaNHEP) aimed to promote equitable access to safe childbirth and postnatal care through a community-based educational intervention. This study evaluates the extent to which MaNHEP reached women who are socially and materially disadvantaged and, thus, at high risk for inadequate access to care.
MethodsThe data used in this analysis are from MaNHEP's cross-sectional 2010 baseline and 2012 endline surveys of women who gave birth in the prior year. A logistic regression model was fit to examine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on participation in the MaNHEP program. Descriptive statistics of select characteristics by birth and postnatal care provider were also calculated to explore trends in services use.
ResultsUsing data from the endline survey (N = 1019), the regression model showed that age, parity, education, and geographic residence were not significantly associated with MaNHEP exposure. However, women who were materially disadvantaged were still less likely to have participated in the program than their better-off counterparts. From the baseline survey (N = 1027) to the endline survey, women's use of skilled and semiskilled providers for birth care and postnatal care increased substantially, while use of untrained providers or no provider decreased. These shifts were greater for women with less personal wealth than for women with more personal wealth.
DiscussionMaNHEP appears to have succeeded in meeting its equity goals to a degree. However, this study also supports the intractable relationship between wealth inequality and access to maternal and newborn health services. Strategies targeting the poor in diverse contexts may eventually prove consistently effective in equitable services delivery. Until that time, a critical step that all maternal and newborn health programs can take is to monitor and evaluate to what extent they are reaching disadvantaged groups within the populations they serve. | "access to services","community-based interventions",ETHIOPIA,"Maternal and newborn health","socioeconomic inequalities and inequities",CARE,"CHILD HEALTH",COUNTDOWN,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,INEQUALITIES,INTERVENTIONS,"NATIONAL SURVEYS",REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH,SE | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000238591500004 | An evaluation of e-readiness assessment tools with respect to information access: Towards an integrated information rich tool | Mutula, SM,van Brakel, P | 2006 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT | 26 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2006.02.004 | Cape Peninsula University of Technology | None | This paper is an offshoot of the findings of a doctoral thesis carried out at the University of Johannesburg (formerly Rand Afrikaans University) in South Africa on the assessment of e-readiness tools with respect to information access. The paper argues that information is a key component in the e-readiness equation and yet it is not given much emphasis in the e-readiness extant tools, but is instead subsumed under Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The paper notes that the various major segments of e-readiness as synthesised from existing tools are scattered in different tools making their use painstakingly cumbersome. The paper proposes a new e-readiness integrated tool that emphasises information access and also collocates the various segments of organizational, ICT, human resources, and external readiness into one single tool. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "digital divide",e-readiness,ICTS,"INFORMATION ACCESS","INFORMATION MANAGEMENT","COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION",SYSTEMS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943238982 | An evaluation of health centers and hospital efficiency in Kampala capital city authority Uganda; Using pabon lasso technique | Nabukeera M., Boerhannoeddin A., Raja Noriza R.A. | 2015 | Journal of Health and Translational Medicine | 18 | 1 | None | Kyambogo University, Department of History and Political Science, Kampala, Uganda; University Malaya, Malaysia | Nabukeera, M., Kyambogo University, Department of History and Political Science, Kampala, Uganda; Boerhannoeddin, A., University Malaya, Malaysia; Raja Noriza, R.A. | The Pabon Lasso Model is one of the most important and suitable techniques applied in evaluating the performance of hospitals. The visual representation standardizes the comparative accomplishments of hospitals which information is used by planners in effort to improve productivity of the health care system by use of three pointers namely: (i) Average Length of Stay (ALS); (ii) Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR); (iii) Bed Turnover (BTO). The purpose of this study is to evaluate performance of wards in health centers affiliated to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) during the financial year 2012-2013 constructed on Pabon Lasso Model. Data for the nine health centers and two referral hospitals was taken by the nursing sisters who were in charge. To ensure accuracy, a weekly standard report was submitted to head office and the data included: a list of wards, number of beds, admissions, deaths, discharges and inpatient days. For all government health centers and hospitals, overall, the average indicators ALS=3.63 days, BTO= 74.0 times per year and BOR=49.3% were obtained. Based on the Pabon Lasso graph, two wards are in Zone 3, two wards in Zone 4, one ward in Zone 2 and five wards in Zone 1. The performance of health centers and hospitals in Kampala were somehow poor. This represented unacceptable levels of technical deficiency. © 2015, Journal of University Malaya Medical Centre. All rights reserved. | Efficiency; Health centers; Hospitals; Pabon Lasso; Uganda | Article; death; health care system; health center; hospital; hospital admission; hospital bed utilization; hospital discharge; length of stay; productivity; ward | None |
| WoS | WOS:000248813700009 | An evaluation of infant immunization in Africa: is a transformation in progress? | Arevshatian, L.,Clements, C. J.,Lwanga, S. K.,Misore, A. O.,Ndumbe, P.,Seward, J. F.,Taylor, P. | 2007 | BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION | 85 | 6 | 10.2471/BLT.06.031526 | University of Yaounde I, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, IMMUNIZATIONbasics, Macfarlane Burnet Inst Med Res & Publ Hlth, Minist Hlth | None | Objective To assess the progress made towards meeting the goals of the African Regional Strategic Plan of the Expanded Programme on Immunization between 2001 and 2005.
Methods We reviewed data from national infant immunization programmes in the 46 countries of WHO's African Region, reviewed the literature and analysed existing data sources. We carried out face-to-face and telephone interviews with relevant staff members at regional and subregional levels.
Findings The African Region fell short of the target for 80% of countries to achieve at least 80% immunization coverage by 2005. However, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-3 coverage increased by 15%, from 54% in 2000 to 69% in 2004. As a result, we estimate that the number of nonimmunized children declined from 1.4 million in 2002 to 900 000 in 2004. In 2004, four of seven countries with endemic or re-established wild polio virus had coverage of 50% or less, and some neighbouring countries at high risk of importation did not meet the 80% vaccination target. Reported measles cases dropped from 520 000 in 2000 to 316 000 in 2005, and mortality was reduced by approximately 60% when compared to 1999 baseline levels. A network of measles and yellow fever laboratories had been established in 29 countries by July 2005.
Conclusions Rates of immunization coverage are improving dramatically in the WHO African Region. The huge increases in spending on immunization and the related improvements in programme performance are linked predominantly to increases in donor funding. | ,IMPACT,VACCINATION | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000258897000016 | An evaluation of intravaginal rings as a potential HIV prevention device in urban Kenya: Behaviors and attitudes that might influence uptake within a high-risk population | Bwayo, Job Joab,del Rio, Carlos,Hoang, Tina Dan My,Priddy, Frances H.,Smith, Donna Jo,Wakasiaka, Sabina | 2008 | JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH | 17 | 6 | 10.1089/jwh.2007.0529 | Emory University, University of Nairobi | "Bwayo, Job Joab: University of Nairobi","Hoang, Tina Dan My: Emory University","Priddy, Frances H.: Emory University","Smith, Donna Jo: Emory University","Wakasiaka, Sabina: University of Nairobi", | Purpose: We sought to assess the potential acceptability of intravaginal rings (IVRs) as an HIV prevention method among at-risk women and men.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative assessment of initial attitudes toward IVRs, current HIV prevention methods, and common behavioral practices among female sex workers (FSWs) and men who frequent FSWs in Mukuru, an urban slum community in Nairobi, Kenya. Nineteen women and 21 men took part in six focus group discussions.
Results: Most participants, both male and female, responded positively to the concept of an IVR as a device for delivering microbicides. Women particularly liked the convenience offered by its slow-release capacity. Some female respondents raised concerns about whether male customers would discover the ring and respond negatively, whereas others thought it unlikely that their clients would feel the ring. Focus groups conducted with male clients of FSWs suggested that many would be enthusiastic about women, and particularly sex workers, using a microbicide ring, but that women's fears about negative responses to covert use were well founded. Overall, this high-risk population of FSWs and male clients in Nairobi was very open to the IVR as a potential HIV prevention device.
Conclusion: Themes that emerged from the focus groups highlight the importance of understanding attitudes toward IVRs as well as cultural practices that may impact IVR use in high-risk populations when pursuing clinical development of this potential HIV prevention device. | ,ACCEPTABILITY,"DRY SEX",INFECTION,MICROBICIDE,SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED-DISEASES,TRIAL,"VAGINAL RING",WOMEN | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23944469924 | An evaluation of library automation in some Ghanaian university libraries | Amekuedee J.-O. | 2005 | Electronic Library | 23 | 4 | 10.1108/02640470510611508 | Balme Library, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway | Amekuedee, J.-O., Balme Library, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway | Purpose - The study was undertaken to find out which library processes have been automated in Ghana's three older public university libraries namely, the Balme Library, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Library and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Library. Design/methodology/approach - Using data obtained through the use of questionnaires, the study examined areas of general automation, automation of specific library processes, networking, internet connectivity, training, and major constraints to library automation. Findings - The study found out that even though the university libraries realize the importance of library automation, they are hampered by lack of funds, lack of support from the university administrations, and lack of skilled staff to embark on automation of all library processes. It was also revealed that none of the libraries have on OPAC (online public access catalogue). Originality/value - The study concludes with recommendations that would enhance the university libraries drive towards automation of their library processes and ensure effective and efficient use of the new technology to raise the image of the libraries and give their library clients more services. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Automation; Ghana; Internet; Libraries; Universities | Developing countries; Information technology; Internet; Office automation; Online searching; Statistical methods; Ghana; Online public access catalogue; University libraries; Digital libraries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919628210 | An Evaluation of Online Reference Services Through Social Networking Sites in Selected Nigerian University Libraries | Tella A., Oyedokun T.T. | 2014 | Reference Librarian | 55 | 4 | 10.1080/02763877.2014.947889 | University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Tella, A., University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oyedokun, T.T., University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | The study evaluated online reference services through social networking sites in selected university libraries in Nigeria. A survey approach was adopted to ascertain patrons’ level of awareness, their preferences, and the sources from which they were informed of the existence of the service. Findings revealed that patrons are aware that their university libraries are on social networks but are still not familiar with reference services. Facebook, Twitter, and Ask-a-Librarian were ranked as the most preferred methods for delivering online reference services, and online reference service was indicated as more convenient than traditional desk reference service because communication is available anywhere and anytime with a reference librarian and is easily accessible. © , Published with license by Taylor & Francis. | libraries; Nigeria; online reference services; social media; social networking sites; university libraries | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000334886300014 | An evaluation of school health services in Sagamu, Nigeria | Ogunkunle, O. O.,Olanrewaju, D. M.,Oyinlade, O. A. | 2014 | NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE | 17 | 3 | 10.4103/1119-3077.130236 | University of Ibadan, Olabisi Onabanjo Univ, Univ Coll Hosp | "Oyinlade, O. A.: University of Ibadan", | Context: School health services (SHS) have been shown to be suboptimal in Nigeria. The paucity of data on the status of SHS in Sagamu makes it even more challenging for instituting corrective action. Aim: To evaluate SHS in public and private schools in Sagamu. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on private and public nursery/primary and secondary schools in Sagamu, Ogun State. Materials and Methods: A total of 91 schools, randomly selected from 182 available, comprising 53 private nursery/primary schools, 22 public nursery/primary schools, 11 private secondary schools and 5 public secondary schools, were inspected for availability of the components of the SHS and evaluated using the SHS Evaluation Scale (SHSES). Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square test. Level of significance was taken to be P < 0.05. Results: Only one (1.1%) school benefited from the services of a school doctor. Essential drugs and materials for first aid services were available in 85 (93.4%) of the schools, while only 26 (28.6%) had a sick bay. Screening tests for disabilities were performed in only 10 (11%) of the schools visited. Although school midday meals were available in all the schools, they were not free. Private secondary schools had the highest percentage of good school health evaluation scores (63.6%), while 96.2% of the private primary schools had poor health service evaluation scores. Conclusions: SHS are unsatisfactory in Sagamu. It is therefore necessary for all stakeholders in Sagamu schools (private and public) to provide the materials and manpower needed to achieve effective SHS in the area. | "HEALTH KNOWLEDGE",NIGERIA,"SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES","School Health Services Evaluation scale" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000319065200018 | An evaluation of Technology teacher training in South Africa: shortcomings and recommendations | Mentz, Elsa,Pool, Jessica,Reitsma, Gerda | 2013 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN EDUCATION | 23 | 2 | 10.1007/s10798-011-9198-9 | North West University - South Africa | "Mentz, Elsa: North West University - South Africa","Pool, Jessica: North West University - South Africa","Reitsma, Gerda: North West University - South Africa" | Compared to other subjects Technology Education (TE) is regarded as a new subject both nationally and internationally. In the absence of an established subject philosophy Technology educators had little alternative than to base their professional teaching and learning practices on approaches from other fields of knowledge and to adapt these. TE is one of the compulsory subjects for learners in South Africa from grade 4-9 since 1998. One of the challenges was the fact that no previous teacher training programmes existed for Technology thus new ones had to be developed. This research described what the necessary knowledge, skills and values are that a qualified Technology teacher should possess and determined if teacher training institutions in South Africa provide opportunities to develop this qualities. Qualitative research was used to provide insight into the nature of pre-service Technology training programmes in South Africa, in order to identify shortcomings in the pre-service training of Technology teachers. The population consisted of senior faculty who have experience in the developing of pre-service training programmes and the training of Technology teachers. Findings of the study suggest a greater focus on the training of Technology teachers as subject specialists by establishing standards that is appropriate for tertiary training in order to enhance the development of subject knowledge; subject specific pedagogical content knowledge by implementing micro lessons; revision of time, planning and facilities for the practising of subject skills; and sufficient opportunities to practise, analyse and reflect on teaching processes to develop appropriate teaching strategies. | "effective teaching","pre-service teacher training","programme development","TEACHER DEVELOPMENT","technology education",EDUCATION,FRAMEWORK,"PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000298367300034 | An Evaluation of the Clinical Assessments of Under-Five Febrile Children Presenting to Primary Health Facilities in Rural Ghana | Amenga-Etego, Seeba,Baiden, Frank,Bawah, Justina,Bruce, Jane,Chandramohan, Daniel,Delmini, Rupert,Gyaase, Stephaney,Owusu-Agyei, Seth,Tivura, Mathilda,Webster, Jayne | 2011 | PLOS ONE | 6 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0028944 | University of London, Kintampo Hlth Res Ctr | "Bruce, Jane: University of London","Chandramohan, Daniel: University of London","Webster, Jayne: University of London", | Background: The shift to test-based management of malaria represents an important departure from established practice under the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI). The possibility of false results of tests for malaria and co-morbidity, however, make it important that guidelines in IMCI case assessment are still followed.
Methods and Findings: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study to evaluate current practices in IMCI-based assessment of febrile children in 10 health centres and 5 district hospitals, with follow up of a subset of children to determine day 7-10 post-treatment clinical outcome. Clinical consultation, examination and prescribing practices were recorded using a checklist by trained non-medical observers. The facility case management of 1,983 under-five years old febrile children was observed and 593 followed up at home on days 5-10. The mean number of tasks performed from the 11 tasks expected to be done by the IMCI guidelines was 6 (SD 1.6). More than 6 tasks were performed in only 35% of children and this varied substantially between health facilities (range 3-85%). All 11 tasks were performed in only 1% of children. The most commonly performed tasks were temperature measurement (91%) and weighing (88%). Respiratory rate was checked in only 4% of children presenting with cough or difficulty in breathing. The likelihood of performing "better than average number of tasks" (> 6) was higher when the consultation was done by medical assistants than doctors (O.R. = 3.16, 1.02-9.20). The number of tasks performed during assessment did not, however, influence clinical outcome (O.R. = 1.02, 0.83-1.24).
Conclusion: Facility-tailored interventions are needed to improve adherence to IMCI guidelines incorporating test-based management of malaria. Studies are needed to re-evaluate the continued validity of tasks defined in IMCI case assessment guidelines. | ,"AFRICAN CHILDREN","CHILDHOOD ILLNESS IMCI",DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,"INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT",MALARIA,PNEUMONIA,QUALITY,SETTINGS,TANZANIA,WORKERS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000258431700026 | An evaluation of the District Health Information System in rural South Africa | Dlamini, L.,Garrib, A.,Govender, T.,Herbst, K.,McKenzie, A.,Rohde, J.,Stoops, N. | 2008 | SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL | 98 | 7 | None | University of Kwazulu Natal, Hlth Informat Syst Programme, KwaZulu Natal Provincial Dept Hlth | "Dlamini, L.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Garrib, A.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Govender, T.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Herbst, K.: University of Kwazulu Natal", | Background. Since reliable health information is essential for the planning and management of health services, we investigated the functioning of the District Health Information System (DHIS) in 10 rural clinics.
Design and subjects. Semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with clinic managers, supervisors and district information staff. Data collected over a 12-month period for each clinic were assessed for missing data, data out of minimum and maximum ranges, and validation rule violations.
Setting. Our investigation was part of a larger study on improving information systems for primary care in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
Outcomes. We assessed data quality, the utilisation for facility management, perceptions of work burden, and usefulness of the system to clinic staff.
Results. A high perceived work burden associated with data collection and collation was found. Some data collation tools were not used as intended. There was good understanding of the data collection and collation process but little analysis, interpretation or utilisation of data. Feedback to clinics occurred rarely. In the 10 clinics, 2.5% of data values were missing, and 25% of data were outside expected ranges without an explanation provided.
Conclusions. The culture of information use essential to an information system having an impact at the local level is weak in these clinics or at the sub-district level. Further training and support is required for the DHIS to function as intended. | ,"DATA SET" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000306168300012 | An Evaluation of the Gender Sensitive Nature of Selected Textbooks in the Zimbabwean Secondary School Curriculum | Modiba, Maropeng,Mutekwe, Edmore | 2012 | ANTHROPOLOGIST | 14 | 4 | None | University of Johannesburg | "Modiba, Maropeng: University of Johannesburg","Mutekwe, Edmore: University of Johannesburg" | The aim of the study was to evaluate the gender sensitivity and balance of selected textbooks in the Zimbabwean school curriculum. An evaluation instrument was designed to evaluate the books and focus group interviews were carried out with a purposive and gender stratified sample of students. The data management and analysis procedures adopted covered both the content and discourse analyses of selected history text books in addition to the interpretations of participants' verbatim statements from the focus group discussions. The study revealed that a great deal of patriarchal values and ideologies are embodied in the textbooks. The textbooks analysed were found to contain gender biases, imbalances and stereotypes. The interviews' carried out revealed that students were overtly and covertly affected by the gender representations in textbooks. In depicting traditional gender stereotypes, textbooks shaped students in particular ways and affect their academic achievement and career choices. The study recommends that textbooks in schools should be carefully selected to avoid those that are full of gender biases or stereotypes. Where possible textbooks could be rewritten to ensure gender sensitivity in order to avoid producing and peddling gender role ideologies and stereotypes that differentially reinforce boys and girls for not only different but highly gender polarized social roles. | domesticity,"Gender Role Biases","hidden curriculum",stereotyping | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000286937000013 | An evaluation of the impact of a community-based adherence support programme on ART outcomes in selected government HIV treatment sites in South Africa | Ebrahim, R.,Grimwood, A.,Igumbor, J. O.,Jason, A.,Scheepers, E. | 2011 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 23 | 2 | 10.1080/09540121.2010.498909 | North West University - South Africa, Absolute Return Kids, Kheth Impilo | "Igumbor, J. O.: North West University - South Africa", | This study assessed the impact of a community-based adherence support service on the outcomes of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The evaluation was a retrospective study based on patient clinical records. This study noted that a significantly higher proportion of patients with a community-based adherence supporter (also known as a patient advocate, PA) had viral load (VL) of less than 400 copies/ml at six months of treatment (70%, p = 0.001); a significantly higher proportion of patients with PAs (89%) attained a treatment pickup rate of over 95% (67%; p = 0.021). Patients at health facilities with PA services maintained a suppressed VL for a longer period as opposed to patients at health facilities without PA services (p = 0.001), also patients at health facilities with PA services remained in care for longer periods (p = 0.001). Therefore, the study concludes that integrated community-based adherence support is crucial in ensuring that patients remain in care, regularly pickup their treatment from ART clinics and are virologically suppressed. The study also underscores the importance of access to health services and the presence of an enabling environment in the treatment of AIDS. | ADHERENCE,AIDS,"antiretroviral therapy (ART)","community-based support",HIV,"patient advocates (PA)","ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",EFFICACY,INTERVENTION,"MEDICATION ADHERENCE",PREDICTORS,"PROTEASE INHIBITORS",SURVIVAL | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36048952789 | An evaluation of the impact of a life skills programme in the workplace | Taute F.M. | 2007 | Social Work | 43 | 3 | None | Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Taute, F.M., Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | It is indispensable for social workers to evaluate their interventions to ascertain whether they are effective and lead to change. The Life Skills programme was implemented at a tertiary institution. In this quantitative research a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-test post-test experiment and a pre-test self-constructed questionnaire were administered to measure respondents' knowledge, skills and attitudes. Forty-six of the 71 respondents (65%) completed the post-test questionnaire six months after attendance of the programme. Results showed that Life Skills training could enhance adults' social functioning irrespective of age, gender, marital status or qualifications. | None | experimental design; questionnaire survey; social work; workplace | None |
| WoS | WOS:000263476600004 | An evaluation of the implementation of the new Language-in-Education Policy (LiEP) in selected secondary schools of Limpopo Province | Mabiletja, Matome,Madiba, Mbulungeni | 2008 | LANGUAGE MATTERS | 39 | 2 | 10.1080/10228190802579601 | University of Cape Town | "Mabiletja, Matome: University of Cape Town","Madiba, Mbulungeni: University of Cape Town" | Language policy implementation evaluation constitutes an important component of language planning. The implementation of any language policy needs to be preceded or accompanied by an evaluation of the contextual factors, that is, factors that have to do with a broad range of physical and discursive complexity. The evaluation of contextual factors is important as 'all language planning activities take place in particular sociolinguistic settings, and the nature and scope of the planning can only be fully understood in relation to the setting' (Ferguson 1977, 9). It is the argument of this article that the implementation of the new LiEP in Limpopo Province should be preceded or accompanied by a concurrent evaluation of contextual factors, with a view to establishing a 'fit' between the representation of the policy and the linguistic reality of the province. The article is based on the findings of the study of contextual factors carried out on selected schools in the Polokwane Circuit of Limpopo Province, with a view to evaluating the implementation of the new LiEP. The findings of the study clearly show that the province has complex sociolinguistic settings that have serious implications for the implementation of LiEP. | evaluation,"language-in-education policy","LANGUAGE PLANNING",POLICY | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000290651400010 | An evaluation of the literature on integrated sugarcane production systems A scientometrical approach | Baier, T. J. A.,Bezuidenhout, C. N. | 2011 | OUTLOOK ON AGRICULTURE | 40 | 1 | 10.5367/oa.2011.0025 | University of Kwazulu Natal | "Baier, T. J. A.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Bezuidenhout, C. N.: University of Kwazulu Natal" | Logistically, the sugarcane supply and processing chain up to the raw sugar stage is driven by biophysical push factors rather than market-related pull factors. Sugarcane systems do not align fully with lean and agile supply chain thinking. This paper synthesizes a range of issues governing the sugarcane supply and processing chain. This synthesis was achieved through scientometrical analyses of a worldwide collection of publications. The aim was to develop a conceptual sugarcane supply chain framework and to evaluate research trends, knowledge gaps and limitations. Key system properties were identified from the literature and co-word analyses were carried out. Several exploratory exercises were executed on the co-occurrence matrix using the PAJEK software. The literature generally focuses on material handling issues in isolation from other factors, such as collaboration, information sharing and innovation. Impacts of harvesting on downstream processes remain a pertinent research topic. Also, emerging alternative products impose new complexities on the supply chain. Conflicting grower miller relationships still suppress collaboration in most parts of the world. Mathematical modelling is a popular technique to produce innovative system improvements. Models, however, tend towards finding long-term solutions and lack the development of operational short-term applications. Production risk is an area that needs more focus. Researchers need to consider the supply chain more holistically, not only with respect to different dimensions in the chain (such as profitability, innovation, information and collaboration), but also within the local commercial socioeconomic regime. | COLLABORATION,INFORMATION,SUGARCANE,"supply chain","value chain","CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT","CO-WORD ANALYSIS","GUITANG GROUP","INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS",INNOVATION,MANAGEMENT,MILL,SIMULATION-MODEL,SUPPLY-CHAIN,TRANSPORT | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000260643400001 | An evaluation of the performance of private transport companies in selected Southwestern of Nigeria | Aworemi, J. R.,Ilori, M. O. | 2008 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 2 | 8 | None | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ladoke Akintola Univ Technol | "Ilori, M. O.: Obafemi Awolowo University", | This paper evaluates the performance of Private Transport Companies in Southwestern, Nigeria. It also ascertains the influence of the identified variables on the performance of the companies. A Sample size of 270 respondents was purposively selected among registered private transport companies in the Study area. Correlation and regression analyses techniques were adopted in analyzing the collected data. The results of the findings showed a significant correlation between the performance of private transport companies and each of the independent variables of age of establishment ( r = 0.593), staff strength ( r = 0.647), wages/salary trends ( r = 0.54) and total number of functioning vehicles ( r = 0.539) and these variables had a strong, positive and significant relationships and are answerable for the performance that is measured in terms of return on investment of the private transport companies in the study area. The result of regression analysis showed that, the coefficients of the total number of employees (X-2), the government regulations on inputs such as petroleum products and auto-spare parts (X-3), costs of maintenance/ operation (X-6), state of the roads (X-7), useful life age of the vehicles (X-9) and effects of telecommunication (X-11) contributed significantly to the variation in the level of performance of private transport companies at both 5 and 10% levels. | evaluation,passenger,PERFORMANCE,"private transport",VEHICLES | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000296232300043 | An evaluation of the present status of the certificate in school business management | Bayat, Abdullah,Combrinck, Theodore,Naicker, Visvanathan | 2011 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 5 | 15 | None | University of the Western Cape | "Bayat, Abdullah: University of the Western Cape","Combrinck, Theodore: University of the Western Cape","Naicker, Visvanathan: University of the Western Cape" | By almost any measure, most South African public schools, and especially schools in the Western Cape, have under-performed academically. For a number of years, there has existed a wide degree of consensus among education stakeholders, and particularly in government, that the problems in our schools extend beyond mere academic under-achievement. Principals need to be occupied with the tasks of managing and leading teaching and learning, that is, instruction leadership, and not managing routine administrative matters only. In recognising the potential of school administrative personnel to provide relief and support for the administrative role of principals, the Western Cape Government initiated a training course in July, 2008 for school business administrators. The course was modelled on a very successful training course developed in the United Kingdom. | "school administration","School bursars","school business management","school evaluation",GOVERNANCE | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000267029700010 | An Evaluation of the Quality of IMCI Assessments among IMCI Trained Health Workers in South Africa | Haskins, Lyn,Horwood, Christiane,Nkosi, Phumla,Qazi, Shamim,Rollins, Nigel,Vermaak, Kerry | 2009 | PLOS ONE | 4 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0005937 | None | None | Background: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a strategy to reduce mortality and morbidity in children under 5 years by improving case management of common and serious illnesses at primary health care level, and was adopted in South Africa in 1997. We report an evaluation of IMCI implementation in two provinces of South Africa.
Methodology/Principal Findings: Seventy-seven IMCI trained health workers were randomly selected and observed in 74 health facilities; 1357 consultations were observed between May 2006 and January 2007. Each health worker was observed for up to 20 consultations with sick children presenting consecutively to the facility, each child was then reassessed by an IMCI expert to determine the correct findings. Observed health workers had been trained in IMCI for an average of 32.2 months, and were observed for a mean of 17.7 consultations; 50/77(65%) HW's had received a follow up visit after training. In most cases health workers used IMCI to assess presenting symptoms but did not implement IMCI comprehensively. All but one health worker referred to IMCI guidelines during the period of observation. 9(12%) observed health workers checked general danger signs in every child, and 14(18%) assessed all the main symptoms in every child. 51/109(46.8%) children with severe classifications were correctly identified. Nutritional status was not classified in 567/1357(47.5%) children.
Conclusion/Significance: Health workers are implementing IMCI, but assessments were frequently incomplete, and children requiring urgent referral were missed. If coverage of key child survival interventions is to be improved, interventions are required to ensure competency in identifying specific signs and to encourage comprehensive assessments of children by IMCI practitioners. The role of supervision in maintaining health worker skills needs further investigation. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000318898900007 | An evaluation of three intercultural community projects | Hendriks, H. Jurgens,Ries, Johannes | 2013 | HTS TEOLOGIESE STUDIES-THEOLOGICAL STUDIES | 69 | 2 | 10.4102/hts.v69i2.1250 | Stellenbosch University | "Hendriks, H. Jurgens: Stellenbosch University","Ries, Johannes: Stellenbosch University" | An intercultural framework for servanthood was explored in three Christian community projects. The framework consists of six basic principles, as defined by Duane Elmer, namely openness, acceptance, trust, learning, understanding and serving. This framework is brought into conversation with Miroslav Volf's metaphor of an embrace. In all of this koinonia and diaconia play a pivotal role - especially in the relationship between the two modi. With this hermeneutical framework as point of departure, an empirical study was undertaken to discern the processes and structures within intercultural Christian community projects; and to evaluate the transformation in relationships and the sustainability of the development projects. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000208237600006 | An Evaluative Study of a Distance Teacher Education Program in a University in Ghana | Sampong, Kwasi Addo | 2009 | INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF RESEARCH IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING | 10 | 4 | None | Cent Univ Coll | None | The study used an adaptation of Provus' discrepancy evaluation model to evaluate a distance teacher education program in the University of Cape Coast, the premier teacher education institution in Ghana. The study involved comparing performance data of the program as perceived by students and faculty/administrators to standards prepared from the program's design. Performance data was obtained by administering two survey instruments to a random sample of students and faculty/administrators. Discrepancies between performance and standards were reported. The study concluded that although there were some discrepancies between program standards and performance the program is fulfilling its purpose of upgrading the professional and academic performance of a large number of teachers in the public K-8 schools in Ghana. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000289962900028 | A new approach to large-scale effectiveness evaluation | Curtis, Sian,Kunyanga, Edward,Pill, Charles,Spencer, John | 2011 | LANCET | 377 | 9774 | None | University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, APHIA II Evaluat, MEASURE Evaluat | "Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina","Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Spencer, John: University of North Carolina","Spencer, John: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill", | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881247342 | An exploration of the impact of students' prior genre knowledge on their constructions of 'audience' in a Marketing course at postgraduate level | Bangeni B. | 2013 | English for Specific Purposes | 32 | 4 | 10.1016/j.esp.2013.05.001 | Academic Development Programme, University of Cape Town, Hoerikwaggo Building, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Bangeni, B., Academic Development Programme, University of Cape Town, Hoerikwaggo Building, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This article explores the development of audience awareness for two English additional language (EAL) graduate students making the transition from undergraduate Social Science disciplines into the professional discipline of Marketing at a South African university. The article examines the ways in which their conceptualisations of 'audience' shape their negotiation of the generic move structure informing a dominant genre within the discipline: the written case analysis. I argue that the students' struggle with realising the communicative purposes of the genre in their analyses has implications for how they engage with disciplinary theory within crucial moves. Data yielded by semi-structured interviews, reflection papers, as well as selected case analyses written by the students in the initial months of their postgraduate year illustrate how this struggle can be traced to a mismatch between their embodied understandings of the concept of 'audience' which are transported from undergraduate learning contexts, and 'audience' as prescribed by the communicative purpose of the written case analysis within a professional discipline. In making this argument, the article examines the ways in which an antecedent genre, the Social Science argumentative essay, contributes to this mismatch. The article concludes by outlining the pedagogical implications of the findings from an ESP perspective. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Antecedent genre; Audience awareness; Disciplinarity; Prior genre knowledge; Transition; Written case analysis | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000336385000012 | Animal source foods have a positive impact on the primary school test scores of Kenyan schoolchildren in a cluster-randomised, controlled feeding intervention trial | Bwibo, Nimrod O.,Drorbaugh, Natalie,Galal, Osman M.,Hulett, Judie L.,Neumann, Charlotte G.,Weiss, Robert E. | 2014 | BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION | 111 | 5 | 10.1017/S0007114513003310 | University of California Los Angeles, University of California System, University of Nairobi | "Bwibo, Nimrod O.: University of Nairobi","Drorbaugh, Natalie: University of California Los Angeles","Drorbaugh, Natalie: University of California System","Galal, Osman M.: University of California Los Angeles","Galal, Osman M.: University of California System","Hulett, Judie L.: University of California Los Angeles","Hulett, Judie L.: University of California System","Weiss, Robert E.: University of California Los Angeles","Weiss, Robert E.: University of California System", | Micronutrient deficiencies and suboptimal energy intake are widespread in rural Kenya, with detrimental effects on child growth and development. Sporadic school feeding programmes rarely include animal source foods (ASF). In the present study, a cluster-randomised feeding trial was undertaken to determine the impact of snacks containing ASF on district-wide, end-term standardised school test scores and nutrient intake. A total of twelve primary schools were randomly assigned to one of three isoenergetic feeding groups (a local plantbased stew (githeri) with meat, githeri plus whole milk or githeri with added oil) or a control group receiving no intervention feeding. After the initial term that served as baseline, children were fed at school for five consecutive terms over two school years from 1999 to 2001. Longitudinal analysis was used controlling for average energy intake, school attendance, and baseline socio-economic status, age, sex and maternal literacy. Children in the Meat group showed significantly greater improvements in test scores than those in all the other groups, and the Milk group showed significantly greater improvements in test scores than the Plain Githeri (githeri + oil) and Control groups. Compared with the Control group, the Meat group showed significant improvements in test scores in Arithmetic, English, Kiembu, Kiswahili and Geography. The Milk group showed significant improvements compared with the Control group in test scores in English, Kiswahili, Geography and Science. Folate, Fe, available Fe, energy per body weight, vitamin B-12, Zn and riboflavin intake were significant contributors to the change in test scores. The greater improvements in test scores of children receiving ASF indicate improved academic performance, which can result in greater academic achievement. | "animal source foods",KENYA,SCHOOLCHILDREN,"School test scores",ACADEMIC-PERFORMANCE,CHILD-DEVELOPMENT,COGNITIVE-DEVELOPMENT,"IMPROVE DIETARY QUALITY",IRON-DEFICIENCY,"MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES","RURAL KENYA",SUPPLEMENTATION,"VITAMIN-B12 DEFICIENCY",ZINC | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72849109705 | An impact and cost-benefit analysis of an employee assistance programme at a South African bank | Orren C., Terblanche L. | 2009 | Social Work | 45 | 4 SPECIAL ISSUE | None | Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Orren, C., Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Terblanche, L., Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | South African Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) practitioners often lack evidence on the impact and cost benefit of EAPs. Research was undertaken through means of an impact and cost-benefit study in a South African banking institution. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) intervention on several work performance indicators of formally referred employees and to determine the cost benefit of these. The main findings were that the EAP had a positive impact on the work performance of formally referred EAP clients, and that there was a cost benefit for the organisation. | None | banking; cost-benefit analysis; research work; social organization; working conditions | None |
| WoS | WOS:000281682300025 | An impact assessment of a prototype financial literacy flagship programme in a rural South African setting | Tustin, Deon Harold | 2010 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 4 | 9 | None | University of South Africa | None | This article applies experimental research to investigate the impact of the Bubomi financial literacy flagship programme developed by Absa Group Limited, one of South Africa's largest financial service organizations. The programme aims to improve essential financial literacy skills, habits and behaviour of South Africans. The impact of the programme is measured by comparing the level of financial knowledge, confidence, attitude and accountable management practices of statistically representative experimental (people exposed to the Absa training) and control (people not exposed to Absa training) groups residing in village areas surrounding the Giyani town in the Limpopo province located in the north-eastern parts South Africa. By accepting the test hypotheses that the financial knowledge, confidence, attitudes and accountable management of the experimental group exceed that of the control group at a statistically significant level, the article investigates the immediate and intermediate impact of a prototype training programme that can effectively improve the basic financial skills, habits and behaviours of consumers. The research findings is even more pertinent when considering that a prototype skills development programme has been evaluated and found to be most applicable to skills improvement in poor village communities where financial literacy are at acute low levels. The programme evaluation research represents the first of its kind in a rural setting and outlines unique elements of a prototype training programme that indisputably contributes to the urgent need for improved money management skills in South Africa. | "Financial behavior","Financial literacy","money management" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000318778100001 | An impact evaluation design for the Millennium Villages Project in Northern Ghana | Acharya, Arnab,Barnett, Chris,Dogbe, Tony,Masset, Edoardo | 2013 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS | 5 | 2 | 10.1080/19439342.2013.790914 | O.P. Jindal Global University, University of Sussex, ITAD, Participatory Dev Associates Ltd | "Acharya, Arnab: O.P. Jindal Global University","Masset, Edoardo: University of Sussex", | This article details the design of an impact evaluation of the Millennium Villages Project in Northern Ghana. The evaluation is particularly challenging because the intervention cannot be randomised; it is clustered in a group of homogeneous communities and likely to generate spill-over effects. We propose a difference-in-differences design selecting control communities based on a propensity score and collecting five rounds of yearly data. We address a number of evaluation questions in relation to testing the breaking of the poverty trap, assessing project externalities, the role of qualitative research, cost-effectiveness and project synergies, sustainability and scalability in the presence of scale economies. | "COST EFFECTIVENESS","DIFFERENCE IN DIFFERENCES","evaluation design","Millennium Villages Project","poverty trap",AFRICA,DYNAMICS,MODEL,"POVERTY TRAPS" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865738456 | An outcome evaluation of a youth development programme | Maposa J.F., Louw-Potgieter J. | 2012 | Social Work (South Africa) | 48 | 2 | None | Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Maposa, J.F., Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw-Potgieter, J., Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This outcome evaluation assessed whether a development programme for youths aging out of foster care attained its goals. Relationship building was the only short-term outcome that was achieved. The medium-term outcomes of securing internships and finding suitable accommodation were achieved for some beneficiaries. The programme proved good enough for some beneficiaries regarding the long-term outcomes of securing employment, responsible alcohol use, resistance to drug use, safe sex and attending mentoring sessions. The programme did not succeed in attaining its most challenging long-term outcomes, namely finding habitable accommodation, improving education levels and community involvement. | None | drug user; educational development; employment; local participation; social development; young population | None |
| WoS | WOS:000243641700005 | A performance evaluation of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) processes within the South African context | Retief, Francois | 2007 | ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW | 27 | 1 | 10.1016/j.eiar.2006.08.002 | North West University - South Africa | None | SEA has been described as being more about process than about product. Yet very little research has been conducted to gain a better understanding of how SEA processes perform within developing country contexts. To address this gap in knowledge the research underlying this paper aimed to evaluate the quality of SEA processes within the South African context against specifically designed key performance indicators. Comparison of the different data patterns revealed general SEA process features as well as three broad models, namely the 'stand alone', 'central to decision making' and 'integrated' models. The research results suggest a particularly poor performance in terms of process quality for the SEA case studies investigated. Moreover, it shows that there is no one understanding of SEA process within the South African context. The main limitations related to a weak understanding of the decision making processes SEA aimed to inform, as well as an inability to incorporate flexibility into process design. To take the debate forward it is proposed that SEA follow-up and effectiveness research be explored to determine which of these models (if any) ultimately contributed to influencing decision making and promote sustainability. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | "key performance indicators","PERFORMANCE EVALUATION","process quality","STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000283087500005 | Approaches to the Evaluation and Assessment of Students in Clothing Practical Work in Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria | Usman, V. A. | 2010 | JOURNAL OF HOME ECONOMICS RESEARCH | 12 | None | None | Coll Agr | None | This study was carried out in Northern Nigeria to determine the general clothing construction skills and processes to be evaluated and evaluation procedures and techniques used by teachers of clothing. Six out of thirteen Colleges of Agriculture were randomly selected for the study. The entire 52 clothing teachers in the department of Home and Rural Economics were involved in the study. This consists of 32 lecturers and 18 instructors. Structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Data were analyzed using mean scores and t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings include 13 clothing construction skills and processes always evaluated and 11 evaluation procedures and techniques always used by the teachers of clothing in Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria. Based on these findings, recommendations were made. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000262852700008 | A practice-based evaluation of an on-line writing evaluation system: First-World technology in a Third-World teaching context | Louw, Henk,Spencer, Brenda | 2008 | LANGUAGE MATTERS | 39 | 1 | 10.1080/10228190802321061 | North West University - South Africa, University of South Africa | "Louw, Henk: North West University - South Africa","Spencer, Brenda: University of South Africa" | The core question interrogated by Spencer and Louw in this article is: 'What is the theoretical best practice in using computer-assisted language learning (CALL) for automated response to student writing, and how effectively can this be applied to the South African teaching context?' To answer this question, we discuss the advances represented by the Criterion(SM) Online Writing Evaluation system, a web-based service developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to evaluate student writing and provide feedback. Theory is juxtaposed with application. A practice-based evaluation of the implementation of this programme at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University was conducted in which the Criterion service was used by approximately 1 000 students per year, in 2005 and 2006. The students were enrolled in English /, Academic Literacy, English for Law Students and English for the Professions. One of the authors, Henk Louw, acted as administrator for this project. This article explores the advantages and challenges of implementing this American technology in a South African teaching context. | "automated essay evaluation",CALL,"CALL implementation","on-line essay evaluation","response to student writing" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867061211 | A preliminary impact study of a university, school and private sector partnership project: Hope for disadvantaged students through mentorships [N Voorlopige impakstudie van 'n vennootskapsprojek tussen universiteit, skole en die privaat sektor: Hoop vir b | Le Cordeur M. | 2012 | Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe | 52 | 3 | None | Departement Kurrikulumstudie (Afrikaans), Fakulteit Opvoedkunde, Universiteit Stellenbosch, South Africa | Le Cordeur, M., Departement Kurrikulumstudie (Afrikaans), Fakulteit Opvoedkunde, Universiteit Stellenbosch, South Africa | Successful access to higher education for black students in particular remains a challenge to all tertiary institutions in South Africa. This is the opinion of Prof. Russel Botman, Rector of Stellenbosch University (SU). It is therefore of concern that the SU strategic framework document (SU 2010a) states that the increase in our country's student population projected by the National Commission for Higher Education in 1997 (DBO 1997) has not been attained. This is in contrast with the University's vision for the future, which commits itself to an academic institution of excellence and a respected knowledge partner that contributes towards the development of South Africa and welcomes a diversity of people and ideas. But according to a report by the Centre for Higher Education Transformation (CHET) 1 little demographic transformation had occurred in respect of who participates in higher education. This is an indication that black students' chances of gaining access to university have in fact decreased. Despite this authorities continue to insist that the percentage of black students in public higher-education institutions be increased. The Ministry's vision is of a transformed, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist system of higher education that will promote equity of access and fair chances of success to all who are seeking to realise their potential through higher education (DBO 1997). The Vice-Rector of SU (Fourie 2009b:16) expands on this: "Besides the moral-ethical considerations, pressure is also being placed on universities by higher education policy to diversify their student and staff compositions and to remove measures that could exclude certain groupings". Stellenbosch University is thus under pressure to align its diversity profile with the transformation goals set by the government, as proclaimed in the White Paper on Higher Education of 1997. At the same time the University also experiences pressure from the broader community to answer to the call of alleviating poverty in disadvantaged communities (SU 2010a). However, the standard of teaching in previously disadvantaged schools in the surrounding areas is such that very few students qualify to further their studies at university level. The question therefore is what the University can do to draw students that will rise to these challenges. In his response the University announced a strategy referred to by the current vice-chancellor (Botman 2007) as a "pedagogy of hope". This seems to have been inspired by the neo-Marxist Brazilian educationalist Paulo Friere's publication Pedagogy of the oppressed (1970). According to this strategy the University will search for and exploit opportunities that will lead to "the farm owner's daughter and the farm worker's son sitting in the same class" (Botman 2007). This gave rise to initiatives such as the Rachel's Angels Schools Partnership Project, which is based on the principles of community interaction. 2 The project aims to build the capacity of promising students from disadvantaged communities with the aid of a mentorship programme. This will enable them to bridge the gap between school and university successfully. This article presents an overview of the project as well as a report on its impact. The educational theories which underpin the Rachel's Angels project can be considered to be constructivist in nature, founded upon a philosophy that is student centred and based on a view in which knowledge is not absolute, but is actively constructed by the student. The study aims to establish whether the project has achieved the desired outcomes. If employed successfully, SU will give effect to its transformation agenda, which includes increased participation by a diverse corps of students, willingness to react to social and economic needs and growing cooperation between higher education institutions and all sectors of society. The results of the impact study indicate that, despite growing pains, the project has already made a meaningful contribution in building the capacity of disadvantaged students. The implications for the University are to continuously engage in partnerships with previously disadvantaged schools in order to unlock the potential of disadvantaged students. Not only will it reflect positively on the University's diversity profile, but at the same time give meaning to the University's quest for a "pedagogy of hope". | Angels; Community interaction; Empowerment; Entrepreneurial skills; Mentoring; Mentors; Partnership in education; Protégé-mentee; Transformation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878275810 | A process evaluation of a capacity-building project for comprehensive HIV/AIDS management in Nkonkobe local municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa | Chipunza C., Nyawasha T.S. | 2013 | Anthropologist | 15 | 3 | None | Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa; University of Limpopo, Department of Sociology, South Africa | Chipunza, C., Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa; Nyawasha, T.S., University of Limpopo, Department of Sociology, South Africa | South Africa has put in place policies to curb the HIV and AIDS pandemic and adopted the multi-sectoral approach to effectively implement the policies and manage the scourge in terms of prevention, treatment, care and support. However, the implementation of the policies has been hampered by lack of human capacity. This article focuses on the results of a process or implementation evaluation of a capacity-building project in the management of HIV and AIDS in one of South Africa's local municipalities. The intention of the researchers were twofold: (1) to provide a picture of important observations about the project in terms of delivery in line with the original plan, reaching targeted population, as well as frequency and adequacy of project activities (2) to draw up lessons that can be used to improve HIV and AIDS policy implementation through projects. Using interviews and corroborating them with, observations and documents, the process evaluation exercise focused on two levels of analysis, that is, the programme staff and their provincial partners, and the project's intended beneficiaries. The results of the evaluation showed a high level of fidelity implementation, reach and dose. The study highlights the lessons learnt in contributing to a co-ordinated and, participatory and vibrant response to HIV and AIDS management. It draws a number of recommendations for future policy and practices based on the project's experience. © Kamla-Raj 2013. | Dose; Empowerment; Fidelity; Participation; Reach | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886671156 | A process evaluation of a programme for street people | O'Donoghue K., Louw-Potgieter J. | 2013 | Social Work (South Africa) | 49 | 4 | None | Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | O'Donoghue, K., Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw-Potgieter, J., Section of Organisational Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This theory-driven process evaluation assessed whether the implementing non-governmental organisation delivered a programme for street people as intended. The service utilisation part of the evaluation showed that clients mainly used the initial services of the programme. The service delivery and organisational support part indicated that the non-governmental organisation did not have sufficient resources to implement the programme as intended. The evaluators recommended the following: focus only on the initial programme activities or extend the programme to core and referral activities. A revised programme theory was created for the latter choice and the coordinating role of case management was highlighted. | None | implementation process; nongovernmental organization; social policy; welfare provision | None |
| WoS | WOS:000248543300004 | A process evaluation of a school-based adolescent sexual health intervention in rural Tanzania: the MEMA kwa Vijana programme | Hayes, R. J.,Makokha, A.,Mazige, B. C.,Mshana, G.,Obasi, A. I. N.,Plummer, Mary L.,Ross, D. A.,Todd, J.,Wamoyi, J.,Wight, D. | 2007 | HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH | 22 | 4 | 10.1093/her/cyl103 | University of London, MRC, NIMR AMREF LSHTM Collaborat Projects | None | This study is a process evaluation of the school component of the adolescent sexual health programme MEMA kwa Vijana (MkV), which was implemented in 62 primary schools in rural Mwanza, Tanzania from 1999 to 2001. The MkV curriculum was a teacher-led and peer-assisted programme based on the Social Learning Theory. Process evaluation included observation of training sessions, monitoring and supervision, annual surveys of implementers, group discussions and 158 person-weeks of participant observation. Most teachers taught curriculum content well, but sometimes had difficulty adopting new teaching styles. Peer educators performed scripted dramas well, but were limited as informal educators and behavioural models. The intervention appeared successful in addressing some cognitions, e.g. knowledge of risks and benefits of behaviours, but not others, e.g. perceived susceptibility to risk. MkV shared the characteristics of other African school-based programmes found to be successful, and similarly found significant improvements in self-reported behaviour in surveys. However, a substantial proportion of MkV survey self-reports were inconsistent, there was no consistent impact on biological markers and extensive process evaluation found little impact on several key theoretical determinants of behaviour. Improvements in self-reported survey data alone may provide only a very limited-and perhaps invalid-indication of adolescent sexual health programme success. | ,"ABUSE PREVENTION","AFRICAN YOUTH","AIDS EDUCATION-PROGRAM",COMMUNITY,FIDELITY,HIV/AIDS,"HIV PREVENTION",IMPLEMENTATION,"NORTHERN TANZANIA","PEER EDUCATION" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899479136 | A process evaluation of performance-based incentives for village health workers in Kisoro district, Uganda | Miller J.S., Musominali S., Baganizi M., Paccione G.A. | 2014 | Human Resources for Health | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1478-4491-12-19 | Harvard Medical School, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States; Doctors for Global Health, PO Box 247, Kisoro, Uganda; Kisoro District Hospital, Kisoro, Uganda; Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, New York, NY 10461, United States; Montefiore Medical Center, 111 East 210th Street, New York, NY 10467, United States | Miller, J.S., Harvard Medical School, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States, Doctors for Global Health, PO Box 247, Kisoro, Uganda; Musominali, S., Doctors for Global Health, PO Box 247, Kisoro, Uganda, Kisoro District Hospital, Kisoro, Uganda; Baganizi, M., Doctors for Global Health, PO Box 247, Kisoro, Uganda, Kisoro District Hospital, Kisoro, Uganda; Paccione, G.A., Doctors for Global Health, PO Box 247, Kisoro, Uganda, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, New York, NY 10461, United States, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 East 210th Street, New York, NY 10467, United States | Background: Designing effective incentive systems for village health workers (VHWs) represents a longstanding policy issue with substantial impact on the success and sustainability of VHW programs. Using performance-based incentives (PBI) for VHWs is an approach that has been proposed and implemented in some programs, but has not received adequate review and evaluation in the peer-reviewed literature. We conducted a process evaluation examining the use of PBI for VHWs in Kisoro, Uganda. In this system, VHWs are paid based on 20 indicators, divided among routine follow-up visits, health education activities, new patient identifications, sanitation coverage, and uptake of priority health services.Methods: Surveys of VHWs (n = 30) and program supervisors (n = 7) were conducted to assess acceptability and feasibility. Interviews were conducted with all 8 program supervisors and with 6 purposively selected VHWs to gain a deeper understanding of their views on the PBI system. Program budget records were used to assess the costs of the program. Detailed payment records were used to assess the fairness of the PBI system with respect to VHWs' gender, education level, and village location.Results: In surveys and interviews, supervisors expressed high satisfaction with the PBI system, though some supervisors expressed concerns about possible negative effects from the variation in payments between VHWs and the uncertainty of reward for effort. VHWs perceived the system as generally fair, and preferred it to the previous payment system, but expressed a desire to be paid more. The annual program cost was $516 per VHW, with each VHW covering an average of 115 households. VHWs covering more households tended to earn more. There was some evidence that female gender was associated with higher earnings. Education level and proximity to the district hospital did not appear to be associated with earnings under the PBI system.Conclusions: In a one-year pilot of PBI within a small VHW program, both VHWs and supervisors found the PBI system acceptable and motivating. VHWs with relatively limited formal education were able to master the PBI system. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects and scalability of PBI, as well as the effects across varied contexts. © 2014 Miller et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Developing countries; Incentives; Low-income countries; Primary health care; Uganda | adult; article; evaluation study; female; health auxiliary; health care survey; health personnel attitude; health service; human; interview; male; motivation; organization and management; salary and fringe benefit; Uganda; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Community Health Workers; Female; Health Care Surveys; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Motivation; Organization and Administration; Salaries and Fringe Benefits; Uganda | None |
| WoS | WOS:000296344400001 | A process evaluation of the scale up of a youth-friendly health services initiative in northern Tanzania | Andrew, Bahati,Changalucha, John,Kato, Charles,Kishamawe, Coleman,Nyalali, Kija,Obasi, Angela,Renju, Jenny | 2010 | JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY | 13 | None | 10.1186/1758-2652-13-32 | University of Liverpool, Mwanza Ctr | "Obasi, Angela: University of Liverpool", | Background: While there are a number of examples of successful small-scale, youth-friendly services interventions aimed at improving reproductive health service provision for young people, these projects are often short term and have low coverage. In order to have a significant, long-term impact, these initiatives must be implemented over a sustained period and on a large scale. We conducted a process evaluation of the 10-fold scale up of an evaluated youth-friendly services intervention in Mwanza Region, Tanzania, in order to identify key facilitating and inhibitory factors from both user and provider perspectives.
Methods: The intervention was scaled up in two training rounds lasting six and 10 months. This process was evaluated through the triangulation of multiple methods: (i) a simulated patient study; (ii) focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with health workers and trainers; (iii) training observations; and (iv) pre- and post-training questionnaires. These methods were used to compare pre- and post-intervention groups and assess differences between the two training rounds.
Results: Between 2004 and 2007, local government officials trained 429 health workers. The training was well implemented and over time, trainers' confidence and ability to lead sessions improved. The district-led training significantly improved knowledge relating to HIV/AIDS and puberty (RR ranged from 1.06 to 2.0), attitudes towards condoms, confidentiality and young people's right to treatment (RR range: 1.23-1.36). Intervention health units scored higher in the family planning and condom request simulated patient scenarios, but lower in the sexually transmitted infection scenario than the control health units. The scale up faced challenges in the selection and retention of trained health workers and was limited by various contextual factors and structural constraints.
Conclusions: Youth-friendly services interventions can remain well delivered, even after expansion through existing systems. The scaling-up process did affect some aspects of intervention quality, and our research supports others in emphasizing the need to train more staff (both clinical and non-clinical) per facility in order to ensure youth-friendly services delivery. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies to address structural constraints and broader social norms that hampered the scale up. | ,ADOLESCENTS,BEHAVIOR,CLINICS,INTERVENTION,PRIMARY-CARE,QUALITY,"RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL","RURAL TANZANIA",SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED-DISEASES,SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84935875127 | A program evaluation report of a rapid scale-up of a high-volume medical male circumcision site, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 2010-2013 Health systems and services in low and middle income settings | Wynn A., Bristow C.C., Ross D., Schenker I., Klausner J.D. | 2015 | BMC Health Services Research | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12913-015-0904-2 | Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; St Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill KZN, Johannesburg, South Africa; Operation Abraham Collaborative, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Epidemiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 9911 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, United States | Wynn, A., Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Bristow, C.C., Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Ross, D., St Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill KZN, Johannesburg, South Africa; Schenker, I., Operation Abraham Collaborative, Jerusalem, Israel; Klausner, J.D., Department of Epidemiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 9911 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, United States | Background: Male circumcision can provide life-long reduction in the risk of acquiring HIV infection. In South Africa, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Health committed to rolling out circumcision programs to address the HIV epidemic. The Department of Health enlisted the help of St. Mary's Hospital in Mariannhill and the Operation Abraham Collaborative. Methods: St. Mary's Hospital and the Operation Abraham Collaborative partnered to establish a voluntary medical male circumcision facility, called Asiphile, and to train surgeons, nurses and health clinic staff to serve KwaZulu-Natal. Results: Over the course of the implementation period, 9,980 circumcisions were conducted at the Asiphile facility. The uptake numbers increased throughout 2010 and 2011 and began to level off as the demand of early adopters may have been met. Uptake spiked during school vacations and staff training sessions. Additionally, 92 % of clients returned for post-operation follow-up and only 2 % of clients experienced any adverse event. Conclusion: St. Mary's Hospital and the Operation Abraham Collaborative were able to cooperate and successfully implement a voluntary medical male circumcision facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Although uptake was lower than projected, lessons learned from efforts to overcome challenges in recruitment, transportation, and coordination can help inform and improve new and existing population-based male circumcision programs. © 2015 Wynn et al. | AIDS; HIV; Male circumcision; South Africa; Uptake | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000299437500004 | A proposed methodology for contextualised evaluation in higher education | Belluigi, Dina Zoe,Nygaard, Claus | 2011 | ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION | 36 | 6 | 10.1080/02602931003650037 | Copenhagen Business School, Rhodes University | "Belluigi, Dina Zoe: Rhodes University","Nygaard, Claus: Copenhagen Business School" | This paper aims to inspire stakeholders working with quality of higher education (such as members of study boards, study programme directors, curriculum developers and teachers) to critically consider their evaluation methods in relation to a focus on student learning. We argue that many of the existing methods of evaluation in higher education are underpinned by a conception of learning that is de-contextualised. As a consequence, many data collection methods do not address aspects that affect students' learning. This is problematic because the core aim of higher education is to facilitate student learning. We propose a contextualised evaluation methodology, guided by 10 key questions, which can help evaluators address concepts and questions of student learning in their evaluations. | "contextualised learning",evaluation,FEEDBACK,methodology,WORK | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000282155200070 | A proposed model for evaluating the success of WebCT course content management system | Adeyinka, Tella,Mutula, S. | 2010 | COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR | 26 | 6 | 10.1016/j.chb.2010.07.007 | University of Botswana, University of Ilorin | "Adeyinka, Tella: University of Ilorin","Mutula, S.: University of Botswana" | WebCT is an online course management system which is accessed through the portal. It has a wide range of tools which support teaching and learning and enable online delivery of lecture notes, representations, surveys and quizzes, coursework, discussion boards and much more. Evaluation of WebCT systems success or effectiveness is a fundamental challenge to education institutions. A review of previous e-learning research suggests a focused evaluation approach, thus offering limited discussion of comprehensive views of WebCT systems success or systematic and practical guidance to its evaluations. Based on a prevalent information systems success model, this paper proposes and describes a revised model for evaluating WebCT systems success in educational settings. The study findings suggest that content quality, system quality, support service quality, teaching and learning quality, self-regulated learning, intention to use/use, user satisfaction and net benefits are important factors for evaluating the success of WebCT CCMS. Implications of the proposed model for theory and practice were illustrated. In addition, future research directions that extend the reported study are also preferred. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | BOTSWANA,"Course content management system",e-learning,"Information Communication Technology (ICT)","INFORMATION SYSTEM SUCCESS",WebCT,DELONE,"EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE",INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY,RESPECIFICATION,"USER ACCEPTANCE",VALIDATION | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000208947200017 | A Qualitative Evaluation of Exposure to and Perceptions of the Woolworths Healthy Tuck Shop Guide in Cape Town, South Africa | Bourne, Lesley,Draper, Catherine Elizabeth,Marraccini, Toni,Meltzer, Shelly | 2012 | CHILDHOOD OBESITY | 8 | 4 | 10.1089/chi.2012.0034 | South African Medical Research Council, University of Cape Town, Sports Sci Inst South Africa | "Bourne, Lesley: South African Medical Research Council","Draper, Catherine Elizabeth: University of Cape Town","Marraccini, Toni: University of Cape Town", | Background: Both under-and over-nutrition pose a public health concern, especially for children in South Africa. Several initiatives exist in South Africa directed at promoting healthy eating and nutrition at schools. One of them is the Woolworths Making the Difference (MTD) Programme aimed at eliminating barriers to promoting healthy lifestyles that exist at schools, such as the availability of low-cost, unhealthy foods either from tuck shops (small food shops) or street vendors. The Healthy Tuck Shop Guide is a recent addition to the MTD Programme. The aim of this evaluation was to assess awareness, potential uptake, and perceptions of the Woolworths Healthy Tuck Shop Guide among parents and staff in a sample of schools that were exposed to the guide.
Methods: A qualitative study consisting of focus groups, interviews, and tuck shop observation was used to gather information on 13 schools and their exposure, comprehension, and use of the guide. A mix of schools was examined in terms of economic status and level of control over their tuck shop. Thematic analysis was used to extract findings.
Results: Findings show that despite overall positive attitudes about the guide several barriers to its implementation exist, including children's preferences for unhealthy foods, the higher cost of healthy foods, and other issues related to a lack of facilities, time and manpower.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Woolworths Healthy Tuck Shop Guide would contribute more meaningfully to the creation of healthier food environments if executed within a larger support network to address barriers to implementation. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000324777300033 | A Qualitative Evaluation of Hand Drying Practices among Kenyans | Ogange, Lorraine,Owuor, Mercy,Person, Bobbie,Quick, Rob,Schilling, Katharine | 2013 | PLOS ONE | 8 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0074370 | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | None | Background: Recommended disease prevention behaviors of hand washing, hygienic hand drying, and covering one's mouth and nose in a hygienic manner when coughing and sneezing appear to be simple behaviors but continue to be a challenge to successfully promote and sustain worldwide. We conducted a qualitative inquiry to better understand current hand drying behaviors associated with activities of daily living, and mouth and nose covering practices, among Kenyans.
Methods and Findings: We conducted 7 focus group discussions; 30 in-depth interviews; 10 structured household observations; and 75 structured observations in public venues in the urban area of Kisumu; rural communities surrounding Kisumu; and a peri-urban area outside Nairobi, Kenya. Using a grounded theory approach, we transcribed and coded the narrative data followed by thematic analysis of the emergent themes. Hand drying, specifically on a clean towel, was not a common practice among our participants. Most women dried their hands on their waist cloth, called a leso, or their clothes whether they were cooking, eating or cleaning the nose of a young child. If men dried their hands, they used their trousers or a handkerchief. Children rarely dried their hands; they usually just wiped them on their clothes, shook them, or left them wet as they continued with their activities. Many people sneezed into their hands and wiped them on their clothes. Men and women used a handkerchief fairly often when they had a runny nose, cold, or the flu. Most people coughed into the air or their hand.
Conclusions: Drying hands on dirty clothes, rags and lesos can compromise the benefits of handwashing. Coughing and sneezing in to an open hand can contribute to spread of disease as well. Understanding these practices can inform health promotion activities and campaigns for the prevention and control of diarrheal disease and influenza. | ,DISEASE,HYGIENE,RISK,"SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000296966900001 | A qualitative evaluation of volunteers' experiences in a phase I/II HIV vaccine trial in Tanzania | Bakari, Muhammad,Kohi, Thecla W.,Kulane, Asli,Mhalu, Fred,Sandstrom, Eric,Tarimo, Edith A. M.,Thorson, Anna | 2011 | BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2334-11-283 | Karolinska Institutet, Sodersjukhuset Hospital, Muhimbili Univ Hlth & Allied Sci | "Kulane, Asli: Karolinska Institutet","Sandstrom, Eric: Karolinska Institutet","Sandstrom, Eric: Sodersjukhuset Hospital","Thorson, Anna: Karolinska Institutet", | Background: Evaluating experiences of volunteers in an HIV vaccine trial will be useful for the conduct of future trials. The purpose of this study among volunteers who participated in a phase I/II HIV vaccine trial in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania was to assess what characterized their experiences during the trial.
Methods: We conducted four focus group discussions with 35 out of the 60 individuals (women and men) after the five scheduled vaccinations. An interpretive description approach was applied to data analysis.
Results: As a result of the trial interventions, both men and women gained confidence in their own abilities to have safer, less risky sexual behaviour. The participants experienced the trial as a way of accessing free [insured] medical services. Most of the men said they had gone from self-medication to professional medical consultation. Despite these benefits, the participants faced various challenges during the trial. Such challenges included mistrust of the trial shown by health care providers who were not connected to the trial and discouragement from friends, colleagues and family members who questioned the safety of the trial. However, they managed to cope with these doubts by using both personal and trial related interventions.
Conclusion: We found that during the phase I/II HIV vaccine trial, participants had both the opportunities and the ability to cope with the doubts from the surrounding community. Follow up visits enhanced the opportunities and individuals' abilities to cope with the doubts during the trial. Understanding this discourse may be useful for the trial implementers when designing future trials. | ,"EFFICACY TRIAL","INTERPRETIVE DESCRIPTION",PARTICIPATION,"SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR","SOCIAL HARMS",THAILAND | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72849126411 | A qualitative study of the multiple impacts of external workplace violence in two Western Cape communities | Bowman B., Crafford A., Bhamjee F., Eagle G. | 2009 | South African Journal of Psychology | 39 | 3 | None | Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Programme in Industrial Psychology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Bowman, B., Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Crafford, A., Programme in Industrial Psychology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Bhamjee, F., Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Eagle, G., Programme in Industrial Psychology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | We explore the individual, organisational, familial, and community impacts of external workplace violence in a South African telecommunications company, as perceived and experienced by victims of such violence and the members of management mandated to manage and prevent it. Exposure to violence while working dramatically and directly affected the lives of the individual victims. Moreover, its impacts were felt across and within the organisational, familial, and community settings in which these individuals are located daily. The use of conventional crisis management strategies that are traditionally directed at addressing the individual impacts of trauma through specialised psychological interventions were perceived to be ineffective by all of the research participants. Our findings therefore call into question current understandings of the psychologist's role in managing violence in the workplace. Accordingly, ways of re-conceptualising the role and requisite skill set of psychologists working with or in organisations, where violence while working is an everyday reality, are suggested. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Psychologist in the workplace; Trauma; Violence; Work; Workplace violence | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000285389600009 | A quasi-experimental evaluation of a community-based art therapy intervention exploring the psychosocial health of children affected by HIV in South Africa | Alie, Collin,Brown, Elizabeth,Jonas, Beatrice,Mueller, Joanne,Sherr, Lorraine | 2011 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 16 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02682.x | University College London, University of London, Mad Art | "Sherr, Lorraine: University College London","Sherr, Lorraine: University of London", | Objectives
To evaluate the efficacy of the Make A Difference about Art programme, a community art programme in South Africa for children affected by HIV and AIDS, which aims to reduce psychosocial problems by increasing self-esteem, self-efficacy and HIV insight.
Methods
A quasi-experimental cross-sectional post-intervention survey of 297 children aged 8-18 years (177 programme attendees and a control group of 120). Participants completed an inventory comprising standardized, validated psychosocial measures of depression, emotional and behavioural problems, self-esteem and self-efficacy and key sociodemographic variables potentially relevant as risk and protective factors.
Results
Attending the intervention was predictive of significantly higher self-efficacy, but was not associated with differences in self-esteem, depression, or emotional/behavioural problems. This association remained in the multivariate analysis, controlling for potential confounders. Double parental death exerted a powerful effect on child psychosocial health, eliminating the association between intervention attendance and higher self-efficacy. However, an interaction was found between bereavement status and intervention attendance on child self-efficacy, indicating that the intervention programme may ameliorate some of the psychosocial vulnerabilities associated with becoming an orphan. Other key risk factors for poor psychosocial health in this sample were AIDS-related stigma and community and household violence. Social connection emerged as a key protective factor.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that such interventions may offer opportunities to increase the self-efficacy of vulnerable children to protect their psychological health. | "Afrique du Sud",CHILDREN,enfants,Evaluacion,evaluation,HIV,intervencion,INTERVENTION,ninos,"SOUTH AFRICA",Sudafrica,terapia,THERAPIE,THERAPY,VIH,"AIDS-ORPHANED CHILDREN",CAPE-TOWN,"DIFFICULTIES QUESTIONNAIRE",MENTAL-HEALTH,"PROTECTIVE FACTORS",PSYCHIATRI | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000315042100039 | A quasi-experimental evaluation of an HIV prevention programme by peer education in the Anglican Church of the Western Cape, South Africa | Mash, Rachel,Mash, Robert James | 2012 | BMJ OPEN | 2 | 2 | 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000638 | Stellenbosch University | "Mash, Rachel: Stellenbosch University","Mash, Robert James: Stellenbosch University" | Introduction: Religion is important in most African communities, but faith-based HIV prevention programmes are infrequent and very rarely evaluated.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a church-based peer education HIV prevention programme that focused on youth.
Design: A quasi-experimental study design compared non-randomly chosen intervention and control groups.
Setting: This study was conducted in the Cape Town Diocese of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
Participants: The intervention group of 176 teenagers was selected from youth groups at 14 churches and the control group of 92 from youth groups at 17 churches.
Intervention and control churches were chosen to be as similar as possible to decrease confounding. Intervention: The intervention was a 20-session peer education programme (Fikelela: Agents of Change) aimed at changing risky sexual behaviour among youth (aged 12-19 years). Three workshops were also held with parents.
Primary and secondary outcome measures: The main outcome measures were changes in age of sexual debut, secondary abstinence, condom use and numbers of partners.
Results: The programme was successful at increasing condom usage (condom use score 3.5 vs 2.1; p=0.02), OR 6.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 40.7), and postponing sexual debut (11.9% vs 21.4%; p=0.04) absolute difference 9.5%. There was no difference in secondary abstinence (14.6% vs 12.5%; p=0.25) or with the number of partners (mean 1.7 vs 1.4; p=0.67) and OR 2.2 (95% Cl 0.7 to 7.4).
Conclusion: An initial exploratory quasi-experimental evaluation of the Agents of Change peer education programme in a church-based context found that the age of sexual debut and condom usage was significantly increased. The study demonstrated the potential of faith-based peer education among youth to make a contribution to HIV prevention in Africa. Further evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme is, however, required before widespread implementation can be recommended. | ,ABSTINENCE,ADOLESCENTS,GHANA,HEALTH,HIV/AIDS,"PROTECTIVE BEHAVIORS",RELIGION,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",TANZANIA,YOUTH | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000275305700001 | A realist evaluation of the management of a well-performing regional hospital in Ghana | Dedzo, McDamien,Kegels, Guy,Marchal, Bruno | 2010 | BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH | 10 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-10-24 | Inst Trop Med, Volta Reg Hlth Directorate | None | Background: Realist evaluation offers an interesting approach to evaluation of interventions in complex settings, but has been little applied in health care. We report on a realist case study of a well performing hospital in Ghana and show how such a realist evaluation design can help to overcome the limited external validity of a traditional case study.
Methods: We developed a realist evaluation framework for hypothesis formulation, data collection, data analysis and synthesis of the findings. Focusing on the role of human resource management in hospital performance, we formulated our hypothesis around the high commitment management concept. Mixed methods were used in data collection, including individual and group interviews, observations and document reviews.
Results: We found that the human resource management approach (the actual intervention) included induction of new staff, training and personal development, good communication and information sharing, and decentralised decision-making. We identified 3 additional practices: ensuring optimal physical working conditions, access to top managers and managers' involvement on the work floor. Teamwork, recognition and trust emerged as key elements of the organisational climate. Interviewees reported high levels of organisational commitment. The analysis unearthed perceived organisational support and reciprocity as underlying mechanisms that link the management practices with commitment. Methodologically, we found that realist evaluation can be fruitfully used to develop detailed case studies that analyse how management interventions work and in which conditions. Analysing the links between intervention, mechanism and outcome increases the explaining power, while identification of essential context elements improves the usefulness of the findings for decision-makers in other settings (external validity). We also identified a number of practical difficulties and priorities for further methodological development.
Conclusion: This case suggests that a well-balanced HRM bundle can stimulate organisational commitment of health workers. Such practices can be implemented even with narrow decision spaces. Realist evaluation provides an appropriate approach to increase the usefulness of case studies to managers and policymakers. | ,ATTITUDES,COMMITMENT,CULTURE,HEALTH-SERVICES,"HUMAN-RESOURCE MANAGEMENT",MODELS,"PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT","THEORY-DRIVEN PERSPECTIVE",VALIDITY,"WORK SYSTEMS" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000269810800002 | Are hospitals prepared to support newborn survival? - an evaluation of eight first-referral level hospitals in Kenya | English, Mike,Irimu, Grace,Migiro, Santau,Ntoburi, Stephen,Opondo, Charles,Wafula, Jackline,Wagai, John,Wamae, Annah,Wasunna, Aggrey,Were, Fred | 2009 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 14 | 10 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02358.x | University of Nairobi, University of Oxford, KEMRI Ctr Geog Med Res Coast, Minist Publ Hlth & Sanitat, Wellcome Trust Res Programme | "Wasunna, Aggrey: University of Nairobi","Were, Fred: University of Nairobi", | OBJECTIVE To assess the availability of resources that support the provision of basic neonatal care in eight first-referral level (district) hospitals in Kenya.
METHODS We selected two hospitals each from four of Kenya's eight provinces with the aim of representing the diversity of this part of the health system in Kenya. We created a checklist of 53 indicator items necessary for providing essential basic care to newborns and assessed their availability at each of the eight hospitals by direct observation, and then compared our observations with the opinions of health workers providing care to newborns on recent availability for some items, using a self-administered structured questionnaire.
RESULTS The hospitals surveyed were often unable to maintain a safe hygienic environment for patients and health care workers; staffing was insufficient and sometimes poorly organised to support the provision of care; some key equipment, laboratory tests, drugs and consumables were not available while patient management guidelines were missing in all sites.
CONCLUSION Hospitals appear relatively poorly prepared to fill their proposed role in ensuring newborn survival. More effective interventions are needed to improve them to meet the special needs of this at-risk group. | HOSPITALS,KENYA,"NEONATAL CARE","observational study",AFRICA,CHILDREN,FACILITIES,HEALTH-CARE,IMPACT,INTERVENTIONS,QUALITY,RESUSCITATION,SETTINGS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000282842000006 | A Retrospective Evaluation of a Community-Based Physical Activity Health Promotion Program | Draper, Catherine E.,Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy L.,Lambert, Estelle V. | 2009 | JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH | 6 | 5 | None | University of Cape Town | "Draper, Catherine E.: University of Cape Town","Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy L.: University of Cape Town","Lambert, Estelle V.: University of Cape Town" | Background: The Community Health Intervention Programmes (CHIPs) is a physical activity-based health promotion program operating in disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape, South Africa with primary school learners, adults and senior adults. Program growth, anecdotal evidence and experience of those involved suggest the program has been positively received by communities. The aim of this study was to conduct a qualitative, retrospective process evaluation concerning both factors associated with successful implementation of the programs, and implementation challenges. Methods: 'Success' was defined in consultation with CHIPs staff and stakeholders. Data were gathered through naturalistic observation, structured interviews and focus groups (n = 104), and open-ended questionnaires (n = 81). The sample included CHIPs staff and stakeholders, program members and leaders. Results: Factors contributing to the program's success include: focus on combining social development and exercise science, community development model, scientifically sound program content, appropriate activities, intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, program leadership, encouraging staff, and various contextual factors. Conclusions: The findings confirm that CHIPs presents a model of sustainable implementation of physical activity in disadvantaged communities, and that it positively impacts the quality of life, perceptions of the role of physical activity in health, and personal responsibility for health of those involved in its programs. | "chronic disease prevention","disadvantaged communities",CATCH-ON,CHILDREN,ELEMENTARY-SCHOOLS,"EXERCISE PROGRAM",INTERVENTION,OBESITY,OLDER-ADULTS,PREVENTION,SOUTH-AFRICA,WOMEN | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000298197100005 | A retrospective evaluation of a wilderness-based leadership development programme | Draper, Catherine E.,Flisher, Alan J.,Lund, Crick | 2011 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY | 41 | 4 | None | University of Cape Town, Sports Sci Inst S Africa | "Draper, Catherine E.: University of Cape Town","Flisher, Alan J.: University of Cape Town","Lund, Crick: University of Cape Town" | The Leadership Project (LP) in Cape Town, South Africa, is a wilderness-based leadership development programme that targets young people from diverse backgrounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the LP, focusing on process and perceived outcomes. Document analysis and key informant interviews were used to evaluate programme reach and implementation process. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with past programme participants (n = 46) were conducted to assess perceived outcomes. Study findings indicated that the LP offers a relevant programme and has wide reach through its range of client agencies and organisations. Qualitative findings highlighted that participants' positive experiences and views of the LP came about through the interaction between 'self, 'others' and the 'environment'. Participants' perceived intrapersonal and interpersonal outcomes of the LP aligned with the LP's intended outcomes. Mechanisms of perceived outcomes - leaders, programme activities and programme setting - influenced and facilitated the reflective process. This reflective process (strongly related to the intrapersonal outcome of increased self-awareness) appeared to underlie the interpersonal outcomes of the LP. Therefore, a significant finding of this study was that awareness of self is a key characteristic of leadership development. The nature of perceived outcomes was underpinned by the changing of perspectives, and the LP was described as either starting or contributing to a process of change, or as a life changing experience. No major improvements to the LP were suggested, but rather participants' responses affirmed the content and delivery of the programme. These findings indicate that a study with a relatively small scope can provide insight into the perceived outcomes of a leadership development programme, particularly one that caters for participants from a diverse range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. The findings have elucidated the manner in which interpersonal outcomes are underpinned by intrapersonal outcomes, and the complexity of these outcomes in terms of assessment. | "Leadership Project","programme evaluation","wilderness-based leadership development programme",ADOLESCENTS,BEHAVIOR,CAPE-TOWN,HIV,"METHAMPHETAMINE USE",PERSPECTIVE,RISK,SCHOOL-STUDENTS,SOUTH-AFRICA,"TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000281700300008 | A REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE STANDARDS TO MONITOR, EVALUATE AND ASSESS THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICES | Gumbi, Sibongile | 2010 | SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE | 106 | 42924 | 10.4102/sajs.v106i7/8.323 | Smart Innovat | None | The conversion of scientific discoveries to new products and processes and their launch onto the market can be a lengthy process. Similarly, it takes many years before the impact of scientific research on society and the economy is realised and a further length of time before its performance can be measured. Higher education and research institutions, and their governments, often make significant investments into intellectual property management and technology transfer activities through legislative and policy development, human resource development, financial allocation and infrastructure improvement. Since returns on such investments are not immediately apparent, it is important to establish a means by which the impact of their efforts can be determined. In this paper, I examined the measures and indicators that could be developed by institutions and their stakeholders in order to monitor, evaluate and determine the impact of research output and outcomes on the market. | "higher education and research institutions","IMPACT ASSESSMENT","INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY","monitoring and evaluation","PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT","RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT","TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79551629266 | A review of the impact of HIV/AIDS on education, the workforce and workplace: The African experience | Pennap G.R.I., Chaanda M., Ezirike L. | 2011 | Social Sciences | 6 | 2 | 10.3923/sscience.2011.164.168 | Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Department of Geology and Mining, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Department of General Studies, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Kef | Pennap, G.R.I., Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Chaanda, M., Department of Geology and Mining, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Ezirike, L., Department of General Studies, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | The impact of HIV/AIDS cuts across all sectors of economic activities and social life. For example, it not only reduces the stock of human capital but also the capacity to maintain the required turnover of many sought after skills and training like engineers, doctors, teachers, artisans and others. In the educational sphere, it leads to among other things a decrease in potential clientele for education, resources and even donor support. On the workforce, its impact increases expenditure on the one hand and decreases productivity on the other. In fact, economists posit that even when unemployment rates are high, retirement and death of a large number of skilled and unskilled workers will cause an increase in wages. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Africa; Economic; Education; HIV/AIDS; Workforce; Workplace | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000258761700014 | Assessing the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on Nigerian households: a propensity score matching approach | Canning, David,Mahal, Ajay,Odumosu, Kunle,Okonkwo, Prosper | 2008 | AIDS | 22 | None | None | Harvard University, Nigerian Inst Social & Econ Res | "Canning, David: Harvard University","Mahal, Ajay: Harvard University", | Objectives: We used a novel approach to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals' healthcare utilization and spending in the Oyo and Plateau states of Nigeria and income foregone from work time lost.
Methods: Data from a 2004 random Survey of over 6400 individuals were compared with a sample of 482 individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Estimating the effect of HIV is complicated by the fact that our sample of HIV-positive individuals was non-random; there are selection effects, both in acquiring HIV and being in our sample of HIV-positive people, which was based on contacts through non-govern menta I organizations. To overcome these, we compared HIV-positive people with a control group with similar observed characteristics, using propensity score matching. The matched HIV-negative individuals had worse health and greater health spending than the full HIV-negative group. This suggests that our HIV sample would not have had 'average' outcomes even if they had not acquired HIV.
Results: Compared with Our matched control group, HIV is associated with significantly increased morbidity, healthcare utilization, public health facility use, lost work time and family time devoted to care-giving. Direct private healthcare costs and indirect income loss per HIV-positive individual were 36065 Naira, approximately 56% of annual income per capita in affected households. Approximately 40% of these costs were income losses associated with sickness and care-giving. 10% of the cost of HIV is accounted for by public subsidies for health. The largest single cost, representing 54% of the total economic burden of HIV, is for out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare. (C) 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | "DIRECT COSTS","ECONOMIC IMPACTS",HIV,HOUSEHOLDS,NIGERIA,"propensity-score matching" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000342687100004 | Assessing the impact of a school-based latrine cleaning and handwashing program on pupil absence in Nyanza Province, Kenya: a cluster-randomized trial | Caruso, Bethany A.,Dreibelbis, Robert,Freeman, Matthew C.,Garn, Joshua V.,Muga, Richard,Rheingans, Richard,Saboori, Shadi | 2014 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 19 | 10 | 10.1111/tmi.12360 | Emory University, Florida State University System, University of Florida, University of Oklahoma - Norman, University of Oklahoma System, Great Lakes Univ Kisumu | "Rheingans, Richard: Florida State University System","Rheingans, Richard: University of Florida", | ObjectivesImproving school water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions reduces pupil absence and illness. However, these benefits may depend on the conditions of the latrines and availability of consumables. We sought to determine whether a low-cost, policy-relevant, environmental-level latrine cleaning intervention could improve latrine cleanliness, increase its use and reduce absenteeism.
MethodsIn a three-arm, cluster-randomized trial we assessed absence via periodical roll-call among 17564 pupils in 60 schools that had previously received WASH improvements as part of the SWASH+ project. Latrine conditions and use were also assessed using structured observation. Latrine cleanliness increased significantly during the post-intervention period among schools receiving the latrine cleaning package compared to controls, as did handwashing with soap. We found no difference in latrine use and absence across arms.
ConclusionsThe additive impact of cleaning may not have been strong enough to impact absence above and beyond reductions attributable to the original WASH infrastructure improvements and basic hygiene education the schools previously received. Improving latrine conditions is important for the dignity and well-being of pupils, and investments and strategies are necessary to ensure that school toilets are clean and pupil-friendly. | ABSENCE,HANDWASHING,HYGIENE,"Latrine use",SANITATION,SCHOOL,DIARRHEA,"FECAL CONTAMINATION","HAND CONTAMINATION",HOUSEHOLDS,HYGIENE,PROMOTION,"SANITATION INTERVENTION",SOAP,WATER-TREATMENT,"WESTERN KENYA" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300686600016 | Assessing the impact of a school-based water treatment, hygiene and sanitation programme on pupil absence in Nyanza Province, Kenya: a cluster-randomized trial | Brumback, Babette,Dreibelbis, Robert,Freeman, Matthew C.,Greene, Leslie E.,Muga, Richard,Rheingans, Richard,Saboori, Shadi | 2012 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 17 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02927.x | Emory University, Florida State University System, Johns Hopkins University, University of Florida, University of London, Great Lakes Univ Kisumu, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | "Brumback, Babette: Florida State University System","Brumback, Babette: University of Florida","Greene, Leslie E.: Emory University","Rheingans, Richard: Florida State University System","Rheingans, Richard: University of Florida","Saboori, Shadi: Emory University", | Objectives There has been increased attention to access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) at schools in developing countries, but a dearth of empirical studies on the impact. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial of school-based WASH on pupil absence in Nyanza Province, Kenya, from 2007 to 2008. METHODS Public primary schools nested in three geographical strata were randomly assigned and allocated to one of three study arms [ water treatment and hygiene promotion (WT & HP), additional sanitation improvement, or control] to assess the effects on pupil absence at 2-year follow-up. results We found no overall effect of the intervention on absence. However, among schools in two of the geographical areas not affected by post-election violence, those that received WT and HP showed a 58% reduction in the odds of absence for girls (OR 0.42, CI 0.21-0.85). In the same strata, sanitation improvement in combination with WT and HP resulted in a comparable drop in absence, although results were marginally significant (OR 0.47, 0.21-1.05). Boys were not impacted by the intervention. conclusion School WASH improvements can improve school attendance for girls, and mechanisms for gendered impacts should be explored. Incomplete intervention compliance highlights the challenges of achieving consistent results across all settings. | ABSENCE,HYGIENE,SANITATION,"sanitation and hygiene",SCHOOL,WATER,"WATER TREATMENT",ABSENTEEISM,ATTENDANCE,CHILDREN,HEALTH,INFECTIONS,INTERVENTIONS,POLLUTION,PROMOTION,RISK,"WESTERN KENYA" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000297893800023 | Assessing the impact of educational campaigns on controlling HCV among women in prison settings | Bhunu, C. P.,Mushayabasa, S.,Smith, Robert J. | 2012 | COMMUNICATIONS IN NONLINEAR SCIENCE AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION | 17 | 4 | 10.1016/j.cnsns.2011.08.024 | University of Ottawa, University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science & Technology - Zimbabwe, Natl Univ Sci & Technol | "Bhunu, C. P.: University of Zimbabwe", | Prior studies have shown that imprisonment is a major risk factor for hepatitis C infection, with the risk of infection directly proportional to the length of incarceration. Women are at least twice as likely as men to contract HCV as they have limited access to information, health services and safe intravenous drug injecting equipments. We develop a mathematical model to assess the impact of educational campaigns on controlling HCV among women in prison settings. Equilibria for the model are determined and their stability are examined. Population-level effects of increased educational campaigns to encourage safe injecting practices among women in prison are evaluated through numerical simulations. The results suggest that educating women prisoners about abstaining from intravenous drug misuse may significantly reduce HCV prevalence among women in prison settings. Targeted education campaigns, which are effective at stopping transmission of HCV more than 80% of the time, will be highly effective at controlling the disease among women in prisons. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | "educational campaigns",HCV,"reproductive number","SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS","women prisoners",ANTIBODIES,B-VIRUS,"DISEASE TRANSMISSION","HEPATITIS-C VIRUS",HIV,HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS,INFECTION,MODELS,PREVALENCE,RISK | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892547658 | Assessing the impact of support structures and initiatives to youth entrepreneurship development in a selected township in the Western Cape province of South Africa | Gwija S.A., Eresia-Eke C., Iwu C.G. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p61 | Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Gwija, S.A., Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Eresia-Eke, C., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Iwu, C.G., Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | This study sought to determine the role of government support structures and initiatives in the development of youth entrepreneurship in Khayelitsha, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The data was collected by way of questionnaires, whereby 132 participants were randomly drawn from the population of 200 youth entrepreneurs who were registered on the database of a local organisation for youth entrepreneurs in Khayelitsha. According the findings, there was no evidence to show that government support structures/initiatives were contributing in the development of youth entrepreneurship in this township. Recommendations to improve the current standard of youth entrepreneurship in the research setting were made. This paper provides an insight into the role of youth entrepreneurship support structures and initiatives in Khayelitsha, particularly to stakeholders such as government structures, which seek to advance youth entrepreneurship in Khayelitsha and others townships, in Western Cape. | Khayelitsha; South Africa; Support structures and initiatives; Western Cape; Youth development; Youth entrepreneurship | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000209108100013 | Assessing the impact of TB/HIV services integration on TB treatment outcomes and their relevance in TB/HIV monitoring in Ghana | Ansa, Gloria Akosua,Siddiqi, Kamran,Walley, John D.,Wei, Xiaolin | 2012 | INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY | 1 | None | 10.1186/2049-9957-1-13 | Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Ghana, University of Leeds, University of York - UK | "Ansa, Gloria Akosua: University of Ghana","Siddiqi, Kamran: University of York - UK","Walley, John D.: University of Leeds","Wei, Xiaolin: Chinese University of Hong Kong" | Background: The impact of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on tuberculosis (TB), and the implications for TB and HIV control, is a public health challenge in Ghana - almost a quarter (23%) of all TB cases were HIV positive in 2010. The integration of TB/HIV services has therefore emerged as an essential component of the national response to TB and HIV. The aim is to reduce fragmentation, improve access, enhance efficiency and improve quality of care. Ghana's TB/HIV policy comprises three linked sets of activities: effective implementation of the Stop TB Strategy for TB control, improved HIV prevention and care, and the implementation of additional TB/HIV activities. Different models of service delivery with increasing integration of TB/HIV activities are expected to provide greater access to more comprehensive care. The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of TB/HIV integration on TB treatment outcomes and to explore the usefulness of TB treatment outcomes as TB/HIV indicators.
Methods: A before-and-after study to observe the introduction of TB/HIV activities into TB programmes in three hospitals with different levels of integration was conducted. Anonymised patient data was collated from TB registers from each facility, and analysed to determine if TB treatment outcomes changed significantly after integration.
Results: TB treatment success was 50% (95% CI 49 - 52) prior to, and 69% (95% CI 65 - 73) after, integration (chi(2) 43.96, p < 0.00). Treatment success increased from 43% to 53% at the one-stop shop (OSS), from 69% to 78% at the partially integrated site (PIS) and substantially from 46% to 78% at the referral site (RS) (chi(2) 64.54; p<0.01). Defaults and cases transferred out reduced from 14.3% and 15.3% prior to integration, to 1.4% and 9.0% after integration, respectively, accounting for a significant increase in treatment success. Death rates remained high at 18% in all cases studied and 25% in HIV-associated cases after integration.
Conclusion: TB/HIV integration may improve TB treatment success, but its exact impact is difficult to ascertain due to non-specificity and design limitations. TB mortality may be more useful as an indicator for monitoring TB/HIV activities in Ghana. | HIV,indicator,INTEGRATION,"one-stop shop","partial integration",REFERRAL,"TREATMENT OUTCOME",TUBERCULOSIS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000260124500027 | Assessing the Impact of the Trauma Team Training Program in Tanzania | Bergman, Simon,Deckelbaum, Dan,Demyttenaere, Sebastian,Haas, Barbara,Lett, Ronald,Mbembati, Naboth,Munthali, Victoria,Museru, Lawrence,Razek, Tarek | 2008 | JOURNAL OF TRAUMA-INJURY INFECTION AND CRITICAL CARE | 65 | 4 | 10.1097/TA.0b013e318184a9fe | McGill University, University of British Columbia, Muhimbili Univ | "Bergman, Simon: McGill University","Deckelbaum, Dan: McGill University","Demyttenaere, Sebastian: McGill University","Haas, Barbara: McGill University","Lett, Ronald: University of British Columbia","Razek, Tarek: McGill University", | Background. In sub-Saharan Africa, injury is responsible for more deaths and disability-adjusted life years than AIDS and malaria combined. The trauma team training (TTT) program is a low-cost course designed to teach a multidisciplinary team approach to trauma evaluation and resuscitation. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of TTT on trauma knowledge and performance of Tanzanian physicians and nurses; and to demonstrate the validity of a questionnaire assessing trauma knowledge.
Methods: This is a prospective stud.), of physicians and nurses from Dar es Salaam undergoing TTT (n = 20). Subjects received a precourse test and, after the course, an alternate postcourse test. The equivalence and construct validity of these 15-item multiple-choice questionnaires was previously demonstrated. After the course, subjects were divided into four teams and underwent a multiple injuries simulation, which was scored with a trauma resuscitation simulation assessment checklist. A satisfaction questionnaire was then administered. Test data are expressed as median score (interquartile ratio) and were analyzed with the Wilcoxon's signed rank test.
Results: After the TTT course, subjects improved their scores from 9 (5-12) to 13 (9-13), p = 0.0004. Team performance scores for the simulation were all >80%. Seventy-rive percent of subjects were very satisfied with TTT and 90% would strongly recommend it to others and would agree to teach future courses.
Conclusions: After completion of TTT, there was a significant improvement in trauma resuscitation knowledge, based on results from a validated questionnaire. Trauma team performance was excellent when assessed with a novel trauma simulation assessment tool. Participants were very supportive of the course. | EDUCATION,Tanzania,"team assessment","Trauma team training",EDUCATION,"LIFE-SUPPORT PROGRAM",MODULE,PHYSICIANS,"SENIOR MEDICAL-STUDENTS","TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS",UGANDA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349751572 | Assessing the impact of Transnet's and Eskom's infrastructure investment programmes on the capital goods sector | Lydall M. | 2009 | Development Southern Africa | 26 | 3 | 10.1080/03768350903086812 | Mineral Economics and Strategy Unit (MESU), Council of Mineral Processing and Metallurgy (Mintek), Randburg, South Africa | Lydall, M., Mineral Economics and Strategy Unit (MESU), Council of Mineral Processing and Metallurgy (Mintek), Randburg, South Africa | Transnet and Eskom have embarked on a R160.8 billion capital expenditure (capex) programme to improve South Africa's logistics and energy infrastructure over the next 5 years. Although considerable backward linkages will be created in the process of procuring goods and services needed in the construction and operation of the planned projects, a significant portion of investment will be lost because of having to import foreign skills and components that are unavailable locally. It has thus become a government priority to increase local content in the procurement process. Drawing on a series of interviews with leading suppliers involved in the capex programme, this article assesses the impact of such expenditure on the domestic capital goods sector and the constraints that militate against increased local participation. © 2009 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | Capital goods; Eskom; State-owned enterprises; Transnet | capital market; expenditure; infrastructural development; investment; state owned enterprise; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955800417 | Assessing the impact of university reputation on stakeholder intentions | Ressler J., Abratt R. | 2009 | Journal of General Management | 35 | 3 | None | Rinker School of Business, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, United States; Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, United States; Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Ressler, J., Rinker School of Business, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, United States; Abratt, R., Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, United States, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This article explores the concept of university reputation and its impact on stakeholder intentions. The authors seek a greater understanding of how different stakeholders perceive the reputation of universities. The literature dealing with identity, image and reputation is explored, as well as stakeholder theory, the measurement of reputation and various models of university reputation. The article concludes with a proposed model for testing the reputation of a university. Alist of attributes that should be used to test stakeholder perceptions of university reputation is presented. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862905466 | Assessing the impact of using antiretroviral drugs as pre-exposure vaccines | Bhunu C.P., Mushayabasa S. | 2012 | HIV and AIDS Review | 11 | 2 | 10.1016/j.hivar.2012.04.001 | Department of Mathematics, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Bhunu, C.P., Department of Mathematics, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mushayabasa, S., Department of Mathematics, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The ideal intervention against HIV/ AIDS infection will be a highly effective vaccine with long lasting-protection, but unfortunately that is currently non-existent. In this manuscript the potential of antiretroviral drugs when used as pre-exposure vaccines in the fight against the spread of HIV is explored using a mathematical model. Results from the analysis of the reproduction number suggest that use of antiretroviral drugs as pre-exposure vaccines for the uninfected in conjunction to their use as treatment regimen for the infected will contribute meaningfully to curtail the spread of the epidemic. This result is also supported by numerical simulations which show low levels of infection when both interventions are in place. © 2012 Polish AIDS Research Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. zo.o. All rights reserved. | HIV/AIDS; Mathematical model; Pre-exposure vaccine | antiretrovirus agent; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; clinical assessment; controlled study; drug potency; epidemic; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; mathematical model; nonhuman; quantitative study; simulation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74549172109 | Assessing the impacts of climate change and land transformation on Banksia in the South West Australian Floristic Region | Yates C.J., McNeill A., Elith J., Midgley G.F. | 2010 | Diversity and Distributions | 16 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2009.00623.x | Science Division, Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, Bentley Delivery Centre, LMB 104, WA 6983, Australia; School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa | Yates, C.J., Science Division, Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, Bentley Delivery Centre, LMB 104, WA 6983, Australia; McNeill, A., Science Division, Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, Bentley Delivery Centre, LMB 104, WA 6983, Australia; Elith, J., School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Midgley, G.F., South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa | Aim To determine the potential combined effects of climate change and land transformation on the modelled geographic ranges of Banksia. Location Mediterranean climate South West Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). Methods We used the species distribution modelling software Maxent to relate current environmental conditions to occurrence data for 18 Banksia species, and subsequently made spatial predictions using two simple dispersal scenarios (zero and universal), for three climate-severity scenarios at 2070, taking the impacts of land transformation on species' ranges into account. The species were chosen to reflect the biogeography of Banksia in the SWAFR. Results Climate-severity scenario, dispersal scenario, biogeographic distribution and land transformation all influenced the direction and magnitude of the modelled range change responses for the 18 species. The predominant response of species to all climate change scenarios was range contraction, with exceptions for some northern and widespread species. Including land transformation in estimates of modelled geographic range size for the three climate-severity scenarios generally resulted in smaller gains and larger declines in species ranges across both dispersal scenarios. Including land transformation and assuming zero dispersal resulted, as expected, in the greatest declines in projected range size across all species. Increasing climate change severity greatly increased the risk of decline in the 18 Banksia species, indicating the critical role of mitigating future emissions. Main conclusions The combined effects of climate change and land transformation may have significant adverse impacts on endemic Proteaceae in the SWAFR, especially under high emissions scenarios and if, as expected, natural migration is limiting. Although these results need cautious interpretation in light of the many assumptions underlying the techniques used, the impacts identified warrant a clear focus on monitoring across species ranges to detect early signs of change, and experiments that determine physiological thresholds for species in order to validate and refine the models. © 2009 Western Australian Government. | Biodiversity hotspot; Climate change; Habitat fragmentation; Maxent; Mediterranean-type ecosystem; Species distribution model | biodiversity; climate change; climate effect; dispersal; evergreen tree; floristics; habitat fragmentation; landscape change; physiology; phytogeography; population distribution; range size; software; Australia; Banksia; Proteaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891351557 | Assessing the impacts of livestock production on biodiversity in rangeland ecosystems | Alkemade R., Reid R.S., Van Den Berg M., De Leeuw J., Jeuken M. | 2013 | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | 110 | 52 | 10.1073/pnas.1011013108 | PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, 3720 AH Bilthoven, Netherlands; Center for Collaborative Conservation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi 00100, Kenya | Alkemade, R., PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, 3720 AH Bilthoven, Netherlands; Reid, R.S., Center for Collaborative Conservation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Van Den Berg, M., PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, 3720 AH Bilthoven, Netherlands; De Leeuw, J., International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Jeuken, M., PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, 3720 AH Bilthoven, Netherlands | Biodiversity in rangelands is decreasing, due to intense utilization for livestock production and conversion of rangeland into cropland; yet the outlook of rangeland biodiversity has not been considered in view of future global demand for food. Here we assess the impact of future livestock production on the global rangelands area and their biodiversity. First we formalized existing knowledge about livestock grazing impacts on biodiversity, expressed in mean species abundance (MSA) of the original rangeland native species assemblages, through metaanalysis of peer-reviewed literature. MSA values, ranging from 1 in natural rangelands to 0.3 in man-made grasslands, were entered in the IMAGE-GLOBIO model. This model was used to assess the impact of change in food demand and livestock production on future rangeland biodiversity. The model revealed remarkable regional variation in impact on rangeland area and MSA between two agricultural production scenarios. The area of used rangelands slightly increases globally between 2000 and 2050 in the baseline scenario and reduces under a scenario of enhanced uptake of resource-efficient production technologies increasing production [high levels of agricultural knowledge, science, and technology (high-AKST)], particularly in Africa. Both scenarios suggest a global decrease in MSA for rangelands until 2050. The contribution of livestock grazing to MSA loss is, however, expected to diminish after 2030, in particular in Africa under the high-AKST scenario. Policies fostering agricultural intensification can reduce the overall pressure on rangeland biodiversity, but additional measures, addressing factors such as climate change and infrastructural development, are necessary to totally halt biodiversity loss. | Dose-response model; Intactness; Land use | article; biodiversity; biome; climate change; cropland; grassland; grazer; grazing; livestock; meta analysis (topic); nonhuman; population abundance; priority journal; rangeland; seasonal variation; species composition; vegetation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883851015 | Assessing the implementation of performance management of health care workers in Uganda | Lutwama G.W., Roos J.H., Dolamo B.L. | 2013 | BMC Health Services Research | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1472-6963-13-355 | Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Lutwama, G.W., Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa; Roos, J.H., Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa; Dolamo, B.L., Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Background: The performance management concept is relatively new to the Ugandan health sector. Uganda has been implementing health sector reforms for nearly two decades. The reforms included the introduction of the results-oriented management in the public sector and the decentralisation of the management of health care workers from central to local governments. This study examined the implementation of performance management of health care workers in order to propose strategies for improvement. Methods. The study was a descriptive survey carried out in the Kumi, Mbale, Sironko and Tororo districts and utilising mixed research methodology. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the health care workers. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect qualitative data from the health service managers. The sample for the quantitative method was selected using stratified random sampling. Purposive sampling was used to select health service managers. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 18.0). Qualitative data were categorised according to the themes and analysed manually. Results: The findings show that to some extent performance management is implemented in the health sector; however, there were loopholes in its implementation. There were inadequacies in setting performance targets and performance management planning was hardly done. Although many health care workers had job descriptions, the performance indicators and standards were not clearly defined and known to all workers and managers. Additionally the schedules for performance assessments were not always adhered to. There were limited prospects for career progression, inadequate performance feedback and poor rewarding mechanisms. Conclusions: Performance management of health care workers is inadequately done in the districts. Performance management is a key component of attempts to improve health sector outcomes. As a result of this study, suggestions to enhance health sector performance management in the districts have been put forward. The authors are optimistic that if these suggestions are implemented, the performance of health care workers is likely to improve. © 2013 Lutwama et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Health care workers; Performance improvement; Performance management; Performance measurement; Performance review | adult; article; female; health care personnel; health care quality; human; interview; male; methodology; middle aged; organization and management; personnel management; program evaluation; questionnaire; total quality management; Uganda; Adult; Employee Performance Appraisal; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Personnel Management; Program Evaluation; Quality Improvement; Quality of Health Care; Questionnaires; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920877182 | Assessing the performance characteristics of chicken layers fed with pito mash inclusion diets treated with cocoa pod-husk ash extract | Ankrah A.-B., Donkoh A., Abando-Sam E. | 2014 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 13 | 11 | None | Department of Agribusiness, Valley View University, Techiman-Campus, Oyibi, Accra, Ghana; Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Ankrah, A.-B., Department of Agribusiness, Valley View University, Techiman-Campus, Oyibi, Accra, Ghana; Donkoh, A., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Abando-Sam, E., Department of Agribusiness, Valley View University, Techiman-Campus, Oyibi, Accra, Ghana | A nutritional balance trial was conducted, with 176 strain of Lohmann breed of brown layers at 8 weeks old, weighing between 340-341 g. The chickens were grouped into 4 dietary treatments of 44 chickens per group. A complete randomized design (CRD) was applied in which the dietary treatments included 0, 5, 10 and 15% level of the alkali-treated pito mash. Feed and water were provided ad libitum over the 11-month experimental period. The parameters measured were body weight changes, feed intake, water intake, hen-day egg production, hen-housed egg production, feed conversion ratio (kg/dozen egg), age at the onset of egg production, body weight at the onset of egg laying, weight of the first egg laid, shell thickness, number of broken egg, yolk colour, yolk diameter, albumen height, Haugh unit and mortality rate. Results showed that apart from body weight at the start of feed trial, feed/dozen eggs and body weight at the onset of egg laying, shell thickness and mortality of chickens, all the alkali-treated pito mash based diets exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher performances than the control group in all the other parameters considered, although at varying magnitudes. The costs/100 kg grower and layer diets were progressively reduced as the level of treated pito mash increased in the diets. Alkali-treated pito mash inclusion in grower and layer chicken diets up to 15% is therefore recommended. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2014. | Dietary treatment; Feed conversion ratio; Feed intake; Haugh unit | Gallus gallus; Theobroma cacao | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876141943 | Assessing the performance of a spatially distributed soil erosion and sediment delivery model (WATEM/SEDEM) in northern ethiopia | Haregeweyn N., Poesen J., Verstraeten G., Govers G., de Vente J., Nyssen J., Deckers J., Moeyersons J. | 2013 | Land Degradation and Development | 24 | 2 | 10.1002/ldr.1121 | Arid Land Research Centre, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan; Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Division of Geography, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 E, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Department of Desertification and Geoecology, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Almeria, Spain; Department of Geography, Gent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S8), B 9000 Gent, Belgium; Division of Soil and Water Management, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 E, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Agriculture and Forestry Economics, Royal Museum for Central Africa, B-3080, Tervuren, Belgium | Haregeweyn, N., Arid Land Research Centre, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori 680-0001, Japan, Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Poesen, J., Division of Geography, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 E, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Verstraeten, G., Division of Geography, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 E, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Govers, G., Division of Geography, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 E, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; de Vente, J., Department of Desertification and Geoecology, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Almeria, Spain; Nyssen, J., Department of Geography, Gent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S8), B 9000 Gent, Belgium; Deckers, J., Division of Soil and Water Management, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 E, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Moeyersons, J., Agriculture and Forestry Economics, Royal Museum for Central Africa, B-3080, Tervuren, Belgium | Most regional-scale soil erosion models are spatially lumped and hence have limited application to practical problems such as the evaluation of the spatial variability of soil erosion and sediment delivery within a catchment. Therefore, the objectives of this study were as follows: (i) to calibrate and assess the performance of a spatially distributed WATEM/SEDEM model in predicting absolute sediment yield and specific sediment yield from 12 catchments in Tigray (Ethiopia) by using two different sediment transport capacity equations (original and modified) and (ii) to assess the performance of WATEM/SEDEM for the identification of critical sediment source areas needed for targeting catchment management. The performance of the two model versions for sediment yield was found promising for the 12 catchments. For both versions, model performance for the nine catchments with limited gully erosion was clearly better than the performance obtained when including the three catchments with significant gully erosion. Moreover, there is no significant difference (alpha 5 per cent) between the performances of the two model versions. Cultivated lands were found to be on average five times more prone to erosion than bush-shrub lands. The predicted soil loss values in most parts of Gindae catchment are generally high as compared with the soil formation rates. This emphasises the importance of implementing appropriate soil and water conservation measures in critical sediment source areas prioritising the steepest part of the catchment (i.e. areas with slope >50 per cent). The applicability of the WATEM/SEDEM model to environments where gully erosion is important requires the incorporation of permanent gully and bank gully erosion in the model structure. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Calibration; Critical sediment-source areas; Ethiopia; Gully erosion; Sediment delivery model; Sediment yield; Soil erosion; Transport capacity | Critical sediment-source areas; Ethiopia; Gully erosion; Sediment delivery; Sediment yields; Soil erosion; Transport capacity; Calibration; Erosion; Geologic models; Landforms; Runoff; Sediment transport; Sedimentology; Soils; Spatial distribution; Water conservation; Catchments; calibration; catchment; gully erosion; numerical model; sediment transport; sediment yield; soil conservation; soil erosion; spatial variation; Ethiopia; Tigray | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750429282 | Assessing the performance of global solar radiation empirical formulations in Kampala, Uganda | Mubiru J., Banda E.J.K.B., D'Ujanga F., Senyonga T. | 2007 | Theoretical and Applied Climatology | 87 | 04-Jan | 10.1007/s00704-005-0196-2 | Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Mubiru, 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, Norway | Solar 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. | None | empirical analysis; error analysis; numerical model; performance assessment; ranking; solar radiation; Africa; Central Province [Uganda]; East Africa; Kampala; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
| None | None | Assessing the performance of nurses in the management of malaria patients in Tanzania | Kanamori S., Kohi T.W., Nyamhanga T., Mkude S. | 2011 | Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | 57 | 5 | 10.1093/tropej/fmq100 | IC Net Limited, Saitama, Japan; School of Nursing, Muhimbili University College of Health and Applied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Kanamori, S., IC Net Limited, Saitama, Japan; Kohi, T.W., School of Nursing, Muhimbili University College of Health and Applied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Nyamhanga, T., School of Nursing, Muhimbili University College of Health and Applied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mkude, S., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Background: In Tanzania, nurses play an important role in the management of patients with malaria. The study was conducted to identify the current status of the performance of nurses in the management of malaria patients, in order to provide the baseline data before the training intervention.Methods: The study was conducted at 19 government health facilities in four districts of Tanzania. In order to assess the performance of nurses, 60 procedures involved in the management of malaria patients were observed and evaluated. Additionally, exit interviews were conducted with 60 malaria patients or caretakers upon leaving the health facilities.Results: Of the 60 procedures observed, only 4 satisfied the standard established in the national guideline for treatment and diagnosis of malaria. The proportions of the interviewed patients who were able to correctly provide information were: 83.7-88% on home treatment topics; 6.1-33.3% on follow-up after treatment; and 48.3% on preventive measures on malaria.Conclusion: The nurses do not satisfy the required standard in the management of malaria patients. The weak areas identified by the study are the quinine IV administration and health education provided to patients. Conducting a training programme for nurses and the provision of working aids, such as a dosage table and a wall chart, are recommended. Furthermore, in order to alleviate incorrect dosage in intravenous quinine administration associated with dosage calculation, the possibility of adopting treatment drugs that can be administered by other dosage routes could be explored. © The Author [2010]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. | None | quinine; article; caregiver; follow up; health care facility; health education; home care; human; malaria; nurse patient relationship; patient care; performance; Tanzania; Antimalarials; Clinical Competence; Employee Performance Appraisal; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Malaria; Nursing Care; Patient Education as Topic; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Quinine; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051941505 | Assessing the performance of potassium dichromate and aniline on concrete steel rebar deterioration in marine and microbial media | Omotosho O.A. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences | 6 | 3 | 10.3923/rjasci.2011.143.149 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Nigeria | Omotosho, O.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023 Ota, Nigeria | The study used the two-parameter Weibull distribution function to analyze data obtained from electrochemical potential monitoring experiments. Two sets of fifteen steel-rebar test samples admixed with varying concentration of aniline, potassium dichromate and their synergistic combination with fixed amount of sodium chloride salt partially immersed in NaCl and H2SO4 solution at ambient temperature had their potential readings taken in accordance with ASTM C 876. Performance quality and consistency of the inhibitor was then estimated by the Weibull probability density distribution as an extreme value statistical modeling approach to study the efficacy and predict the most efficient inhibitor concentration in each media. The study also investigated the effect of the inhibitors on the compressive strengths of the reinforced concrete samples. Test sample admixed with 0.34 and 0.41 M aniline was predicted as exhibiting the best inhibiting quality in NaCl medium while in the H2SO4 medium the synergistic combination of 0.03 MK2Cr2O7 and 0.30 M aniline exhibited the best performance. The compressive strength values of test sample admixed with 0.41 M aniline was the highest in both the microbial (303 KN) and marine (315 KN) medium while the control test sample in the NaCl medium showed the highest overall increase (330 KN) in compressive strength. © 2011 Medwell Journals. | Aniline; Compressive strength; Kolmogorov-smirnov statistics; Marine/microbial medi; Potassium dichromate; Potential; Steel rebar; Weibull distribution | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67149144308 | Assessing the performance of rational spline-based Empirical mode decomposition using a global annual precipitation dataset | Peel M.C., Mcmahon T.A., Pegram G.G.S. | 2009 | Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences | 465 | 2106 | 10.1098/rspa.2008.0352 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Civil Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | Peel, M.C., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Mcmahon, T.A., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Pegram, G.G.S., Civil Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | Empirical mode decomposition (EMD), an adaptive data analysis methodology, has the attractive feature of robustness in the presence of nonlinear and non-stationary time series. Recently, in this journal, Pegram and co-authors (Pegram et al. 2008 Proc. R. Soc. A 464, 1483-1501), proposed a modification to the EMD algorithm whereby rational splines replaced cubic splines in the extrema envelope-fitting procedure. The modification was designed to reduce variance inflation, a feature frequently observed in cubic spline-based EMD components primarily due to spline overshooting, by introducing a spline tension parameter. Preliminary results there demonstrated the proof of concept that increasing the spline tension parameter reduces the variance of the resultant EMD components. Here, we assess the performance of rational spline-based EMD for a range of tension parameters and two end condition treatments, using a global dataset of 8135 annual precipitation time series. We found that traditional cubic spline-based EMD can produce decompositions that experience variance inflation and have orthogonality concerns. A tension parameter value of between 0 and 2 is found to be a good starting point for obtaining decomposition components that tend towards orthogonality, as measured by an orthogonality index (OI) metric. Increasing the tension parameter generally results in: (i) a decrease in the range of the OI, which is offset by slight increases in (ii) the median value of OI, (iii) the number of intrinsic mode function components, (iv) the average number of sifts per component, and (v) the degree of amplitude smoothing in the components. The two end conditions tested had little influence on the results, with the reflective case being slightly better than the natural spline case as indicated by the OI. The ability to vary the tension parameter to find an orthogonal set of components, without changing any sifting parameters, is a powerful feature of rational spline-based EMD, which we suggest is a significant improvement over cubic spline-based EMD. © 2009 The Royal Society. | Cubic spline; Empirical mode decomposition; End conditions; Orthogonality index; Rational spline; Spline tension | Cubic spline; Empirical mode decomposition; End conditions; Orthogonality index; Rational spline; Acoustic signal processing; Decomposition; Time series analysis; Splines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748867207 | Assessing the performance of SIA in the EIA context: A case study of South Africa | du Pisani J.A., Sandham L.A. | 2006 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 26 | 8 | 10.1016/j.eiar.2006.07.002 | School of Social and Government Studies, North-West University, P.O. Box 19772, Potchefstroom, 2522 Noordbrug, South Africa; School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | du Pisani, J.A., School of Social and Government Studies, North-West University, P.O. Box 19772, Potchefstroom, 2522 Noordbrug, South Africa; Sandham, L.A., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This article, a theoretical perspective based on a literature study, is a critical evaluation of SIA as part of the EIA process in South Africa against the background of international guidelines and best practices. It includes sections on the historical background of the development of SIA in South Africa, the legal status and requirements of SIA in the country, and a critical evaluation of SIA regulation in South Africa. The conclusion reached in the article is that the persistent problems of SIA practice, experienced in other parts of the world, are also evident in South Africa. Apart from institutional, financial and professional constraints, there are also serious problems associated with approach and methods. This conclusion confirms the findings of empirical studies that SIA in South Africa is neglected, that the practice of SIA in South Africa is not yet on a sound footing, and that it does not receive the professional attention it deserves in a country beset by enormous social challenges. To conclude the article recommendations are made to improve the level of SIA practice in South Africa, and the possible significance of this national case study for international practice is indicated. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); Integrated impact assessment; National legislation; Social Impact Assessment (SIA); South Africa | Economic and social effects; Environmental impact; Finance; Laws and legislation; Professional aspects; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); Integrated impact assessment; National legislation; Social Impact Assessment (SIA); South Africa; International law; development level; environmental impact assessment; financial crisis; guideline; historical ecology; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907971733 | Assessing the performance of smallholder irrigation and deriving best management practices in South Africa | Gomo T., Senzanje A., Mudhara M., Dhavu K. | 2014 | Irrigation and Drainage | 63 | 4 | 10.1002/ird.1815 | University of KwaZulu-Natal, Bioresources Engineering, School of Engineering, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Agricultural Economics and Farmer Support Group, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Gomo, T., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Bioresources Engineering, School of Engineering, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Senzanje, A., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Bioresources Engineering, School of Engineering, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Mudhara, M., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Agricultural Economics and Farmer Support Group, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Dhavu, K., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Bioresources Engineering, School of Engineering, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | The performance of smallholder irrigation schemes is multidimensional and can be looked at from different perspectives. This study assessed the technical performance of the Mooi River irrigation scheme (MRIS) to derive a comprehensive set of best management practices (BMPs). This was done acknowledging that the farmer is now the water manager, in line with participatory irrigation management (PIM) and irrigation management transfer (IMT) concepts. Five performance indicators related to water supply and delivery and agricultural performance were assessed through the field measurement method during spring and summer of the 2010/2011 season. Farmers were interviewed through a questionnaire to gather suggestions on ways to improve the performance of their scheme. Their responses helped in the selection of the BMPs for the scheme which were then ranked using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The results show a scheme average conveyance efficiency of 86.4%, maximum dependability of irrigation interval between water applications of 2.57 in spring and the scheme relative irrigation supply of 1.48. Agricultural performance indicators-output per unit irrigation supply and water productivity (ET)-were found to be 0.64 and 5.37kgm-3, respectively. Irrigation scheduling was the most preferred BMP by the farmers, while volumetric measurement of irrigation water used by each block was the least preferred. This study concludes that water management in smallholder schemes is poor, thus affecting performance of these schemes, and that farmers are aware of the problems and possible solutions to perennial problems hindering performance in smallholder schemes. The study recommends deepening farmers' participation in policy formulation and derivation of BMPs. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Analytic hierarchy process; Best management practice; Performance; Smallholder irrigation | None | None |
| None | None | Assessing the performance, practices and roles of drug sellers/dispensers and mothers'/guardians' behaviour for common childhood conditions in Kibaha district, Tanzania | Nsimba S.E.D. | 2007 | Tropical Doctor | 37 | 4 | 10.1258/004947507782333099 | Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS), PO Box 65010, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania | Nsimba, S.E.D., Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS), PO Box 65010, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania | In most third world countries, self-medication is common and pharmacies, drug stores and drug shops are important providers of health advice and inexpensive medicines. We used exit interviews to assess drug sellers'/dispensers' roles and consumers' behaviour in Kibaha district, Coast region, Tanzania. Exit interviews with mothers/guardians reported the following childhood conditions treated with or without prescriptions at drug shops: respiratory infections (34%), fever (21%), a combination of diarrhoea, acute respiratory infection (ARI) and fever (14%), diarrhoea alone (13%) and other conditions (17%). The majority of drug sellers/dispensers prescribed or dispensed branded drugs (85%) for most mothers/guardians who visited these drug shops. In addition, antibiotics in total were prescribed for 31% of the mothers/guardians. Of the antibiotics dispensed, 38% were not prescribed by clinicians. In total, oral rehydration salts (ORSs) (3%), antimalarials (sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine) (24%) and antipyretics (11%), were prescribed in 20% but were bought by only 9%; multivitamins (6%), cough mixtures (4%) and other drugs (2%) (antihelminthics, benzylbenzoate emulsions, ear and eye drops) were also purchased from these facilities. Of the diarrhoea case histories presented by simulated clients at the drug shops, only 35% of the bloody diarrhoea scenarios were accurately diagnosed for getting antibiotics as compared with 44% for watery diarrhoea for which the use of antibiotics were wrongly advised (P<0.01). Furthermore, drug sellers/dispensers in these drug shops recommended use of ORS less frequently (3%) for a combination of diarrhoea, ARI and fever, and 2% for ARI alone than for watery (29%) and bloody diarrhoea (32%), respectively, for children under five years of age (P<0.001). Antimicrobial agents were advised for ARI (38%), watery diarrhoea (44%) and bloody diarrhoea (35%), respectively, with no significant difference among the three common childhood conditions. Antipyretics were advised in almost all childhood conditions but were least in watery (2%) and bloody diarrhoea (4%). This study demonstrates that antibiotics are overused in both the urban and rural settings of Kibaha district and that this is due to both clinicians' and drug sellers' prescribing practices in public and private facilities. The use of branded drugs was more common than that of generic drugs in private pharmacies, drug stores and ordinary shops. It is hereby proposed that any intervention should focus on training both facilities in the district on selectively prescribing and rational use of antibiotics for ARI and diarrhoea, and also to prescribe and dispense generic drugs so that it costs patients less when they buy drugs in shops. There is a need to increase awareness in recommending the use of ORS for clients to manage watery and bloody diarrhoea, and ARI in children under five years of age. | None | anthelmintic agent; antibiotic agent; antimalarial agent; antipyretic agent; antitussive agent; benzyl benzoate; ear drops; eye drops; generic drug; multivitamin; oral rehydration solution; antiinfective agent; antimalarial agent; article; bloody diarrhea; childhood disease; clinical practice; consumer attitude; diarrhea; drug marketing; drug utilization; fever; health personnel attitude; human; interview; parental attitude; pharmacy; prescription; respiratory tract infection; Tanzania; Verner Morrison syndrome; attitude to health; child; classification; clinical competence; diarrhea; fever; infant; malaria; male; mother; newborn; pharmacist; pharmacy; preschool child; prescription; private practice; psychological aspect; respiratory tract infection; standard; statistics; Tanzania; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antimalarials; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Competence; Diarrhea; Fever; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaria; Male; Mothers; Pharmacies; Pharmacists; Physician's Practice Patterns; Prescriptions, Drug; Private Practice; Respiratory Tract Infections; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865710126 | Assessing the population health impact of market interventions to improve access to antiretroviral treatment | Bärnighausen T., Kyle M., Salomon J.A., Waning B. | 2012 | Health Policy and Planning | 27 | 6 | 10.1093/heapol/czr058 | Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa; Toulouse School of Economics, Toulouse, France; Centre for Economic Policy Research, London, United Kingdom; Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, United States; UNITAID, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States; Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands | Bärnighausen, T., Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa; Kyle, M., Toulouse School of Economics, Toulouse, France, Centre for Economic Policy Research, London, United Kingdom; Salomon, J.A., Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Waning, B., UNITAID, Geneva, Switzerland, Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands | Despite extraordinary global progress in increasing coverage of antiretroviral treatment (ART), the majority of people needing ART currently are not receiving treatment. Both the number of people needing ART and the average ART price per patient-year are expected to increase in coming years, which will dramatically raise funding needs for ART. Several international organizations are using interventions in ART markets to decrease ART price or to improve ART quality, delivery and innovation, with the ultimate goal of improving population health. These organizations need to select those market interventions that are most likely to substantially affect population health outcomes (ex ante assessment) and to evaluate whether implemented interventions have improved health outcomes (ex post assessment).We develop a framework to structure ex ante and ex post assessment of the population health impact of market interventions, which is transmitted through effects in markets and health systems. Ex ante assessment should include evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the ART products whose markets will be affected by the intervention; theoretical consideration of the mechanisms through which the intervention will affect population health; and predictive modelling to estimate the potential population health impact of the intervention. For ex post assessment, analysts need to consider which outcomes to estimate empirically and which to model based on empirical findings and understanding of the economic and biological mechanisms along the causal pathway from market intervention to population health. We discuss methods for ex post assessment and analyse assessment issues (unintended intervention effects, interaction effects between different interventions, and assessment impartiality and cost). We offer seven recommendations for ex ante and ex post assessment of population health impact of market interventions. © The Author 2011; all rights reserved. | Antiretroviral treatment; assessment; market intervention | antiretrovirus agent; article; economics; health care delivery; health survey; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; methodology; organization and management; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections; Humans; Population Surveillance | None |
| WoS | WOS:000333785400022 | Assessing the population-level impact of vouchers on access to health facility delivery for women in Kenya | Abuya, Timothy,Askew, Ian,Bellows, Ben,Obare, Francis,Warren, Charlotte | 2014 | SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE | 102 | None | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.12.007 | None | None | Although available evidence indicates that vouchers improve service utilization among the target populations, we do not know whether increased utilization results from improved access (new clients who would not have used services without the voucher) or from shifting clients from non-accredited to contracted service providers. This paper examines whether the safe motherhood voucher program in Kenya is associated with improved access to health facility delivery using information on births within two years preceding the survey in voucher and comparison sites. Data were collected in 2010-2011 and in 2012 among 2933 and 3094 women aged 15-49 years reporting 962 and 1494 births within two years before the respective surveys. Analysis entails cross-tabulations and estimation of multilevel random-intercept logit models. The results show that the proportion of births occurring at home declined by more than 10 percentage points while the proportion of births delivered in health facilities increased by a similar margin over time in voucher sites. The increase in facility-based births occurred in both public and private health facilities. There was also a significant increase in the likelihood of facility-based delivery (odds ratios [OR]: 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-2.98 in the 2006 voucher arm; OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.22-2.43 in the 2010-2011 voucher arm) in voucher sites over time. In contrast, there were no significant changes in the likelihood of facility-based delivery in the comparison arm over time. These findings suggest that the voucher program contributed to improved access to institutional delivery by shifting births from home to health facilities. However, available evidence from qualitative data shows that some women who purchased the vouchers did not use them because of high transportation costs to accredited facilities. The implication is that substantial improvements in service uptake could be achieved if the program subsidized transportation costs as well. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "Health facility delivery","improving access",KENYA,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH","Voucher program",CARE,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,INCREASE,PROGRAM,SERVICES,SYSTEM | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84455170930 | Assessing the population performance of the black rhinoceros in Kruger National Park | Ferreira S.M., Greaver C.C., Knight M.H. | 2011 | South African Journal of Wildlife Research | 41 | 2 | 10.3957/056.041.0206 | Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa; Department of Zoology, Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 601, South Africa | Ferreira, S.M., Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa; Greaver, C.C., Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Private Bag X402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa; Knight, M.H., Department of Zoology, Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 601, South Africa | Small population sizes provide several challenges to conservation managers seeking to ensure species persistence and illustrating conservation success. Black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis minor, epitomizes these challenges. During October 2008 we used block surveys, estimates of availability and observer bias to calculate landscape-specific black rhino abundances in the southern parts of Kruger National Park, South Africa. We assigned age and sex to individuals, extracted an age distribution, and estimated survival and fecundity given the population growth derived from historical strip transects. The block counts, corrected for 90.3% availability bias with observers missing 3.8% of those, predicted that 627 (95% CI: 588666) black rhinos resided in the study area. The population increased at 6.75% per annum, the result of high survival and an estimated inter-calving interval of 2.45 years. Age distributions and population growth predicts that subadult males and females have the lowest annual survival, while dependent calves and adults have the highest annual survival. Precise estimates can be obtained with a 20% study area coverage using block counts. This gives coefficient of variances allowing detection of 5% growth from surveys every two years. Detecting 2% annual decline requires bi-annual surveys for 6 years. Our results illustrate that black rhinos are performing well in Kruger National Park. | age distribution; availability bias; block counts; demography; detecting trends; Diceros bicornis; monitoring; observer bias | abundance; age structure; assessment method; conservation management; demography; environmental monitoring; estimation method; fecundity; performance assessment; population size; population structure; sex ratio; species conservation; survey; survival; ungulate; Kruger National Park; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24644481320 | Assessing the potential impact of biological control of Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) in cabbage production in Kenya | Macharia I., Löhr B., De Groote H. | 2005 | Crop Protection | 24 | 11 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2005.02.005 | International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), P.O. Box 25171, Nairobi, Kenya | Macharia, I., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Löhr, B., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; De Groote, H., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), P.O. Box 25171, Nairobi, Kenya | This study assessed the potential economic impact of the introduction of Diadegma semiclausum, an exotic parasitoid of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella, DBM), on cabbage production in Kenya. The study first established yield losses caused by DBM through two methods: measurements from farmer-managed fields and through farmers' interviews. Crop losses were calculated at 31% from farmer-managed fields, and at 36% from farmer interviews. With a crop loss of 31%, yield loss was estimated at 6.8 tons/ha or US$ 452.9/ha, and at US$ 7.9 million per year for the whole country. Control costs as provided from the interviews, amounted to US$ 118.9/ha. The project costs amount to a net present value of US$ 1.2 million. Based on an annual cabbage production of 256,524 tons, a cabbage price of US$ 66.3/ton, a 30% abatement of yield losses, a 7.9% reduction in cost of production, a supply and a demand elasticity of 0.9 and -1.4 respectively, and an annual increase of consumption of 2.6%, the economic surplus produced by the release of the parasitoid was estimated at US$ 28.3 million for 25 years. Consumers were estimated to get 58% of the benefit and producers 42%. The benefit-cost ratio was estimated at 24:1, with an internal rate of return of 86%, indicating a high return to the investment. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Biological control; Diamondback moth; Economic impact; Parasitoid | biological control; crop damage; economic impact; yield; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Brassica oleracea var. capitata; Diadegma semiclausum; Lepidoptera; Plutella xylostella | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957483022 | Assessing the potential impact of integrated agricultural research for development (IAR4D) on adoption of improved cereal-legume crop varieties in the Sudan Savannah zone of Nigeria | Nyemeck Binam J., Abdoulaye T., Olarinde L., Kamara A., Adekunle A. | 2011 | Journal of Agricultural and Food Information | 12 | 2 | 10.1080/10496505.2011.563233 | Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP), KKM PLS-IAR-Agric Research Station (ARS), ABU Sabo Bakin Zuwo (Wudil) Road, P.O. Box 1062, Kano, Nigeria; International Institute for Tropical Agriculture-Kano Station, Croydon, United Kingdom; Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Accra, Ghana | Nyemeck Binam, J., Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP), KKM PLS-IAR-Agric Research Station (ARS), ABU Sabo Bakin Zuwo (Wudil) Road, P.O. Box 1062, Kano, Nigeria; Abdoulaye, T., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture-Kano Station, Croydon, United Kingdom; Olarinde, L., Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP), KKM PLS-IAR-Agric Research Station (ARS), ABU Sabo Bakin Zuwo (Wudil) Road, P.O. Box 1062, Kano, Nigeria; Kamara, A., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture-Kano Station, Croydon, United Kingdom; Adekunle, A., Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Accra, Ghana | This article provides an assessment of the potential impact of operationalizing agricultural innovation platforms (IPs) in the Sudan Savannah zone of Nigeria on adoption of improved maize/legume crop varieties, as measured by the potential outcome approach. The results show that, if the whole population in the intervention area were exposed to these varieties, the adoption rate could be increased to 69% instead of 49%. The study also shows that exposure, as well as adoption, is influenced by numerous social and institutional factors and suggests that the operationalization of IPs could help boost the adoption rate to around 51%. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Africa; ATE and LATE estimation; Ex-ante impact assessment; IAR4D; Improved cereal and legume varieties; Innovation platforms; Nigeria; Sudan | Ips | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39749093855 | Assessing the potential impact of selected technologies on the banana industry in Uganda | Kalyebara R., Wood S., Abodi P.N. | 2007 | Research Report of the International Food Policy Research Institute | None | 155 | None | NARO; IFPRI; Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical in Cali, Cali, Colombia; IFPRI, Kampala, Uganda | Kalyebara, R., NARO; Wood, S., IFPRI, Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical in Cali, Cali, Colombia; Abodi, P.N., IFPRI, Kampala, Uganda | The potential economic benefits of a range of technology options that are available to R&D policymakers and managers in Uganda have been assessed. The assessment involved six banana production systems, determined according to productivity potential and the commercial orientation of growers and 14 technology scenarios that span current best practices for managing bananas, genetic transformation and conventional breeding. It was shown through simulations that current recommended scenarios could generate the highest levels of gross benefits, assuming relatively high rates of adoption. The productivity of the banana needs more refining according to the assessment, given its importance in the diet of Ugandans and the large amount of agricultural land currently allocated to relatively unproductive banana systems. | None | agricultural land; agricultural production; agroindustry; economic impact; policy making; productivity; research and development; simulation; technology adoption; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948745070 | Assessing the potential impact of the marikana incident on south african mining companies: An event method study | Hill N., Maroun W. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 4 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n4a10 | School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Hill, N., School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Maroun, W., School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This study examines the potential impact of industrial unrest and the outbreak of violence at Marikana on 16 August 2012 on the share prices of mining companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) using an event methodology. Contrary to expectations, the Marikana incident does not appear to have had a widespread and prolonged effect on the South African mining sector. This may be the result of the strike action already having been discounted into the price of mining shares, implying that the market was only reacting to the unusually violent (but short-lived) protest. Alternately, the results could be indicative of investor confidence in the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the South African mining industry as a whole. This paper is the first to examine the potential impact of the Marikana incident on the share prices of mining companies listed on the JSE. It should be of interest to both academics and practitioners wanting to understand how share prices react to exogenous events. It is also relevant for corporate-governance researchers concerned with the relevance of social and governance practices in a South African setting. This research is faced with the limitations associated with most statistical research: that causality cannot be ascribed to tested relationships. Notwithstanding these limitations, it is argued that these findings are important, given the significant coverage of the Marikana incident and the ongoing debate on the need for corporate social responsibility. © University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | Corporate governance; Corporate social responsibility; Event method; Marikana; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449675087 | Assessing the preference of women for different methods of monitoring the fetal heart in labour | Mangesi L., Hofmeyr G.J., Woods D.L. | 2009 | South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 15 | 2 | None | Effective Care Research Unit, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London Hospital Complex, East London, E Cape, United Kingdom; School of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Mangesi, L., Effective Care Research Unit, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London Hospital Complex, East London, E Cape, United Kingdom; Hofmeyr, G.J., Effective Care Research Unit, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London Hospital Complex, East London, E Cape, United Kingdom; Woods, D.L., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Objective. To assess which of three different methods of monitoring the fetal heart in labour was preferred by labouring women. Method. Ninety-nine women in the first stage of labour were enrolled into a prospective clinical study to compare their preference for fetal monitoring with a Pinard fetal stethoscope, an innovative wind-up Doppler ultrasound fetal heart rate monitor, and cardiotocography. Result. Significantly more women preferred the fetal heart rate monitor to the other two methods (p=0.001). Conclusion. Intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart during labour with a fetal monitor is more acceptable to labouring women than monitoring with a Pinard fetal stethoscope or a cardiotocograph. | None | article; cardiotocography; controlled study; Doppler echocardiography; female; fetus heart rate; fetus monitoring; human; labor; labor stage 1; maternal attitude; stethoscope | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84932129388 | Assessing the quality of tuberculosis evaluation for children with prolonged cough presenting to routine community health care settings in rural Uganda | Marquez C., Davis J.L., Katamba A., Haguma P., Ochom E., Ayakaka I., Chamie G., Dorsey G., Kamya M.R., Charlebois E., Havlir D.V., Cattamanchi A. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0105935 | Division of HIV/AIDS, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; MU-UCSF Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Division of Infectious Diseases, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Marquez, C., Division of HIV/AIDS, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Davis, J.L., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Katamba, A., School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Haguma, P., MU-UCSF Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Ochom, E., MU-UCSF Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Ayakaka, I., MU-UCSF Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Chamie, G., Division of HIV/AIDS, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Dorsey, G., Division of Infectious Diseases, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Kamya, M.R., School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Charlebois, E., Division of HIV/AIDS, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Havlir, D.V., Division of HIV/AIDS, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Cattamanchi, A., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Background: Improving childhood tuberculosis (TB) evaluation and care is a global priority, but data on performance at community health centers in TB endemic regions are sparse. Objective: To describe the current practices and quality of TB evaluation for children with cough ≥2 weeks' duration presenting to community health centers in Uganda. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of children (<15 years) receiving care at five Level IV community health centers in rural Uganda for any reason between 2009-2012. Quality of TB care was assessed using indicators derived from the International Standards of Tuberculosis Care (ISTC). Results: From 2009-2012, 1713 of 187,601 (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.4-1.4%) children presenting to community health centers had cough ≥ 2 weeks' duration. Of those children, only 299 (17.5%, 95% CI: 15.7-19.3%) were referred for sputum microscopy, but 251 (84%, 95% CI: 79.8-88.1%) completed sputum examination if referred. The yield of sputum microscopy was only 3.6% (95% CI: 1.3-5.9%), and only 55.6% (95% CI: 21.2-86.3%) of children with acid-fast bacilli positive sputum were started on treatment. Children under age 5 were less likely to be referred for sputum examination and to receive care in accordance with ISTC. The proportion of children evaluated in accordance with ISTC increased over time (4.6% in 2009 to 27.9% in 2012, p = 0.03), though this did not result in increased case-detection. Conclusion: The quality of TB evaluation was poor for children with cough ≥2 weeks' duration presenting for health care. Referrals for sputum smear microscopy and linkage to TB treatment were key gaps in the TB evaluation process, especially for children under the age of five. © 2014 Marquez et al. | None | amoxicillin; antibiotic agent; ceftriaxone; cotrimoxazole; doxycycline; erythromycin; penicillin derivative; acid fast bacterium; age distribution; article; child; child health care; community care; controlled study; coughing; cross-sectional study; female; health care quality; human; major clinical study; malaria; male; patient referral; pneumonia; prescription; rural area; sex difference; sputum cytodiagnosis; sputum examination; thorax radiography; tuberculosis; Uganda; upper respiratory tract infection; adolescent; child health care; clinical trial; community care; complication; Cough; drug effects; evaluation study; health; microbiology; multicenter study; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; preschool child; procedures; quality control; sputum; standards; statistics and numerical data; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Child; Child Health Services; Child, Preschool; Community Health Services; Cough; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Quality Control; Rural Health; Sputum; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis; Uganda | K23 AI080147, NIH, National Institutes of Health; K23 HL94141, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R21 A1096158, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904636195 | Assessing the relative performance of heavy-tailed distributions: Empirical evidence from the Johannesburg stock exchange | Huang C.-S., Huang C.-K., Chinhamu K. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 30 | 4 | None | University of Cape Town, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Huang, C.-S., University of Cape Town, South Africa; Huang, C.-K., University of Cape Town, South Africa; Chinhamu, K., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | It has been well documented that the empirical distribution of daily logarithmic returns from financial market variables is characterized by excess kurtosis and skewness. In order to capture such properties in financial data, heavy-tailed and asymmetric distributions are required to overcome shortfalls of the widely exhausted classical normality assumption. In the context of financial forecasting and risk management, the accuracy in modeling the underlying returns distribution plays a vital role. For example, risk management tools such as value-at-risk (VaR) are highly dependent on the underlying distributional assumption, with particular focus being placed at the extreme tails. Hence, identifying a distribution that best captures all aspects of the given financial data may provide vast advantages to both investors and risk managers. In this paper, we investigate major financial indices on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and fit their associated returns to classes of heavy tailed distributions. The relative adequacy and goodness-of-fit of these distributions are then assessed through the robustness of their respective VaR estimates. Our results indicate that the best model selection is not only variant across the indices, but also across different VaR levels and the dissimilar tails of return series. | Heavy-tailed and asymmetric distributions; Johannesburg stock exchange; Value-at-risk (VaR) | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879307225 | Assessing the representativeness and repeatability of test locations for genotype evaluation | Badu-Apraku B., Akinwale R.O., Obeng-Antwi K., Haruna A., Kanton R., Usman I., Ado S.G., Coulibaly N., Yallou G.C., Oyekunle M. | 2013 | Canadian Journal of Plant Science | 93 | 4 | 10.4141/CJPS2012-136 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Nigeria; Crops Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana; Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana; Institut d'Economie Rurale, Bamako, Mali; Institut National de Recherches Agricoles du Bénin, Cotonou, Benin; Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Nigeria | Badu-Apraku, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Akinwale, R.O., Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Nigeria; Obeng-Antwi, K., Crops Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana; Haruna, A., Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana; Kanton, R., Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana; Usman, I., Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Nigeria; Ado, S.G., Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Nigeria; Coulibaly, N., Institut d'Economie Rurale, Bamako, Mali; Yallou, G.C., Institut National de Recherches Agricoles du Bénin, Cotonou, Benin; Oyekunle, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR9 3EE, United Kingdom | The selection of suitable breeding and testing sites is crucial to the success of a maize (Zea mays L.) improvement programme. Twelve early-maturing maize cultivars were evaluated for 3 yr at 16 locations in West Africa to determine the representativeness, discriminating ability, and repeatability of the testing sites and to identify core testing sites. Genotype main effect plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis revealed that Zaria (Nigeria), Nyankpala (Ghana), and Ejura (Ghana) displayed the highest discriminating ability. Two mega-environments were identified. Bagou, Nyankpala, Bagauda, Ikenne, and Mokwa constituted the first mega-environment (ME1); Ejura, Ina and Sotuba represented the second (ME2). The ME1 would be more useful for evaluating early maize genotypes for tolerance to drought than ME2 because locations in ME1 were more strongly correlated to Ikenne (managed drought stress site). Among the test locations, Bagou and Mokwa were found to be closely related to Ikenne in their ranking of the cultivars for drought tolerance; Zaria was the exact opposite, indicating that this was the least suitable location for evaluating genotypes for drought tolerance. Nyankpala and Ikenne were identified as the core testing sites for ME1 and Ejura for ME2. TZE Comp 3 C2F2 was identified as the highest yielding cultivar for ME1 and Syn DTE STR-Y for ME2, indicating that they could be used as check cultivars. Ikenne, Nyankpala, and Ejura had moderately high repeatability. They were closer to the average environment axis of each mega-environment and will be useful for culling unstable genotypes during multi-locational testing. Other sites were less representative and not repeatable and will not be useful for evaluating early maize cultivars for drought tolerance. | Core testing sites; drought stress; GGE biplot; maize; repeatability | correlation; crop improvement; culling; cultivar; discriminant analysis; genotype; maize; maturation; adaptation; assessment method; drought stress; reproductive behavior; selection; tolerance; West Africa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856357730 | Assessing the suitability and efficiency of high performance liquid chromatography instrument - A new aproach | Affum A.O., Gyan B. | 2011 | International Journal of Chemical Sciences | 9 | 4 | None | Chemistry Department, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Affum, A.O., Chemistry Department, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Gyan, B., Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | A unique, cheap, precise and a simple analytical instrument qualification (AIQ) method was developed for a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) by using hypoxanthine, a universal nucleobase. This method could be used to determine the suitability of any HPLC that will be used for biomedical, environmental and food sample analysis. The volumetric flow of the mobile phase delivered by the pumps was consistent for given flow rate, with percent relative standard deviation (RSD %) of ± 0.05 % for pump A and B. The hypoxanthine calibration curve for the combined HPLC components in 1% acetonitrile and 0.05 M ammonium phosphate buffer at pH 6, as mobile phase was linear over a concentration range of 4 μM to 20 μM. A correlation coefficient of 0.95 and a sensitivity of 1824.2 AU/μM was obtained. A log-log analysis of the hypoxanthine calibration curve was linear. Column efficiency determined from toluene and biphenyl in 90: 10 % (v/v) methanol/water mixtures at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. was comparable to the results obtained by the manufacturer. In conclusion, it was determined that the HPLC instrument operated within the manufacturer specified and user approved parameters. | Analytical instrument qualification (AIQ); Calibration; Column efficiency; Flow rate; High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); Hypoxanthine; Spectrophotometer | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-16344366747 | Assessing the suitability of the epic crop model for use in the study of impacts of climate variability and climate change in West Africa | Adejuwon J. | 2005 | Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography | 26 | 1 | 10.1111/j.0129-7619.2005.00203.x | Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Adejuwon, J., Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The EPIC (Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator) crop model, developed by scientists of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been successfully applied to the study of erosion, water pollution, crop growth and production in the US but is yet to be introduced for serious research purposes in other countries or regions. This paper reports on the applicability of the EPIC 8120 crop model for the assessment of the potential impacts of climate variability and climate change on crop productivity in sub-Saharan West Africa, using Nigeria as the case study. Among the crops whose productivity has been successfully simulated with this model are five of West Africa's staple food crops: maize, millet, sorghum (guinea corn), rice and cassava. Thus, using the model, the sensitivities of maize, sorghum and millet to seasonal rainfall were demonstrated with coefficients of correlation significant at over 98 per cent confidence limits. The validation tests were based on a comparison of the observed and the model-generated yields of rice and maize. The main problems of validation relate to the multiplicity of crop varieties with contrasting performances under similar field conditions. There are also the difficulties in representing micro-environments; in the model. Thus, some gaps appear between the observed and the simulated yields, arising from data or model deficiencies, or both. Based on the results of the sensitivity and validation tests, the EPIC crop model could be satisfactorily employed in assessing the impacts of and adaptations to climate variability and climate change. Its use for the estimation of production and the assessment of vulnerabilities need to be pursued with further field surveys and field experimentation. © Copyright 2005 Department of Geography, National University of Singapore and Blackwell Publishers. Ltd. | Adaptations; Climate change; Climate variability; Crop model; Impacts; West Africa | climate change; climate variation; crop production; crop yield; rainfall; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; World; Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927796647 | Assessing the utility of environmental factors and objectives in environmental impact assessment practice: Western Australian insights | Dahlitz V., Morrison-Saunders A. | 2015 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 33 | 2 | 10.1080/14615517.2014.981057 | School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA, Australia; School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Dahlitz, V., School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA, Australia; Morrison-Saunders, A., School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA, Australia, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Environmental factors and objectives are formally identified during the scoping stage of environmental impact assessment (EIA) to structure and focus individual assessments. Environmental factors are broad components of the environment, while objectives set the desired outcome for a specific factor. This research assesses the utility of environmental factors and objectives in EIA practice based upon a combination of literature review and interviews with 21 EIA practitioners from Western Australia. Further to providing focus and structure for EIA, practitioners also use environmental factors and objectives for decision-making throughout the process. The majority of practitioners also note that factors and objectives are value adding and useful to their EIA practice. Due to their inherent subjective natures, interviewees noted a lack of consistency regarding how to meet the objectives and challenges in determining the significance of impacts on a factor. Identified opportunities to enhance use of objectives and factors in EIA included provision of more guidance, especially criteria or standards to apply and improve knowledge sharing between EIA stakeholders. © 2014 IAIA. | EIA; environmental factors; environmental objectives; scoping | decision making; environmental factor; environmental impact assessment; stakeholder; Australia; Western Australia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879527838 | Assessing urban water sustainability in South Africa - Not just performance measurement | Carden K., Armitage N.P. | 2013 | Water SA | 39 | 3 | 10.4314/wsa.v39i3.1 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Carden, K., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Armitage, N.P., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Urban water management - and the impacts that rapid population growth, industrialisation and climate change are having on it - is gaining increasing attention worldwide. In South Africa (SA), cities are under pressure to respond to not only the challenges of water availability and quality, but also to economic transformation and social division. New solutions for improving the sustainability of cities need to be found, including the development of tools to guide decision-makers. Several benchmarking initiatives have been implemented in the SA water sector - mostly in terms of performance measurement of specific water services for regulatory purposes - but none provide an integrated analysis to enable a deeper understanding of sustainability. The research described in this paper was thus focused on using a systems approach to create an understanding of, and measure the potential for, sustainability in a South African urban water context. This has been achieved through the development and evaluation of a composite index, the Sustainability Index for Integrated Urban Water Management (SIUWM). The first step involved compiling a vision of sustainability for the SA water sector, and expanding it into a sustainability framework to help identify suitable indicators for the assessment process, as well as those which link with existing measurement initiatives. Key performance indicator results from the Department of Water Affairs' Regulatory Performance Management System (RPMS) and the Blue Drop / Green Drop schemes were used as partial input to the SIUWM, and scores were computed for the nine member cities of the South African Cities Network (SACN). The SIUWM links the results from the regulatory systems with a broader sustainability assessment process to provide a more detailed analysis which can be used to establish goals and inform strategic processes to leverage support for improved water services. In this way, the connections that link the different aspects of urban water management can be used to generate a greater awareness of the underlying issues by key decision makers and thus guide appropriate action. | Performance measurement; Sustainability index; Urban water management | Economic transformation; Integrated urban water management; Key performance indicators; Performance measurements; Rapid population growth; Sustainability assessment; Sustainability index; Urban water management; Benchmarking; Climate change; Drops; Management; Population statistics; Sustainable development; Water management; Water supply; Urban growth; decision making; integrated approach; regulatory framework; urban area; water availability; water management; water planning; water quality; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881501546 | Assessment and evaluation of LIS education: Global commonalities and regional differences -South Africa, New Zealand, and U.S.A. | Ocholla D., Dorner D., Britz J. | 2013 | Libri | 63 | 2 | 10.1515/libri-2013-0011 | Department of Information Studies, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, Richardsbay, South Africa; School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand; School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, United States | Ocholla, D., Department of Information Studies, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, Richardsbay, South Africa; Dorner, D., School of Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand; Britz, J., Department of Information Studies, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, Richardsbay, South Africa, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, United States | In this paper, we raise six arguments as follows: i) The assessment and evaluation of LIS education is largely done at institutional/university level where such qualifications are offered; ii) Countries have set up education and assessment mechanisms, for example qualification authorities (such as the South African Qualification Authority - SAQA) and related bodies that set and regulate education standards that work well for LIS education; iii) Professional associations in most countries, particularly in Africa and other developing regions, have no influence or control over LIS education; iv) The absence of a dedicated body or institution to regulate LIS education (which includes its assessment and evaluation) may not compromise the quality of such education, particularly if LIS education is provided within a university or another state-regulated Higher Education Institution (HEI) environment; v) Most LIS schools offer core LIS courses, but variations occur at institutional, regional and national levels in terms of the scope and depth of the core courses offered; vi) LIS education, particularly in less resourced countries where the harmonization of such education is preferred for improved cost effectiveness, is far more enriching and offers better job opportunities in the provision of information services. Finally the authors explore and discuss these arguments by using their experiences and related studies largely from South Africa, New Zealand, and the United States. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941746539 | Assessment of adoption and impact of rainwater harvesting technologies on rural farm household income: the case of rainwater harvesting ponds in Rwanda | Zingiro A., Okello J.J., Guthiga P.M. | 2014 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 16 | 6 | 10.1007/s10668-014-9527-8 | University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | Zingiro, A., University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Okello, J.J., University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Guthiga, P.M., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | Rainwater harvesting is increasingly viewed as a major strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting farm income in many drought-prone areas. While this technology is being promoted in many developing countries, there is conflicting evidence in the literature about its impact on welfare of farm households. This study uses propensity score matching and discrete choice regression techniques to assess the impact of rainwater harvesting ponds on farm household income and factors that influence adoption of such technologies in Rwanda. It finds that households with rainwater harvesting ponds have significantly higher income than their counterparts of comparable observable characteristics. It further finds evidence that increase in farm income occurs via increased input use and that household size, asset endowments and participation in farmer organizations condition adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds. The study concludes that adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies has positive benefits on farm households. It discusses the policy implications that adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds presents a pathway for reducing rural poverty. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Adoption and impact; Propensity score matching; Rainwater harvesting ponds; Rwanda | adoption constraint; agricultural production; cost-benefit analysis; developing world; drought; environmental impact assessment; farmers attitude; harvesting; household income; literature review; policy approach; pond; poverty; rainwater; rural area; social conflict; sustainability; welfare impact; Rwanda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954579908 | Assessment of artisanal fishery impacts on West African croaker Pseudotolithus elongatus in the Cross river estuary, Nigeria, using length-based models | Nwosu F.M., Enin U.I., Holzlöhner S. | 2010 | North American Journal of Fisheries Management | 30 | 4 | 10.1577/M10-011.1 | Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Geography, University of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, United States | Nwosu, F.M., Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Geography, University of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, United States; Enin, U.I., Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Holzlöhner, S., Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria | In Nigeria and other countries of the Gulf of Guinea, the genus Pseudotolithus is predominant in the catches of both artisanal (small-scale, commercial, or subsistence) and industrial fisheries. Data on this fishery are readily available, enabling resource managers to track stock dynamics. The study objective was to ascertain the status of an exploited stock of West African croaker (also known as the giant captainfish) P. elongatus using von Bertalanffy growth models. Length distribution data were collected monthly from landings of artisanal fisherfolk at the Cross River estuary, Nigeria, between March and August 2008. A fisheries stock assessment tool developed by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization was used to calculate estimates of the von Bertalanffy growth function based on these data. The asymptotic length was 61.5 cm, the curvature parameter was 0.40/year, the oscillation constant was 0.3, the winter point was 0.40, and the goodness-of-fit index was 0.515. The instantaneous rates of total, natural, and fishing mortality were 3.71, 0.78, and 2.93 per year, respectively. The resultant exploitation ratio was 0.79, indicating that the fishery is overexploited. Management regulation, particularly seasonal closures coinciding with the period of peak spawning, should be implemented to avoid the eventual collapse of this fishery. Particular attention should be given to the conservation of the mangrove habitat that sustains the productivity of this system. Previous recommendations for the management or conservation of this stock have neglected the depletion of the mangrove ecosystem supporting this species. It is imperative to include habitat conservation as one of the regulatory measures for this stock. © by the American Fisheries Society 2010. | None | data set; fishery modeling; fishing mortality; habitat type; mangrove; perciform; spawning; stock assessment; Atlantic Ocean; Cross River [(RVR) West Africa]; Gulf of Guinea; Pseudotolithus; Pseudotolithus elongatus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78951475290 | Assessment of climate change impact on hydrological extremes in two source regions of the Nile River Basin | Taye M.T., Ntegeka V., Ogiramoi N.P., Willems P. | 2011 | Hydrology and Earth System Sciences | 15 | 1 | 10.5194/hess-15-209-2011 | Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; Directorate of Water Development, Rural Water Department, Ministry of Water and Environment, P.O. Box 20026, Kampala, Uganda | Taye, M.T., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; Ntegeka, V., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; Ogiramoi, N.P., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, 3001 Leuven, Belgium, Directorate of Water Development, Rural Water Department, Ministry of Water and Environment, P.O. Box 20026, Kampala, Uganda; Willems, P., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, 3001 Leuven, Belgium | The potential impact of climate change was investigated on the hydrological extremes of Nyando River and Lake Tana catchments, which are located in two source regions of the Nile River basin. Climate change scenarios were developed for rainfall and potential evapotranspiration (ETo), considering 17 General Circulation Model (GCM) simulations to better understand the range of possible future change. They were constructed by transferring the extracted climate change signals to the observed series using a frequency perturbation downscaling approach, which accounts for the changes in rainfall extremes. Projected changes under two future SRES emission scenarios A1B and B1 for the 2050s were considered. Two conceptual hydrological models were calibrated and used for the impact assessment. Their difference in simulating the flows under future climate scenarios was also investigated. The results reveal increasing mean runoff and extreme peak flows for Nyando catchment for the 2050s while unclear trend is observed for Lake Tana catchment for mean volumes and high/low flows. The hydrological models for Lake Tana catchment, however, performed better in simulating the hydrological regimes than for Nyando, which obviously also induces a difference in the reliability of the extreme future projections for both catchments. The unclear impact result for Lake Tana catchment implies that the GCM uncertainty is more important for explaining the unclear trend than the hydrological models uncertainty. Nevertheless, to have a better understanding of future impact, hydrological models need to be verified for their credibility of simulating extreme flows. © Author(s) 2011. | None | Climate change impact; Climate change scenarios; Down-scaling; Emission scenario; Extreme flows; Future climate; Future projections; General circulation model simulations; Hydrological extremes; Hydrological models; Hydrological regime; Impact assessments; Lake Tana; Peak flows; Possible futures; Potential evapotranspiration; Potential impacts; Rainfall extremes; River basins; Two sources; Catchments; Climate models; Computer simulation; Lakes; Rain; Rivers; Runoff; Water supply; Watersheds; Climate change; atmospheric general circulation model; calibration; catchment; climate change; climate effect; downscaling; evapotranspiration; flow modeling; hydrological change; hydrological modeling; hydrological response; peak flow; perturbation; rainfall; river basin; uncertainty analysis; Ethiopia; Kenya; Lake Tana; Nile Basin; Nyando Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76149090152 | Assessment of climate change impacts on the hydrology of Gilgel Abay catchment in Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia | Abdo K.S., Fiseha B.M., Rientjes T.H.M., Gieske A.S.M., Haile A.T. | 2009 | Hydrological Processes | 23 | 26 | 10.1002/hyp.7363 | SNNPR Water Resources Development Bureau, P.O.Box 925, Awassa, Ethiopia; Department of Irrigation Engineering, Arba Minch University, P.O.Box 21, Ethiopia; Department of Water Resources, ITC, P.O.Box 6, 7500AA, Enschede, Netherlands | Abdo, K.S., SNNPR Water Resources Development Bureau, P.O.Box 925, Awassa, Ethiopia; Fiseha, B.M., Department of Irrigation Engineering, Arba Minch University, P.O.Box 21, Ethiopia; Rientjes, T.H.M., Department of Water Resources, ITC, P.O.Box 6, 7500AA, Enschede, Netherlands; Gieske, A.S.M., Department of Water Resources, ITC, P.O.Box 6, 7500AA, Enschede, Netherlands; Haile, A.T., Department of Irrigation Engineering, Arba Minch University, P.O.Box 21, Ethiopia, Department of Water Resources, ITC, P.O.Box 6, 7500AA, Enschede, Netherlands | In this study, large-scale atmospheric variables are downscaled to meteorological variables at local scale for the daily time step to assess hydrological impacts by climate changes. Large-scale atmospheric modelling was by the HadCM3 General Circulation Model (GCM) while downscaling and water balance modelling was through the Statistical DownScaling Model and the HBV semi-distributed rainfall-runoff model, respectively. The area of study was the Gilgel Abay catchment that drains in Lake Tana. A selection of large-scale atmospheric variables by the HadCM3 GCM are downscaled by a multiple linear regression model, were minimum and maximum temperature and precipitation for future time horizons are calculated. Climate scenarios as developed for the A2 (medium-high emission) and B2 (medium-low emission) scenarios for a 100-year period based on the mean of 20 ensembles have been selected for this study. In addition, a synthetic incremental scenario was tested for a wide range of changes in climatic variables. Stream flow simulations by the HBV model were carried out for the 2020s (2011-2040), 2050s (2041-2070) and 2080s (2071-2099) to define hydrologic impacts. The result of downscaled precipitation reveals that precipitation does not manifest a systematic increase or decrease in all future time horizons for both A2 and B2 scenarios unlike that of minimum and maximum temperature and related evaporation. For the future horizons significant changes and variations in the seasonal and monthly flows are to be expected and for the 2080s the runoff volume in the rainy season will reduce by approximately 11·6 and 10·1% for the A2 and B2 scenarios. Results from synthetic incremental scenarios also indicate sensitivities to climate change. As much as 33% of the seasonal and annual runoff is expected to reduce when temperature increases by 2 °C and when rainfall decreases by approximately 20%. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Climate change; Gilgel Abay; HBV model; Lake Tana; Statistical downscaling | Annual runoff; Atmospheric modelling; Atmospheric variables; Climate change impact; Climate scenarios; Climatic variables; Down-scaling; Ethiopia; Future Horizons; General circulation model; HBV model; Hydrologic impacts; Hydrological impacts; Lake Tana; Local scale; Low emission; Maximum temperature; Meteorological variables; Monthly flow; Multiple linear regression models; Rainfall-runoff models; Rainy seasons; Runoff volumes; Statistical downscaling; Temperature increase; Time horizons; Time step; Water balance; Atmospheric temperature; Catchments; Climate models; Lakes; Linear regression; Rain; Runoff; Stream flow; Water; Climate change; air temperature; assessment method; atmospheric general circulation model; basin; catchment; climate change; computer simulation; downscaling; hydrological response; precipitation (climatology); rainfall-runoff modeling; seasonal variation; streamflow; water budget; Ethiopia; Lake Tana; Hepatitis B virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928637366 | Assessment of demographic, health and nutrition related factors to a school performance among school children in Arb-Gebeya Town, Tach-Gaynt Woreda, South Gondar, Ethiopia | Admasie A., Ali A., Kumie A. | 2013 | Ethiopian Journal of Health Development | 27 | 2 | None | Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ethiopia | Admasie, A., Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia; Ali, A., Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ethiopia; Kumie, A., Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ethiopia | Background: Intestinal parasite and malnutrition are prevalent among children in general and school aged children in particular, in the Ethiopian context. There is limited information how these factors are associated with school performance. Objective: This study assessed the effect of intestinal parasitic infection and nutritional status on academic performance of school children. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly selected 601 school childrenattending grades 5th-8th. Data was collected using standardized, closed ended and coded questionnaire. Physical health assessment, parasitological laboratory examinations and anthropometric measurements were the means used to assess the presence of parasitic infections and nutritional status. Grade scores were used to evaluate school performance. Graduate nurses and laboratory technicians were involved in the data collection. EPO INFO version 6.04 and SPSS version 13.0 were used for data management and analysis, respectively. Results: Out of the 601 students, who had stool examination, 216 (35.9%) had at least one parasite. Of those, the dominant parasite was E-histolytica, 80 (13.3%), followed by ascariasis, 50 (8.3%). The prevalence of underweight (BMI value below the 5th percentile) in the area was 30(5%) in all age groups.The mean of the students' grade is 62.25% (SD±9.25). Three hundred twenty-eight (54.6%) of the students had scored below the mean. The rate of absenteeism in the group below five days was 540 (74.9%) students who had parasitic infection were less likely to achieve higher academic performance than those who had not (AOR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.41-0.83). Nutritional status as measured by BMI did not shows an association with academic performance. Conclusion: Even though the prevalence of intestinal parasites in the area seemed low, it affected school performance in the Arb-Gebeya school. However, nutritional status did not affect academic performance according to this study. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74349100385 | Assessment of environmental impact on air quality by cement industry and mitigating measures: A case study | Kabir G., Madugu A.I. | 2010 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 160 | 04-Jan | 10.1007/s10661-008-0660-4 | Chemical Engineering Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi P. M. B. 0248, Nigeria | Kabir, 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, Nigeria | In 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; Pollution | Air 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; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939624471 | Assessment of enzyme supplementation on growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility in diets containing undecorticated sunflower seed meal in layer chicks | Fafiolu A.O., Oduguwa O.O., Jegede A.V., Tukura C.C., Olarotimi I.D., Teniola A.A., Alabi J.O. | 2015 | Poultry Science | 94 | 8 | 10.3382/ps/pev136 | College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Department of Animal Nutrition, World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Federal College | Fafiolu, A.O., College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Department of Animal Nutrition, World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oduguwa, O.O., College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Department of Animal Nutrition, World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Jegede, A.V., College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Department of Animal Nutrition, World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Tukura, C.C., College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Department of Animal Nutrition, World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, National Universities Commission, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria; Olarotimi, I.D., College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Department of Animal Nutrition, World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Teniola, A.A., College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Department of Animal Nutrition, World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. Oyo State, Nigeria; Alabi, J.O., College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Department of Animal Nutrition, World Bank Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Six hundred and forty one-day-old layer chicks were used to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal with undecorticated sunflower seed meal protein for protein at 0, 25, 50, and 75% levels. Diets were without enzyme supplementation or with enzyme supplementation with four replications of twenty birds. Growth performance and nutrient utilization were determined. Proximate composition of the undecorticated sunflower seed meal used revealed that undecorticated sunflower seed meal contained 925.9, 204.5, 336.2, 215.1, 52.0 and 192.2g/kg dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash and soluble carbohydrates, respectively. Results showed that the final weight of 484.4g/bird was obtained for birds on 75% undecorticated sunflower seed meal diet, while the lowest value of 472.2g/bird was obtained for birds on 25% undecorticated sunflower seed meal diet. Weight gain per bird per day was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected as the level of undecorticated sunflower seed meal increased in the diets. Feed intake per bird per day increased (P < 0.05) across the treatment as a result of increased undecorticated sunflower seed meal inclusion in the diet. However, enzyme supplementation of the diets showed marked (P < 0.05) improvements in feed intake, weight gain, and final weight as well as the feed to gain ratio. Survivability was not affected by the treatments imposed. Dry matter digestibility were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced due to high undecorticated sunflower seed meal inclusion in the diet while crude protein digestibility progressively reduced (P < 0.05) as the level of undecorticated sunflower seed meal increased in the diet. Ash digestibility values were, however, increased (P < 0.05) as the level of undecorticated sunflower seed meal increased in the diets. Birds on enzyme-supplemented diets consistently showed superior (P < 0.05) digestibility values than those on diets without enzyme supplementation. However ether extract digestibility was not affected by enzyme supplementation. The results indicated that higher inclusion levels of undecorticated sunflower seed meal in the diets of layer chicks showed a similar body weight gain/bird/day with the control. Undecorticated sunflower seed meal used in this study is a good source of crude protein, ether extract, and amino acids and had the potential to serve as feeding stuffs as replacement for soybeans. The nutritive value of undecorticated sunflower seed meal was improved for layer chicks with exogenous enzyme supplementation. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc. | enzyme supplementation; layer chicks; nutrient utilization; undecorticated sunflower seed meal | Aves; Glycine max; Helianthus; enzyme; analysis; animal; animal food; chemistry; chicken; controlled study; diet; diet supplementation; dose response; female; plant seed; randomized controlled trial; sunflower; veterinary; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Chickens; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzymes; Female; Helianthus; Seeds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548645222 | Assessment of Factors Associated With Surgical Difficulty in Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction | Gbotolorun O.M., Arotiba G.T., Ladeinde A.L. | 2007 | Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | 65 | 10 | 10.1016/j.joms.2006.11.030 | Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, C | Gbotolorun, O.M., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Arotiba, G.T., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Ladeinde, A.L., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate radiologic and clinical factors associated with increased difficulty in the removal of impacted mandibular third molars. We also aimed to form an index to measure the difficulty of removal of the impacted molars preoperatively. Patients and Methods: A total of 87 patients who required 90 surgical extractions of impacted mandibular third molars from November 2003 to May 2004 were involved in the study. Radiologic and clinical data were taken preoperatively. All extractions were performed under local anesthesia by a single operator. Surgical difficulty was measured by the total intervention time. Results: Increased surgical difficulty was associated with increasing age and body mass index. It was also associated with the curvature of roots of the impacted tooth and the depth from point of elevation (P < .05). Conclusion: Both clinical and radiologic variables are important in predicting surgical difficulty in impacted mandibular third molar extractions. © 2007 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. | None | adolescent; adult; article; body mass; clinical assessment; diagnostic imaging; disease association; female; human; local anesthesia; major clinical study; male; measurement; molar tooth; predictor variable; preoperative evaluation; prospective study; radiodiagnosis; risk factor; surgical technique; tooth disease; tooth extraction; tooth radiography; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Male; Mandible; Molar, Third; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Tooth Extraction; Tooth Root; Tooth, Impacted | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953129061 | Assessment of health impacts of vehicular pollution on occupationally exposed people in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria | Adeleke M.A., Bamgbose J.T., Oguntoke O., Itua E.O., Bamgbose O. | 2011 | Trace Elements and Electrolytes | 28 | 2 | 10.5414/TEP28128 | Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Adeleke, M.A., Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Bamgbose, J.T., Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oguntoke, O., Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Itua, E.O., Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Bamgbose, O., Department Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This study assessed the concentration of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Sulphur Oxide (SOx), Carbonmonoxide (CO), Benzene, Toluene, MP-Xylene and O-xylene (BTEX,) Total Suspended Particulate, (TSP) and Particulate Matter (PM; PM10 and PM2.5) in the ambient air at selected locations in Lagos, Nigeria. The health impact of these pollutants was investigated among exposed group of people (especially CarbonmonoxyHemoglobin (COHb), and pulmonary function). The health profile of the general populace was also examined for cases of ailments related to air pollution. The mean level of TSP was lowest at Unilag (130.6 ± 44.5 ug/m3) the control, while the highest concentration was measured at Mazamaza (1171.7 ± 355.1 ug/m3) throughout the study period. The CO level measured was in the order of Ikotun (3.40 ± 1.3 ppm) > Ikeja (1.70 ± 0.4 ppm) > Unilag (0.10 ± 0.0 ppm). Mean SO2 concentration ranged with a highest value at Oshodi (116.3 ± 27.3 ppb) to a lowest level at Unilag (9.40 ± 0.9 ppb) while the NO2 concentration ranged from a highest value of (138.6 ± 78.4 ppb) for Oshodi to a lowest value of (8.76 ± 3.0 ppb) for Unilag. The concentration of gaseous pollutants that are linked with cancers; benzene, Toluene, MP-Xylene and O-xylene showed the highest level at Mazamaza. At this location, the concentrations of the pollutants were in the order of 17.58 ± 8.8, 36.92 ± 19.6, 21.57 ± 10.5 and 8.03 ± 3.9 (ppb), respectively. On the other hand, Unilag had the lowest level of each of these pollutants (3.47 ± 3.84, 5.3 ± 6.0; 3.37 ± 3.4 and 1.27 ± 1.5 ppb). ANOVA result showed that each pollutant varied significantly among the selected locations (p < 0.05). The broad-profile of diagnosed health problems among residents that visited public hospitals showed high prevalence of upper respiratory tract infection (45.3%) followed by asthma (18.9%), broncho-pneumonia (14.8%) and pneumonia (5.6%). Formore than 30% of the occupationally exposed, exposure had lasted 6 - 10 y, accounting for the higher concentration of CO (1.18 ± 0.43 ppm) in their breath compared to the control (0.63 ± 0.59 ppm). ©2011 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle. | Air pollution; COHb; Health impact; Respiratory diseases; Vehicle emission | benzene; carbon monoxide; carboxyhemoglobin; nitrogen oxide; ortho xylene; sulfur oxide; toluene; xylene; acute sinusitis; adult; air pollution; air quality; article; asthma; bronchitis; bronchopneumonia; chronic bronchitis; controlled study; disease association; health hazard; human; lung function; major clinical study; neoplasm; Nigeria; obstructive airway disease; occupational exposure; particulate matter; pleura effusion; pneumonia; priority journal; suspended particulate matter; tonsillitis; upper respiratory tract infection | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-31544462587 | Assessment of heavy-metal profile of the New Calabar River and its impact on juvenile Clarias gariepinus | Wegwu M.O., Akaninwor J.O. | 2006 | Chemistry and Biodiversity | 3 | 1 | 10.1002/cbdv.200690010 | Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wegwu, M.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Akaninwor, J.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | We have determined the heavy-metal status of the lower reaches of the New Calabar River in the Niger Delta region over a 40-km-long distance, and its impact on the development of catfish (juvenile Clarias gariepinus). The total mean concentrations of dissolved trace metals in the river were 0.01, 0.85, 0.56, 2.08, 0.05, 12.0, and 6.59 mg/l for Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, and Zn, respectively. The accumulated concentration of trace metals in the muscles of different mature fish caught from the river were examined, and the results fell within the action levels adopted in most countries. To evaluate the contributions of trace metals to fisheries depletion, eggs of C. gariepinus were hatched in dilution water spiked with the total mean metal levels determined in the river water. Our results indicate substantive inhibition of egg hatch even at very low concentrations of the majority of the trace metals studied, with mortality rates well above 50% after 216 h of exposure (Table 5). These findings suggest that trace metals (except for Zn), even at very low concentrations, negatively affect fish hatch and fry rearing, implying that aquatic milieus contaminated by trace metals are not suitable as nursery grounds for fish cultures. © 2006 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta. | None | cadmium; chromium; copper; heavy metal; iron; lead; mercury; river water; trace metal; zinc; animal tissue; aquatic environment; article; breeding; catfish; concentration (parameters); controlled study; death; environmental exposure; environmental impact assessment; fishery; geography; hatching; Nigeria; nonhuman; pisciculture; river; tissue distribution; water pollution; Age Factors; Animals; Catfishes; Metals, Heavy; Nigeria; Rivers; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Animalia; Clarias gariepinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960438184 | Assessment of heavy metal speciation in soils impacted with crude oil in the Niger Delta, Nigeria | Iwegbue C.M.A. | 2011 | Chemical Speciation and Bioavailability | 23 | 1 | 10.3184/095422911X12964002282100 | Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria | Iwegbue, C.M.A., Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria | Chemical fractionation of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn and Mn in soils that had received a significant impact of crude oil spillage in the Niger Delta, Nigeria was studied using a sequential chemical extraction method. The results revealed that significant amounts of the metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn and Mn) were found in the most labile fractions as compared to the control site. On average, Ni, Cr and Zn were mostly associated with the residual fraction; Pb and Mn with the Fe-Mn oxides; Cu with the organic fraction and Cd with the exchangeable fraction. Among the non-residual fractions, metals were mostly associated with the Fe-Mn oxides fraction. The mobility factors of these metals were higher at the impacted sites as compared with the control site. High mobility of the metals in the impacted soils was associated with the oil spillage, since exogenous metals are usually weakly bound to soil particles. The mobility factors for the metals follow the order: Cd > Zn > Pb > Ni > Mn > Cu > Cr. | Bioavailability; Heavy metals; Niger Delta; Oil spill; Sequential chemical extraction; Soils; Speciation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866181215 | Assessment of impacts of tsetse and trypanosomosis control measures on cattle herd composition and performance in southern region, Ethiopia | Taye M., Belihu K., Bekana M., Sheferaw D. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 7 | 10.1007/s11250-012-0134-0 | College of Agriculture, Arba-Minch University, P.O. Box 21, Arba-Minch, Ethiopia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P. O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Taye, M., College of Agriculture, Arba-Minch University, P.O. Box 21, Arba-Minch, Ethiopia; Belihu, K., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia; Bekana, M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia; Sheferaw, D., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P. O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | This study was conducted to assess the impact of tsetse and trypanosomosis control measures on cattle herd size and composition, herd dynamics, and milk yield in Wolaita and Gamogofa Zones, southern Ethiopia. The study showed that the average number of cattle herd size in tsetse challenged areas was significantly higher than those in tsetse-controlled areas. The number of non-pregnant dry cows, bulls and oxen were significantly higher in tsetse challenged areas than the other two study areas. The rate of cattle addition to and disposal from the herd were significantly higher in tsetse challenged areas. Cows in Southern Tsetse Eradication Project (STEP) and community tsetse controlled areas were able to give 26-27 %, 25-29 % and 17-21 % more daily milk yield at the beginning, middle and end of lactation, respectively, than those in tsetse-challenged areas. In addition, cows in STEP and community tsetse controlled areas had lactation length longer by 1. 20 to 1. 35 months; age at first calving was shorter by 5. 30 to 5. 10 months; and calving interval was shorter by 4. 20 to 3. 20 months than cows in tsetse-challenged area, respectively. Hence, tsetse and trypanosomosis control both by the community and project would play key role in the improvement of cattle productivity. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Ethiopia; Herd dynamics; Trypanosomosis; Tsetse | animal; animal husbandry; article; case control study; cattle; cross-sectional study; dairying; Ethiopia; female; Glossinidae; insect control; longitudinal study; male; milk; nagana; parasitology; pathophysiology; population density; questionnaire; reproduction; secretion (process); Animal Husbandry; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Cattle; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dairying; Ethiopia; Female; Insect Control; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Milk; Population Density; Questionnaires; Reproduction; Trypanosomiasis, Bovine; Tsetse Flies; Bos; Glossina (genus) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934268539 | Assessment of knowledge, interventional practices for, and impact of malaria in pregnancy among parturient women in a Nigerian tertiary healthcare facility | Obieche A.O., Enato E.F.O., Ande A.B.A. | 2015 | Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | 14 | 6 | 10.4314/tjpr.v14i6.24 | Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Obieche, A.O., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Enato, E.F.O., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ande, A.B.A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Purpose: To assess knowledge of and intervention for malaria in pregnancy among immediate postpartum women, as well as the impact of malaria on some specific birth outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study in which 358 immediate postpartum women were recruited in the labour and maternity wards of University Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Information on demographics, knowledge of malaria, and utilization of malaria interventions were assessed. Immediately after expulsion of placentae, both maternal and placental blood samples were collected from a subset (236) of the study group for parasitaemia and haematocrit determination. Results: The mean age of the women was 29.5 ± 4.55 years. Poor knowledge of adverse effects of malaria during pregnancy was observed. Using an arbitrary scale, low, average and high knowledge of malaria were recorded in 22.4, 50.3 and 27.3% of the respondents, respectively. Use of insecticide-treated net (ITN) was reported by 48.9, 19.1 and 14.3% of women with high, average and low knowledge of malaria respectively (p = 0.004) while there was no statistical difference in the use of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) among the different levels of knowledge of malaria as its practice was reported by 61, 70 and 78.7% of women with high, average, and low knowledge of malaria, respectively, (p = 0.078). Incidence rates of parasitaemia of 4.0, 1.6 and 6.25% were obtained using peripheral microscopy, placental microscopy and peripheral rapid diagnostic test (RDT), respectively. Maternal infection was significantly associated with low birth weight (p = 0.020, peripheral microscopy; p = 0.020, placental microscopy) and maternal anaemia (p = 0.009, peripheral microscopy; p = 0.000, peripheral RDT). Conclusion: Knowledge gap still exists with regard to malaria and its interventions among mothers. Knowledge of malaria significantly influences the use of insecticide-treated bed nets. The negative impact of malaria infection during pregnancy is maternal anaemia and low birth weight infants. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved. | Insecticide-treated bed nets; Low birth weight; Malaria in pregnancy; Maternal anaemia | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954292949 | Assessment of mobility of heavy metals in two soil types by use of column leaching experiments and chemometric evaluation of elution curves | Kowalkowski T., Tutu H., Cozmuta L.M., Sprynskyy M., Cukrowska E.M., Buszewski B. | 2010 | International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry | 90 | 10 | 10.1080/03067310903195003 | Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; Department ofEnvironmental Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3 WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Chemistry-Biology Department, North University of Baia Mare, Victoriei Str., No. 62A, Baia Mare, Romania | Kowalkowski, T., Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; Tutu, H., Department ofEnvironmental Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3 WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Cozmuta, L.M., Chemistry-Biology Department, North University of Baia Mare, Victoriei Str., No. 62A, Baia Mare, Romania; Sprynskyy, M., Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland; Cukrowska, E.M., Department ofEnvironmental Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3 WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Buszewski, B., Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland | The objectives of this study were to evaluate the mobility of heavy metals (HMs) in two types of soils (acidic forest soil and neutral agricultural soil) by leaching with calcium chloride solution in column experiments. The screening properties of neutral agricultural soil towards pollution by heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd) are approximately 10 times higher than those of acid forest soil. The neutral agricultural soil, polluted artificially by one pore volume (PV) of an HMs solution of concentration 200 mg L-1, can screen the leaching of these metals over several hundreds of years. The higher apparent desorption rate and per cent desorption of HMs (especially Cd) in acid forest soil indicated a higher potential of intensive migration of the metals across the profile and indicated potential risk of Cd pollution for this type of soil. The latest approach of artificial neural networks to describe transport of HMs in soil has been also evaluated. Using a simple three-layer perceptron topology with three hidden neurons, the experimental data could be simulated. The results suggested that the pH of soil is a major factor controlling the retention of the heavy metals in the soils. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Artificial neural network; Column leaching experiments; Heavy metals transport; Soil pollution | Acidic forest soil; Agricultural soils; Artificial Neural Network; Chemometric evaluation; Column experiments; Column leaching experiments; Desorption rate; Elution curves; Experimental data; Forest soils; Hidden neurons; Perceptron; Pore volume; Potential risks; Soil types; Three-layer; Acids; Cadmium; Calcium; Calcium chloride; Copper; Desorption; Experiments; Leaching; Metals; Neural networks; Soils; Zinc; Soil pollution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953854148 | Assessment of noise and associated health impacts at selected secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria | Shendell D.G., Ana G.R.E.E., Brown G.E., Sridhar M.K.C. | 2009 | Journal of Environmental and Public Health | 2009 | None | 10.1155/2009/739502 | College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, United States; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health University of Medicine an | Shendell, D.G., Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, United States, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; Ana, G.R.E.E., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Brown, G.E., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Sridhar, M.K.C., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Background. Most schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, are located near major roads (mobile line sources). We conducted an initial assessment of noise levels and adverse noise-related health and learning effects. Methods. For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, four schools were selected randomly from eight participating in overall project. We administered 200 questionnaires, 50 per school, assessing health and learning-related outcomes. Noise levels (A-weighted decibels, dBA) were measured with calibrated sound level meters. Traffic density was assessed for school with the highest measured dBA. Observational checklists assessed noise control parameters and building physical attributes. Results. Short-term, cross-sectional school-day noise levels ranged 68.3-84.7dBA. Over 60 of respondents reported that vehicular traffic was major source of noise, and over 70 complained being disturbed by noise. Three schools reported tiredness, and one school lack of concentration, as the most prevalent noise-related health problems. Conclusion. Secondary school occupants in Ibadan, Nigeria were potentially affected by exposure to noise from mobile line sources. Copyright © 2009 Godson R. E. E. Ana et al. | None | article; checklist; exposure; fatigue; health hazard; high school; human; learning; Nigeria; noise measurement; noise pollution; noise reduction; priority journal; questionnaire; sound level meter; traffic; adolescent; attention; car; cross-sectional study; female; health status; male; noise; pilot study; school; statistics; traffic noise; urban population; Adolescent; Attention; Automobiles; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatigue; Female; Health Status; Humans; Learning; Male; Nigeria; Noise; Noise, Transportation; Pilot Projects; Questionnaires; Schools; Urban Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868694089 | Assessment of noise emitted by vibrator-block factories and the impact on human health and urban environment in Nigeria | Oguntoke O., Odeshi T.A., Annegarn H.J. | 2012 | International Journal of Applied Environmental Sciences | 7 | 1 | None | Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Oguntoke, O., Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Odeshi, T.A., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Annegarn, H.J., Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa | Noise emission from small-scale factories which are currently exempted from environmental impact assessment is quite worrisome. As a research response, this study assessed noise levels emitted by vibrator concrete-block (VCB) factories using sound level metre while impact on exposed subjects was elicited through questionnaire survey and field observations. 10 VCB factories were sampled randomly while a planned residential area served as control site. Questionnaire was administered to sampled workers and residents living in proximity to VCB factories. At VCB factory sites and nearest building, mean noise level ranged from 98.47-114.57 and 74.7-100.1dBA compared to control site with 55dBA. There was a significant variation (P<0.05) in noise levels generated at the selected sites. At 40 metres, about 20% of the VCB factories emitted noise levels higher than 80 dBA. Distance from VCB factories showed a significant negative correlation with monitored noise level (r=-0.82); hence explained 77.8percentof noise level pattern. A minimum buffer of 80 metres was projected between the factory and residential building using regression model.VCB factories workers and nearby residents were exposed to daily noise dose higher than permissible limit for work and residential environments. Unfortunately, none of the workers wore hearing protection during operation. Both sampled groups frequently experienced ringing ear (73.1%), speech interference (69.2%), headache (61.5%), annoyance (65.4%) and sleep distortion (61.5%) among other ailments. A huge number of urban residents are negatively impacted by noise emitted by VCB factories considering several scores of these factories located in cities/town and the number of cities/town currently present in the country. The study recommends urgent intervention for noise control in VCB factory premises. Environmental education and awareness programme is recommended for VCB workers besides mandatory wearing of hearing protection. Aminimum buffer of 80m between VCB factories and the nearest residential house should be enforced by appropriate agencies while on the long-run, VCB factories should be zone out of residential area. © Research India Publications. | Buffer; Environmental pollution; Exposure; Occupational risk; Planning; Public health | Buffer; Control sites; Environmental education; Environmental pollutions; Exposure; Field observations; Hearing protection; Human health; Negative correlation; Nigeria; Noise emissions; Noise levels; Questionnaire surveys; Residential areas; Residential building; Residential environment; Residential house; Sound level; Speech interference; Urban environments; Ear protectors; Environmental impact assessments; Houses; Occupational risks; Planning; Public health; Surveys; Vibrators; anthropogenic effect; assessment method; environmental education; health risk; noise pollution; occupational exposure; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15944398699 | Assessment of pepper seed performance using desiccation sensitivity | Modi A.T. | 2005 | Seed Science and Technology | 33 | 1 | None | Sch. of Agric. Sci. and Agribusiness, Crop Science Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Modi, A.T., Sch. of Agric. Sci. and Agribusiness, Crop Science Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | During priming, seeds are subjected to hydration followed by dehydration and re-hydration is resumed during germination. It is postulated that the ability of seeds to withstand the effects of hydration and dehydration could be used to determine seed quality. Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds from different production seasons (1998, 2000 and 2002) were hydroprimed for 2 h and then desiccated for 72 h over saturated salt solutions at 12% RH (20°C), 33% RH (23°C) and 52% RH (23°C). Seed membrane integrity was determined by a comparison of desiccated seeds with non-desiccated seeds, with respect to cation (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+) content of steep water after imbibition. Seed desiccation sensitivity was determined by the total germination of desiccated seeds relative to control seeds that were neither hydrated nor desiccated over saturated salts. Desiccation sensitivity increased with the lowering of desiccation relative humidity. This effect was correlated with an increase in electrolyte leakage and reduction in seed germination, emergence and stand establishment. Fresh seeds were more resistant to desiccation than older seeds. A better correlation between desiccation sensitivity and seed quality compared with seed germination suggested that desiccation sensitivity could be used as a seed vigour test. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860808884 | Assessment of quality and performance of some selected furnishing fabrics | Fashola K.O., Giwa A., Iliya E.B., Orivri D.O. | 2012 | Middle East Journal of Scientific Research | 11 | 4 | None | Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Fashola, K.O., Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Giwa, A., Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Iliya, E.B., Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Orivri, D.O., Department of Textile Science and Technology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | A comparative study has been made on the quality and performance of some selected foreign and locally made furnishing fabrics. Properties, such as, fabric weight, fabric sett, thickness, yarn crimp, linear density, wettability, flammability, shrinkage, handle, drape, wash fastness, light fastness, tensile, soil retention, crease recovery, air-permeability and abrasion resistance were investigated. The results obtained show that these fabrics possess acceptable properties for their end-use suitability. The locally made fabrics are better in terms of wash fastness, fabric shrinkage, air permeability and abrasion resistance while the foreign fabrics are better in terms of crease recovery, drapeability, tensile properties, wettability, crimp, thickness, flammability and soil retention rating, fabric sett, fabric weight, light fastness and fabric handle. Also, the locally made fabrics favourably match up to the imported ones. © 2012 IDOSI Publications. | Curtains; Fabrics; Furnishing; Properties; Quality | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000331009000027 | Assessment of Quality of Life as a Tool for Measuring Morbidity Due to Schistosoma mansoni Infection and the Impact of Treatment | Abudho, Bernard,Blackstock, Anna J.,Foo, Karen T.,Hightower, Allen W.,Karanja, Diana M. S.,Kennedy, Erin D.,Montgomery, Susan P.,Mwinzi, Pauline N. M.,Ochola, Elizabeth A.,Person, Bobbie,Secor, W. Evan,Won, Kimberly Y. | 2014 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE | 90 | 2 | 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0361 | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | None | Recently, health measurements have broadened to include the assessment of quality of life (QOL). This study was conducted to assess whether the short form of the World Health Organization (WHO) QOL questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was an effective tool for measuring morbidity due to Schistosoma mansoni infection and whether it could detect an impact of treatment with praziquantel. A total of 724 adults 18-85 years of age were enrolled. At baseline, S. mansoni prevalence was 73.2% by stool examination and 75.4% by circulating cathodic antigen, and there was no association between infection status and WHOQOL-BREF scores. Six months after treatment, S. mansoni prevalence was lower and the proportion of persons with higher WHOQOL-BREF scores significantly increased among persons who were infected at baseline. However, a similar increase was observed in persons not infected at baseline. In areas of high prevalence, the WHOQOL-BREF may not be able to detect the benefits of schistosomiasis control programs. | ,"AGED CHILDREN",ANEMIA,CHEMOTHERAPY,DIAGNOSIS,"MASS TREATMENT",PRAZIQUANTEL,PREVALENCE,SCHOOLCHILDREN,"SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS","WESTERN KENYA" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051982341 | Assessment of reproductive performances of crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian X Zebu) in gondar town | Ibrahim N., Abraha A., Mulugeta S. | 2011 | Global Veterinaria | 6 | 6 | None | Jimma University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Jijiga University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia | Ibrahim, N., Jimma University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Abraha, A., Jijiga University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia; Mulugeta, S., Jimma University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | The present study was carried out from November 2009-March 2010 in Gonder town to assess the reproductive performance of crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Zebu) dairy cattle kept in small, medium and large scale dairy production systems. A total of 62 (50 smallholders that owned <6 crossbred dairy cows, 10 medium holders that owned 6-30 crossbred dairy cows were kept in intensive production system and 2 large holders that owned >30 crossbred dairy cows) were kept in intensive and semi-intensive production systems were visited and reproductive performance of 279 crossbred dairy cattle and the effect of production system and parity on reproductive performance were studied. The overall mean values for age at first service (AFS) and age at first calving (AFC) were 23.1 months (n=202) and 34.7 months (n=170), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in AFS and AFC among production systems. The overall mean values for calving to first service interval(CFSI), calving to conception interval (CCI), calving interval (CI) and number of services per conception (NSPC) were 5.5 months(n=193), 5.7 months(n=193), 13.93 months(n=155) and 1.29(n=249), respectively. The values of CFSI and CCI were significantly shorter (p<0.05) in the small and medium scale of production systems as compared to the large scale of production system, but there was no statistically significant difference in CFSI and CCI between small and medium scale of production systems. Cows managed in the medium scale of production system had significantly shorter CI (p<0.05) as compared to the other scales of production systems. There was no statistically significant difference in value of NSPC among the production systems. There was no statistically significant difference in Values of CFSI, CCI, CI and NSPC among Parity numbers. In general, crossbred dairy cows managed in medium scale of production system had better reproductive performance than in the other production systems. The overall observed reproductive performance crossbred dairy cattle in this study was good. Thus, the ongoing activities to improve and expand crossbred dairy cattle production in the area should be encouraged. © IDOSI Publications, 2011. | Crossbred cattle; Gondar; Production system; Reproductive | Bos; Bos indicus; Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44149086909 | Assessment of sewage application in southeastern Nigeria Part 1: Impact on selected soil morphological and physical properties | Asadu C.L.A., Ucheonye-Oliobi C., Agada C. | 2008 | Outlook on Agriculture | 37 | 1 | None | Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Asadu, C.L.A., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ucheonye-Oliobi, C., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Agada, C., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | This work investigated the impact of long-term application of sewage sludge/effluent on morphological and physical properties of a sandy Ultisol (Arenic Kandiustult) in Nsukka, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from the surface (0-20 cm) of a sewage-amended soil and from unamended control fields, after which two representative profile pits were also sited on the sewage-amended plot and two on the control fields. Soil samples were collected at specific intervals from these pits. Morphologically, both soils were deep and well drained, with no concretions or mottles. The colour variation ranged from dark reddish to brownish black for the first layer of the profile pits in the area amended with sewage sludge, to reddish brown and red in others. In unamended soils, the colour ranged from dark reddish brown in the top layer to reddish brown and red in others. Texture was generally sandy loam over sandy clay loam in amended soil, and sandy clay loam in unamended soil. The structure was generally weakly granular in the top layer, but moderately subangular in other subsurface layers. The entire area is on a gentle slope of <5%. Soil organic matter, bulk density, total porosity and aggregate stability were enhanced significantly (p <0.05) in the sewage-amended soil compared with the non-sewage-amended soil. Changes in the saturated hydraulic conductivity, field capacity and micro- and macro-porosities were not significant. The results indicate that application of sewage sludge and effluent has little impact on the morphology of these soils. However, it had a positive impact on the physical properties of the soils. But it should be used with caution because of its known negative effects on heavy metal accumulation in soils when used at high rates and for long periods. | Aggregate stability; Bulk density; Organic matter; Sewage; Soil morphology; Total porosity; Ultisol | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44149104614 | Assessment of sewage application in southeastern Nigeria Part 2: Impact on soil chemical properties, trace and heavy metal accumulation in soil and underground water | Asadu C.L.A., Ukadike B., Agada C. | 2008 | Outlook on Agriculture | 37 | 1 | None | Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Asadu, C.L.A., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ukadike, B., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Agada, C., Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | The impact of sewage sludge and effluent on soil and underground water after about 40 years of application was evaluated in this study, with a particular focus on selected soil chemical properties, some trace element (Zn, Cu) and heavy metal (Pb and Cd) accumulation, mobility in the soil profile and possible contamination of the underground water. The chemical properties of the soil studied included pH, exchangeable cations and acidity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), available P, organic matter and total N. Long-term disposal of sewage sludge and effluents on the soils significantly (P < 0.001) increased the exchangeable bases, exchangeable acidity, available P, soil organic matter, total N and CEC, but significantly lowered the pH of the soils. The fertility status of the sewage-treated soil was thus enhanced. The study also showed that both trace elements and heavy metals were significantly (P <0.05) higher in the sewage-amended soils than in the unamended soils. The accumulation of the trace and heavy metals in the former implies that the agricultural utilization of the sewage sludge and effluent should be done with care. The study showed no obvious adverse impact of the sewage sludge and effluent on underground water quality, but contamination by Pb is possible in the future. | Heavy/trace metals; Sewage impact; Soil exchange properties; Ultisol; Underground water | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872222621 | Assessment of teaching performance of student-teachers on teaching practice | Oluwatayo J.A., Adebule S.O. | 2012 | International Education Studies | 5 | 5 | 10.5539/ies.v5n5p109 | Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Oluwatayo, J.A., Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Adebule, S.O., Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study assessed teaching performance of 222 student-teachers from the Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, posted to various secondary schools in Ekiti State for a six-week teaching practice during 2010/2011 academic session. The sample included 119 males, 103 females, 78 (300-Level) and 144 (400-Level) students. Data were collected using Teaching Performance Assessment Form designed by the Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, item-total correlations and t-test comparison, tested at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed satisfactory teaching performance of the student-teachers while gender and previous teaching experience had no significant influence on teaching performance of the student-teachers. It was recommended that supervisors (of teaching practice/raters) should be thoroughly trained on the use of assessment instrument for reliable measurement of student-teachers' teaching performance. | Academic level; Assessment; Gender; Teaching performance; Teaching practice | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745182897 | Assessment of testcross performance and genetic diversity of yellow endosperm maize lines derived from adapted x exotic backcrosses | Menkir A., Olowolafe M.O., Ingelbrecht I., Fawole I., Badu-Apraku B., Vroh B.I. | 2006 | Theoretical and Applied Genetics | 113 | 1 | 10.1007/s00122-006-0275-5 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Olowolafe, M.O., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Ingelbrecht, I., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Fawole, I., Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Badu-Apraku, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Vroh, B.I., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria | Introduction of exotic maize (Zea mays L.) into adapted tropical germplasm may enhance genetic variability and lead to greater progress from selection. The first objective of this study was to determine if yellow endosperm lines derived from adapted × exotic backcrosses contain exotic alleles that are superior to the recurrent adapted parental line for yield and other agronomic traits in tropical environments. Thirteen exotic yellow maize inbred lines were crossed to an adapted orange line (KUSR) and the F1s were backcrossed to KUSR to generate the first backcrosses. Fifty BC1F4 lines derived from these backcrosses and the recurrent parent were crossed to a common inbred tester (L4001) to form testcrosses, which were evaluated at eight environments in Nigeria. Testcrosses of the BC-derived lines differed significantly for grain yield and other agronomic traits. Only two testcrosses yielded significantly less than L4001 × KUSR, with the best 15 testcrosses producing between 289 and 1,056 kg/ha more grain yield than L4001 × KUSR. The best testcrosses were similar to or better than L4001 × KUSR for other agronomic traits. The second objective of this study was to assess the extent of genetic diversity present among the BC-derived lines. We genotyped 46 BC-derived lines including KUSR and L4001 with 10 AFLP primer pairs and found 491 polymorphic fragments. The average allelic diversity of the lines was 0.30 ± 0.01. The genetic distance of each BC-derived line from KUSR ranged between 0.49 and 0.91. The average genetic distance for all pairs of the BC-derived lines was 0.68 ± 0.004, varying from 0.34 to 0.92. The increased grain yield and genetic diversity observed in these studies provide evidence that exotic germplasm can contribute new alleles to expand the genetic base of tropical maize and develop high-yielding hybrids. © Springer-Verlag 2006. | None | Genes; Genetic engineering; Plant cell culture; Endosperm maize; Genetic variability; Germplasm; Crops; article; cross breeding; genetic polymorphism; genetic variability; genetics; maize; Nigeria; Crosses, Genetic; Nigeria; Polymorphism, Genetic; Variation (Genetics); Zea mays; Corn; Genes; Genetic Engineering; Plants; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920710058 | Assessment of the activity of radionuclides and radiological impacts of consuming underground water in Kumasi, Ghana | Darko G., Faanu A., Akoto O., Atta-Agyeman F., Aikins M.A., Agyemang B., Ibrahim A. | 2014 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 73 | 1 | 10.1007/s12665-014-3433-0 | Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana | Darko, G., Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Faanu, A., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana; Akoto, O., Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Atta-Agyeman, F., Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Aikins, M.A., Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Agyemang, B., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana; Ibrahim, A., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana | The gross α–β activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in underground water samples were determined and γ spectroscopy measurements made as well. The gross α–β concentrations were measured using a low background gasless automatic α–β counting system calibrated with 241Am and 90Sr standards for α and β, respectively, while γ analyses were carried out using γ spectrometry system coupled to a NaI (TI) detector and measuring assembly. Gross α activities in the water samples varied from 15.7 to 142.7 mBq/L, registering an average value of 40.7 ± 12 mBq/L, whereas gross β activities ranged from 89.3 to 400 mBq/L. The activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were 22.41 ± 6.07, 114.62 ± 13.01 and 227.38 ± 12.16 mBq/L, respectively. The mean annual effective dose due to water consumption was determined to be 7.00 ± 0.86 µSv/year per inhabitant. The gross α–β levels, the activities obtained for the three radionuclides and the annual effective dose were all within the WHO safe limits. This study indicates that underground water in the areas sampled is radiologically safe for consumption. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Gross alpha; Gross β; Radioactivity; Radionuclides; Water | Groundwater; Radioactivity; Ultraviolet spectroscopy; Water; Annual effective dose; Gamma spectrometry; Gamma spectroscopy; Gross alpha; Gross alpha activities; Mean annual effective dose; Radiological impacts; Water consumption; Radioisotopes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863193276 | Assessment of the economic impact and prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in Menz Lalo Midir District, Northeast Ethiopia | Chanie M., Begashaw S. | 2012 | Veterinary World | 5 | 5 | 10.5455/vetworld.2012.261-264 | University of Gondar, Ethiopia; Menz Agricultural office, Menz Lalo Midir District, Ethiopia | Chanie, M., University of Gondar, Ethiopia; Begashaw, S., Menz Agricultural office, Menz Lalo Midir District, Ethiopia | Survey of economic loss and the prevalence of Fasciolosis in ovine species were conducted in Menz Lalo Midir district, Amhara National Regional State, during the period of September 2010 to June 2011. The objectives of this study were assessing the financial loss, determining prevalence. The total of number of study animals were 810 sheep from eight Kebeles (Tamawenze, Seklaye, Tayate, Saga, Wegere, Kilerbo, Toll, and Angetla) of Menz Lalo Midir district selected on lottery system. Prevalence was determined by fecal sample examinations. Gross lesions were studied by postmortem examination where as economic losses were determined after interview and market assessment. From fecal examination, the overall prevalence of ovine fasciolosis was found 70.20%. The prevalence in male animals was found 50.6% and in females it was 19.6%. But there exists no statistical significance between sex groups as the P value is less than 0.05. During the study period 1,692.00 Ethiopian birr was lost due to condemnation of liver from 189 animals accounting 74.6 % with 12.00 birr price of a liver. Clinically, observed signs were emaciation, weakness, bottle jaw and rough wool. Gross pathological lesions found were cirrhosis, fibrosis, and circumscribed pus accumulation, blunt edges of liver, bile duct hyperplasia and adult fasciola parasites on section of the liver. In conclusion, the results of the current study suggested that ovine fasciolosis was found to be one of the major disease entities in sheep in Menz Lalo Midir district. | Economic loss; Menz lalo midir; Ovine fasciolosis; Prevalence | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892747490 | Assessment of the impact of foreign aid on economic growth: Evidence From 26 HIPC Sub-Sahara African countries | Phiri Y., Tchereni B.H.M. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 13 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p201 | Reserve Bank of Malawi, Malawi; Regenesys Business School, South Africa | Phiri, Y., Reserve Bank of Malawi, Malawi; Tchereni, B.H.M., Regenesys Business School, South Africa | The study examined the impact of foreign aid on economic growth using a sample of 26 HIPC countries from the Sub-Saharan Africa over the period 1980 to 2006. Using Random Effects method, the results show that firstly the initial level of income, investment, growth in labour force, government size, debt service and aid intensity are the main determinants of growth in SSA. Secondly the study finds evidence of a direct positive impact of aid intensity on economic growth being significantly different from zero. However, this direct impact does not compare favourably with the impact exerted by investment and government size on economic growth. Thus while the findings support moves by the G8 to double aid to developing countries including Africa, the need for Africa to industrialize remains a necessary precondition for the growth impact of aid to be meaningful. | Economic growth; Fixed effects; Foreign aid; HIPC | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41049094176 | Assessment of the impact of irrigation with low-quality mine water on virgin and rehabilitated soils in the upper olifants basin | Idowu O.A., Lorentz S.A., Annandale J.G., McCartney M.P., Jovanovic N.Z. | 2008 | Mine Water and the Environment | 27 | 1 | 10.1007/s10230-007-0010-8 | Department of Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; School of Bioresources, Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 002, South Africa; International Water Management Institute Sub-Regional Office, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Idowu, O.A., Department of Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Lorentz, S.A., School of Bioresources, Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Annandale, J.G., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 002, South Africa; McCartney, M.P., International Water Management Institute Sub-Regional Office, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Jovanovic, N.Z., Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Low-quality mine water from collieries may be used in large quantities to irrigate agricultural crops on virgin (unmined) and rehabilitated soils in South Africa. Such a use could enhance crop production and allow environmentally sustainable mine water disposal. In this study, the volume and qualities of the runoff from two centre pivots irrigated with moderately saline mine water, as well as their soil water salinities, were monitored and used to determine water and salt balances, using the modified ACRU agrohydrological model, ACRU2000, and its salinity module, ACRUSalinity. At both sites, much of the water evaporated, while a significant part of the salt input either precipitated or remained with the water in the soil horizons. A higher percentage of drainage water (and salinity) were retained as ground water storage and a lower percentage of runoff occurred in the rehabilitated sandy loam soil, while a higher percentage of salts accompanied runoff in the virgin clayey soils. Simulated salt saturation values indicate that many crops could be successfully irrigated at 100% yield potential at either site. Electrical resistivity surveys were carried out at both sites. A general decrease in resistivities with depth in both the virgin and rehabilitated soils reflected the decreasing influence of the mine water used for irrigation with depth and the precipitation of salts in the soils close to the ground surface. The occurrence of a thicker, low-resistivity, near-surface layer near the exit of each pivot area indicates that the water and salt content of the subsurface increased in the direction that the surface and near-surface irrigation water flowed. © 2007 Springer-Verlag. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052844221 | Assessment of the impact of kerosene and diesel on soil nitrogen mineralisation | Orji J.C., Uzoho B., Enwerem J.O., Ezurike W. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 11 | None | Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Orji, J.C., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Uzoho, B., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Enwerem, J.O., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ezurike, W., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Effects of different concentrations (1, 2 and 5% v/w) of diesel and kerosene on N mineralization were studied in a sandy loam soil. Relative to the untreated soil, higher ammonium-N levels were obtained in samples treated with all the concentrations of kerosene and diesel from the second and third weeks of incubation respectively while extents of nitrate-N production differed. Net N-mineralization was 17.211 mg mineral-N/kg soil in untreated soil and -11.753 mg mineral-N/kg soil and -26.562 mg mineral-N/kg soil respectively in soils treated with 5% kerosene and diesel after six weeks incubation. Net nitrification was 29.90 mg NO 3-N/kg soil in untreated soil and -9.35 mg NO 3-N/kg soil and -22. NO 3-N/kg soil respectively in soils treated with 5% kerosene and diesel after six weeks incubation. Overall mineralization rates were highest (13.01 mg N/kg soil per week) in untreated soil. Rates were lower in diesel than in kerosene treated soils. Inhibition of net N mineralisation ranged from of 139.31 to 168.29% and 90.41 to 254.34% after sixth week incubation for kerosene and diesel-treated soils respectively. The toxicity of diesel and kerosene treatment on nitrogen mineralization in the soil is due more to their effects on ammonium-N than on nitrate-N production. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Ammonium; Diesel and kerosene; Mineralisation; Nitrate; Nitrification | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958157120 | Assessment of the impact of latrine utilization on diarrhoeal diseases in the rural community of Hulet Ejju Enessie Woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region | Anteneh A., Kumie A. | 2010 | Ethiopian Journal of Health Development | 24 | 2 | None | East Gojjam Zonal Health Department, Amahara Regional Health Bureau, P.O. Box: 495, Ethiopia; School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box: 9086, Ethiopia | Anteneh, A., East Gojjam Zonal Health Department, Amahara Regional Health Bureau, P.O. Box: 495, Ethiopia; Kumie, A., School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box: 9086, Ethiopia | Background: The construction of latrine is a relatively simple technology that is used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. While household access is important, community sanitation coverage is even more important to improve health through the regular use of well-maintained sanitation facilities. Objective: Assessing the impact of latrine utilization on diarrhoeal diseases in the rural community in the district of Hulet Ejju Enessie Woreda, East Gojam. Method: A community based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a randomly selected 824 households that had 90% latrine coverage at the time data collection in 2006. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire complemented with observation was used to collect data. The study area is found in one of the districts of East Gojjam where the health services extension program was actively underway. Trained data collectors and supervisors were involved in the study. Data entry and cleaning was done using EPI INFO 6.04d, while SPSS version 11 was used for data analysis. Results: Most (61%) households with traditional pit latrines had latrine utilization. In a bivaraite analysis, the extent of latrine utilization was significantly associated with presence of primary or secondary school children in the house [AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: (1.04-2.06)], perceived reasons for latrine construction [AOR: 2.89, 95% CI: (1.24-6.72)] and learning from neighborhoods [AOR: 10.07, 95% CI: (1.97-51.56)], ecology of 'Kolla' [AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: (0.29-0.74) and 'Woyna-Dega' [AOR: 0.55, 95% CI: (0.38-0.81), and owning latrines for >2 years [AOR: 2.13, 95% CI: (1.57-2.89)]. The occurrence of childhood diarrhoea was not statistically associated with the extent of latrine utilization [AOR: 0.63, 95% CI: (0.22-1.81)]; however, only owning latrines for >2 years remained significant in a multivariate analysis [AOR: 0.28, 95% CI: (0.12-0.66)]. Conclusion: Utilization of latrine facilities was common among the majority of households. The duration of having latrines had impacted the occurrence of childhood diarrhea. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866705618 | Assessment of the impact of malaria on cd4+ T Cells and haemoglobin levels of HIV-malaria co-infected patients | Tagoe D.N.A., Boachie Jr. J. | 2012 | Journal of Infection in Developing Countries | 6 | 9 | None | Department of Laboratory Technology (Medical Laboratory Division), University of Cape Coast, Ghana | Tagoe, D.N.A., Department of Laboratory Technology (Medical Laboratory Division), University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Boachie Jr., J., Department of Laboratory Technology (Medical Laboratory Division), University of Cape Coast, Ghana | Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malaria destroy important cells required for proper immunological and haematological functioning of the body. This research therefore aimed to assess the effect of malaria on CD4+ and haemoglobin (Hb) levels of HIV-malaria co-infected patients. Methodology: The study was performed by sampling 220 adult HIV patients on highly active anti retroviral therapy (HAART) who routinely visited the Tema General Hospital in Ghana. Blood samples were obtained for both blood film microscopy identification of malaria parasites and analysis using rapid diagnostic test kits. A BD Facscount Analyzer was used in the quantification of CD4+ levels. Results: Of the 220 patients sampled, 34 (15.5%) were HIV-malaria co-infected, all of whom (34; 100%) had CD4+ counts below the normal range, while 23 (12.9%) of the HIV mono-infected patients had normal CD4+ counts. Almost all HIV-malaria co-infected patients (33; 97.1%) had low Hb levels, whereas 79 (42.5%) of the HIV mono-infected patients had normal Hb. Malaria infection strongly correlated positively and significantly with both low CD4+ count (χ2 = 0.828, P = 0.003) and Hb (χ2 = 0.817, P = 0.004) levels. Conclusion: Malaria co-infection with HIV decreases CD4+ T cells and Hb levels in patients. It is therefore recommended that HIV patients in malaria endemic areas should adhere to malaria preventive measures. © 2012 Tagoe and Boachie Jr. | CD4+ T cells; Hb levels; Highly active anti retroviral therapy (HAART); HIV-malaria co-infection | antiretrovirus agent; hemoglobin; adult; article; blood sampling; CD4+ T lymphocyte; clinical assessment; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; malaria; male; mixed infection; nonhuman; Plasmodium; Adult; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Coinfection; Female; Ghana; Hemoglobins; HIV Infections; Humans; Malaria; Male; Human immunodeficiency virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880916722 | Assessment of the impact of tongue size in patients with bimaxillary protrusion [Evaluation de l'influence de la dimension linguale chez les patients avec une bi-proalvéolie] | Adesina B.A., Otuyemi O.D., Kolawole K.A., Adeyemi A.T. | 2013 | International Orthodontics | 11 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ortho.2013.02.012 | Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals, Complex Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Child Dental Health, University College Hospital Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Adesina, B.A., Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals, Complex Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Otuyemi, O.D., Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals, Complex Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Kolawole, K.A., Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals, Complex Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Adeyemi, A.T., Department of Child Dental Health, University College Hospital Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Background: Tongue size, posture and pressure are considered to have significant influences on the positioning of dentoalveolar structures. Based on the equilibrium theory, forward resting posture of the tongue with light force and long duration could have both a horizontal and vertical effect on teeth. Bimaxillary proclination, a malocclusion trait often seen in African descents with multifactorial etiological factors, could well be related to tongue dimensions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between tongue dimensions and bimaxillary proclination patients. Methodology: One hundred selected lateral cephalometric radiographs of consecutive orthodontic patients who met the study criteria were divided into study (bimaxillary proclination with interincisal angle [I/I] < 108°) and control (normal with interincisal relationship [I/I] ≥ 108°) groups. The subjects' tongues were pre-coated with barium sulphate before radiography in order to delineate the tongue outline. Tongue dimensions and the intermaxillary space surface area were determined and analyzed using SPSS version 11 and a computer programme for epidemiological analysis. Results: The mean tongue measurements in the bimaxillary proclination group were higher than those in the control group except for tongue proportion. These differences were statistically significant for tongue thickness, tongue length and intermaxillary space length (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the tongue area and intermaxillary space area between subjects with bimaxillary proclination and a normal interincisal relationship (P > 0.05). None of the variables (tongue thickness, tongue length, intermaxillary space length, tongue area and percentage tongue proportion) could be used as predictors for interincisal relationship. Conclusion: Tongue length, thickness and intermaxillary space length were significantly different between the bimaxillary and normal subjects. However, none of the measured tongue variables could be used as a predictor for incisor relationship. © 2013 CEO. | Bimaxillary proclination; Intermaxillary space; Malocclusion; Tongue dimensions | analysis of variance; article; case control study; cephalometry; human; macroglossia; Negro; Nigeria; observer variation; pathology; prognathia; reference value; statistical model; tongue; African Continental Ancestry Group; Analysis of Variance; Case-Control Studies; Cephalometry; Humans; Logistic Models; Macroglossia; Nigeria; Observer Variation; Prognathism; Reference Values; Tongue | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548625221 | Assessment of the impacts of land use changes on the hydrological regime of a small rural catchment in South Africa | Troy B., Sarron C., Fritsch J.M., Rollin D. | 2007 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 32 | 15-18 | 10.1016/j.pce.2007.07.049 | IRD, UMR G-eau, P.O. Box 542, Newtown 2113, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie de Rennes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; International Water Management Institute, Private Bag X 813, Silverton 0127 Pretoria, South Africa | Troy, B., IRD, UMR G-eau, P.O. Box 542, Newtown 2113, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sarron, C., Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie de Rennes, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France; Fritsch, J.M., IRD, UMR G-eau, P.O. Box 542, Newtown 2113, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rollin, D., International Water Management Institute, Private Bag X 813, Silverton 0127 Pretoria, South Africa | Wetlands provide various environmental services and support livelihoods of poor populations in many parts of the world. Nevertheless knowledge about the quantification of the hydrological functions provided by wetlands is still limited. The current study was carried out on a small rural catchment in South Africa (263 km2), where according to the locals, a change in hydrological regime has occurred during the past decade. A small wetland area occupies the bottom of the catchment, and this wetland has been drastically reduced by small scale farming activities. The purpose of the study was twofold; on the one hand to determine if any hydrological change occurred, and on the other hand to relate it to the land use change, which is considered the cause of the change by conservationist groups. A comparative analysis of the land use of the catchment during the past decade was carried out using satellite images. The hydrological behavior of the basin during the last two decades was then studied using the conceptual rainfall-runoff model GR4J. Indeed the available climate and hydrological data was very poor and only a scarce-parameters lumped model could be used. According to Nash coefficient of efficiency, the model was able to simulate the observed runoff of the catchment with acceptable accuracy. The method showed that under similar rainfall conditions, the basin was generating more runoff in recent years than in the early 1990s. This observation matched an observed reduction in the wetland area. To check if this change in land use could be the cause of the hydrological change, rapid estimations were made of the water transfer processes in the different land use units. It appears that, in particular in the wetlands area, the processes related to land use change only account for a small proportion of the observed increase in runoff at the catchment scale. Under conditions of inaccurate hydrometeorological information, the approach used is appropriate to study the changes in the water balance at the catchment scale. We suggest that future applications of this method should in addition include an uncertainty assessment. Moreover it may be relevant to analyse if this method performs better than other parsimonious empirical models. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | GR4J; Land use changes; Olifants River; Rainfall-runoff modeling; Wetlands | Catchments; Climatology; Hydrology; Mathematical models; Rain; Rivers; Runoff; Weather forecasting; Wetlands; Hydrometeorological information; Land use changes; Rainfall-runoff modeling; Rural catchment; Land use; accuracy assessment; agriculture; catchment; comparative study; efficiency measurement; environmental assessment; environmental impact; hydrological cycle; hydrological regime; land use change; rainfall-runoff modeling; rural area; wetland management; Africa; Olifants River; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749070374 | Assessment of the impacts of pit latrines on groundwater quality in rural areas: A case study from Marondera district, Zimbabwe | Dzwairo B., Hoko Z., Love D., Guzha E. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.031 | Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mvuramanzi Trust, P.O. Box MR103, Marlborough, Harare, Zimbabwe | Dzwairo, B., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hoko, Z., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Love, D., Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Guzha, E., Mvuramanzi Trust, P.O. Box MR103, Marlborough, Harare, Zimbabwe | In resource-poor and low-population-density areas, on-site sanitation is preferred to off-site sanitation and groundwater is the main source of water for domestic uses. Groundwater pollution potential from on-site sanitation in such areas conflicts with Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles that advocate for sustainable use of water resources. Given the widespread use of groundwater for domestic purposes in rural areas, maintaining groundwater quality is a critical livelihood intervention. This study assessed impacts of pit latrines on groundwater quality in Kamangira village, Marondera district, Zimbabwe. Groundwater samples from 14 monitoring boreholes and 3 shallow wells were analysed during 6 sampling campaigns, from February 2005 to May 2005. Parameters analysed were total and faecal coliforms, NH4+ s(-) N, NO3- s(-) N, conductivity, turbidity and pH, both for boreholes and shallow wells. Total and faecal coliforms both ranged 0-TNTC (too-numerous-to-count), 78% of results meeting the 0 CFU/100 ml WHO guidelines value. NH4+ s(-) N range was 0-2.0 mg/l, with 99% of results falling below the 1.5 mg/l WHO recommended value. NO3- s(-) N range was 0.0-6.7 mg/l, within 10 mg/l WHO guidelines value. The range for conductivity values was 46-370 μS/cm while the pH range was 6.8-7.9. There are no WHO guideline values for these two parameters. Turbidity ranged from 1 NTU to 45 NTU, 59% of results meeting the 5 NTU WHO guidelines limit. Depth from the ground surface to the water table for the period February 2005 to May 2005 was determined for all sampling points using a tape measure. The drop in water table averaged from 1.1 m to 1.9 m and these values were obtained by subtracting water table elevations from absolute ground surface elevation. Soil from the monitoring boreholes was classified as sandy. The soil infiltration layer was taken as the layer between the pit latrine bottom and the water table. It averaged from 1.3 m to 1.7 m above the water table for two latrines and 2-3.2 m below it for one pit latrine. A questionnaire survey revealed the prevalence of diarrhoea and structural failure of latrines. Results indicated that pit latrines were microbiologically impacting on groundwater quality up to 25 m lateral distance. Nitrogen values were of no immediate threat to health. The shallow water table increased pollution potential from pit latrines. Raised and lined pit latrines and other low-cost technologies should be considered to minimize potential of groundwater pollution. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Groundwater pollution; Groundwater quality; Infiltration layer; On-site sanitation; Pit latrines; Sandy soil | Coliform bacteria; pH effects; Sand; Sanitation; Soils; Water analysis; Water quality; Water wells; Groundwater quality; Infiltration layer; Pit latrines; Sandy soil; Groundwater pollution; groundwater pollution; health impact; pollution monitoring; sanitation; water management; water planning; water quality; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903287058 | Assessment of the main factors impacting community members' attitudes towards tourism and protected areas in six southern African countries | Snyman S. | 2014 | Koedoe | 56 | 2 | 10.4102/koedoe.v56i2.1139 | Environmental Economics Policy Research Unit, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Wilderness Safaris, Johannesburg, South Africa | Snyman, S., Environmental Economics Policy Research Unit, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Wilderness Safaris, Johannesburg, South Africa | In southern Africa, many early conservation efforts from the late 1800s and early 1900s either displaced local communities or restricted their access to natural resources. This naturally affected community attitudes towards protected areas and efforts were later made to rectify growing tensions. In the last few decades of the 20th century, these efforts led to conservation and ecotourism models that increasingly included communities in the decision-making and benefit-sharing process in order to garner their support. Although the results of these policies were mixed, it is clear that the future success of conservation and, consequently, ecotourism in many areas will depend on the attitudes and behaviour of communities living in or adjacent to protected areas. Managing and understanding community expectations and attitudes under varying socio-economic circumstances will lead to more efficient, equitable and sustainable community-based conservation and ecotourism models. This study was based on 1400 community interview schedules conducted in Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, allowing for an accurate comparison of attitudes across countries, protected areas and communities. The results highlighted important demographic and socio-economic factors to consider in terms of understanding the attitudes of those living in and around protected areas. Suggestions were put forward for managing community relationships and garnering long-term support for protected areas and ecotourism. Conservation implications: It was observed that, in general, community members living in or adjacent to conservation areas in southern Africa have an understanding and appreciation of the importance of conservation. Formal education was found to positively impact attitudes and human-wildlife conflict negatively impacted attitudes, highlighting important policy focus areas. © 2014. The Authors. | None | attitudinal survey; decision making; ecotourism; educational attainment; nature conservation; protected area; Botswana; Malawi; Namibia; South Africa; Zambia; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929940620 | Assessment of the monitoring and evaluation system for integrated community case management (iCCM) in Ethiopia: A comparison against global benchmark indicators | Mamo D., Hazel E., Lemma I., Guenther T., Bekele A., Demeke B. | 2014 | Ethiopian Medical Journal | 52 | None | None | Institute for International Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Private Consultant on Health Systems, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Save the Children USA, Washington, DC, United States; Save the Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Mamo, D., Institute for International Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Hazel, E., Private Consultant on Health Systems, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Lemma, I., Save the Children USA, Washington, DC, United States; Guenther, T., Save the Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Bekele, A., Save the Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Demeke, B., Institute for International Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States | Background. Program managers require feasible, timely, reliable, and valid measures of iCCM implementation to identify problems and assess progress. The global iCCM Task Force developed benchmark indicators to guide implementers to develop or improve monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. Objective. To assesses Ethiopia's iCCM M&E system by determining the availability and feasibility of the iCCM benchmark indicators. Methods. We conducted a desk review of iCCM policy documents, monitoring tools, survey reports, and other relevant documents; and key informant interviews with government and implementing partners involved in iCCM scale -up and M&E. Results. Currently, Ethiopia collects data to inform most (70% [33/47]) iCCM benchmark indicators, and modest extra effort could boost this to 83% (39/47). Eight (17%) are not available given the current system. Most benchmark indicators that track coordination and policy, human resources, service delivery and referral, supervision, and quality assurance are available through the routine monitoring systems or periodic surveys. Indicators for supply chain management are less available due to limited consumption data and a weak link with treatment data. Little information is available on iCCM costs. Conclusion. Benchmark indicators can detail the status of iCCM implementation; however, some indicators may not fit country priorities, and others may be difficidt to collect. The government of Ethiopia and partners should review and prioritize the benchmark indicators to determine which should be included in the routine M&E system, especially since iCCM data are being reviewed for addition to the IIMIS. Moreover, the Health Extension Worker's reporting burden can be minimized by an integrated reporting approach. | Addis Ababa; Ethiopia; Private consultant on public health monitoring and evaluation | case management; community care; Ethiopia; health care quality; human; integrated health care system; quality control; standards; Benchmarking; Case Management; Community Health Services; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Ethiopia; Humans; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Quality of Health Care | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957016718 | Assessment of the performance of a public water utility: A case study of Blantyre Water Board in Malawi | Kalulu K., Hoko Z. | 2010 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 35 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.017 | The Polytechnic, University of Malawi, P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi; Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Kalulu, K., The Polytechnic, University of Malawi, P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi; Hoko, Z., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Water scarcity, deteriorating water quality and financial limitations to the development of new water sources affect the quality of urban water supply services. The costs would have to be transferred to governments or customers if water supply utilities are to operate effectively. Utilities therefore need to continuously minimize costs and maximize revenue to ensure affordability and consequently access to safe water. This paper presents findings of a study on the performance of Blantyre Water Board compared to best practice targets for developing countries. The study tools employed in this study included interviews and documentation review. Key aspects studied included unaccounted for water, working ratio, bill collection efficiency and; efficiency of operation and maintenance. The working ratio of the utility ranged from 0.69 to 1.3 which was above the proposed target working ratio 0.68 for developing country utilities. It was found that the level of unaccounted for water for the utility ranged from 36% to 47% compared to 25% for developing countries. The utility was not financially sustainable as it had been making losses since 2002, had a working ratio of up to 1.3 implying that the utility was unable to meet its operational and capital cost; and 70% of all the invoiced bills being collected in a maximum of 340 days against an ideal target of 90 days. The staff per thousand connections value was found to be 18 compared to an ideal value of five. It was concluded that the utility was generally performing poorly as most performance indicators were outside the range for best practice targets for utilities in developing countries. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Best practice; Blantyre Water Board; Customers; Utility performance; Water supply | Best-practices; Blantyre Water Board; Capital costs; Collection efficiency; Customers; Ideal values; Operation and maintenance; Performance indicators; Public water utilities; Safe water; Unaccounted for water; Urban water supply; Utility performance; Water boards; Water scarcity; Water source; Water supply utilities; Benchmarking; Customer satisfaction; Developing countries; Electric utilities; Management; Sales; Water pollution; Water quality; Water supply; best management practice; developing world; water industry; water management; water quality; water resource; water supply; Blantyre; Malawi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886264096 | Assessment of the performance of CORDEX regional climate models in simulating East African rainfall | Endris H.S., Omondi P., Jain S., Lennard C., Hewitson B., Chang'a L., Awange J.L., Dosio A., Ketiem P., Nikulin G., Panitz H.-J., Büchner M., Stordal F., Tazalika L. | 2013 | Journal of Climate | 26 | 21 | 10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00708.1 | University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Tanzania Meteorological Agency, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Western Australian Centre for Geodesy and the Institute for Geoscience Research, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, Italy; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Rossby Centre, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Norrköping, Sweden; Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Karlsruhe, Germany; Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Uganda Meteorological Department, Kampala, Uganda | Endris, H.S., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Omondi, P., IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Jain, S., University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Lennard, C., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hewitson, B., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Chang'a, L., Tanzania Meteorological Agency, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Awange, J.L., Western Australian Centre for Geodesy and the Institute for Geoscience Research, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Dosio, A., European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Ispra, Italy; Ketiem, P., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Nikulin, G., Rossby Centre, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Norrköping, Sweden; Panitz, H.-J., Institut für Meteorologie und Klimaforschung, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Karlsruhe, Germany; Büchner, M., Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany; Stordal, F., University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Tazalika, L., Uganda Meteorological Department, Kampala, Uganda | This study evaluates the ability of 10 regional climate models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) in simulating the characteristics of rainfall patterns over eastern Africa. The seasonal climatology, annual rainfall cycles, and interannual variability of RCM output have been assessed over three homogeneous subregions against a number of observational datasets. The ability of the RCMs in simulating large-scale global climate forcing signals is further assessed by compositing the El Ninõ-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) events. It is found that most RCMs reasonably simulate the main features of the rainfall climatology over the three subregions and also reproduce the majority of the documented regional responses to ENSO and IOD forcings. At the same time the analysis shows significant biases in individual models depending on subregion and season; however, the ensemble mean has better agreement with observation than individual models. In general, the analysis herein demonstrates that the multimodel ensemble mean simulates eastern Africa rainfall adequately and can therefore be used for the assessment of future climate projections for the region. © 2013 American Meteorological Society. | Climate models; Climatology; ENSO; Interannual variability; Model comparison; Rainfall | ENSO; Future climate projections; Indian ocean dipoles; Interannual variability; Model comparison; Rainfall climatologies; Regional climate models; Southern oscillation; Atmospheric pressure; Climate change; Climate models; Climatology; Rain; annual variation; climate forcing; climate modeling; climatology; comparative study; downscaling; El Nino-Southern Oscillation; rainfall; regional climate; East Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893075500 | Assessment of the performance of local and foreign road construction firms in Ghana | Gyadu-Asiedu W., Danso H., Asubonteng J.A. | 2013 | International Journal of Construction Management | 13 | 4 | None | Department of Building Technology, Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana; Department of Design and Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba, Kumasi, Ghana | Gyadu-Asiedu, W., Department of Building Technology, Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana; Danso, H., Department of Design and Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba, Kumasi, Ghana; Asubonteng, J.A., Department of Design and Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba, Kumasi, Ghana | The apparent imperfect competition that exists between local and foreign construction firms, coupled with the perception that governments give most of the big projects to the foreign firms has brought about the need to undertake a comparative study. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference between the performance of local and foreign road construction firms in Ghana. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that used a structured questionnaire administered to 69 respondents of road construction professionals. The results ranked foreign firms significantly higher than their local counterparts in terms of effective cost management, time management and quality management practices at 95% confidence level. Therefore, the study found the foreign road construction firms more efficient in terms of performance (cost, time and quality) than their local counterparts in Ghana. Copyright © 2009 The Chinese research Institute of Construction Management. | Construction industry; Cost management; Performance management; Quality management; Road construction firms; Time management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856514457 | Assessment of the performance of the drag and bulk transfer method in estimating sensible and latent heat fluxes in a tropical station | Adeniyi M.O., Ogunsola O.E. | 2012 | Theoretical and Applied Climatology | 107 | 04-Mar | 10.1007/s00704-011-0496-7 | Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adeniyi, M.O., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunsola, O.E., Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The 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. | None | estimation method; latent heat flux; parameterization; performance assessment; reliability analysis; sensible heat flux; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939626138 | Assessment of the Potential Impact and Cost-effectiveness of Self-Testing for HIV in Low-Income Countries | Cambiano V., Ford D., Mabugu T., Napierala Mavedzenge S., Miners A., Mugurungi O., Nakagawa F., Revill P., Phillips A. | 2015 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 212 | 4 | 10.1093/infdis/jiv040 | Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Rowland Hill St, London, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Centre for Health Economics, University of York, United Kingdom; University of Zimbabwe Clinical Research Centre, Zimbabwe; Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, CA, United States | Cambiano, V., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Rowland Hill St, London, United Kingdom; Ford, D., MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, United Kingdom; Mabugu, T., University of Zimbabwe Clinical Research Centre, Zimbabwe; Napierala Mavedzenge, S., Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, CA, United States; Miners, A., Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Mugurungi, O., Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nakagawa, F., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Rowland Hill St, London, United Kingdom; Revill, P., Centre for Health Economics, University of York, United Kingdom; Phillips, A., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Rowland Hill St, London, United Kingdom | Background. Studies have demonstrated that self-testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is highly acceptable among individuals and could allow cost savings, compared with provider-delivered HIV testing and counseling (PHTC), although the longer-term population-level effects are uncertain. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of introducing self-testing in 2015 over a 20-year time frame in a country such as Zimbabwe. Methods. The HIV synthesis model was used. Two scenarios were considered. In the reference scenario, self-testing is not available, and the rate of first-time and repeat PHTC is assumed to increase from 2015 onward, in line with past trends. In the intervention scenario, self-testing is introduced at a unit cost of $3. Results. We predict that the introduction of self-testing would lead to modest savings in healthcare costs of $75 million, while averting around 7000 disability-adjusted life-years over 20 years. Findings were robust to most variations in assumptions; however, higher cost of self-testing, lower linkage to care for people whose diagnosis is a consequence of a positive self-test result, and lower threshold for antiretroviral therapy eligibility criteria could lead to situations in which self-testing is not cost-effective. Conclusions. This analysis suggests that introducing self-testing offers some health benefits and may well save costs. © 2015 The Author. | cost-effectiveness; diagnostic; HIV; mathematical modeling; self-testing | antiretrovirus agent; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; adolescent; adult; aged; Article; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; disability; epidemic; health care cost; health care personnel; HIV test; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; intermethod comparison; nonhuman; patient care; patient counseling; prediction; priority journal; provider-delivered HIV testing and counseling; repeat procedure; self evaluation; sensitivity and specificity; trend study; Zimbabwe; biological model; developing country; economics; health; HIV Infections; poverty; prevalence; self care; statistics; time; Anti-HIV Agents; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Developing Countries; Global Health; HIV Infections; Humans; Models, Biological; Poverty; Prevalence; Self Care; Stochastic Processes; Time Factors; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903965360 | Assessment of the reliability and validity of student-lecturer evaluation questionnaire: A case of North West University | Montshiwa V.T., Moroke N.D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p352 | North West University, South Africa | Montshiwa, V.T., North West University, South Africa; Moroke, N.D., North West University, South Africa | The study assessed the reliability and the validity of student-lecturer evaluation questionnaire used at the North West University in South Africa. The questionnaire was first used during the second semester of the year 2011 and was distributed to all students registered and present for lectures for piloting. This tool has not been tested for statistical significance before it could be implemented. It was however circulated on round robin to academics across the University for their inputs before it could be finalised. A total of 442 questionnaires distributed to students on a particular day of the year 2013 was analysed using Statistical Analysis Software version 9.3. Preliminary data analysis results provided enough evidence to conclude that the selected sample was adequate with the correlation matrix confirming the appropriateness of factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha confirmed that individual and collective constructs in the questionnaire are reliable. Exploratory factor analysis results helped in rearranging the student-lecturer evaluation questionnaire collecting the 26 statements into four factors instead of the original five. The results obtained in this study will be presented to the academic development centre of the university and suggestions based on the findings about the questionnaire will also be given. The tool may also through the permission of the university be recommended to schools in the area. | Cronbach's alpha; Exploratory factor analysis; Reliability; Student lecturer evaluation questionnaire; Validity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55249105728 | Assessment of the socio-economic impacts of quarrying and processing of limestone at Obajana, Nigeria | Busuyi A.T., Frederick C., Fatai I.A. | 2008 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 4 | None | School of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Mining Engineering, School of Eng. and Eng. Technology, Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure, Nigeria | Busuyi, A.T., School of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Frederick, C., School of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fatai, I.A., Department of Mining Engineering, School of Eng. and Eng. Technology, Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure, Nigeria | The persistent high rise in the price of building materials and constant importation of cement in Nigeria requires speedy development of cement factories in country. This research was carried out to assess the socio-economic impacts of quarrying and processing of limestone at Obajana, Nigeria. In order to assess the socio-economic impacts of the operations on the community, questionnaires were distributed to both the staff of the company and the community. The data derived from the questionnaires were subjected to both statistical analysis and chi-square method. The results gotten indicated that the lifestyles of the people are still below high standard with only 7% of the respondents earning above N40,000:000 (forty thousand naira monthly) and majority earn less than N20,000:00 (twenty thousand naira monthly). Also the level of education within the community is poor and there is higher percentage of non-literacy level. The operation has little or no environmental impacts on the community yet due to the fact that the operations/production has not commenced fully. This situation may change in the nearest years to come. When this happen, this work will serve as baseline data for any socio-economic assessment on Obajana. However, recommendations were made on how to improve the literacy level of the community and other impacts. | Limestone; Obajana; Quarrying and processing; Socio-economic | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936075126 | Assessment of the sustainability of public housing projects in Ogun state, Nigeria: A post occupancy evaluation approach | Ibem E.O., Aduwo E.B., Ayo-Vaughan E.K. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 4S2 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s2p523 | Department of Architecture, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, KM 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Architecture, College of Environmental Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, | Ibem, E.O., Department of Architecture, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, KM 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Aduwo, E.B., Department of Architecture, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, KM 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ayo-Vaughan, E.K., Department of Architecture, College of Environmental Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | As the emphasis on sustainability increases among architects and construction professionals, the various ways for achieving sustainability in physical development projects have continued to engage the attention of scholars and researchers across the globe. However, in the context of housing in a developing country like Nigeria, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the sustainability of public housing projects. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying and analyzing the sustainability features of public housing projects in urban areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. A survey of 517 residents in nine public housing estates was conducted between December 2009 and February 2010 in the study area. With the aid of structured questionnaire, interview guide and observation schedule; data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analyses. Findings show that public housing projects in the study area were evaluated to be sustainable in terms of affordability and building forms responding to site and climatic conditions. The projects were however found to be unsustainable in the use of asbestos-based materials, inadequate provision of domestic spaces and lack of basic social infrastructural facilities. The paper concludes that to achieve sustainability in public housing in Nigeria, there is a need for public housing developers to pay adequate attention to users’ domestic space and basic social infrastructural facilities need in the design, construction and management of housing projects. © 2015, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Housing Characteristics; Nigeria; Ogun State; Public Housing; Survey; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901612487 | Assessment of trade performance of OIC African members in the face of global economic crisis | Osabuohien E.S., Efobi U.R. | 2014 | Journal of Economic Cooperation and Development | 35 | 1 | None | Dept. of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow, German Development Institute, Bonn, Germany; School of Business, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Osabuohien, E.S., Dept. of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow, German Development Institute, Bonn, Germany; Efobi, U.R., School of Business, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | The 2007/2008 global economic crisis has threatened the economic and financial fabrics of most countries. For instance, FDI inflow as a percentage of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which increased by over 85% (1995-1999) reduced by 48% in 2008. Similarly, merchandize exports as a percentage of GDP for SSA reduced by 17.9% between 1995 and 2008. This paper investigates the impact of the economic crisis on the trade performance of 25 selected Organisation of Islamic Countries-OIC in Africa. Some indicators that formed our main explained variable include trade share in world market, trade per capita, and real growth in trade. In the analysis conducted in this work, we found that trade performance and global economic crises indicators differ markedly across Africa's five sub-regions and the 'heat' of the global economic crises has a significant implication for trade share of Africa's OIC members. Other findings and suggestions on how to improve the trade performance for African countries especially the OIC members are documented in the study. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955022557 | Assessment of village chicken production system and evaluation of the productive and reproductive performance of local chicken ecotype in bure district, North West Ethiopia | Moges F., Mellesse A., Dessie T. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 13 | None | Andassa Livestock Research Center, P. O. Box 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P. O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Hawassa University, P. O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia | Moges, F., Andassa Livestock Research Center, P. O. Box 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Mellesse, A., Hawassa University, P. O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; Dessie, T., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P. O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | A survey was conducted in Bure district, North West Ethiopia, from 2007 to 2008 to assess the existing village chicken production system. A participatory rural appraisal and a formal survey were used to collect all the relevant data, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Seven farmer administrative kebeles (two from high land, three from mid altitude and two from low land agro-ecologies) and a total of 280 village chicken owner households were considered for the study. The result revealed that the dominant (83%) chicken production system was an extensive/traditional type of production, using a majority (97%) of local chicken ecotypes, managed mainly on scavenging with seasonal supplementation of home grown grains and household food leftovers. The purposes of chicken production were sale for income (51.4%), egg hatching for replacement (45%), consumption (44.3%), use of birds for cultural and/or religious ceremonies (36.4%) and egg production (40.7%). The average flock size per household was 13 (ranged 1 - 57), with a hen to cock ratio of 3.7:1. Only 22.1% of chicken owners prepared a separate overnight house for birds and the rest (77.9%) kept birds in various night sheltering places. The result revealed that 97.5% of interviewed chicken owners experienced chicken disease problems, mainly Newcastle disease (98.2%). The result indicated that 95% of village chicken owners used only traditional means to treat sick birds. The average age of cockerels at first mating and pullets at first egg were 24.6 weeks and 27.5 weeks, respectively. The average number of eggs laid/clutch was 16 (ranged 8 - 28) and the number of total clutch periods/hen/year was 4 (ranged 2 - 6). The annual egg production performance of local hens, under farmer's management condition, was 60 eggs/hen (ranged 24 -112). The average number of eggs incubated/hen was 13 and 11 chicks, on average, were hatched from them. The average hatchability performance of local hens was 81.7%. However, survivability of young chicks was only 60.5% (ranged 0 -100%). High hatchability performance of local hens (81.7%) and high mortality of young chicks (39.5%) were the two contradictory features for the existing village chicken production system of the district. Seasonal diseases outbreaks (84.3%) and predation (11.4%) were the major causes of chicken loss in the district. Women were the major responsible members of the household involved in various chicken husbandry activities like cleaning bird's house (38.6%), feeding birds (81.7%), selling birds (83%) and selling eggs (54.6%). Only 37.5% of interviewed chicken owners got appropriate extension services related to modern chicken management practices. The result of the study revealed that there is a great interest to boost up the existing village chicken production and productivity. This should be considered as an opportunity and potential to design and implement interventions, aimed at improving production and productivity of village chicken in the district. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Ethiopia; Local chicken ecotypes; Village chicken production system | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953083109 | Assessment of wastewater discharge impact from a sewage treatment plant on lagoon water, Lagos, Nigeria | Longe E.O., Ogundipe A.O. | 2010 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 2 | 3 | None | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Longe, E.O., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Ogundipe, A.O., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | The aim of this study was to assess the wastewater discharge impact from the University of Lagos campus treatment plant on the lagoon system. In order to achieve this objective water samples were collected from nine sites and analyzed for different wastewater quality variables. The field survey was carried out between July and November in order to capture both the wet and dry seasons. Average removal efficiencies of measured parameters from treated effluents are 26% for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), 73% for Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), 65.8% for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and 72% for Total Nitrogen (Total N) for the wet season campaign. During the dry season average removal efficiencies of measured parameters are 54% for TDS, 54% for BOD, 39% for COD and 42% for Total N. These values are lower than values obtained for the wet season except for TDS. Most parameters in effluents exceeded the National Environmental Protection Regulations, Effluent Limitation standards for discharge into river bodies. Average concentrations of TDS, BOD and COD in lagoon water show higher concentrations than in the treated effluent and are above the regulatory requirements. The research recommends further study on the possible influence of water dynamics and sampling methods on water quality of the lagoon. The overall results from this research conclude that the lagoon is being polluted by effluents discharge from the university treatment plant thereby exposing the health of local residents who use it for recreation and for food production purposes. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2010. | Lagoon; Parameters; Pollution; Sewage; Treatment; Water quality | Average concentration; Biological oxygen demand; Dry seasons; Environmental protection regulations; Field surveys; Food production; Influence of water; Lagoon; Lagoon systems; Local residents; Measured parameters; Nigeria; Parameters; Regulatory requirements; Removal efficiencies; Sampling method; Total dissolved solids; Total nitrogen; Treated effluent; Treatment; Treatment plants; Wastewater discharge; Wastewater quality; Water samples; Wet and dry seasons; Wet season; Biochemical oxygen demand; Dissolved oxygen; Drought; Effluents; Environmental regulations; Lakes; Nitrogen removal; Sewage; Sewage treatment; Wastewater; Wastewater treatment; Water pollution; Water quality; Sewage lagoons | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20444503401 | Asset life cycle management: Towards improving physical asset performance in the process industry | Schuman C.A., Brent A.C. | 2005 | International Journal of Operations and Production Management | 25 | 6 | 10.1108/01443570510599728 | Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Schuman, C.A., Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Brent, A.C., Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Purpose - Asset management is often one of the last options to maximise cost savings in a competitive global economy due to its intrinsic complexity, especially in many developing countries. Asset management in the process industry must consider the commissioning, operational and end-of-life phases of physical assets when commencing a design and implementation project. However, current asset management models show inefficiencies in terms of addressing life cycle costs comprehensively, as well as other aspects of sustainable development. An asset life cycle management (ALCM) model is subsequently proposed for assets in the process industry, which integrates the concepts of generic project management frameworks and systems engineering with operational reliability in order to address these inefficiencies. Design/methodology/approach - Experiences within a large petrochemical company in South Africa are used as a case study to demonstrate and discuss the different components of the proposed ALCM model. Findings - Operational reliability and systems engineering are the means to achieve optimum value from physical assets over a facility's lifetime. Thereby, activities are identified that should be completed during each stage of the project life cycle. The application of performance measurements for the operation and support stages is proposed to influence decision making in the process industry. Originality/ value - Specific issues pertaining to the ALCM model are highlighted to ensure optimal practicality and incorporation of the model with other management practices in the process industry. © Emerald Group publishing Limited. | Assets; Assets management; Maintenance; Project management | None | None |
| None | None | Association between AFLP-based genetic distance and hybrid performance in tropical maize | Kiula B.A., Lyimo N.G., Botha A.-M. | 2008 | Plant Breeding | 127 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1439-0523.2007.01434.x | Dakawa Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 1892, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest 0002, Pretoria, South Africa; Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Uyole Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 400, Mbeya, Tanzania | Kiula, B.A., Dakawa Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 1892, Morogoro, Tanzania, Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest 0002, Pretoria, South Africa, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Lyimo, N.G., Uyole Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 400, Mbeya, Tanzania; Botha, A.-M., Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest 0002, Pretoria, South Africa, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Identifying the best inbred combinations for the development of commercial hybrid maize varieties remains the main challenge to maize breeders. The aim of this work was to study associations between the genetic distance (GD) of 21 inbreds and the corresponding F1 phenotypic data. Furthermore, the impact of grouping lines into genetically similar clusters was investigated. The 21 inbred lines were fingerprinted using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. Parents and 210 F1 progeny were evaluated in the field. Joint data analysis mostly revealed a tighter association between GD and the F1 performance or mid parent heterosis in the intergroup than in the intragroup crosses. Despite these correlations, intergoup crosses should always be field-tested before their release. Crosses showing low GD values should be discarded to avoid field-testing costs. Better F1 hybrid performance predictions can be achieved by integrating molecular and F1 phenotypic data. © 2007 The Authors. | Genetic distance; Grouping; Heterosis; Zea mays | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84932159550 | Association between experience of sexual coercion and sexual behaviour: Insights from the 2008 botswana aids impact survey iii | Letamo G. | 2015 | Etude de la Population Africaine | 29 | 1 | None | Department of Population Studies, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 00705, Gaborone, Botswana | Letamo, G., Department of Population Studies, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 00705, Gaborone, Botswana | Objective: Little is known about the prevalence and the effect of sexual coercion on risky sexual behaviour in the context of Botswana. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the experience of sexual coercion and risky sexual behaviour. Methods: The study used a nationally representative population-based survey data from the 2008 Botswana AIDS Impact Survey III. We used cross-tabulations and multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate an association between the experience of sexual coercion and risky sexual behaviour. Results: Out of the 2,455 respondents, the prevalence of sexual coercion was 5% (3.1% males and 8.1% females). The adjusted odds ratios showed that only the respondents who reported having experienced sexual coercion compared to those who did not were 1.9 times more likely to report having engaged in multiple sexual partnerships and this relationship was statistically significant at 1% level. Conclusion: The results suggest that in order to implement effective HIV/AIDS prevention strategies it is imperative to adopt a more holistic and multifaceted approach that includes issues of sexual violence. © 2015, Union for African Population Studies. All rights reserved. | Botswana; Sexual behaviour; Sexual coercion | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899582010 | Association between health systems performance and treatment outcomes in patients co-infected with MDR-TB and HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Implications for TB programmes | Loveday M., Padayatchi N., Wallengren K., Roberts J., Brust J.C.M., Ngozo J., Master I., Voce A. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0094016 | Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Tuberculosis and HIV Investigative Network of KwaZulu-Natal (THINK), Durban, South Africa; Retired from Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States; KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa; Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Loveday, M., Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Padayatchi, N., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Wallengren, K., Tuberculosis and HIV Investigative Network of KwaZulu-Natal (THINK), Durban, South Africa; Roberts, J., Retired from Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Brust, J.C.M., Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States; Ngozo, J., KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Master, I., King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa; Voce, A., Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Objective: To improve the treatment of MDR-TB and HIV co-infected patients, we investigated the relationship between health system performance and patient treatment outcomes at 4 decentralised MDR-TB sites. Methods: In this mixed methods case study which included prospective comparative data, we measured health system performance using a framework of domains comprising key health service components. Using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficients we quantified the direction and magnitude of the association between health system performance and MDR-TB treatment outcomes. Qualitative data from participant observation and interviews analysed using systematic text condensation (STC) complemented our quantitative findings. Findings: We found significant differences in treatment outcomes across the sites with successful outcomes varying from 72% at Site 1 to 52% at Site 4 (p<0.01). Health systems performance scores also varied considerably across the sites. Our findings suggest there is a correlation between treatment outcomes and overall health system performance which is significant (r = 0.99, p<0.01), with Site 1 having the highest number of successful treatment outcomes and the highest health system performance. Although the 'integration' domain, which measured integration of MDR-TB services into existing services appeared to have the strongest association with successful treatment outcomes (r = 0.99, p<0.01), qualitative data indicated that the 'context' domain influenced the other domains. Conclusion: We suggest that there is an association between treatment outcomes and health system performance. The chance of treatment success is greater if decentralised MDR-TB services are integrated into existing services. To optimise successful treatment outcomes, regular monitoring and support are needed at a district, facility and individual level to ensure the local context is supportive of new programmes and implementation is according to guidelines. © 2014 Loveday et al. | None | article; case study; clinical handover; comparative study; controlled study; data collection method; health care delivery; health care management; health care planning; health care quality; health program; health service; health system integration; health systems performance; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interview; mixed infection; mortality; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; outcome assessment; participant observation; patient care; patient monitoring; performance measurement system; practice guideline; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; South Africa; systematic text condensation; treatment failure; antibiotic resistance; antiviral resistance; clinical trial; Coinfection; disease management; health personnel attitude; HIV Infections; multicenter study; multidrug resistance; politics; prospective study; qualitative research; residential care; statistics and numerical data; treatment outcome; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; tuberculostatic agent; Anti-HIV Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Attitude of Health Personnel; Catchment Area (Health); Coinfection; Delivery of Health Care; Disease Management; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Drug Resistance, Viral; HIV Infections; Humans; Politics; Prospective Studies; Qualitative Research; Quality Indicators, Health Care; South Africa; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; K23AI083088, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901381005 | Association of Nodule Performance Traits with Shoot Performance Traits of Common Bean Under Drought Stress | Fenta B.A., Beebe S.E., Rao I.M., Kunert K.J. | 2014 | Journal of Crop Improvement | 28 | 3 | 10.1080/15427528.2014.910287 | Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Plant Science Department, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Pretoria, South Africa; Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), Cali, Colombia; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Melkassa Agricultural Research Centre, Adama, Ethiopia | Fenta, B.A., Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Plant Science Department, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Pretoria, South Africa, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Melkassa Agricultural Research Centre, Adama, Ethiopia; Beebe, S.E., Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), Cali, Colombia; Rao, I.M., Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), Cali, Colombia; Kunert, K.J., Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Plant Science Department, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Pretoria, South Africa | Although symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) and nodule characteristics have been evaluated before, their use as phenotypic markers for drought tolerance in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and their association with aboveground traits under water deficiency have not been quantified widely. Therefore, the effect of drought stress on the association of nodule performance traits with shoot performance traits was investigated using six common bean lines with contrasting differences in their adaptation to drought and low phosphorus (P) availability in soil. Drought stress reduced leaf water potential and gas-exchange characteristics (CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance) in all lines tested, but two drought-tolerant lines, BAT 477 and BT_34-1,-1, were superior in their ability to adjust their leaf water status under drought. These two lines were also superior in root growth, rate of CO2 assimilation, vegetative biomass production, and nitrogen-fixing ability under drought stress. A direct relation of SNF and nodule fresh weight with gas-exchange traits and biomass production existed, suggesting that relative growth of shoot vs. root depends on the provision of nitrogen by SNF and photosynthetic carbon assimilation. Overall, differences found in nodule, root, and shoot performance traits indicated that the P-efficient bean line (BT_34-1-1) was superior to the other lines in adaptation to drought. Marked association of nodule performance traits with shoot performance traits under drought stress was detected. We suggest that nodule characteristics and SNF ability should be included with above- and below-ground traits as phenotypic markers in germplasm evaluation and breeding programs aimed at improving drought tolerance in common bean. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Biomass; drought tolerance; nodule performance; phenotypic marker; symbiotic nitrogen fixation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884622877 | Association of the ANRS-12126 Male Circumcision Project with HIV Levels among Men in a South African Township: Evaluation of Effectiveness using Cross-sectional Surveys | Auvert B., Taljaard D., Rech D., Lissouba P., Singh B., Bouscaillou J., Peytavin G., Mahiane S.G., Sitta R., Puren A., Lewis D. | 2013 | PLoS Medicine | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001509 | UMRS-1018, CESP, INSERM Villejuif, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne, France; University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Versailles, France; Progressus, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude-Bernard, Paris, France; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Auvert, B., UMRS-1018, CESP, INSERM Villejuif, France, AP-HP, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne, France, University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Versailles, France; Taljaard, D., Progressus, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rech, D., Progressus, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lissouba, P., UMRS-1018, CESP, INSERM Villejuif, France; Singh, B., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bouscaillou, J., UMRS-1018, CESP, INSERM Villejuif, France; Peytavin, G., AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude-Bernard, Paris, France; Mahiane, S.G., Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Sitta, R., UMRS-1018, CESP, INSERM Villejuif, France; Puren, A., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lewis, D., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background:Randomized controlled trials have shown that voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces HIV infection by 50% to 60% in sub-Saharan African populations; however, little is known about the population-level effect of adult male circumcision (MC) as an HIV prevention method. We assessed the effectiveness of VMMC roll-out on the levels of HIV in the South African township of Orange Farm where the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effect of VMMC on HIV acquisition was conducted in 2002-2005.Methods and Findings:The Bophelo Pele project is a community-based campaign against HIV, which includes the roll-out of free VMMC. A baseline cross-sectional biomedical survey was conducted in 2007-2008 among a random sample of 1,998 men aged 15 to 49 (survey response rate 80.7%). In 2010-2011, we conducted a follow-up random survey among 3,338 men aged 15 to 49 (survey response rate 79.6%) to evaluate the project. Participants were interviewed, blood samples were collected and tested for HIV and recent HIV infection (using the BED HIV incidence assay), and MC status was assessed through a clinical examination. Data were analyzed using multivariate and propensity statistical methods.Owing to the VMMCs performed in the context of the RCT and the Bophelo Pele project, the prevalence rate of adult MC increased from 0.12 (95% CI 0.10-0.14) to 0.53 (95% CI 0.51-0.55). Without these VMMCs, the HIV prevalence rate in 2010-2011 would have been 19% (95% CI 12%-26%) higher (0.147 instead of 0.123).When comparing circumcised and uncircumcised men, no association of MC status with sexual behavior was detected. Among circumcised and uncircumcised men, the proportion consistently using condoms with non-spousal partners in the past 12 months was 44.0% (95% CI 41.7%-46.5%) versus 45.4% (95% CI 42.2%-48.6%) with weighted prevalence rate ratio (wPRR) = 0.94 (95% CI 0.85-1.03). The proportion having two or more non-spousal partners was 50.4% (95% CI 47.9%-52.9%) versus 44.2% (95% CI 41.3%-46.9%) with wPRR = 1.03 (95% CI 0.95-1.10).We found a reduction of BED-estimated HIV incidence rate ranging from 57% (95% CI 29%-76%) to 61% (95% CI 14%-83%) among circumcised men in comparison with uncircumcised men.Conclusions:Findings suggest that the roll-out of VMMC in Orange Farm is associated with a significant reduction of HIV levels in the community. The main limitation of the study is that it was not randomized and cannot prove a causal association. The roll-out of VMMC among adults in sub-Saharan Africa should be an international priority and needs to be accelerated to effectively combat the spread of HIV.Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary. © 2013 Auvert et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; adult; article; circumcision; condom use; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease association; evaluation; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection rate; male; outcome assessment; prevalence; questionnaire; randomized controlled trial; sexual behavior; South Africa; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Circumcision, Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Follow-Up Studies; Health Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunoassay; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Time Factors; Young Adult | OPP1021324, BandMGF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927554751 | Associations between CAMCOG-R subscale performance and formal education attainment in South African older adults | James K.A., Grace L.K., Thomas K.G.F., Combrinck M.I. | 2015 | International Psychogeriatrics | 27 | 2 | 10.1017/S1041610214002233 | ACSENT Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Clinical Neurosciences Research Unit, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | James, K.A., ACSENT Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Clinical Neurosciences Research Unit, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Grace, L.K., Clinical Neurosciences Research Unit, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Thomas, K.G.F., ACSENT Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Combrinck, M.I., Clinical Neurosciences Research Unit, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: The Cambridge Cognitive Examination-Revised (CAMCOG-R) is a sensitive screening tool for the early diagnosis of dementia in older adults. Overall performance on the CAMCOG-R is influenced by educational attainment. Few studies have, however, examined the association between educational attainment and performance on the individual CAMCOG subscales. We aimed to address this question in a sample from a low-and middle-income country (LAMIC), where resource constraints may have compromised access to, and quality of, education for many older adults. Methods: Participants, all over 60 years of age, were 51 cognitively healthy community-dwelling volunteers and 47 individuals diagnosed with mild-moderate stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most participants had some high school education. They were administered the CAMCOG-R under standardized conditions. Results: Within both the control and AD patient groups, there were significant associations between years of completed education and CAMCOG-R total score, MMSE score, and CAMCOG-R Language subscale score. In both groups, level of education was not associated with scores on these subscales: in controls, recent memory, R 2 =.21, p =.055, learning memory, R 2 =.16, p =.398, attention/calculation, R 2 =.19, p =.467, and perception, R 2 =.18, p =.984; in AD patients, recent memory, R 2 =.14, p =.340, learning memory, R 2 =.03, p =.680, perception, R 2 =.09, p =.723, and attention/calculation, R 2 =.19, p =.097. Conclusions: Some CAMCOG-R subscale scores were more strongly associated with educational attainment than others. Importantly, however, performance on the recent memory and learning memory subscales was not affected by education. These subscales are sensitive indicators of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early AD. These subscales may therefore remain valid for use as an AD screening tool in resource-poor healthcare settings. Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014. | Alzheimer's disease; cognitive impairment; education; neuropsychological testing | aged; Alzheimer disease; Article; attention; Cambridge Cognitive Examination Revised; clinical article; cognitive defect; community sample; controlled study; educational status; female; human; learning; male; memory; psychologic test; South African; volunteer | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928239277 | Asymmetric impacts of the determinants of energy intensity in Nigeria | Adom P.K. | 2015 | Energy Economics | 49 | None | 10.1016/j.eneco.2015.03.027 | Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics (CERE), Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden; Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana | Adom, P.K., Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics (CERE), Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden, Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana | This study analysed the problem of energy intensity determinants in Nigeria based on the fully modified OLS and canonical cointegration regressions. These methods were preferred since they are able to deal effectively with the second-order bias problems, an often characteristics of time series data. The impacts of price of crude oil, FDI, trade openness and industry structure are asymmetric which suggests the presence of structural effects in parameters. The impact of crude oil price is negative but becomes stronger post-1989 saving .126% more in energy consumption relative to pre-1989. Also, the impacts of FDI and trade openness are negative and significant but become stronger post-1989 saving 11.2% and 0.8% more in energy consumption relative to the baseline, respectively for every one percentage point increase in FDI and trade openness. The impact of industry value-added is positive and significant but weakens after 1989 consuming 1.8% less in energy for every one percentage point increase in industry value-added relative to the baseline. The energy reducing effect of industry value-added post-1989 reflects improvements in the technical characteristics of industrial sector in Nigeria. Last, the result showed that the absorptive capability and industry characteristics of Nigeria are important determinants of how FDI affects energy intensity. This implies that a more integrated FDI programme (considering the country characteristics) rather than a 'one-fit-all' programme is preferable. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Absorptive capability; Asymmetric effects; Energy intensity; Nigeria | Commerce; Crude oil; Oil shale; Absorptive capability; Asymmetric effects; Energy intensity; Industrial sector; Industry characteristics; Industry structures; Nigeria; Percentage points; Energy utilization; consumption behavior; crude oil; energy market; foreign direct investment; industrial structure; price dynamics; regression analysis; time series; trade; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77149151210 | Athletes' use of chewing-gum as psychogenic aid in sports performance | Agwubike E.O. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 8 | 12 | 10.3923/pjn.2009.1898.1901 | Department of Health, Environmental Education and Human Kinetics, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Agwubike, E.O., Department of Health, Environmental Education and Human Kinetics, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The paper focuses on athletes' use of chewing gum as an ergogenic aid in their sports engagements. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. Four each of research questions and hypotheses were raised to guide the study. A sample of 276 (164 males and 112 females) was purposively drawn from a population of athletes that participated during NUGA preliminaries in 2006. A self-structured validated questionnaire was used for the collection of data. The data collected were descriptively and inferentially analyzed. The findings revealed that: Athletes perceive chewing gum as an efficacious psychological means of adjusting to sports stress and conditions. The level of use of chewing gum by athletes as a psychogenic aid is dependent upon the importance attached to the sports engagement, the less the importance the less the use. Assorted reasons are projected by athletes for using chewing gum as a psychogenic aid. The use of chewing gum as a psychogenic aid favours female athletes more than their male counterparts. The degree of use of chewing gum by athletes as a psychogenic aid discriminates among various sports types. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Athletes; Chewing gum; Sports | adolescent; adult; article; athlete; athletic performance; chewing gum; female; human; information processing; male; questionnaire; stress | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869465291 | Athletic performance and risk of injury: Can genes explain all? | Tucker R., Collins M. | 2012 | Dialogues in Cardiovascular Medicine | 17 | 1 | None | UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | Tucker, R., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, South Africa, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Collins, M., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, South Africa, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa | Sporting success is the result of the combination of innumerable genetic and environmental factors, and there is no single path to becoming a champion athlete. Susceptibility to injuries is also a multifactorial phenotype and is a less acknowledged contributor in determining elite athletic ability. The relative importance of deliberate practice, other environmental factors, and genetic factors in molding champions is a constant area of debate. We review two models, the "Practice Sufficiency" and "Genetic Ceiling" models that explain expert performance development and injury risk. We conclude that although the deliberate training and other environmental factors are critical for achieving elite performance, the "Practice Sufficiency Model" does not adequately explain performance. The "Genetic Ceiling Model," on the other hand, acknowledges both nurture and nature and is a more accurate theory. © 2012 LLS SAS. | Elite athlete; Musculoskeletal; Nature; Nurture; Polymorphism; Training | article; athletic performance; genetic association; genetic ceiling model; genetic model; genetic trait; genetic variability; heritability; human; practice sufficiency model; skill; sport injury; training | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645013961 | Atmospheric nitrogen deposition in world biodiversity hotspots: The need for a greater global perspective in assessing N deposition impacts | Phoenix G.K., Hicks W.K., Cinderby S., Kuylenstierna J.C.I., Stock W.D., Dentener F.J., Giller K.E., Austin A.T., Lefroy R.D.B., Gimeno B.S., Ashmore M.R., Ineson P. | 2006 | Global Change Biology | 12 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006.01104.x | Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom; Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom; Centre for Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia; Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Climate Change Unit, TP280, I-21020 Ispra (Va), Italy; Plant Production Systems Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands; IFEVA and Department of Ecology, Faculty of Agronomy and CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Avenida San Martín 4453, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical, PO Box 783, Vientiane, Laos; Ecotoxicology of Air Pollution, CIEMAT, Ed 70. Avda Complutense 22, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Environment Department, Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom; Department of Biology, Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom | Phoenix, G.K., Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom; Hicks, W.K., Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom; Cinderby, S., Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom; Kuylenstierna, J.C.I., Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom; Stock, W.D., Centre for Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia, Department of Botany, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Dentener, F.J., Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Climate Change Unit, TP280, I-21020 Ispra (Va), Italy; Giller, K.E., Plant Production Systems Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands; Austin, A.T., IFEVA and Department of Ecology, Faculty of Agronomy and CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Avenida San Martín 4453, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Lefroy, R.D.B., Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical, PO Box 783, Vientiane, Laos; Gimeno, B.S., Ecotoxicology of Air Pollution, CIEMAT, Ed 70. Avda Complutense 22, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Ashmore, M.R., Environment Department, Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom; Ineson, P., Department of Biology, Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom | Increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is known to reduce plant diversity in natural and semi-natural ecosystems, yet our understanding of these impacts comes almost entirely from studies in northern Europe and North America. Currently, we lack an understanding of the threat of N deposition to biodiversity at the global scale. In particular, rates of N deposition within the newly defined 34 world biodiversity hotspots, to which 50% of the world's floristic diversity is restricted, has not been quantified previously. Using output from global chemistry transport models, here we provide the first estimates of recent (mid-1990s) and future (2050) rates and distributions of N deposition within biodiversity hotspots. Our analysis shows that the average deposition rate across these areas was 50% greater than the global terrestrial average in the mid-1990s and could more than double by 2050, with 33 of 34 hotspots receiving greater N deposition in 2050 compared with 1990. By this time, 17 hotspots could have between 10% and 100% of their area receiving greater than 15 kg N ha-1 yr-1, a rate exceeding critical loads set for many sensitive European ecosystems. Average deposition in four hotspots is predicted to be greater than 20 kg Nha-1 yr-1. This elevated N deposition within areas of high plant diversity and endemism may exacerbate significantly the global threat of N deposition to world floristic diversity. Overall, we highlight the need for a greater global approach to assessing the impacts of N deposition. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Conservation; Endemics; Nitrogen deposition; Plant diversity; Pollution; Species loss | atmospheric deposition; biodiversity; global perspective; nitrogen; plant community; pollution effect | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905002841 | Atomistic insight into orthoborate-based ionic liquids: Force field development and evaluation | Wang Y.-L., Shah F.U., Glavatskih S., Antzutkin O.N., Laaksonen A. | 2014 | Journal of Physical Chemistry B | 118 | 29 | 10.1021/jp503029d | Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden; System and Component Design, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-10 044, Stockholm, Sweden; Mechanical Construction and Production, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Physics, Warwick University, CV4 7AL, Coventry, United Kingdom; Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Studies (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Wang, Y.-L., Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Shah, F.U., Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden; Glavatskih, S., System and Component Design, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-10 044, Stockholm, Sweden, Mechanical Construction and Production, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Antzutkin, O.N., Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden, Department of Physics, Warwick University, CV4 7AL, Coventry, United Kingdom; Laaksonen, A., Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden, Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Studies (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | We have developed an all-atomistic force field for a new class of halogen-free chelated orthoborate-phosphonium ionic liquids. The force field is based on an AMBER framework with determination of force field parameters for phosphorus and boron atoms, as well as refinement of several available parameters. The bond and angle force constants were adjusted to fit vibration frequency data derived from both experimental measurements and ab initio calculations. The force field parameters for several dihedral angles were obtained by fitting torsion energy profiles deduced from ab initio calculations. To validate the proposed force field parameters, atomistic simulations were performed for 12 ionic liquids consisting of tetraalkylphosphonium cations and chelated orthoborate anions. The predicted densities for neat ionic liquids and the [P6,6,6,14][BOB] sample, with a water content of approximately 2.3-2.5 wt %, are in excellent agreement with available experimental data. The potential energy components of 12 ionic liquids were discussed in detail. The radial distribution functions and spatial distribution functions were analyzed and visualized to probe the microscopic ionic structures of these ionic liquids. There are mainly four high-probability regions of chelated orthoborate anions distributed around tetraalkylphosphonium cations in the first solvation shell, and such probability distribution functions are strongly influenced by the size of anions. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | Calculations; Chelation; Distribution functions; Oil field development; Positive ions; Probability distributions; Ab initio calculations; Atomistic simulations; Energy components; Force field development; Force field parameters; Radial distribution functions; Solvation shell; Vibration frequency; Ionic liquids | None |
| None | None | At the heart of REDD+: A role for local people in monitoring forests? | Danielsen F., Skutsch M., Burgess N.D., Jensen P.M., Andrianandrasana H., Karky B., Lewis R., Lovett J.C., Massao J., Ngaga Y., Phartiyal P., Poulsen M.K., Singh S.P., Solis S., Sørensen M., Tewari A., Young R., Zahabu E. | 2011 | Conservation Letters | 4 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1755-263X.2010.00159.x | Nordisk Fond for Miljø og Udvikling, Skindergade 23-III, Copenhagen DK-1159, Denmark; CIGA-UNAM, Col. Ex-Hacienda de San José de La Huerta, Carretera Antigua a Patzcuaro 8701, CP 58190, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico; CSTM - Twente Centre for Studies in Technology and Sustainable Development, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands; Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Biology Department, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; World Wildlife Fund USA, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, DC 20037-1193, United States; Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Madagascar Programme, B.P. 8511, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar; International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, P.O. Box 3226, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal; District, Land and Natural Resources Office, Iringa, Tanzania; Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3151 Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; CHEA, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India; H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India; Kumaun University, Nainital, India; University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom | Danielsen, F., Nordisk Fond for Miljø og Udvikling, Skindergade 23-III, Copenhagen DK-1159, Denmark; Skutsch, M., CIGA-UNAM, Col. Ex-Hacienda de San José de La Huerta, Carretera Antigua a Patzcuaro 8701, CP 58190, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, CSTM - Twente Centre for Studies in Technology and Sustainable Development, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands; Burgess, N.D., Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Biology Department, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark, World Wildlife Fund USA, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, DC 20037-1193, United States; Jensen, P.M., Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Andrianandrasana, H., Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Madagascar Programme, B.P. 8511, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar; Karky, B., International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, P.O. Box 3226, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal; Lewis, R., Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Madagascar Programme, B.P. 8511, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar; Lovett, J.C., CSTM - Twente Centre for Studies in Technology and Sustainable Development, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands; Massao, J., District, Land and Natural Resources Office, Iringa, Tanzania; Ngaga, Y., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3151 Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Phartiyal, P., CHEA, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India; Poulsen, M.K., Nordisk Fond for Miljø og Udvikling, Skindergade 23-III, Copenhagen DK-1159, Denmark; Singh, S.P., H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar-Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India; Solis, S., CIGA-UNAM, Col. Ex-Hacienda de San José de La Huerta, Carretera Antigua a Patzcuaro 8701, CP 58190, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico; Sørensen, M., Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark; Tewari, A., Kumaun University, Nainital, India; Young, R., Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Madagascar Programme, B.P. 8511, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom; Zahabu, E., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3151 Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania | Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD+) is a policy mechanism now agreed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from developing countries through the sustainable management of forests, while providing co-benefits of biodiversity conservation and livelihood support. Implementation challenges include linking remote sensing and national forest inventories of carbon stocks, to local implementation and measuring carbon loss from forest degradation. Community-based forest monitoring can help overcome some of these challenges. We show that local people can collect forest condition data of comparable quality to trained scientists, at half the cost. We draw on our experience to propose how and where local REDD+ monitoring can be established. Empowering communities to own and monitor carbon stocks could provide a rapid and cost-effective way of absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, while potentially contributing to local livelihoods and forest biodiversity conservation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | Climate change; Co-benefits; Community-based management; Forest degradation; Governance; Locally based monitoring | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949876567 | Attitude of academic staff in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions to student evaluation of instruction (SEI): A case study of Cross River State University | Idaka I.I., Joshua M.T. | 2009 | Educational Research and Reviews | 4 | 10 | None | Faculty of Education, Cross River University of Technology, Akamkpa Campus, CRS, Nigeria; Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Idaka, I.I., Faculty of Education, Cross River University of Technology, Akamkpa Campus, CRS, Nigeria; Joshua, M.T., Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | This study was designed to assess the attitude of academic staff in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions to student evaluation of instruction (SEI) and to find out the variable factors that influenced the expressed attitude of members of the academic staff, using Cross River State University as a case study. The study was a survey and so a questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Academic staff in Cross River State University was sampled for the study, using a proportional stratified and simple random technique to select 600 academic staff that took part in the study. Four hypotheses were tested using t-test and ANOVA. The findings were as follows: (i) Cross River State University academic staff displayed a significantly positive attitude to SEI, irrespective of the purposes to be served by the evaluation; although the attitude was more positive under formative than summative purposes; (ii) staff of the Faculties of Education and Arts displayed a significantly more positive attitude than staff from Science-based disciplines. It was concluded that Cross River State University academic staff are the same as their counterparts abroad where faculty evaluation in general and SEI in particular have become part of the school system. It was therefore, recommended that faculty evaluation should be introduced in our tertiary institutions as a way of enhancing the quality of teaching at that level of our education. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Attitude; Faculty evaluation; Instructional effectiveness; Instructor evaluation; Quality teaching; Student evaluation of instruction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893970684 | Attitude of Lesotho health care workers towards HIV/AIDS and impact of HIV/AIDS on the population structure | Belle J.A., Ferriera S.B., Jordaan A. | 2013 | African Health Sciences | 13 | 4 | 10.4314/ahs.v13i4.36 | Disaster Risk Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Department of Social Work, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Belle, J.A., Disaster Risk Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Ferriera, S.B., Department of Social Work, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Jordaan, A., Disaster Risk Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Background: The impact and management of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho in the context of disaster management was investigated. Objectives: Lesotho health care workers' perception on HIV/AIDS progression, whether HIV/AIDS was managed as a disaster, and the impact on the demographic profile was investigated. Methods: The empirical investigation included a literature study, and primary and secondary data analyses. Questionnaires (n=116) determined health care workers' perception of HIV/AIDS. Interviews with officers of Lesotho Disaster Management determined how HIV/AIDS was managed as a disaster. National population censuses and data from surveys were summarised to describe the impact of HIV/AIDS on the population structure. Results: Respondents' modal age group was 25 to 39 years, 28.4% viewed HIV/AIDS related deaths as very high and perceived that HIV/AIDS changed the age composition, sex and dependency ratio of the population. Although HIV/ AIDS was declared a disaster, the Lesotho Disaster Management Authority only aided the National AIDS Commission. There was evidence that HIV/AIDS caused the population pyramid base to shrink, and an indentation in the active population. Conclusion: Health care workers attributed HIV/AIDS to changing the demographic profile of Lesotho, also reflected in the population pyramid. Lesotho Disaster Management Authority played a supporting role in HIV/AIDS disaster management. | Disaster management; Health care workers; HIV/AIDS; Lesotho; Population | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; attitude to health; female; health personnel attitude; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interview; Lesotho; male; middle aged; perception; psychology; questionnaire; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Lesotho; Male; Middle Aged; Perception; Questionnaires | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940862434 | Attitudinal impact of institutional mechanisms of public accountability and performance among local government workers in Nigeria: A study of Enugu state local governments | Uche A.S., Chukwudi O.R., Nnenna I.A. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 5 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5p403 | Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Uche, A.S., Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Chukwudi, O.R., Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nnenna, I.A., Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Our conviction that there is need for improved services in the local government system provided an impetus for assessing the attitude of local government workers towards the application of institutional mechanisms of public accountability and the effect on performance. 205 local government functionaries completed a questionnaire. The mean age, qualification and length of service of the respondent were 2.5, 2.60 and 2.58 respectively. The hypothesis was tested at 0.5 significant levels using contingency coefficient. The study established that attitude of local government functionaries towards the application of these mechanisms significantly correlate with performance. Implications of these findings are discussed. © 2015, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Attitude; Government accountability; Institutional; Local; Mechanisms | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907286048 | Audit committee multiple directorships and financial reporting quality in Nigeria: An evaluation of the interconnectedness using empirical evidence | Emmanuel U., Ayorinde B., Babajide O. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p628 | Department of Accounting, Rhema University, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Emmanuel, U., Department of Accounting, Rhema University, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria; Ayorinde, B., Department of Accounting, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Babajide, O., Department of Accounting, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | The audit committee plays an oversight role in overseeing financial reporting. It is not uncommon to see directors sit on the audit committee of more than three public companies. In Nigeria, because of the small pool of directors available to the market, it is quite common for directors to serve on many boards. Against the backdrop that there are arguments for and against multiple directorships in the light of the quality of financial reports, opinion is split on the matter. The study seeks to examine the interconnectedness between audit committee multiple directorship and financial reporting quality in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research, using questionnaire as the research instrument to harvest the views of stakeholders of publicly quoted companies on the subject. Data was analysed using percentage analysis, weighted mean, and the Z-test statistics at 5% significance level. It was observed that audit committee multiple directorship impacts the quality of corporate financial reporting. Also, financial literacy of audit committee members enhances the effective overseeing of corporation’s financial controls and the quality of financial reporting. The study therefore supports the need for a high degree of financial literacy on the part of audit committee members to enhance effectiveness. It is recommended that regulatory agencies in Nigeria should also institute legislation similar to the Sarbanes Oxley act of the United States of America in order to curb the menace of earnings management and other unethical financial reporting practices. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Audit Committee; Earnings management; Financial reporting; Multiple directorships; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885191190 | Automated subtyping of HIV-1 genetic sequences for clinical and surveillance purposes: Performance evaluation of the new REGA version 3 and seven other tools | Pineda-Peña A.-C., Faria N.R., Imbrechts S., Libin P., Abecasis A.B., Deforche K., Gómez-López A., Camacho R.J., De Oliveira T., Vandamme A.-M. | 2013 | Infection, Genetics and Evolution | 19 | None | 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.04.032 | Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Belgium; Clinical and Molecular Infectious Diseases Group, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; MyBioData, Rotselaar, Belgium; Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais and Unidade de Microbiologia, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratory de Biologia Molecular, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental Lisboa, Portugal; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Calle 63D No. 24-31, Bogotá, Colombia; Beatrijslaan 93, 3110 Rotselaar, Belgium; Rua da Junqueira No. 100, Lisboa, Portugal; Rua da Junqueira No. 126, Lisboa, Portugal; PO Box 198, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa | Pineda-Peña, A.-C., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Belgium, Clinical and Molecular Infectious Diseases Group, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium, Calle 63D No. 24-31, Bogotá, Colombia; Faria, N.R., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Belgium, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Imbrechts, S., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Belgium, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Libin, P., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Belgium, MyBioData, Rotselaar, Belgium, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium, Beatrijslaan 93, 3110 Rotselaar, Belgium; Abecasis, A.B., Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais and Unidade de Microbiologia, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal, Rua da Junqueira No. 100, Lisboa, Portugal; Deforche, K., MyBioData, Rotselaar, Belgium, Beatrijslaan 93, 3110 Rotselaar, Belgium; Gómez-López, A., Clinical and Molecular Infectious Diseases Group, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia, Calle 63D No. 24-31, Bogotá, Colombia; Camacho, R.J., Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais and Unidade de Microbiologia, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal, Laboratory de Biologia Molecular, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental Lisboa, Portugal, Rua da Junqueira No. 100, Lisboa, Portugal, Rua da Junqueira No. 126, Lisboa, Portugal; De Oliveira, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa; Vandamme, A.-M., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Belgium, Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais and Unidade de Microbiologia, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal | Background: To investigate differences in pathogenesis, diagnosis and resistance pathways between HIV-1 subtypes, an accurate subtyping tool for large datasets is needed. We aimed to evaluate the performance of automated subtyping tools to classify the different subtypes and circulating recombinant forms using pol, the most sequenced region in clinical practice. We also present the upgraded version 3 of the Rega HIV subtyping tool (REGAv3). Methodology: HIV-1 pol sequences (PR. +. RT) for 4674 patients retrieved from the Portuguese HIV Drug Resistance Database, and 1872 pol sequences trimmed from full-length genomes retrieved from the Los Alamos database were classified with statistical-based tools such as COMET, jpHMM and STAR; similarity-based tools such as NCBI and Stanford; and phylogenetic-based tools such as REGA version 2 (REGAv2), REGAv3, and SCUEAL. The performance of these tools, for pol, and for PR and RT separately, was compared in terms of reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity with respect to the gold standard which was manual phylogenetic analysis of the pol region. Results: The sensitivity and specificity for subtypes B and C was more than 96% for seven tools, but was variable for other subtypes such as A, D, F and G. With regard to the most common circulating recombinant forms (CRFs), the sensitivity and specificity for CRF01_AE was ~99% with statistical-based tools, with phylogenetic-based tools and with Stanford, one of the similarity based tools. CRF02_AG was correctly identified for more than 96% by COMET, REGAv3, Stanford and STAR. All the tools reached a specificity of more than 97% for most of the subtypes and the two main CRFs (CRF01_AE and CRF02_AG). Other CRFs were identified only by COMET, REGAv2, REGAv3, and SCUEAL and with variable sensitivity. When analyzing sequences for PR and RT separately, the performance for PR was generally lower and variable between the tools. Similarity and statistical-based tools were 100% reproducible, but this was lower for phylogenetic-based tools such as REGA (~99%) and SCUEAL (~96%). Conclusions: REGAv3 had an improved performance for subtype B and CRF02_AG compared to REGAv2 and is now able to also identify all epidemiologically relevant CRFs. In general the best performing tools, in alphabetical order, were COMET, jpHMM, REGAv3, and SCUEAL when analyzing pure subtypes in the pol region, and COMET and REGAv3 when analyzing most of the CRFs. Based on this study, we recommend to confirm subtyping with 2 well performing tools, and be cautious with the interpretation of short sequences. © 2013 The Authors. | CRF; HIV-1; Phylogenetic analysis; Sensitivity; Subtypes; Subtyping | Human immunodeficiency virus proteinase; RNA directed DNA polymerase; article; automation; cladistics; computer program; controlled study; gene sequence; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; intermethod comparison; nonhuman; phylogeny; priority journal; reproducibility; sensitivity and specificity; statistical analysis; structural gene; virus genome; virus recombinant; virus typing; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Circulating Recombinant Forms; CRF; CRFs; HIV-1; LANL; Los Alamos dataset; manual phylogenetic analysis; MPhy; nts; nucleotides; Phylogenetic analysis; PR; Protease; REGA HIV subtyping tool version 2; REGA HIV subtyping tool version 3; REGAv2; REGAv3; Reverse transcriptase; RT; Sensitivity; Subtypes; Subtyping; Unique recombinant forms; URFs; Cluster Analysis; Computational Biology; Databases, Genetic; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Molecular Typing; Phylogeny; Public Health Surveillance; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956210886 | Automating consumers' connections to the distribution network for enhanced performance | Popoola O.M., Jimoh A., Nicolae D. | 2010 | International Review of Electrical Engineering | 5 | 5 | None | Electrical Engineering department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Popoola, O.M., Electrical Engineering department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Jimoh, A., Electrical Engineering department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Nicolae, D., Electrical Engineering department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Trial and error approach which involves service interruption is usually carried out to resolve unbalance on phases in power distribution system. This approach might improve the phase voltage and current but the resultant effect (change) does not last for too long; thereby reduces the market value in terms of quality and reliability of supply. To enhance the performance of the secondary distribution system there is a need for an automating technology. The aim of this paper is to introduce a method and technology developed for resolving imbalances in a secondary distribution system as a result of the uneven distribution of single phase load across a three phase power system. The technology developed is able to monitor, acquire/display collected data and perform self changing switching actions electronically. This action is in form of rearrangement or transfer of consumer loads for optimal performance of the distribution feeder. The proposed switching technology is based on open- transition switch that enables transfer or rearrangement of consumer loads in a three-phase system within milliseconds with supervisory control system. The following methodologies: System Simulator - Matlab (Simulink), Virtual Instrumentation-Lab VIEW and Hardware implementation were applied for the validation of the proposed technique. Copyright © 2010 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved. | Automated technology; Current imbalances; Load balancing; Phase arrangement; Static transfer switching | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896348149 | Automating fault tolerance in high-performance computational biological jobs using multi-agent approaches | Varghese B., McKee G., Alexandrov V. | 2014 | Computers in Biology and Medicine | 48 | 1 | 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2014.02.005 | School of Computer Science, University of St. Andrews, United Kingdom; Faculty of Computing and IT, Baze University, Nigeria; Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, Spain | Varghese, B., School of Computer Science, University of St. Andrews, United Kingdom; McKee, G., Faculty of Computing and IT, Baze University, Nigeria; Alexandrov, V., Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, Spain | Background: Large-scale biological jobs on high-performance computing systems require manual intervention if one or more computing cores on which they execute fail. This places not only a cost on the maintenance of the job, but also a cost on the time taken for reinstating the job and the risk of losing data and execution accomplished by the job before it failed. Approaches which can proactively detect computing core failures and take action to relocate the computing core[U+05F3]s job onto reliable cores can make a significant step towards automating fault tolerance. Method: This paper describes an experimental investigation into the use of multi-agent approaches for fault tolerance. Two approaches are studied, the first at the job level and the second at the core level. The approaches are investigated for single core failure scenarios that can occur in the execution of parallel reduction algorithms on computer clusters. A third approach is proposed that incorporates multi-agent technology both at the job and core level. Experiments are pursued in the context of genome searching, a popular computational biology application.Result: The key conclusion is that the approaches proposed are feasible for automating fault tolerance in high-performance computing systems with minimal human intervention. In a typical experiment in which the fault tolerance is studied, centralised and decentralised checkpointing approaches on an average add 90% to the actual time for executing the job. On the other hand, in the same experiment the multi-agent approaches add only 10% to the overall execution time. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Biological jobs; Checkpoint; Fault tolerance; High-performance computing; Multi-agents; Seamless execution | Bioinformatics; Core levels; Experiments; Fault tolerance; Multi agent systems; Biological jobs; Checkpoint; High-performance computing; Multi agent; Seamless execution; Fault tolerant computer systems; algorithm; article; automation; biology; computer; computer analysis; cost; decision making; experiment; genome; intelligence; priority journal; risk; simulation; technology; work; algorithm; computer program; human; theoretical model; Algorithms; Computational Biology; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Software | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955025455 | Autonomy and local capacity: An analysis of the performance profile of EDO state local government councils (June 1999 to December 2006) | Ebohon S.I., Osemwota O., Agbebaku P. | 2011 | Social Sciences | 6 | 3 | 10.3923/sscience.2011.235.240 | Department of Political Science, University of Benin, Benin, Nigeria; Institute of Public Administration and Extension Services, University of Benin, Ekenwan Campus, Benin, Nigeria; Department of Political Science, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Edo Sta | Ebohon, S.I., Department of Political Science, University of Benin, Benin, Nigeria; Osemwota, O., Institute of Public Administration and Extension Services, University of Benin, Ekenwan Campus, Benin, Nigeria; Agbebaku, P., Department of Political Science, Ambrose Alii University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria | Autonomy and performance are the recurrent themes in contemporary local government discourse. This study examines the revenue profile and capacity disposition of the local government councils in Edo state from 1999-2006. Empirical evidence from the study suggests that capacity for the local government councils to grow even in the face of rising revenue is inhibited by the deployment of centrally and locally derived resources for bureaucratic ends like salaries, wages, training, touring advances and other related overhead expenditure. The study concludes on the basis of empirical evidence that for meaningful autonomy and development to take root, the gap between internally generated revenue and statutory allocation as well as that between recurrent and capital appropriation which are the main features of local government councils in Edo state must be reversed. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Bureaucratic appropriation; Infra-sovereign; Nigeria; Overdeveloped; Ultra-sovereign; Vertical departmentalist | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957979922 | Autoreduction and Catalytic Performance of a Cobalt Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Catalyst Supported on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Spheres | Xiong H., Moyo M., Rayner M.K., Jewell L.L., Billing D.G., Coville N.J. | 2010 | ChemCatChem | 2 | 5 | 10.1002/cctc.200900309 | DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Xiong, H., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Moyo, M., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Rayner, M.K., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Jewell, L.L., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Billing, D.G., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Coville, N.J., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | [No abstract available] | Autoreduction; Carbon; Cobalt; Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; Supported catalysts | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915749577 | Availability modelling and evaluation of a repairable system subject to minor deterioration under imperfect repairs | Yusuf I. | 2015 | International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research | 7 | 1 | 10.1504/IJMOR.2015.065955 | Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria | Yusuf, I., Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria | Many engineering systems are subjected to deterioration, meaning that during the course of time their conditions fall to failure levels. Such systems and their components are either repaired at failure or replaced before or after failure. However not every deterioration can bring about sudden failure of the system. Some deterioration can slightly reduce the strength of the system until at some point failure occurs. Such deterioration is said to be minor deterioration. This paper deals with the modelling and evaluation of availability of a system subjected to minor deterioration under imperfect repair. In this paper, we developed the explicit expression of system availability using probabilistic approach and determine the effect of failure, repair rate and number of states on system availability. The optimal availability level the system can attain is also determined. The results of this paper will enhance the system performance and useful for timely execution of proper maintenance improvement, decision, planning and optimisation. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Availability; Deterioration; Imperfect repair; Number of states | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79961175993 | Available feedstuffs such as palm performance of broilers fed varying levels of palm kernel cake | Bello K.M., Oyawoye E.O., Bogoro S.E., Dass U.S. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 4 | 10.3923/ijps.2011.290.294 | Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | Bello, K.M., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Oyawoye, E.O., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Bogoro, S.E., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Dass, U.S., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | The high cost of conventional feed ingredients has necessitated the investigation into unconventional readily Kernel Meal (PKM). The study was conducted to determine the effect of using different levels of PKM in broilers chicks diet on performance, cost effectiveness, blood chemistry and carcass characteristics. Two hundred (200) day old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were in a completely randomized design allocated to five dietary treatments (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% PKM) in four replicates. The birds were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 21% crude protein and 2700 kcal/kgME at the starter phase and 23% CP and 3000 kcal/kgME for the Finisher phase. The result showed that the feed intake and daily weight gain increases significantly (p<0.05) with increase in PKM inclusion up to 30% while the FCR were similar to the control. Performance in terms of daily weight gain and FCR indicated that birds on PKM diet perform equally well as those on the control diets. Similarly, the feed cost/kg weight gains were slightly better on the PKM based diet than the control. The result of the blood biochemical analysis showed there was no significant treatment effect on all the haematological parameters measured, which indicates that PKM does not contain any anti nutritional factor. Similarly, the carcass analysis showed non-significance effect of level of PKM on most of the organs except the heart, gall bladder and back weight. The gall bladder and back weight showed significant (p<0.05) increase with increase in PKM inclusion level while the heart weight was not following any particular pattern. These findings show that PKM can be included at 30% level in the diet of broilers without a negative effect on performance, carcass yield and blood constituents. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Blood biochemistry; Broilers; Carcass characteristics; Palm kernel cake; Performance | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907541009 | Available transfer capability (ATC) as index for transmission network performance – A case study of Nigerian 330kV transmission grid | Sadiq A.A., Nwohu M.N., Okenna A.E. | 2014 | International Journal on Electrical Engineering and Informatics | 6 | 3 | None | Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Sadiq, A.A., Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Nwohu, M.N., Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Okenna, A.E., Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Performance measurement of transmission system is vital to proper planning and operations of power systems in the presence of deregulation. Degree of performance is often measured by technical and financial key performance indicators (KPIs) often determined by unavailability, quality of supply and energy lost. This paper implement a novel method, Hybridized continuous repeated power flow (HCR-PF) to compute inter-area ATC and gives a method based on computed ATC to determine the transmission efficiency by measuring the transmission system transfer efficiency in terms of available transfer capability. Available Transmission Transfer Efficiency (ATTE) expresses the percentage of real power received resulting from inter-area available power transfer. The results show that HCR-PF provides a good approximate alternative to ATC computation which is validated using IEEE 30 bus test network. The Tie line (physical path) performance is obtained by calculating the required sending end quantities with specified receiving end ATC and the receiving end power circle diagram. © 2014, International Journal on Electrical Engineering and Informatics. All rights reserved. | Available transfer capability; Efficiency; Performance; Real power; Transmission system | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864597329 | Avian influenza shock and performance of the chicken markets in Benin | Fousseni Barres N., Mensah-Bonsu A., Sarpong D.B. | 2012 | World's Poultry Science Journal | 68 | 3 | 10.1017/S0043933912000621 | IFDC Ghana, Labone - Accra, Ghana; Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 68, Legon, Ghana | Fousseni Barres, N., IFDC Ghana, Labone - Accra, Ghana; Mensah-Bonsu, A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 68, Legon, Ghana; Sarpong, D.B., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 68, Legon, Ghana | Data from a three-year panel (2006-2008) obtained from selected respondents, was used to investigate the impact of the avian influenza (AI) outbreak on the chicken markets in Benin. The trends in sales volume and profit were used as proxy for performance. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression model was used to examine the factors affecting profit. In general, the AI outbreak adversely affected the performance of the markets during the imposition of restrictions on poultry trade. When AI broke out in Benin and poultry trade restrictions were imposed, the volume of chickens sold per market day per seller declined by 69%. Overall, the AI outbreak did not have an adverse effect on the profit made by the poultry producer/sellers and middlemen. The regression results suggested that the chicken market is more favourable in terms of profit margin for women, literates, young people, middlemen and sellers in Kolokonde regional market. The municipal authority's levy has a negative effect on profitability, while the undersupply of chickens and average volume of sales per market day and provision of market shelters have positive effects. The level of state authority's levy, provision of market infrastructure, women and youth empowerment programmes and behaviour of poultry suppliers have implications for policy measures in the poultry sector. Copyright © 2012 World's Poultry Science Association. | Avian influenza; Benin; chicken market; performance | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910678661 | Awareness and practice of breast screening and its impact on early detection and presentation among breast cancer patients attending a clinic in Lagos, Nigeria | Olajide T.O., Ugburo A.O., Habeebu M.O., Lawal A.O., Afolayan M.O., Mofikoya M.O. | 2014 | Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice | 17 | 6 | 10.4103/1119-3077.144404 | Department of Surgery, General Surgery Unit, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Burns, Plastic Surgery Unit, College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Biology, College | Olajide, T.O., Department of Surgery, General Surgery Unit, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Ugburo, A.O., Department of Burns, Plastic Surgery Unit, College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria; Habeebu, M.O., Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Biology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Lawal, A.O., Department of Surgery, General Surgery Unit, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Afolayan, M.O., Department of Surgery, General Surgery Unit, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Mofikoya, M.O., Department of Burns, Plastic Surgery Unit, College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria | Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among females in Nigeria. The concept of breast screening (BS) is that it would result in presentation at earlier stages. We evaluated the impact of BS on early detection and presentation of breast cancer and determined the aspects BS need improvement.Patients and Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of malignant breast lump attending clinics at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria were recruited into the study over a 2-year period. Self-administered questionnaires were given to patients. Data collected were demographics, knowledge about BS, practice of BS, the motivation to practice BS and the source of information on BS.Results: Of 218 patients seen, 147 (67.4%) patients presented at the surgical outpatient clinic and 71 (32.6%) at the radiotherapy clinic, with age 48.01 ± 0.80 years. A total of 156 (71.6%) were aware of BS, while 62 (28.4%) were not aware. A logistic regression analysis showed that only the level of formal education predicted awareness of BS, P = 0.001 Nagelkerke's R2 = 0.126. Awareness of BS was mainly from electronic media 87 (55.7%). There was no significant difference in the ages of those aware and practicing BS 48.03 ± 1.05 years, and those not practicing BS 46.32 ± 1.94 years, P = 0.446. There was no significant difference in presentation for those practicing BS 7.41 ± 1.30 months, and those not practicing BS 11.38 ± 2.91 months, P = 0.175, with 64% practicing BS presenting late, while 77% not practicing BS presenting late, χ2 = 2.432, P = 0.488. A logistic regression analysis did not show any demographic or clinical parameters as predictive P = 0.225 Nagelkerke's R2 = 0.126.Conclusion: The high level of awareness and practice of BS was not translated into the presentation with early breast cancer. | Breast screening; Mammography; Physician clinical examination; Self-breast examination | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874159362 | Azide-alkyne cycloaddition en route to 1H-1,2,3-triazole-tethered 7-chloroquinoline-isatin chimeras: Synthesis and antimalarial evaluation | Raj R., Singh P., Singh P., Gut J., Rosenthal P.J., Kumar V. | 2013 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 62 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.01.032 | Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States | Raj, R., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Gut, J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Rosenthal, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Kumar, V., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India | We describe the synthesis and antimalarial activities of 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered 7-chloroquinoline-isatin hybrids. Activity against cultured parasites was dependent on the C-5 substituent of the isatin ring as well as the alkyl chain length between the isatin and 7-chloroquinoline moieties. Compound 8h, with an optimum alkyl chain length (n = 3) and a chloro substituent at the C-5 position of the isatin ring, displayed the best activity among the test compounds, with IC50 value of 1.21 μM against cultured W2-strain Plasmodium falciparum. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | 1H-1,2,3-triazole; 7-Chloroquinoline-isatin conjugates; Antimalarial evaluation; Structure-activity relationship | 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3] triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl} 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3] triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino)propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; alkyne derivative; antimalarial agent; azide; unclassified drug; antimalarial activity; article; chimera; cycloaddition; IC 50; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; Alkynes; Aminoquinolines; Antimalarials; Azides; Cyclization; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Isatin; Molecular Structure; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; Plasmodium falciparum; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34447286653 | Bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia: Impact of HIV on clinical presentation and outcome | Feldman C., Klugman K.P., Yu V.L., Ortqvist A., Choiu C.C.C., Chedid M.B.F., Rello J., Wagener M. | 2007 | Journal of Infection | 55 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jinf.2007.04.001 | Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Johannesburg Hospital, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Fundacao Faculdade Federal de Ciencias Medicas and Santa Casa de Misericordia, de Porto Alegre, Brazil; University Hospital Joan XXIII, University Rovira and Virgili, Tarragona, Spain | Feldman, C., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Johannesburg Hospital, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Klugman, K.P., Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States, Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, South Africa; Yu, V.L., Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Ortqvist, A., Department of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Choiu, C.C.C., Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Chedid, M.B.F., Fundacao Faculdade Federal de Ciencias Medicas and Santa Casa de Misericordia, de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Rello, J., University Hospital Joan XXIII, University Rovira and Virgili, Tarragona, Spain; Wagener, M., Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States | Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the clinical and laboratory features, hospital course and outcome of patients with bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia, comparing HIV with non-HIV patients, as well as HIV patients from different parts of the world. Methods: This was a multicentre prospective observational study of consecutive adult cases with bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia in 10 countries on 6 continents. Results: A total of 768 cases were recruited, of which 200 were HIV-infected; 166 were from South Africa. Lower age, IV drug use, fewer co-morbid illnesses, and a higher frequency of respiratory symptoms were significantly more likely to occur in HIV patients. The 14-day mortality for the group as a whole was 14.5%, being 16% in the HIV patients and 13.9% in the non-HIV patients (not significant). When adjustments were made for age and severity of illness, HIV patients had significantly higher 14-day mortality with significant trend for increasing 14-day mortality in those with lower CD4 counts. Despite differences in various clinical and laboratory parameters in patients from different parts of the world, on multivariate analysis, when adjusting for regional differences, the HIV-infected patients were still noted to have poorer 14-day mortality. Conclusions: This study, in contrast to previous investigations, indicates that there are significant differences in the clinical presentation and outcome of bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia when comparing HIV and non-HIV patients. © 2007 The British Infection Society. | Bacteraemia; Community-acquired pneumonia; Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); Mortality; Outcome; Pneumococcus; Pneumonia | antibiotic agent; azithromycin; beta lactam antibiotic; cefotaxime; ceftriaxone; cefuroxime; cephalosporin derivative; clindamycin; corticosteroid; cotrimoxazole; insulin; macrolide; adult; age; aged; article; bacteremia; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical feature; community acquired pneumonia; comorbidity; controlled study; disease course; disease severity; female; geographic distribution; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune deficiency; intravenous drug abuse; leukocyte count; lobar pneumonia; major clinical study; male; mortality; multivariate analysis; nonhuman; observational study; opportunistic infection; prognosis; prospective study; South Africa; Adult; Community-Acquired Infections; Female; HIV Infections; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46449125231 | Bacterial biosensors for rapid and effective monitoring of biodegradation of organic pollutants in wastewater effluents | Olaniran A.O., Motebejane R.M., Pillay B. | 2008 | Journal of Environmental Monitoring | 10 | 7 | 10.1039/b805055d | School of Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | Olaniran, A.O., School of Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Motebejane, R.M., School of Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Pillay, B., School of Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | Significant amounts of toxic substances which are hazardous to animals, plants, microorganisms, and other living organisms including humans are released annually into aquatic and terrestrial environments, mostly from improper wastewater discharges. Early detection of such pollutants in wastewater effluents and proper monitoring before their final release into the environment is therefore necessary. In this study, two whole-cell bacterial biosensors were constructed by transforming competent cells of Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei with pLUX plasmids and evaluated for their potential to monitor wastewater samples undergoing degradation by measuring bioluminescence response using a microplate luminometer. Both bacterial biosensors were found to be extremely sensitive to the wastewater samples, with different patterns, concomitant with those of the COD removals demonstrated at the different days of the degradation. Generally higher bioluminescence values were obtained at the later days of the degradation period compared to the initial values, with up to 571.76% increase in bioluminescence value obtained at day 5 for 0.1% (v/v) effluent concentration. Also, a steady decrease in bioluminescence was observed for the bacterial biosensors with increasing time of exposure to the wastewater effluent for all the sampling days. These biosensor constructs could therefore be applicable to indicate the bioavailability of pollutants in a way that chemical analysis cannot, and for in situ monitoring of biodegradation. This has great potential to offer a risk assessment strategy in predicting the level of bioremediation required during municipal wastewater treatment before their final discharge into the aquatic milieu. © The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | article; biodegradation; bioluminescence; biosensor; chemical analysis; controlled study; ecotoxicology; nonhuman; organic pollution; priority journal; Shigella flexneri; Shigella sonnei; waste water; water analysis; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biosensing Techniques; Environmental Monitoring; Shigella; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Animalia; Bacteria (microorganisms); Shigella flexneri; Shigella sonnei | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855234140 | Bacterial expression of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleoprotein and its evaluation as a diagnostic reagent in an indirect ELISA | Samudzi R.R., Leman P.A., Paweska J.T., Swanepoel R., Burt F.J. | 2012 | Journal of Virological Methods | 179 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.09.023 | Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, National Health Laboratory Services Universitas and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, PBag X4, Sandringham 2133, South Africa | Samudzi, R.R., Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, National Health Laboratory Services Universitas and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Leman, P.A., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, PBag X4, Sandringham 2133, South Africa; Paweska, J.T., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, PBag X4, Sandringham 2133, South Africa; Swanepoel, R., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, NHLS, PBag X4, Sandringham 2133, South Africa; Burt, F.J., Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, National Health Laboratory Services Universitas and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne viral zoonosis distributed widely in Africa, Asia, Russia and the Balkans. The emergence and re-emergence of CCHFV emphasize the importance of increasing both human and veterinary surveillance and developing diagnostic capacity. Recombinant CCHFV nucleocapsid protein (NP) has been expressed using insect cells and mammalian cells and used as a diagnostic tool but bacterial expression has not been described previously. The S gene of CCHFV was codon optimized and the NP expressed in Escherichia coli from the synthetic gene. The protein was reacted against serum samples collected from confirmed CCHFV patients at varying intervals after the onset of illness from acute to convalescent stages using both an ELISA and a Western blot. To confirm that the protein was able to induce a humoral antibody response that could be detected using CCHFV antigen derived from live virus, mice were immunized and serum samples were tested using IF slides prepared from CCHFV infected Vero cells. The recombinant antigen was able to detect IgG antibody in acute and convalescent sera. In addition, a detectable IgG antibody response was induced in mice immunized using NP. The results suggest that proteins expressed in a bacterial system lacking post-translational modifications can be used in ELISA to detect IgG antibody against CCHFV in human sera which may be used for routine diagnosis and seroepidemiology. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | CCHFV; Diagnostic ELISA; Recombinant NP | immunoglobulin G antibody; virus nucleoprotein; virus RNA; animal cell; animal experiment; animal model; antibody response; article; blood sampling; clinical article; codon; controlled study; Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Escherichia coli; female; gene sequence; human; mouse; Nairo virus; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; priority journal; protein expression; protein function; protein modification; serodiagnosis; Vero cell; virus gene; Western blotting; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Blotting, Western; Cercopithecus aethiops; Child; Child, Preschool; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Escherichia coli; Gene Expression; Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Mice; Nucleoproteins; Recombinant Proteins; Vero Cells; Bacteria (microorganisms); Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus; Escherichia coli; Hexapoda; Ixodida; Mammalia; Mus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247483432 | Bacterial wilt and drought stresses in banana production and their impact on economic welfare in Uganda: Implications for banana research in East African Highlands | Abele S., Pillay M. | 2007 | Journal of Crop Improvement | 19 | 02-Jan | 10.1300/J411v19n01_09 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda | Abele, S., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda; Pillay, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda | This 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 wilt | Bacteria (microorganisms); Musa; Xanthomonas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-52149108047 | Bacteriological and clinical evaluation of twelve cases of post-surgical sepsis of odontogenic tumours at a referral centre | Egwari L.O., Nwokoye N.N., Obisesan B., Coker A.O., Nwaokorie F.O., Savage K.O. | 2008 | East African Medical Journal | 85 | 6 | None | Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitol | Egwari, L.O., Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Nwokoye, N.N., Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Obisesan, B., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Coker, A.O., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Nwaokorie, F.O., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Savage, K.O., Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Objective: To determine the bacterial aetiology of sepsis occurring following surgery of odontogenic tumours and assess the effect of prompt and proper antibiotic usage. Design: A prospective study. Setting: A tertiary referral centre in Lagos, Nigeria. Subjects: Twelve patients with odontogenic tumours that developed sepsis postoperatively. Eight of the patients were referred from private hospitals, the remaining were in-patients who sought for alternative medical attention following interruption of health care services at the referral centre. Intervention: Adequate review of patient's medical history, bacteriological investigations and antibiotic therapy. Main outcome measures: Bacteriological and clinical cure following antibiotic therapy based on susceptibility test results. Results: Two categories of patients were identified; those who completed the course of antibiotics prescribed post-surgery and patients who failed to conform to antibiotic prescription. Sepsis developed in the non-compliance group much earlier than in the group that complied (p<0.001). Infections were polybacterial with aerobes accounting for 77.4% (α-haemolytic streptococci 29.0%, Streptococcus pyogenes 16.1%, Staphylococcus aureus 16.1%, diphtheroids 9.7%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 6.5%) and anaerobes 22.6% (Porphyromonas gingivalis 9.7%, Peptostreptococcus spp. 6.5%, Prevotella melaninogenica 3.2%, Clostridium perfringens 3.2%). Mixed aerobic and anaerobic aetiology occurred more in osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from a case of osteosarcoma with necrotic tissues. The anaerobic bacteria were 100% sensitive to metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and augmentin, 65-85% sensitivity to ampicloxacillin, amoxicillin and erythromycin. Over 92% of the streptococci were sensitive to the β-Lactams contrast low susceptibility with S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. Conclusion: Interruption of healthcare service was the sole factor identified in the development of sepsis as the patients could not be monitored to ensure compliance to prescription. | None | antiinfective agent; antibiotic resistance; article; bacterium; drug effect; human; isolation and purification; microbiology; Nigeria; odontogenic tumor; patient compliance; patient referral; postoperative complication; prospective study; sepsis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Humans; Nigeria; Odontogenic Tumors; Patient Compliance; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Referral and Consultation; Sepsis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861362357 | Bacteriological and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon evaluation of mangrove phyllosphere and rhizosphere from Qua Iboe River estuary, Nigeria | Eduok S.I., Ita B.N., Uye U.O., Utuk N.M. | 2010 | International Journal of Applied Environmental Sciences | 5 | 6 | None | Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo, P.M.B.1017,Uyo, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, P.M.B.1017, Uyo, Nigeria; Ministry of Health, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria | Eduok, S.I., Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo, P.M.B.1017,Uyo, Nigeria; Ita, B.N., Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, P.M.B.1017, Uyo, Nigeria; Uye, U.O., Ministry of Health, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria; Utuk, N.M., Department of Microbiology, University of Uyo, P.M.B.1017,Uyo, Nigeria | Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-utilizing bacterial density and content in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere and sediment from Qua Iboe River estuary (QIRE) were analyzed using standard microbiological and chemical techniques. The heterotrophic (HET) bacterial counts ranged from 92/0.54 to 142/0.62cfu/m2, 12.5×105 to 13.2×105 cfu/g and 10.6×105 to 12.1×105cfu/g; Hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial (HUB) count ranged from 74/0.58 to 82/0.62cfu/m2, 9.4×105 to 10.9×105 cfu/g, and 7.6×105 to 9.2×105 cfu/g, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial (PAHUB) count ranged from 45/0.56 to 52/0.62cfu/m2, 7.9×105 to 11.9×105 cfu/g and 7.1×105 to 9.7×105 cfu/g, total Vibrio count (TVC) ranged from 00/0.56 to 21/0.60cfu/m2, 5.8×105 to 7.9×105 and 4.7×105 to 7.4×105cfu/g for the phyllosphere, rhizosphere and sediment samples respectively. There was a moderate to very high positive correlation (r = 0.69, 0.97 and 0.97, p = 0.05) in the microbial counts of the sediment and rhizosphere from locations 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Predominant culturable bacterial isolates were Vibrio alginolyticus, V. estuarianus, Alcaligenes denitrificans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. putida, Chromobacterium violaceum, Nocardia sp, Micrococcus varians, Acinetobacter iwoffii, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, Chromatium sp, Escherichia coli, Anabaena, Enterobacter aerogenes, Sarcina sp, Flavobacterium breve, Nodularia and Erwinia amylovora. Total PAH concentration ranged from 7.26 to 7.51mg/kg (rhizosphere), 8.92 to 9.55mg/kg (sediment), 9.92 to 11.13mg/kg (mangrove root) and 18.65 to 25.21mg/kg (phyllosphere). The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene and benzo(g,h,l)perylene were above 1, an indication that biomagnification of carcinogenic PAH could be occurring along the food chain. The bacterial isolates exhibited varying rate of PAH utilization, strongly suggesting possession of relevant genomic properties and degradative enzymes, although pre-exposure to the pollutants in the natural environment could have been an influencing factor. R. racemosa as keystone specie in the QIRE with its associated microbes could be used in phytoremediation and as indicator of exposure for retroactive risk assessment of ambient air and sediment contamination with PAH in estuarine ecosystem. © Research India Publications. | Accumulation; Gas flaring; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; Rhizophora racemosa; Utilization | Accumulation; Acinetobacters; Alcaligenes; Ambient air; Bacillus Subtilis; Bacterial count; Bacterial density; Bacterial isolates; Benzo(a)pyrene; Benzo(b)fluoranthene; Bioaccumulation factor; Biomagnification; Chemical techniques; Chromobacterium violaceum; Chrysene; Culturable; Enterobacter aerogenes; Erwinia amylovora; Estuarine ecosystems; Flavobacterium; Fluoranthene; Food chain; Gas flaring; Influencing factor; Keystone species; Microbial count; Natural environments; Nigeria; Nocardia sp; Nodularia; Perylenes; Phyllospheres; Phytoremediation; Polycyclic aromatics; Positive correlations; Pre-exposure; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Rhizophora racemosa; Sediment contamination; Sediment samples; Serratia marcescens; Vibrio alginolyticus; Anthracene; Bacteria; Biochemistry; Bioremediation; Chemical analysis; Ecosystems; Escherichia coli; Hydrocarbons; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Sedimentology; Sediments; Waste utilization; Soils; bacteriology; bioaccumulation; estuarine ecosystem; mangrove; PAH; phyllosphere; rhizosphere; risk assessment; water pollution; Akwa Ibom; Nigeria; Qua Iboe Estuary; Achromobacter denitrificans; Acinetobacter; Anabaena; Bacillus subtilis; Bacteria (microorganisms); Chromatium; Chromobacterium violaceum; Empedobacter brevis; Enterobacter aerogenes; Erwinia amylovora; Escherichia coli; Flavobacterium; Kocuria varians; Micrococcus; Nocardia; Nodularia; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Rhizophora racemosa; Sarcina; Serratia marcescens; Vibrio; Vibrio alginolyticus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857393680 | Bacteriological evaluation of some sachet water on sales in Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria | Mgbakor C., Ojiegbe G.C., Okonko I.O., Odu N.N., Alli J.A., Nwanze J.C., Onoh C.C. | 2011 | Malaysian Journal of Microbiology | 7 | 4 | None | Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcou | Mgbakor, C., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ojiegbe, G.C., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Okonko, I.O., Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, P.M.B 5323 Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria; Odu, N.N., Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, P.M.B 5323 Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria; Alli, J.A., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Nwanze, J.C., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria; Onoh, C.C., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria | Aims: Continuous increase in the sale and indiscriminate consumption of packaged drinking waters in Nigeria is of public health significance. In order to safe guard public health, it is essential that the available packaged water is of the highest quality. This study was carried out to evaluate the bacteriological quality of packaged water on sale in Owerri metropolis, Imo State of Nigeria. Methodology and Results: From 30 registered sachet water factories, 8 samples each was purchased randomly fifteen of the brands of sachet water all over Owerri metropolis in Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria. These were analyzed for presence of bacterial indicators of water quality. Four weeks later, a second batch of the samples was collected from other brands. A mean plate counts was taken and the organisms from each water sample identified using standard procedures. The results showed that 11 (73.3%) sachet water brands had growths of pathogenic organisms in the first batch while 10 (66.6%) had growth in the second batch. The isolates were identified to be Klebsilla spp., Serratia spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Chromobacterium spp. The study showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae [7(29.2%)] was the most predominant. This was closely followed by Serratia spp. [6(25.0%)] and Proteus mirabilis [6(25.0%)]. Pseudomonas aeruginosa [3(12.5%)] and Chromobacterium spp. [2(8.3%)] was least predominant. Mean total heterotrophic bacteria plate counts (HPC) per millilitre ranged from 0.0 to 6.0 x 10 2 CFU/mL at 22 °C and 0.0 to 7.0 x 10 2 CFU/mL at 37 °C (first batch) and 0.0 to 5.0 x 10 2 CFU/mL at 22 °C and 0.0 to 10.0 x 10 2 CFU/mL at 37 °C for the second batch. Thus they fell below the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard of 100 HPC per millilitre of water. Bacteriological examination of different brands of sachet water samples collected from different locations showed that only Vince water and Akudo table water was found to be safe for drinking while the other brands of sachet water from mobile vendors in Owerri metropolis was not potable. Conclusion, Significance and Impact of study: Hence, the bacteriological quality of some of the brands of sachet water on sale in Owerri was of poor quality index. The study suggests that sachet water could be a route of transmission of enteric pathogens among the populace. In order to safe guard public health, highest quality brands of sachet water is therefore advocated. | Bacteriological quality; Drinking water; Evaluation; Owerri metropolis; Sachet water; Southeastern nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891606906 | Bank efficiency and financial ratios: Rating the performance of the four largest South African banks | van der Westhuizen G. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 30 | 1 | None | School of Economics and Management, Sciences at the Vaal Triangle Campus, North-West University, South Africa | van der Westhuizen, G., School of Economics and Management, Sciences at the Vaal Triangle Campus, North-West University, South Africa | Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in conjunction with financial ratios is used to estimate and compare the performance of the four largest South African banks over the period 2001 to 2011. DEA is used to estimate the relative technical, allocative, cost and scale efficiencies and compare these estimates to certain financial ratios published by the banks in their financial statements. These ratios include return on equity (ROE), return on assets (ROA), net interest margin (NIM), impairment losses, etc. The results obtained from the efficiency estimates and the financial ratios are used to rate the banks according to these performances. The rating differs depending on which performance measure is applied. A combination of these measures was necessary to determine the best and the worst performing bank. From the results obtained it appears that profitability and efficiency are two sides of the same coin. © by author(s); CC-BY. | Allocative Efficiency; Bank Performance; Financial Ratios; Net Interest Margin; Noninterest Income; Scale Efficiency; Technical Efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20444480278 | Bank privatization and performance: Empirical evidence from Nigeria | Beck T., Cull R., Jerome A. | 2005 | Journal of Banking and Finance | 29 | 8-9 SPEC. ISS. | 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2005.03.018 | The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Beck, T., The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Cull, R., The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, United States; Jerome, A., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | We assess the effect of privatization on performance in a panel of Nigerian banks for the period 1990-2001. We find evidence of performance improvement in nine banks that were privatized, which is remarkable given the inhospitable environment for true financial intermediation. Our results also suggest negative effects of the continuing minority government ownership on the performance of many Nigerian banks. Finally, our results complement aggregate indications of decreasing financial intermediation over the 1990s; banks that focused on investment in government bonds and non-lending activities enjoyed a relatively better performance. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Bank performance; Bank privatization; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922987630 | Bank savings and bank credits in Nigeria: Determinants and impact on economic growth | Anthony O. | 2012 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 2 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Anthony, O., Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the determinants of bank savings in Nigeria as well as examined the impact of bank savings and bank credits on Nigeria’s economic growth from 1970- 2006. We adopted two impact models; Distributed Lag-Error Correction Model (DL-ECM) and Distributed Model. The empirical results showed a positive influence of values of GDP per capita (PCY), Financial Deepening (FSD), Interest Rate Spread (IRS) and negative influence of Real Interest Rate (RIR) and Inflation Rate (INFR) on the size of private domestic savings. Also a positive relationship exists between the lagged values of total private savings, private sector credit, public sector credit, interest rate spread, exchange rates and economic growth. We therefore recommend, among others, that government’s effort should be geared towards improving per capita income by reducing the unemployment rate in the country in a bid to accelerate growth through enhanced savings. © 2012, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Bank; Credit; Economic growth; Financial sector; Saving | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897132364 | Bank strategic and risk management: A survey to determine the impact of the current world financial crisis on future bank management in South Africa | Wessels B., Van Rooyen J.H. | 2010 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 1 D | None | University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Wessels, B., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Rooyen, J.H., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | The purpose of this research was to determine how the banks in South Africa perceive the future of bank management and banks risk management over the next couple of years within the context of the financial crisis that recently played out globally. It is clear from the survey results that South African (SA) banks were not affected as much by the crisis as some of their international counterparts. Primarily because of the credit legislations introduced in SA recently. Other reasons may be due to conservatism and sufficient capitalisation of banks and less involvement in global markets where major problems were experienced. The survey indicates that SA banks are prepared to learn from the crisis and are planning to improve financial risk management. Consolidation or centralisation of the risk management functions may be prevalent. According to the survey, liquidity risk management that used to be a fairly low risk management priority in previous bank and treasury surveys, now tops the list of important risks te better manage in the future. | Bank management; Bank risk management; Risk management; Subprime crisis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956859258 | Banning Fisheries Discards Abruptly Has a Negative Impact on the Population Dynamics of Charismatic Marine Megafauna | Fondo E.N., Chaloupka M., Heymans J.J., Skilleter G.A. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0144543 | School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, B0risbane, QLD, Australia; Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya; Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, United Kingdom | Fondo, E.N., School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, B0risbane, QLD, Australia, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya; Chaloupka, M., School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, B0risbane, QLD, Australia; Heymans, J.J., Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, United Kingdom; Skilleter, G.A., School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, B0risbane, QLD, Australia | Food subsidies have the potential to modify ecosystems and affect the provision of goods and services. Predictable Anthropogenic Food Subsidies (PAFS) modify ecosystems by altering ecological processes and food webs. The global concern over the effects of PAFS in ecosystems has led to development of environmental policies aimed at curbing the production or ultimately banning of PAFS. However, the effects of reducing or banning PAFS are not known. We explore the consequences of PAFS removal in a marine ecosystem under two scenarios: 1) gradual reduction, or 2) an abrupt ban, using a mass balance model to test these hypotheses The reduction or loss of PAFS will: i) modify trophic levels and food webs through effects on foraging by opportunistic species, ii) increase the resilience of opportunistic species to food shortages, and iii) modify predatorprey interactions through shifts in prey consumption. We found that PAFS lower the trophic levels of opportunistic scavengers and increase their food pathways. Scavengers are able to switch prey when PAFS are reduced gradually but they decline when PAFS are abruptly banned. PAFS reduction to a certain minimal level causes a drop in the ecosystems stability. We recommend gradual reduction of PAFS to a minimal level that would maintain the ecosystems stability and allow species exploiting PAFS to habituate to the food subsidy reduction. © 2015 Fondo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | controlled study; fishery; food web; foraging; marine environment; model; population dynamics; species; trophic level | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745535966 | Barriers to and facilitators for female participation in an HIV prevention project in Rural Ethiopia: Findings from a qualitative evaluation | Cummings B., Mengistu M., Negash W., Bekele A., Ghile T. | 2006 | Culture, Health and Sexuality | 8 | 3 | 10.1080/13691050600765103 | Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; CARE International, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Cummings, B., Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Mengistu, M., CARE International, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Negash, W., CARE International, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Bekele, A., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ghile, T., CARE International, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Ethiopian women face complex social and cultural factors that influence their probability of HIV infection. HIV prevention efforts among this population are particularly important; however, female participation in a rural, HIV prevention project has been minimal. This programme evaluation investigated barriers and facilitators influencing women's ability to participate in project activities. Evaluation data were collected through nine focus groups and 20 semi-structured interviews, which were conducted between October and November 2003. The main themes found to negatively influence women's decisions to participate in this HIV prevention activity included: domestic workloads, lack of education and awareness, and cultural norms that have discouraged discussions about HIV and sexuality. Domestic chores, which are labour intensive and limit time and energy, were found to be the primary barrier to participation among women. Respondents also indicated that female illiteracy and limited educational attainment occur within a social context that traditionally supports education for men but discourages formal knowledge among women, including HIV prevention. Lack of education and inability to freely discuss sexuality denies women access to health information, potentially exposing women to adverse consequences such as HIV infection. Identified facilitators of participation included a radio serial drama and the one female peer educator associated with the project. © 2006 Taylor & Francis. | Gender; HIV prevention; Intervention; Participation; Women | adolescent; adult; article; awareness; controlled study; cultural anthropology; data analysis; Ethiopia; female; health care access; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interpersonal communication; major clinical study; male; medical information; motivation; patient attitude; patient decision making; preventive health service; priority journal; qualitative analysis; school child; semi structured interview; sexuality; social behavior; social belief; social status; social support; workload; Adolescent; Adult; Cultural Characteristics; Ethiopia; Female; Focus Groups; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections; Humans; Middle Aged; Narration; Program Evaluation; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Women's Health; Women's Rights | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904672065 | Barriers to effective supply Chain management, implementation, and impact on business performance of SMEs in South Africa | Dubihlela J., Omoruyi O. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 30 | 4 | None | Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Dubihlela, J., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa; Omoruyi, O., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Supply chain management (SCM) is vital for companies to achieve their goals and for information sharing. Operations managers are faced with many barriers in implementing SCM, particularly in developing economies such as South Africa. It is essential for managers of SMEs to know the key barriers and attempt to minimize them and improve competitive strength. This article presents the SCM implementation barriers and suggests significant variations between these barriers as well as their impact on the business performance of SMEs. Researchers and trained fieldworkers gathered the needed data through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires, obtaining a total of 249 usable questionnaires. The data analysis included frequencies, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Amos 5, and structural equation modelling (SEM) run LISREL 8.8. The results revealed that the lack of economies of scale, poor organisation structures, and technological challenges are the major limitations to implementing SCM. The findings of this research provide invaluable information to scholars and researchers investigating the barriers of SCM implementation, and to SMEs managers who desire to implement SCM. The findings can assist the development of effective strategic and operational plans as well as to programs and projects designed to enhance SCM within SMEs in South Africa. The research paper concludes by discussing both academic and managerial implications of the results, providing future research directions. | Business performance; Implementation barriers; SMEs; South Africa; Supply chain management | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272534900004 | Barriers to Teaching Non-speaking Learners with Intellectual Disabilities and their Impact on the Provision of Augmentative and Alternative Communication | Mukhopadhyay, Sourav,Nwaogu, Paul | 2009 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISABILITY DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION | 56 | 4 | 10.1080/10349120903306590 | University of Botswana | "Mukhopadhyay, Sourav: University of Botswana","Nwaogu, Paul: University of Botswana" | The purpose of this investigation was to gain an understanding of the challenges of teaching non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities and the scope of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) used in primary school settings in Gaborone, Botswana. A qualitative interview methodology was used to investigate the experiences of 11 special educators working with non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities. Participants of the study revealed that teaching non-speaking students with intellectual disabilities is challenging. The study further showed that AAC systems were not widely used in Botswana, and that teachers lacked knowledge and skills. Nevertheless, the participants recognised the importance of AAC in enhancing the functional communication skills of the non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities. Based on the findings recommendations are made to pave the way forward. | "Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)","intellectual disabilities","QUALITATIVE RESEARCH","special education in Botswana",CHILDREN,DEVELOPMENTAL-DISABILITIES,INDIVIDUALS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40549084326 | Baseline evaluation of routine HIV testing among tuberculosis patients in Botswana | Gammino V.M., Mboya J.J., Samandari T., Sheth A., Almquist J., Nkubito G., Jimbo W., Obita G., Roels T.H., Wells C.D., Kilmarx P.H., Nelson L.J. | 2008 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 12 | 3 SUPPL. 1 | None | Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, United States; Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; BOTUSA Project, Gaborone, Botswana; Ministry of Local Government, Gaborone, Botswana; US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States | Gammino, V.M., Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, United States, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Mboya, J.J., Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Samandari, T., Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, United States, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Sheth, A., Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Almquist, J., Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Nkubito, G., Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Jimbo, W., BOTUSA Project, Gaborone, Botswana; Obita, G., Ministry of Local Government, Gaborone, Botswana; Roels, T.H., Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana, BOTUSA Project, Gaborone, Botswana; Wells, C.D., Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, United States; Kilmarx, P.H., Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana, BOTUSA Project, Gaborone, Botswana; Nelson, L.J., Division of TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, United States | In January 2004, the government of Botswana introduced a policy of routine, non-compulsory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing to increase testing and access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) for individuals presenting for medical treatment. Before a systematic implementation of the policy, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of tuberculosis (TB) record data from 46 clinics in 10 districts to assess baseline HIV testing rates among TB patients. Recorded HIV results from the facility TB register and TB treatment card were reviewed. Of the 1242 TB patients entered in the register, 47% had a recorded HIV result and 84% of these were co-infected with HIV. TB treatment cards were available for 862 (69%) registered patients. Among the 411 (47%) with test results recorded on the treatment card, 341 (83%) were HIV-infected; of these, 12% were reported to be receiving ART. © 2008 The Union. | Botswana; Routine HIV testing; TB-HIV surveillance; Tuberculosis | antiretrovirus agent; analytic method; article; Botswana; controlled study; health care policy; health survey; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; medical record; priority journal; screening test; tuberculosis; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Anti-HIV Agents; Botswana; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Policy; Health Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Mass Screening; Registries; Tuberculosis; Voluntary Programs | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37049000606 | Baseline for the evaluation of a National Action Plan for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children using the UNAIDS core indicators: A case study in Zimbabwe | Saito S., Monasch R., Keogh E., Dhlembeu N., Bergua J., Mafico M. | 2007 | Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies | 2 | 3 | 10.1080/17450120701439619 | UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe; Statistics Department, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe | Saito, S., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe; Monasch, R., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe; Keogh, E., Statistics Department, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Dhlembeu, N., Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe; Bergua, J., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mafico, M., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe | This paper describes the experience of Zimbabwe in establishing a baseline for its National Action Plan for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children (NAP for OVC) using the 10 core indicators developed by the UNAIDS Global Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group in 2004. Through a population-based household survey in rural and urban high-density areas and the OVC policy and planning effort index assessment tool, a baseline was established. The survey found that 43.6% of children under 18 years were orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Half of all households with children care for one or more OVC. While the large majority of OVC continued to be cared for by the extended family, its capacity to care for these children appeared to be under pressure. OVC were less likely to have their basic minimum material needs met, more likely to be underweight, less likely to be taken to an appropriate health provider when sick and less likely to attend school. Medical support to households with OVC was found to be relatively high (26%). Other support, such as psychosocial support (2%) and school assistance (12%), was lower. The OVC Effort Index assessment indicates that serious efforts are being made. The increase in the effort index between 2001 and 2004 in the areas of consultative efforts, planning and coordinating mechanisms reflects the strengthened commitment. Monitoring and evaluation and legislative review are the weakest areas of the OVC response. The findings of the baseline exercise point to the need for continued and additional efforts and resources to implement the NAP for OVC, the priorities of which were confirmed by the survey as critical to improve the welfare of the OVC in Zimbabwe. | HIV/AIDS; Indicators; Monitoring; OVC; Zimbabwe | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907567195 | Baseline health conditions in selected communities of northern Sierra Leone as revealed by the health impact assessment of a biofuel project | Winkler M.S., Knoblauch A.M., Righetti A.A., Divall M.J., Koroma M.M., Fofanah I., Turay H., Hodges M.H., Utzinger J. | 2014 | International Health | 6 | 3 | 10.1093/inthealth/ihu031 | Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland; SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Northern Polytechnic, P.O. Box 32, Makeni, Sierra Leone; Helen Keller International, P.O. Box 369, Freetown, Sierra Leone | Winkler, M.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland; Knoblauch, A.M., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland; Righetti, A.A., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland; Divall, M.J., SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Koroma, M.M., Northern Polytechnic, P.O. Box 32, Makeni, Sierra Leone; Fofanah, I., Helen Keller International, P.O. Box 369, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Turay, H., Helen Keller International, P.O. Box 369, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Hodges, M.H., Helen Keller International, P.O. Box 369, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Utzinger, J., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland | Background: As biofuel projects may be associated with positive and negative effects on people's health and wellbeing, a health impact assessment was performed for the Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone (ABSL) project. We present data from the baseline health survey, which will provide a point of departure for future monitoring and evaluation activities. Methods: In December 2010, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in eight potentially affected communities. A broad set of clinical and parasitological indicators were assessed using standardised, quality-controlled procedures, including anthropometry and prevalence of anaemia, Plasmodium falciparum and helminth infections. Results: Complete datasets were obtained from 1221 individuals of 194 households and eight schools. Of children aged <5 years (n=586), 41.8% were stunted, 23.2% were underweight and 4.8% were wasted. Very high prevalences of anaemia and P. falciparum were found in children aged 6-59 months (n=571; 86.1% and 74.0%, respectively). Overall, 73.7% of women of reproductive age (n=395) were anaemic. In school-aged children (n=240), 27.9% had light- to moderate-intensity hookworm infections, whereas Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Schistosoma mansoni were rare (<3% each). Conclusions: The detailed description of the baseline health conditions, in combination with future health surveys, will deepen the understanding of how a biofuel project impacts on community health in a rural setting in sub-Saharan Africa. © The Author 2014. | Anaemia; Health impact assessment; Helminth infection; Malaria; Nutritional status; Sierra Leone | albendazole; amodiaquine; artemether; praziquantel; biofuel; adolescent; adult; anemia; anthropometry; Article; Ascaris lumbricoides; child; cross-sectional study; female; health impact assessment; health survey; helminthiasis; hookworm infection; human; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; Plasmodium falciparum; prevalence; public health; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis; Sierra Leone; Trichuris trichiura; underweight; anemia; animal; ascariasis; Child Nutrition Disorders; health impact assessment; health status; infant; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Malaria, Falciparum; malnutrition; middle aged; nutritional status; preschool child; procedures; regression analysis; rural population; schistosomiasis mansoni; statistics and numerical data; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Anemia; Animals; Ascariasis; Biofuels; Child; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Impact Assessment; Health Status; Humans; Infant; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Regression Analysis; Rural Population; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Sierra Leone; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949823361 | Basic physiological measures determine fitness and are associated with running performance in elite young male and female Ethiopian runners | Legaz-Arrese A., Kinfu H., Munguía-Izquierdo D., Carranza-Garcia L.E., Calderón F.J. | 2009 | Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness | 49 | 4 | None | Section of Physical Education and Sports, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Physiology Laboratory of the Addis Ababa, University Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Section of Physical Education and Sports, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain; Section of Physical Education and Sports Polytechnic, University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain | Legaz-Arrese, A., Section of Physical Education and Sports, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Kinfu, H., Physiology Laboratory of the Addis Ababa, University Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Munguía-Izquierdo, D., Section of Physical Education and Sports, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain; Carranza-Garcia, L.E., Section of Physical Education and Sports, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Calderón, F.J., Section of Physical Education and Sports Polytechnic, University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain | Aim. The aim of this study was to determine if possible, with the resources available in Ethiopia, to make significant associations between racing performance and laboratory physiological test results in elite young African runners. Methods. Twenty-four young Ethiopian runners (12 males and 12 females) attended the physiology laboratory of the Addis Ababa University, where skin fold thickness, basic resting pulmonary function and heart rate (HR) during an incremental treadmill exercise test were recorded a week before or a week after two official 800 and 1500 meter races. Performance was rated according to the scoring procedures of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF): male runners (1041, CV=4.1%), female (1051, CV=2.8%). Results. The sum of four skin folds was significantly correlated with male (r=-0.80, P<0.01) and female IAAF score (r= -0.78, P<0.01). IAAF score was also related to forced vital capacity (male: r=0.70, P<0.05; female: r=0.85, P<0.01) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (maie: r=0.63, P<0.05; female: r=0.80, P<0.01). For both sexes, HR at a fixed submaximal exercise workload was significantly associated with IAAF score. In both male and female runners, the more significant association was observed for a treadmill slope of 7.5% (r=-0.93, P<0.01; r= -0.95, P<0.01, respectively). Conclusion. These results show that basic physiological measures are useful in measuring fitness and in predicting middle-distance running performance in a homogeneous group of elite young male and female Ethiopian runners. | Heart rate; Respiratory function tests; Running; Skinfold thickness | adaptation; adult; age; article; Ethiopia; exercise test; exercise tolerance; female; fitness; heart rate; human; lung function test; male; physiology; rest; running; skinfold thickness; statistics; Adaptation, Physiological; Age Factors; Ethiopia; Exercise Test; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Physical Fitness; Respiratory Function Tests; Rest; Running; Skinfold Thickness; Statistics as Topic; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893844469 | Basin-scale performance of a semidistributed rainfall-runoff model for hydrological predictions and water resources assessment of large rivers: The Congo River | Tshimanga R.M., Hughes D.A. | 2014 | Water Resources Research | 50 | 2 | 10.1002/2013WR014310 | Department of Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo; Congo Basin Network for Research and Capacity Development in Water Resources (CB-HYDRONET), Kinshasa, Congo; Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Tshimanga, R.M., Department of Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo, Congo Basin Network for Research and Capacity Development in Water Resources (CB-HYDRONET), Kinshasa, Congo; Hughes, D.A., Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Gaps in hydrological information of the Congo Basin increase uncertainties in understanding hydroclimatic processes in the basin, and consequently the risks associated with decision making for major water resources development plans. There is also uncertainty about the predictions of future climate and land use change. These challenges make it essential to explore possible approaches to close the information gaps. Some of the gaps can be filled using hydrological simulation models, which if they prove practical, can be established with available data, but generate sufficiently reliable information for management purposes. This paper discusses the results of applying a semidistributed rainfall-runoff model which was established for the whole Congo Basin, using the available historical data, with an ultimate goal of understanding processes of runoff generation as well as assessing the impacts of future climate and land use changes on water resources availability, including options for water resources development in the basin. Issues of water resources assessment in the basin, approaches used to address them and some directions for future research are discussed. It is noted that the hydrological model applied in this study for the Congo Basin is able to capture the timing and magnitude of high and low flows satisfactorily, irrespective of the subbasins are located in headwater areas, downstream areas or at the outlets of regions strongly affected by wetlands and lakes. There remain a number of opportunities to improve the methods used for water resources assessment within the basin. Key Points A semidistributed hydrological model is presented for the Congo Basin The model adequately simulates the dominant processes of the basin hydrology The paper addresses some of the challenges of prediction in the Congo Basin © 2014. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. | Congo Basin; Hydrological model; Uncertainties; Ungauged basins; Wetlands | Climate models; Computer simulation; Forecasting; Hydrology; Lakes; Land use; Runoff; Water resources exploration; Wetlands; Congo basins; Hydrological modeling; Hydrological simulations; Uncertainties; Ungauged basins; Water resources assessment; Water resources availability; Water resources development; Water resources; decision making; flow modeling; headwater; hydrology; land use change; rainfall-runoff modeling; river basin; water management; water resource; Congo Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951791760 | Batting and bowling performance measures for list-a and first class cricket matches | Lemmer H.H. | 2010 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 32 | 1 | None | Department of Statistics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; 122 Fourth Avenue, Fairland 2170, South Africa | Lemmer, H.H., Department of Statistics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, 122 Fourth Avenue, Fairland 2170, South Africa | It is always difficult to decide whether a batsman (or bowler) who performs well in domestic matches should replace a player in the national team. It is therefore necessary that a sound basis should be found for a comparison of players' performances on local and international levels. In this study the performance measures BPW for batsmen and CBPW for bowlers at international level are extended to include this situation. This is achieved by determining appropriate weights for runs scored by batsmen, and also for wickets taken and runs conceded by bowlers, in local matches. BPW and CBPW are applied to each player's complete set of one-day scores (local and international) and recommendations are made on which players should be considered for inclusion in the ODI team. The same is done in the case of unlimited overs matches in order to identify strong new candidates for the test team. | Cricket; Rankings; Weights for runs; Weights for wickets | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921693102 | Battling the Race: Stylizing Language and Coproducing Whiteness and Colouredness in a Freestyle Rap Performance | Williams Q.E., Stroud C. | 2014 | Journal of Linguistic Anthropology | 24 | 3 | 10.1111/jola.12064 | Linguistics Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Williams, Q.E., Linguistics Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa; Stroud, C., Linguistics Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa | In the last 19 years of post-apartheid South African democracy, race remains an enduring and familiar trope, a point of certainty amid the messy ambiguities of transformation. In the present article, we explore the malleable, permeable, and unstable racializations of contemporary South Arica, specifically the way in which coloured and white racializations are negotiated and interactionally accomplished in the context of Capetonian hip-hop. The analysis reveals the complex ways in which racialized bodies are figured semiotically through reference to historical time and contemporary (translocal) social space. But also the way iconic features of blackness are reindexicalized to stand for a transnational whiteness. © 2015 by the American Anthropological Association. | Colouredness; Hip-hop; Performance; Race; Stylization; Whiteness | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873205152 | Bayesian evaluation of informative hypotheses in SEM using Mplus: A black bear story | van de Schoot R., Verhoeven M., Hoijtink H. | 2013 | European Journal of Developmental Psychology | 10 | 1 | 10.1080/17405629.2012.732719 | Department of Methods and Statistics, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.140, NL-3508 TC, Utrecht, Netherlands; Optentia Research Program, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands | van de Schoot, R., Department of Methods and Statistics, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.140, NL-3508 TC, Utrecht, Netherlands, Optentia Research Program, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Verhoeven, M., Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Hoijtink, H., Department of Methods and Statistics, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.140, NL-3508 TC, Utrecht, Netherlands | Half in jest we use a story about a black bear to illustrate that there are some discrepancies between the formal use of the p-value and the way it is often used in practice. We argue that more can be learned from data by evaluating informative hypotheses, than by testing the traditional hypothesis. All criticisms of classical hypothesis testing aside, the best argument for evaluating informative hypotheses is that many researchers want to evaluate their expectations directly, but have been unable to do so because the statistical tools were not yet available. It will be shown that a Bayesian model selection procedure can be used to evaluate informative hypotheses in structural equation models using the software Mplus. In the current paper we introduce the methodology using a real-life example taken from the field of developmental psychology about depressive symptoms in adolescence and provide a step-by-step description so that the procedure becomes more comprehensible for applied researchers. As this paper illustrates, this methodology is ready to be used by any researcher within the social sciences. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Bayes factor; Depression; Informative hypothesis; Mplus; Order restricted inference; Structural equation modelling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897518914 | BDNF polymorphisms are linked to poorer working memory performance, reduced cerebellar and hippocampal volumes and differences in prefrontal cortex in a Swedish elderly population | Brooks S.J., Nilsson E.K., Jacobsson J.A., Stein D.J., Fredriksson R., Lind L., Schiöth H.B. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0082707 | Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Brooks, S.J., Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Nilsson, E.K., Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Jacobsson, J.A., Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Stein, D.J., Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Fredriksson, R., Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Lind, L., Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Schiöth, H.B., Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden | Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) links learning, memory and cognitive decline in elderly, but evidence linking BDNF allele variation, cognition and brain structural differences is lacking. Methods: 367 elderly Swedish men (n = 181) and women (n = 186) from Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala seniors (PIVUS) were genotyped and the BDNF functional rs6265 SNP was further examined in subjects who completed the Trail Making Task (TMT), verbal fluency task, and had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) examined brain structure, cognition and links with BDNF. Results: The functional BDNF SNP (rs6265,) predicted better working memory performance on the TMT with positive association of the Met rs6265, and was linked with greater cerebellar, precuneus, left superior frontal gyrus and bilateral hippocampal volume, and reduced brainstem and bilateral posterior cingulate volumes. Conclusions: The functional BDNF polymorphism influences brain volume in regions associated with memory and regulation of sensorimotor control, with the Met rs6265 allele potentially being more beneficial to these functions in the elderly. © 2014 Brooks et al. | None | brain derived neurotrophic factor; aged; article; BDNF gene; brain size; brain stem; cerebellum; cognition; female; gene linkage disequilibrium; genotype; hippocampus; human; male; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; nuclear magnetic resonance scanner; posterior cingulate; precuneus; prefrontal cortex; psychologic test; single nucleotide polymorphism; superior frontal gyrus; task performance; verbal fluency task; voxel based morphometry; working memory; Aged; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Cerebellum; Executive Function; Female; Functional Neuroimaging; Gene Expression; Genetic Association Studies; Hippocampus; Humans; Linkage Disequilibrium; Male; Memory, Short-Term; Organ Size; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Prefrontal Cortex; Prospective Studies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940918073 | Beachgoers' awareness and evaluation of the blue flag award in South Africa | Lucrezi S., Van Der Merwe P. | 2015 | Journal of Coastal Research | 31 | 5 | 10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-13-00159.1 | Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Lucrezi, S., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, P., Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Beach awards such as the European Blue Flag are increasingly adopted in many countries as an environmental brand to promote better beach management and encourage tourism. However, the validity of the Blue Flag award has been criticized in the literature, and research shows that the award is still not widely known and has marginal influence on tourists' beach selection. This study, conducted at six popular South African beaches, three with and three without Blue Flag status, investigated awareness and evaluation of the Blue Flag award among 579 beachgoers. Results from a structured questionnaire showed that over half of the participants, mostly people on the Blue Flag beaches, knew about the Blue Flag award and its criteria; however, approximately one-third of the participants were unaware of it. Participants tended to be less tolerant of supposed water-quality degradation than the loss of the Blue Flag status, although an exception was made for Margate Beach, where people were less tolerant of a hypothetical loss of Blue Flag status. Although the participants' evaluation of the Blue Flag award was generally positive, for most it was not their main reason for visiting a beach. In the light of these findings, a more coherent implementation of the Blue Flag award and better information propagation in its regard are recommended for South African beaches. © Coastal Education & Research Foundation 2015. | Beach safety; coastal zone management; conservation; ecosystem monitoring and assessment; education | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000282408400001 | Bed net ownership in Kenya: the impact of 3.4 million free bed nets | Akhwale, Willis,Buluma, Robert,Hamel, Mary,Hightower, Allen,Kiptui, Rebecca,Laserson, Kayla,Manya, Ayub,Noor, Abdisalan,Sharif, Shahnaz K.,Slutsker, Laurence,Vanden Eng, Jodi Leigh,Vulule, John,Wolkon, Adam | 2010 | MALARIA JOURNAL | 9 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-9-183 | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr, Kenya Natl Bur Stat, KNH Grounds, Off Director Publ Hlth & Sanitat | None | Background: In July and September 2006, 3.4 million long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) were distributed free in a campaign targeting children 0-59 months old (CU5s) in the 46 districts with malaria in Kenya. A survey was conducted one month after the distribution to evaluate who received campaign LLINs, who owned insecticide-treated bed nets and other bed nets received through other channels, and how these nets were being used. The feasibility of a distribution strategy aimed at a high-risk target group to meet bed net ownership and usage targets is evaluated.
Methods: A stratified, two-stage cluster survey sampled districts and enumeration areas with probability proportional to size. Handheld computers (PDAs) with attached global positioning systems (GPS) were used to develop the sampling frame, guide interviewers back to chosen households, and collect survey data.
Results: In targeted areas, 67.5% (95% CI: 64.6, 70.3%) of all households with CU5s received campaign LLINs. Including previously owned nets, 74.4% (95% CI: 71.8, 77.0%) of all households with CU5s had an ITN. Over half of CU5s (51.7%, 95% CI: 48.8, 54.7%) slept under an ITN during the previous evening. Nearly forty percent (39.1%) of all households received a campaign net, elevating overall household ownership of ITNs to 50.7% (95% CI: 48.4, 52.9%).
Conclusions: The campaign was successful in reaching the target population, families with CU5s, the risk group most vulnerable to malaria. Targeted distribution strategies will help Kenya approach indicator targets, but will need to be combined with other strategies to achieve desired population coverage levels. | ,CHILD-MORTALITY,COVERAGE,"INSECTICIDE-TREATED BEDNETS",MALARIA,MORBIDITY,PROGRAM,"WESTERN KENYA" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942134942 | Beer, wood, and welfare - The impact of improved stove use among dolo-beer breweries | Grimm M., Peters J. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0132603 | Department of Economics, University of Passau, Passau, Germany; International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn, Germany; Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI), Essen, Germany; African Microeconomic Research Unit (AMERU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Grimm, M., Department of Economics, University of Passau, Passau, Germany, International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn, Germany; Peters, J., Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI), Essen, Germany, African Microeconomic Research Unit (AMERU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Local beer breweries in Burkina Faso absorb a considerable amount of urban woodfuel demand. We assess the woodfuel savings caused by the adoption of improved brewing stoves by these micro-breweries and estimate the implied welfare effects through the woodfuel market on private households as well as the environmental effect. We find substantial wood savings among the breweries, 36% to 38% if they fully switch to an improved stove. In absolute amounts, they save about 0.176 kg of fuelwood per litre of dolo brewed. These savings imply huge reductions in CO<inf>2</inf>-emissions and reduce the overall demand for woodfuel, which is predominantly used by the poorer strata for cooking purposes. We provide estimates for the price decrease that might result from this and show that the urban poor are likely to benefit. Thus, the intervention under study is an example for a green growth intervention with pro-poor welfare gains - something green growth strategies should look for. Copyright: © 2015 Grimm, Peters. | None | fuel; adult; air pollution; Article; beer; beer brewery; biomass production; brewing; commercial phenomena; cooking; cost control; environmental impact; female; household; human; industrial area; industrial production; industry; middle aged; stove use; welfare; wood | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924705895 | Behaviour and ecological impacts of termites: Fecundity investigations in mounds | Wako S.E. | 2015 | Ekologia Bratislava | 34 | 1 | 10.1515/eko-2015-0008 | Department of Biology Education, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 6767, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Wako, S.E., Department of Biology Education, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 6767, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | A radical study was conducted on the behaviour and ecological impacts of termites in Haru District of Western Oromia, Ethiopia. It was aimed at investigating the natural behaviour, fecundity in mounds, ecological impacts and recommending possible solutions to termite problems. Four mounds in different sites were vertically dug down to display the profile of the queen, soldiers, workers, number of laid eggs, nymphs and colonies of termites. On an average, termite queens of the study site may lay about 25 eggs per minute, 36,000 eggs per day and 13,140,000 eggs annually. The fourth queen was unearthed to study the structure, size, number of ovaries and fecundity. It was examined that the death of a queen does not affect the colony, because four small queens are formed and one of them becomes the queen of queens and replaced the dead queen promptly. Accordingly, termites are found to be one of the most destructive agents of our ecosystems and their management requests careful and biological control methods. As a result, the negative effect of termites outweighs the positive effect of termites so that minimising the population size is important for human beings. | Alates; Cast; Colony; Queen; Red ants and royal cell | behavioral ecology; biological control; ecological impact; ecosystem management; fecundity; population size; termite; Ethiopia; Oromia; Formicidae; Isoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547810430 | Behaviour change in generalised HIV epidemics: Impact of reducing cross-generational sex and delaying age at sexual debut | Hallett T.B., Gregson S., Lewis J.J.C., Lopman B.A., Garnett G.P. | 2007 | Sexually Transmitted Infections | 83 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1136/sti.2006.023606 | Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Zimbabwe; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Aurum Institute for Health Research, Johannesburg, South Africa | Hallett, T.B., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Gregson, S., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Zimbabwe; Lewis, J.J.C., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Aurum Institute for Health Research, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lopman, B.A., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Garnett, G.P., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom | Background: Sexual behavioural change is essential to prevent HIV infections in Africa and statistical analysis of risk factors at the individual-level may be used to design interventions. The importance of reducing cross-generational sex (young women having sex with older men) and delaying age at first sex on the spread of HIV at the population-level has been presumed but not scientifically investigated and quantified. Methods: A mathematical model of heterosexual spread of HIV was developed to predict the population-level impact of reducing cross-generational sex and delaying sexual debut. Results: The impact of behaviour change on the spread of HIV is sensitive to the structure and reaction of the sexual network. Reducing cross-generational sex could have little impact on the risk of infection unless it is accompanied by a reduction in the number of risky sexual contacts. Even peer-to-peer sexual mixing can support high endemic levels of HIV. The benefit of delaying sexual debut is comparatively small and is reduced if males continue to prefer young partners or if young women spend more time unmarried. In Manicaland, Zimbabwe, if older men were to use condoms as frequently as young men, the reduction in risk of infection could exceed that generated by a two-year delay in first sex. Conclusions: At the individual-level avoiding sex with older partners and delaying sexual debut can decrease the risk of infection but at the population-level these interventions may do little to limit the spread of HIV without wider-ranging behavioural changes throughout the sexual network. | None | adolescent; adult; Africa; article; behavior change; condom; controlled study; epidemic; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; infection risk; male; mathematical model; priority journal; sexual behavior; sexual transmission; sexuality; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Age of Onset; Condoms; Disease Outbreaks; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Models, Theoretical; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Unsafe Sex; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943611171 | Benchmarking: Business strategy to improve environmental performance | Doorasamy M. | 2015 | Investment Management and Financial Innovations | 12 | 2 | None | Department of Financial Accounting, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa | Doorasamy, M., Department of Financial Accounting, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa | A growing number of organizations have failed to realize that environmental strategies should be incorporated as part of the organizations corporate business strategies, to ensure their sustainable competitive advantage. Future sustainability and competitiveness require the adoption of Cleaner Production (CP) techniques and technologies which will address waste issues at its source and ensure more efficient use of resources. However, management is not keen on this strategy as they perceive CP as a costly strategy that requires innovation with no financial benefits to the company. The aim of this paper is to benchmark the company's environmental costs by comparing the company's current non-product output against technological standards and standards of best available technology. The results are based on a case study which is focused on the coal - fired boiler technology used in the steam generation process. It had been found that benchmarking enabled managers to evaluate and analyze how much they can save by ensuring that their current technology is functioning according to technological standards and also reduces the amount of waste generated due to technological inefficiency. © Mishelle Doorasamy, 2015. | Benchmarks; Best available technology; Cleaner production techniques; Competiveness; Environmental strategies; Non-product output; Sustainability; Technological standards | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926137605 | Benchmarking health system performance across districts in Zambia: A systematic analysis of levels and trends in key maternal and child health interventions from 1990 to 2010 | Colson K.E., Dwyer-Lindgren L., Achoki T., Fullman N., Schneider M., Mulenga P., Hangoma P., Ng M., Masiye F., Gakidou E. | 2015 | BMC Medicine | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/s12916-015-0308-5 | University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Berkeley, CA, United States; University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, United States; Ministry of Health of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; USAID, Washington, DC, United States; Clinton Health Access Initiative, Lusaka, Zambia; University of Bergen, Department of Economics, Bergen, Norway; University of Zambia, Department of Economics, Lusaka, Zambia | Colson, K.E., University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Berkeley, CA, United States; Dwyer-Lindgren, L., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, United States; Achoki, T., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, United States, Ministry of Health of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Fullman, N., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, United States; Schneider, M., USAID, Washington, DC, United States; Mulenga, P., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Lusaka, Zambia; Hangoma, P., University of Bergen, Department of Economics, Bergen, Norway, University of Zambia, Department of Economics, Lusaka, Zambia; Ng, M., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, United States; Masiye, F., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, United States, University of Zambia, Department of Economics, Lusaka, Zambia; Gakidou, E., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, United States | Background: Achieving universal health coverage and reducing health inequalities are primary goals for an increasing number of health systems worldwide. Timely and accurate measurements of levels and trends in key health indicators at local levels are crucial to assess progress and identify drivers of success and areas that may be lagging behind. Methods: We generated estimates of 17 key maternal and child health indicators for Zambia's 72 districts from 1990 to 2010 using surveys, censuses, and administrative data. We used a three-step statistical model involving spatial-temporal smoothing and Gaussian process regression. We generated estimates at the national level for each indicator by calculating the population-weighted mean of the district values and calculated composite coverage as the average of 10 priority interventions. Results: National estimates masked substantial variation across districts in the levels and trends of all indicators. Overall, composite coverage increased from 46% in 1990 to 73% in 2010, and most of this gain was attributable to the scale-up of malaria control interventions, pentavalent immunization, and exclusive breastfeeding. The scale-up of these interventions was relatively equitable across districts. In contrast, progress in routine services, including polio immunization, antenatal care, and skilled birth attendance, stagnated or declined and exhibited large disparities across districts. The absolute difference in composite coverage between the highest-performing and lowest-performing districts declined from 37 to 26 percentage points between 1990 and 2010, although considerable variation in composite coverage across districts persisted. Conclusions: Zambia has made marked progress in delivering maternal and child health interventions between 1990 and 2010; nevertheless, substantial variations across districts and interventions remained. Subnational benchmarking is important to identify these disparities, allowing policymakers to prioritize areas of greatest need. Analyses such as this one should be conducted regularly and feed directly into policy decisions in order to increase accountability at the local, regional, and national levels. © Colson et al. | Coverage; Indicators; Inequalities; Maternal and child health; Subnational benchmarking; Zambia | Rotavirus vaccine; BCG vaccine; diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; measles vaccine; poliomyelitis vaccine; Article; BCG vaccination; breast feeding; child; child health; controlled study; female; health care system; human; immunization; malaria control; maternal welfare; measles vaccination; poliomyelitis; population research; prenatal care; quality control; scale up; social status; spatiotemporal analysis; task performance; Zambia; child welfare; family; health service; infant; information processing; maternal welfare; pregnancy; public health; socioeconomics; statistics and numerical data; child health care; diphtheria; geographic distribution; health care disparity; health care policy; health care quality; health survey; integrated health care system; maternal care; measles; pertussis; poliomyelitis; public health service; quality control; systematic review; tetanus; traditional birth attendant; trend study; tuberculosis; vaccination; Benchmarking; Child; Child Welfare; Data Collection; Family; Female; Humans; Infant; Maternal Health Services; Maternal Welfare; National Health Programs; Pregnancy; Socioeconomic Factors; Zambia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949188463 | Benchmarking health system performance across regions in Uganda: A systematic analysis of levels and trends in key maternal and child health interventions, 1990-2011 | Roberts D.A., Ng M., Ikilezi G., Gasasira A., Dwyer-Lindgren L., Fullman N., Nalugwa T., Kamya M., Gakidou E. | 2015 | BMC Medicine | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/s12916-015-0518-x | University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Mulago Hospital Complex, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda | Roberts, D.A., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Ng, M., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Ikilezi, G., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States, Mulago Hospital Complex, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Gasasira, A., African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Kampala, Uganda; Dwyer-Lindgren, L., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Fullman, N., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States; Nalugwa, T., Mulago Hospital Complex, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Kamya, M., Mulago Hospital Complex, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda; Gakidou, E., University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2301 5th Ave, Suite 60, Seattle, WA, United States | Background: Globally, countries are increasingly prioritizing the reduction of health inequalities and provision of universal health coverage. While national benchmarking has become more common, such work at subnational levels is rare. The timely and rigorous measurement of local levels and trends in key health interventions and outcomes is vital to identifying areas of progress and detecting early signs of stalled or declining health system performance. Previous studies have yet to provide a comprehensive assessment of Uganda's maternal and child health (MCH) landscape at the subnational level. Methods: By triangulating a number of different data sources - population censuses, household surveys, and administrative data - we generated regional estimates of 27 key MCH outcomes, interventions, and socioeconomic indicators from 1990 to 2011. After calculating source-specific estimates of intervention coverage, we used a two-step statistical model involving a mixed-effects linear model as an input to Gaussian process regression to produce regional-level trends. We also generated national-level estimates and constructed an indicator of overall intervention coverage based on the average of 11 high-priority interventions. Results: National estimates often veiled large differences in coverage levels and trends across Uganda's regions. Under-5 mortality declined dramatically, from 163 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 85 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2011, but a large gap between Kampala and the rest of the country persisted. Uganda rapidly scaled up a subset of interventions across regions, including household ownership of insecticide-treated nets, receipt of artemisinin-based combination therapies among children under 5, and pentavalent immunization. Conversely, most regions saw minimal increases, if not actual declines, in the coverage of indicators that required multiple contacts with the health system, such as four or more antenatal care visits, three doses of oral polio vaccine, and two doses of intermittent preventive therapy during pregnancy. Some of the regions with the lowest levels of overall intervention coverage in 1990, such as North and West Nile, saw marked progress by 2011; nonetheless, sizeable disparities remained between Kampala and the rest of the country. Countrywide, overall coverage increased from 40% in 1990 to 64% in 2011, but coverage in 2011 ranged from 57% to 70% across regions. Conclusions: The MCH landscape in Uganda has, for the most part, improved between 1990 and 2011. Subnational benchmarking quantified the persistence of geographic health inequalities and identified regions in need of additional health systems strengthening. The tracking and analysis of subnational health trends should be conducted regularly to better guide policy decisions and strengthen responsiveness to local health needs. © 2015 Roberts et al. | Coverage; Indicators; Inequalities; Maternal and child health; Subnational benchmarking; Uganda; Under-5 mortality | artemisinin; BCG vaccine; measles vaccine; poliomyelitis vaccine; Rotavirus vaccine; tetanus toxoid; Article; bed net; biogeographic region; breast feeding; child health; diarrhea; disease control; educational status; health care delivery; health care disparity; health care facility; health care need; health care policy; health care quality; health care survey; health care system; household; human; indoor residual spraying; live birth; malaria; maternal welfare; measles; mortality; oral rehydration therapy; poliomyelitis; prenatal care; sanitation; tuberculosis; Uganda; underweight; vaccination; water supply | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908364911 | Benchmarking sustainable high performance companies | Hough J. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 42403 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Hough, J., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | This article examines various approaches to benchmarking and measuring sustainable performance in order to identify long-term high performance companies in South Africa. We set guidelines and select the criteria for benchmarking high performance.This benchmarking approach (based on the accessibility and reliability of standardized financial data) addresses the critical issues in the measurement of sustainable performance: benchmarking approaches, measuring strategic performance, finding the right guidelines for peer performance benchmarks, calibrating sustainability and long-term performance, and comparing individual high performers with the established benchmark.This study sheds light on the practical guidelines for and the benefit of benchmarking high performance. Forty-four peer performance benchmarks and clusters based on 166 Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) listed companies were established. Furthermore, fourteen high and superior performers were identified on the basis of this benchmark process. © 2012 Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Performance benchmark; Performance clusters; Superior performing companies; sustainable high performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924989389 | Benchtop MRI for pharmacokinetic evaluation of two aqueous-based nano-scaled formulations of oleic acid stabilized magnetite nanocrystals | Belete A., Metz H., Mueller T., Maeder K. | 2015 | Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy | 41 | 3 | 10.3109/03639045.2013.871552 | Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Churchill Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Medical Faculty, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany | Belete, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany, Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Churchill Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Metz, H., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Mueller, T., Medical Faculty, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Maeder, K., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany | Background: The interplay between numerous factors, including the size, shape, coating, surface charge and composition of particles is known to affect the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIOs). This makes understanding the role of each factor independently quite challenging. Methods: In the present study, the in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biodistribution and hepatic clearance evaluations of two SPIOs Formulations A and B developed from ∼13.5nm hydrophobic oleic acid stabilized monodisperse magnetite nanocrystals core and lipid-based amphiphilic stabilizers were performed using a prototype benchtop MR imager (22MHz) and pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system (20MHz), respectively. Formulation A was composed of mPEG-2000-DSPE and Formulation B was composed of Phospholipon-100H, sucrose ester M-1695 and Cremophor RH-40. Results: The in vivo MRI investigations showed that both formulations were safe and effective as potential liver MR contrast agents with sustained liver contrast for at least seven days. In addition, ex vivo relaxometric investigations revealed that the formulations predominantly distribute to the liver and spleen following I.V. injection. The hepatic clearance kinetics determined based on the relaxometric quantification method indicated that both formulations exhibited a biphasic clearance process with a slow terminal clearance half-life of 11.5 and 12.7 days, respectively, for Formulations A and B. Conclusions: The results of this study showed the potential biomedical applications of the investigated magnetopharmaceutical formulations as MRI contrast agents. © 2013 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted. | Benchtop MRI; Biodistribution; ex vivo relaxometry; Hepatic clearance; Magnetite nanocrystals; MRI contrast agent | amphophile; cremophor; macrogol 2000; magnetite nanocrystal; nanocrystal; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging agent; oleic acid; phosphatidylcholine; phosphatidylethanolamine; stabilizing agent; sucrose ester derivative; superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle; unclassified drug; magnetite nanoparticle; oleic acid; water; animal experiment; animal tissue; aqueous solution; Article; controlled study; drug distribution; drug efficacy; drug formulation; drug half life; drug safety; ex vivo study; female; hydrophobicity; in vivo study; liver clearance; mouse; nonhuman; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; quantitative analysis; tissue distribution; animal; Bagg albino mouse; chemistry; drug effects; drug screening; medicinal chemistry; metabolism; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; physiology; procedures; Animals; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Female; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetite Nanoparticles; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oleic Acid; Tissue Distribution; Water | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858263082 | Beneficial loading configurations to increase sugarcane haulage vehicle performance | Bezuidenhout C.N. | 2010 | International Sugar Journal | 112 | 1342 | None | School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag x01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Bezuidenhout, C.N., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag x01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa | Transport remains one of the main cost components in the sugarcane supply chain. A wide range of sugarcane vehicles have been designed while considering various factors, such as cane density, safety, economics and the law. Payload remains one of the most important design criteria. Although on-board weighing technologies can result in significant benefits, these technologies are not always appropriate. Payload management without these technologies remain challenging because sugarcane densities can vary significantly based on variety, yield, recent growing conditions, lodging and the amount of trash included. The aim of this research was to assess factors that contribute to incorrect payloads and to produce simple guidelines for loader operators. Two common vehicles were analysed with respect to their design densities and axle loadings. It is concluded that some vehicles pose a greater risk of being over- or under-loaded. Also, an uneven loading profile results in a more even axle load distribution, compared to flat bed loading. This emphasises the need to provide sufficient training to drivers and loading operators. It also demands that vehicle operators need to fully understand their vehicles' specifications and limitations and to manage them accordingly. | Efficiency; Loading profile; Payload; Sugarcane; Transport | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651543017 | Benefits and impacts of THRIP-supported applied research projects | Dassah M.O., Uken E. | 2010 | Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology | 8 | 3 | 10.1108/17260531011086171 | Faculty of Informatics and Design, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Energy Institute, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Dassah, M.O., Faculty of Informatics and Design, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Uken, E., Energy Institute, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose: The aim of this paper is to highlight the benefits, impacts and spin-offs of 52 THRIP-supported applied research projects conducted in South Africa between 2001 and 2003. Benefits, impacts and spin-offs were realised in human resource development/intellectual, technological, commercial/economic and social domains. These value-for-money aspects indicate that funding of science, engineering and technology (SET) projects is important for raising citizens' quality of life and making South Africa competitive. Design/methodology/approach: A main questionnaire, followed by a secondary one, was circulated to contact persons in industry (sponsors) and individual researchers. They were asked to identify the benefits resulting from their THRIP projects to themselves, the wider South African society and the economy. Responses to items in the questionnaires were thematically analysed and recurring dominant themes were identified. Findings: Both researchers and industry representatives agreed that human resource development was generally achieved. Also realised to a large extent were commercial/economic and technological spin-offs. The percentage of industry respondents reporting on such benefits and spin-offs was generally higher than for researchers. Similar results were obtained in respect of differences or impacts THRIP projects made. Research/limitations implications: Of the targeted 70 project leaders (academics/researchers) and an equal number of industry contact persons, 44 of the former and 21 of the latter responded, respectively. Practical implications: Sustained funding of SET research and development projects is critical for South Africa not only to raise quality of life for citizens, but also for the country to become competitive. Originality/value: This paper originates from an empirical research undertaken for a doctoral degree. It answers to the need to objectively assess the benefits and impacts of THRIP/industry-funded applied research projects. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Human resource development; Research and development; South Africa | Applied research; Design/methodology/approach; Doctoral degrees; Empirical research; Human resource development; Human resources; Industry representatives; Project leaders; Quality of life; Research and development; Research and development projects; Science , engineering and technologies; Social domains; South Africa; Spin off; Industry; Research | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053018252 | Benefits of high-performance cloud computing of engineers | Dreyer R., Crunch Y., Dwolatzky B. | 2011 | EngineerIT | None | JULY | None | Wits University, South Africa | Dreyer, R., Wits University, South Africa; Crunch, Y., Wits University, South Africa; Dwolatzky, B., Wits University, South Africa | CrunchYard, a startup company established as part of the pre-incubator program run by the Joburg Center for Software Engineering (JCSE) at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) provides high performance computing (HPC) in the cloud offering several benefits. HPC cloud solution allows engineers to run many small problems in parallel. HPC cloud solution can also be used for large complex simulations and optimization problems. The use of HPC cloud solution leads to the reduction or elimination of simulation assumptions and approximations. The current CrunchYard cluster includes several packages such as FEKO, OpenFOAM, CP2K and SuperNEC that are available to all users. The use of a cloud-based system on a pay-per-use basis allows large organizations to budget per project more effectively such as the geosciences services department at Anglo American is using the CrunchYard platform to run the H3DTD code. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908626464 | Benefits of legume-maize rotations: Assessing the impact of diversity on the productivity of smallholders in Western Kenya | Ojiem J.O., Franke A.C., Vanlauwe B., de Ridder N., Giller K.E. | 2014 | Field Crops Research | 168 | None | 10.1016/j.fcr.2014.08.004 | Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Research Centre, P.O. Box 1490, Kisumu, Kenya; Plant Production Systems, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, Wageningen, Netherlands; Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, Universit | Ojiem, J.O., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Research Centre, P.O. Box 1490, Kisumu, Kenya, Plant Production Systems, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, Wageningen, Netherlands; Franke, A.C., Plant Production Systems, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, Wageningen, Netherlands, Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Vanlauwe, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; de Ridder, N., Plant Production Systems, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, Wageningen, Netherlands; Giller, K.E., Plant Production Systems, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, Wageningen, Netherlands | Agricultural intensification of farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa is a prerequisite to alleviate rural poverty and improve livelihoods. Legumes have shown great potential to enhance system productivity. On-farm experiments were conducted in different agro-ecological zones (AEZ) in Western Kenya to assess the agronomic and economic benefits of promising legumes. In each zone, trials were established in fields of high, medium and low fertility to assess the effect of soil fertility heterogeneity on legume productivity and subsequent maize yield. Common bean, soybean, groundnut, lima bean, lablab, velvet bean, crotalaria, and jackbean were grown in the short rains season, followed by maize in the long rains season. Alongside, continuous maize treatments fertilised at different rates were established. AEZs and soil fertility gradients within these zones greatly affected crop productivity, returns to land and labour of rotations, as well as the relative performance of rotations. Poorer soil fertility and AEZs with lower rainfall gave smaller legume and maize yields and consequently, smaller returns to land and labour. The cultivation of legumes increased maize yields in the subsequent long rains season compared with continuous maize receiving fertiliser at a similar rate, while the increase of maize after green manure legumes was stronger than that after grain legumes. Maize yield responded strongly to increasing amounts of N applied as legume residues with diminishing returns to legume-N application rates above 100kgNha-1. In the low potential zones, factors other than improved N availability likely also stimulated maize yield. Rotations with grain legumes generally provided better returns than those with green manures. Intercropping bean with maize in the long rains season provided an additional bean yield that did not come at the expense of maize yield and improved returns to land and labour, but more so in the high potential zones. The results demonstrate the strong impact of biophysical diversity on the productivity of the legumes and suggest the need for careful targeting of legume technologies to the different biophysical conditions. © 2014. | Agro-ecological zones; Economic analysis; Legumes; Rotations; Soil fertility gradients; Technology niches | agricultural economics; agricultural intensification; agroecology; crop production; crop rotation; crop yield; cultivation; legume; maize; productivity; smallholder; soil fertility; Kenya; Zea mays | None |
| WoS | WOS:000282002900019 | Better Antiretroviral Therapy Outcomes at Primary Healthcare Facilities: An Evaluation of Three Tiers of ART Services in Four South African Provinces | Bock, Peter,Fatti, Geoffrey,Grimwood, Ashraf | 2010 | PLOS ONE | 5 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0012888 | University of Cape Town, Kheth Impilo | None | Background: There are conflicting reports of antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectiveness comparisons between primary healthcare (PHC) facilities and hospitals in low-income settings. This comparison has not been evaluated on a broad scale in South Africa.
Methodology/Principal Findings: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including ART-naive adults from 59 facilities in four provinces in South Africa, enrolled between 2004 and 2007. Kaplan-Meier estimates, competing-risks Cox regression, generalised estimating equation population-averaged models and logistic regression were used to compare death, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and virological suppression (VS) between PHC, district and regional hospitals. 29 203 adults from 47 PHC facilities, nine district hospitals and three regional hospitals were included. Patients at PHC facilities had more advanced WHO stage disease when starting ART. Retention in care was 80.1% (95% CI: 79.3%-80.8%), 71.5% (95% CI: 69.1%-73.8%) and 68.7% (95% CI: 67.0%-69.7%) at PHC, district and regional hospitals respectively, after 24 months of treatment (P<0.0001). In adjusted regression analyses, LTFU was independently increased at regional hospitals (aHR 2.19; 95% CI: 1.94-2.47) and mortality was independently elevated at district hospitals (aHR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.30-1.99) compared to PHC facilities after 12 months of ART. District and regional hospital patients had independently reduced probabilities of VS, aOR 0.76 (95% CI: 0.59-0.97) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.56-0.75) respectively compared to PHC facilities over 24 months of treatment.
Conclusions/Significance: ART outcomes were superior at PHC facilities, despite PHC patients having more advanced clinical stage disease when starting ART, suggesting that ART can be adequately provided at this level and supporting the South African government's call for rapid up-scaling of ART at the primary level of care. Further prospective research is required to determine the degree to which outcome differences are attributable to either facility level characteristics or patient co-morbidity at hospital level. | ,ACCESS,BARRIERS,CHILDREN,FOLLOW-UP,"INCOME COUNTRIES",MORTALITY,"RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTINGS","SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",SURVIVAL,"TREATMENT PROGRAM" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000306994100011 | Beyond Indicators: Advances in Global HIV Monitoring and Evaluation During the PEPFAR Era | Bouey, Paul D.,Curtis, Sian,Hochgesang, Mindy,Idele, Priscilla,Jefferson, Bobby,Lemma, Wuleta,Myrick, Roger,Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Harriet,Porter, Laura E.,Prybylski, Dimitri,Souteyrand, Yves,Tulli, Tuhuma | 2012 | JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES | 60 | None | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31825cf345 | Columbia University, Tulane University, University of California San Francisco, University of California System, University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, , Futures Grp Int, Off US Global AIDS Coordinator, UNICEF | "Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina","Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Lemma, Wuleta: Tulane University","Myrick, Roger: University of California San Francisco","Myrick, Roger: University of California System","Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Harriet: Columbia University","Souteyrand, Yves: World Health Organization", | Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is fundamental to global HIV program implementation and has been a cornerstone of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Rapid results were crucial to demonstrating feasibility and scalability of HIV care and treatment services early in PEPFAR. When national HIV M&E systems were nascent, the rapid influx of funds and the emergency expansion of HIV services contributed to the development of uncoordinated "parallel" information systems to serve donor demands for information. Close collaboration of PEPFAR with multilateral and national partners improved harmonization of indicators, standards, methods, tools, and reports. Concurrent PEPFAR investments in surveillance, surveys, program monitoring, health information systems, and human capacity development began to show signs of progress toward sustainable country-owned systems. Awareness of the need for and usefulness of data increased, far beyond discussions of indicators and reporting. Emphasis has turned toward ensuring the quality of data and using available data to improve the quality of care. Assessing progress toward an AIDS-free generation requires that the global community can measure the reduction of new HIV infections in children and adults and monitor the coverage, quality, and outcomes of highly efficacious interventions in combination. Building national M&E systems requires sustained efforts over long periods of time with effective leadership and coordination. PEPFAR, in close collaboration with its global and national partners, is well positioned to transform the successes and challenges associated with early rapid scale-up into future opportunities for sustainable, cost-effective, country-owned programs and systems. | "monitoring and evaluation",PEPFAR,"ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT",BANGKOK,"EVALUATION SYSTEMS","HEALTH SYSTEMS","MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES",PROGRAM,"RISK BEHAVIOR",SCALE-UP,SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR,THAILAND | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000209023900007 | Beyond Smiling: The Evaluation of a Positive Psychological Intervention Aimed at Student Happiness | Rothmann, Sebastiaan,Van Zyl, Llewellyn Ellardus | 2012 | JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA | 22 | 3 | 10.1080/14330237.2012.10820541 | North West Univ VTC | None | The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a positive psychological intervention (PPI) aimed at increasing happiness of students in a tertiary educational institution. A convenience sample (n = 20) was drawn from the entire population of academic third year students in the field of Industrial/Organisational psychology (n = 109). The majority of the participants were Sesotho speaking (45%), black (95%), female (90%), and 21 years of age (45%). A single group pre-, post-, and post-post-test design was used. The PPI stretched across eight months and was presented in two phases: (a) a three day self-development workshop and (b) six sessions of individual coaching. The intervention focused on facilitating development on two levels, namely a psychological (engagement, meaning, person-environment fit, autonomy, competence, relatedness and authenticity), and emotional (pleasure, affect balance and life satisfaction) level. Data were collected using the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Orientations to Happiness Questionnaire, Basic Psychological Needs Scale, the Authentic Self Inventory and Person-Environment Fit scale. The results indicated that the overall happiness of a student increased through developing individuals on both an emotional and psychological level. The PPI affected all the aspects conceptualised in this study, except for two components of authenticity. Therefore, a multi-dimensional approach towards PPIs aimed at happiness of students in a tertiary educational environment may contribute to happy students. | COACHING,HAPPINESS,"Positive psychological intervention","positive psychology","TERTIARY EDUCATION" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938591460 | Beyond Static Models: An Evaluation of Present Status and Future Prospects for Iron Age Research in Southern Africa | Fredriksen P.D., Chirikure S. | 2015 | Cambridge Archaeological Journal | 25 | 3 | 10.1017/S0959774314001115 | Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1019, Oslo, Norway; Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Fredriksen, P.D., Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1019, Oslo, Norway, Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Chirikure, S., Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | To what extent do we need structuralist cognitive settlement models such as the Central Cattle Pattern and the Zimbabwe Pattern for future research and understanding of Iron Age social life in southern Africa? How will alternative approaches enable us to progress beyond the present status of knowledge? While the three last decades of debate have underpinned key aspects of archaeological inquiry, notably questions of social change, gender dynamics, analytical scale and the use of ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological insights, the sometimes entrenched nature of the debate has in other respects hindered development of new approaches and restrained the range of themes and topics scholars engage with. In this article, we identify the issues of analytical scale and recursiveness as key to the development of future approaches and present an alternative framework through empirically grounded discussion of three central Iron Age themes: ceramics and the microscale, the spatiality of metal production and the temporality of stonewalled architecture. © 2015 The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952744831 | Beyond teaching practice: Exploring individual determinants of student performance on a research skills module | Payne J., Israel N. | 2010 | Learning and Individual Differences | 20 | 3 | 10.1016/j.lindif.2010.02.005 | Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa | Payne, J., Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Israel, N., Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which intrinsic student factors such as cognitive learning style, learning strategies, motivation and statistics anxiety, as well as certain demographic factors, predict performance on a research design and analysis course (RDAIIA) in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, with a view to developing future interventions for improving student performance. Using a sample of eighty students, it was established that the factors most predictive of RDA performance were secondary school performance (p<0.0001) and age (p=0.0106). Excluding demographic factors, self-efficacy (p<0.0001), help-seeking (p=0.0531) and a reflective learning style (p=0.0071) were also found to be predictive. Performance also differed between students who had completed Mathematics on the higher grade in secondary school and those who had completed standard grade (p=0.016). These findings present both possible directions and substantial challenges for future performance-intervention strategies. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. | Learning; Motivation; Research skills; Statistics; Student factors; University | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051530331 | Beyond the school: Gender of household head and children's educational performance in Lagos State | Bammeke F. | 2008 | International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences | 3 | 1 | None | University of Lagos, Nigeria | Bammeke, F., University of Lagos, Nigeria | The lives of children are intricately tied to the ability of the household head to provide for them. The quality of life in a household may also be tied to whether or not the household head is a man or woman. This study seeks to ascertain the veracity of the assumption that children in female-headed households tend to have poorer educational performance than children in male-headed households. To achieve this objective, tests were administered on children selected from public schools in Mainland and Badagry local government areas of Lagos State who were also followed up to their households. The study found no significant statistical difference in the mean scores of children in both households. It however found that certain support factors infuenced children's educational performance. These were parents' education, children's access to books and regularity at school. Others were adults' supervision of children's school work, parents' ability to pay fees and time available for children to do homework. The study underscores the importance of mothers' education and suggests state support for children in households where support factors are lacking. © Common Ground. | Children; Educational performance; Gender; Household head | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855527292 | Bibliometrics as a tool for measuring gender-specific research performance: An example from South African invasion ecology | Prozesky H., Boshoff N. | 2012 | Scientometrics | 90 | 2 | 10.1007/s11192-011-0478-7 | Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland, South Africa; Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland, South Africa | Prozesky, H., Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland, South Africa; Boshoff, N., Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag x1, Matieland, South Africa | Citations to published work are gaining increasing prominence in evaluations of the research performance of scientists. Considering the importance accorded to gender issues in South African science, it is surprising that (to our knowledge) no research has as yet ascertained the extent of sex differences in citations to the published work of scientists in this country. Our literature study shows that studies that have been conducted elsewhere tend to neglect in their analyses important gender-related and other factors, such as the sex composition of multi-authored papers and the extent of foreign co-authorship. Against this background, we illustrate the difficulties inherent in measuring the quality aspect of sex-specific research performance by means of an analysis of a dataset of articles (n = 229) that were published between 1990 and 2002 in the field of invasion ecology and in journals included in the Thomson Reuters Web of Science. Each article has at least one South African author address. The results indicate that foreign co-authorship is a better correlate of high citations than the sex of South African authors, and this is true irrespective of whether the annual citation rate or window period is used, whether or not self-citations are excluded, and whether or not the number of authors is controlled for by calculating fractional counts. The paper highlights these and other considerations that are relevant for future gender-focused bibliometric research, both in South Africa and beyond. © 2011 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary. | Bibliometrics; Citations; Gender; Invasion ecology; Research performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930986175 | BI-directional relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the Nairobi securities exchange | Otieno O.L., Ngwenya S. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 4 | None | University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Management Sciences, UNISA, PO Box 392, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa | Otieno, O.L., University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya, School of Management Sciences, UNISA, PO Box 392, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa; Ngwenya, S., University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya | Capital structure decisions are common across firms, yet capital structure theories lack a consensus on how much of debt capital firms should use to finance their operations. The main objective of this study was to investigate the bi-directional relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the NSE. The study used canonical correlation technique to determine the bidirectional relationship between capital structure and performance. The result revealed that dominant capital structure indicator to be used in an analysis to predict performance is the total debt to the total asset ratio. In the case of performance, the two variables that relate to capital structure are book value to market value ratio and asset turnover ratio. The results support the conclusion that a bidirectional relationship exists between capital structure and debt capital. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Canonical technique; Capital structure; Financial performance; NSE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901833882 | Big Five personality traits and financial salesperson performance: An application of Chernoff faces | Lilford N., Vigar-Ellis D., Nel D. | 2014 | Journal of Financial Services Marketing | 19 | 2 | 10.1057/fsm.2014.10 | Universities of Warwick, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden; School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Department of Marketing Management, South Africa; Division of Industrial Marketing, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Lindsredsvagen 30, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden | Lilford, N., Universities of Warwick, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden; Vigar-Ellis, D., School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa, Division of Industrial Marketing, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Lindsredsvagen 30, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden; Nel, D., University of Pretoria, Department of Marketing Management, South Africa | Identifying the personality traits of effective sales people has been a long-standing challenge to sales managers and researchers in a wide range of contexts from business-to-business, to retail and services. A definitive identification of the characteristics of the ideal salesperson remains elusive. We investigate the impact of the Big Five personality traits on the performance of salespersons in a large financial services organization, our purpose being to graphically illustrate how personality traits differ according to different levels of sales performance. We present the results graphically using Chernoff faces. The study demonstrates that this approach provides valuable insights to sales managers and has several possible applications in relation to financial salesperson performance management. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Ltd. | Big Five Personality; Chernoff faces; financial salesperson performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855436865 | Binary models for evaluation of stakeholders' support for private forestry in southwest Nigeria | Agbeja B.O. | 2010 | Discovery and Innovation | 21 | 04-Mar | None | Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Agbeja, B.O., Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Nigeria 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; Willingness | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856234669 | Binuclear Pd-methyl complexes of N,N′-{1, n}-alkanediyl- bis(pyridinyl-2-methanimine) ligands (n = 5, 8, 9, 10 and 12): Evaluation as catalysts precursors for phenylacetylene polymerization | Sibanyoni J.M., Bagihalli G.B., Mapolie S.F. | 2012 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | 700 | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2011.11.019 | Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag 1, Matieland, 7601, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Sibanyoni, J.M., Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Bagihalli, G.B., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag 1, Matieland, 7601, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Mapolie, S.F., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag 1, Matieland, 7601, Stellenbosch, South Africa | A series of bifunctional ligands of the type N,N′-{1, n}-alkanediyl-bis(pyridinyl-2-methanimine) {n = 5, 8, 9, 10, 12}(L1-L5) were synthesized and fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Binuclear palladium-methylchloride complexes C1-C5 were formed by reacting the ligands with [(COD)Pd(CH 3)Cl]. The formed complexes were fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The synthesized complexes were evaluated as catalyst precursors for phenylacetylene polymerization after activation with AgBF 4, AgBPh 4 and NaB(Ar f) 4 (Sodium tetrakis[(3.5-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) under various reaction conditions (solvent ratio, catalyst type, monomer/catalyst ratio, reaction time and nature of counterion). The cationic palladium-methyl catalyst precursors C1a-C5a were found to be active catalysts for phenylacetylene polymerization. The obtained polyphenylacetylene were analyzed by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and found to be largely cis-transoidal in nature. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Diimine complexes; N,N′-{1,n}-alkanediyl-bis(pyridinyl-2-methanimine) ligands; Pd-methyl complexes; Phenylacetylene polymerization; Polyphenylacetylene | Active catalyst; Bifunctional ligand; Catalyst precursors; Catalysts precursors; Counterions; Diimine complexes; Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry; Pd-methyl complexes; Phenylacetylenes; Polyphenylacetylene; Reaction conditions; Tetrakis; Trifluoromethyl; Acetylene; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Catalysts; Cationic polymerization; Chlorine compounds; Electrospray ionization; Gel permeation chromatography; Ligands; Mass spectrometry; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Organic polymers; Palladium compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947915361 | Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Mbaa River and the impact on aquatic ecosystem | Ajima M.N.O., Nnodi P.C., Ogo O.A., Adaka G.S., Osuigwe D.I., Njoku D.C. | 2015 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 187 | 12 | 10.1007/s10661-015-4937-0 | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria | Ajima, M.N.O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Nnodi, P.C., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Ogo, O.A., Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria; Adaka, G.S., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Osuigwe, D.I., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Njoku, D.C., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | The bioaccumulation and toxic effects of heavy metals have caused ecological damage to aquatic ecosystem. In this study, concentration of heavy metals including zinc, lead, cadmium, iron, and copper were determined in the sediment and water as well as in the muscle, gill, and intestine of two fish species (Pelmatochromis guentheri and Pelmatochromis pulcher) of Mbaa River in Southeastern Nigeria. Samples were collected at three different spots from the river, and the level of heavy metals specified above were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after a modified wet digestion process. The results indicated that sediment had the highest concentration of the heavy metals investigated while water had the lowest concentration. Fish tissues showed appreciable bioaccumulation of these metals as evidenced by a higher concentration profile when compared with that of water. Furthermore, the concentration of these heavy metals in water and their bioconcentration factor in the fish were above the recommended limit by WHO and FEPA, indicating that Mbaa River along Inyishi may not be suitable for drinking nor the fish safe for human consumption. The study also reveals the use of fish as bioindicator of aquatic environment. © 2015, Springer International Publishing Switzerland. | Accumulation; Fish; Heavy metals; Mbaa River; Pollution | Absorption spectroscopy; Aquatic ecosystems; Atomic absorption spectrometry; Bioaccumulation; Biochemistry; Chemical contamination; Copper; Ecology; Ecosystems; Fish; Heavy metals; Pollution; Potable water; Rivers; Water resources; Accumulation; Aquatic environments; Atomic absorption spectroscopy; Bio-concentration factors; Concentration profiles; Ecological damage; Human consumption; Southeastern Nigeria; River pollution; cadmium; copper; heavy metal; iron; lead; water; zinc; aquatic ecosystem; bioaccumulation; cichlid; ecological impact; heavy metal; pollution effect; animal tissue; aquatic environment; Article; atomic absorption spectrometry; bioaccumulation; bioconcentration factor; concentration (parameters); controlled study; environmental impact; exposure; freshwater fish; health hazard; Nigeria; nonhuman; Pelmatochromis guentheri; Pelmatochromis pulcher; risk assessment; river; sediment; tissue level; water contamination; Nigeria; Pelmatochromis; Pelvicachromis pulcher | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937544957 | Bioassay-guided evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of Cleome rutidosperma DC | Okoro I.O., Umar I.A., Atawodi S.E., Anigo K.M. | 2015 | International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | 7 | 1 | None | Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria | Okoro, I.O., Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria, Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Umar, I.A., Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria; Atawodi, S.E., Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria; Anigo, K.M., Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria, Nigeria | Objective: An earlier anti-hyperglycemic study with crude extracts of Cleome rutidosperma indicated aqueous extract as the most effective. The present study was undertaken to in part identify the potent antihyperglycemic fraction from the aqueous extract of the plant, using bioassay guided fractionation. Methods: Aqueous extract of C. rutidosperma were fractionated to obtain chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, methanol and aqueous fractions, which were tested for antidiabetic activity using acute Streptozotocin-Induced diabetic mice model. Further fractionation of the more active methanol fraction yielded 1st sub-fractions I- IX. The more active of these 1stsub-fractions were further re-fractionated to give 2ndsub-fractions (2SFC1 and 2SFC2). The more active of the 2ndsub-fractions (2SFC1) was purified further using preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) and the resultant fractions (TLCFIC and TLCFIIC) were tested in vivo. Results: The methanol fraction of C. rutidosperma significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose more than the other fractions, while the most active 1st sub-fraction from in vivo studies in mice was, chloroform: methanol (5: 5). Also, the more active of the 2ndsub-fractions was: 2SFC1. The preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) results from in vivo studies indicated TLCFIC to be the most active. Conclusion: The observed antidiabetic activity of the plant may be as a result the phytoconstituent of the plant. Therefore the fractionated component could be a new source of development of new plant based therapy for management of diabetes. © 2015, International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. All rights reserved. | Bioassay guided-fractionation; Cleome rutidosperma; Preparativee thin layer chromatography (TLC) and streptozotocin-induced diabetes | alkaloid; carbohydrate; cardiac glycoside; Cleome rutidosperma extract; flavonoid; glibenclamide; plant extract; saponin; steroid; tannin; triterpene; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; antidiabetic activity; Article; bioassay; controlled study; fractionation; glucose blood level; LD50; male; nonhuman; phytochemistry; rat; streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus; thin layer chromatography; toxicity testing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876296210 | Biochemical and haematological evaluation of repeated dose exposure of male wistar rats to an ethanolic extract of artemisia annua | Eteng M.U., Abolaji A.O., Ebong P.E., Brisibe E.A., Dar A., Kabir N., Iqbal Choudhary M. | 2013 | Phytotherapy Research | 27 | 4 | 10.1002/ptr.4758 | Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences | Eteng, M.U., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Abolaji, A.O., Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ebong, P.E., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Brisibe, E.A., Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Dar, A., Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; Kabir, N., Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; Iqbal Choudhary, M., Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan | Artemisia annua is widely used for the treatment of malaria and other disorders. In a previous study, the artemisinin concentration in the dry leaves of A. annua grown under humid tropical conditions was determined to be 1.098% using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. In the current study, biochemical and haematological evaluations of ethanolic leaf extracts derived from such plants (EAA) were carried out in 20 male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into four study groups of saline-treated (control) and test groups exposed orally to graded doses of EAA for 28 days. The results showed that the liver function and haematological indices, and testosterone levels were not adversely affected. High density lipoprotein -cholesterol was reduced at 100 mg/kg of EAA, atherogenic index as well as low density lipoprotein -cholesterol was raised, and glucose concentration was reduced significantly at the 100 and 200 mg/kg of EAA (p < 0.05). In addition to serving as a possible antidiabetic agent, EAA may not predispose users to hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity and testicular toxicity. However, due to the possible risk of atherosclerosis, we advise that the plant extract should be taken with caution in people with atherosclerotic condition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | antidiabetic agent; Artemisia annua; haematotoxicity; hepatotoxicity; testicular toxicity | alcohol; antidiabetic agent; Artemisia annua extract; glucose; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; sodium chloride; testosterone; animal experiment; animal tissue; Artemisia annua; article; atherogenic index; atherosclerosis; biochemistry; blood examination; blood toxicity; cardiovascular parameters; controlled study; drug dose comparison; drug isolation; drug safety; drug screening; glucose blood level; hematological parameters; liver function; liver toxicity; male; nonhuman; plant leaf; rat; repeated drug dose; reproductive toxicity; testicular toxicity; testosterone blood level; treatment duration; Animals; Artemisia annua; Biological Markers; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Liver; Male; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Testis; Testosterone; Toxicity Tests, Subacute; Artemisia annua; Rattus; Rattus norvegicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863193070 | Biochemical and histological impact of Vernonia amygdalina supplemented diet in obese rats | Atangwho I.J., Edet E.E., Uti D.E., Obi A.U., Asmawi M.Z., Ahmad M. | 2012 | Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences | 19 | 3 | 10.1016/j.sjbs.2012.05.003 | Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univers | Atangwho, I.J., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria, Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Edet, E.E., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Uti, D.E., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Obi, A.U., Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Asmawi, M.Z., School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia; Ahmad, M., School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia | This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) supplemented diet. VA leaf powder was fed at 5% and 15% to diet-induced obese rats for 4. weeks and its effect compared with orlistat (5.14. mg/kg p.o.), an anti-obesity drug. Food intake, body and organ weights, total body fat, some lipid components and amino transaminase activities in serum, hepatocytes and brain; as well as serum glucose, were measured during or at end of the study. Result showed respective decrease of 12.78% and 38.51% in body weight gain, of VA fed rats against 17.45% of orlistat at end of study (P< 0.05); but with no effect on food intake. Total body fat was lowered by 28.04% and 30.02% vs. obese control rats (CDC) (P< 0.05). Furthermore, serum triacylglycerol (TG), serum and brain total cholesterol (TCHOL), were down regulated at 15% VA supplementation (P< 0.05). Serum glucose which increased in obese rats by 46.26% (P< 0.05) vs. NC, indicating intolerance, was restored by VA (38.75% and 34.65%) and orlistat (31.80%) vs. CDC (P< 0.05). VA diet also exerted hepato-protection, via lowering serum alanine amino transaminase (ALT) (41.35% and 27.13%) and aspartate amino transaminase (AST) (17.09% and 43.21%) activities (P< 0.05). Orlistat had no effect on these enzymes. Histology of adipose tissue corroborated the changes on total body fat. We concluded that, diet supplemented with VA can attenuate dietary obesity as well as ameliorates the potential risks of hepato-toxicity and glucose intolerance associated with obesity. © 2012 King Saud University. | Adipose tissue; Diet-induced obesity; Glucose intolerance; Histology; Lipid profile; Total body fat; Vernonia amygdalina Del. | Gymnanthemum amygdalinum; Rattus; Vernonia amygdalina | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957985835 | Biochemical evaluation of combined state fermentation of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) using mixed cultures | Gabriel-Ajobiewe R.A.O. | 2011 | Research Journal of Microbiology | 6 | 2 | 10.3923/jm.2011.105.114 | Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Gabriel-Ajobiewe, R.A.O., Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mixed cultures on the nutritional and antinutritional content of combined fermented jack beans. The combined role played by individually selected microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) involved in the natural fermentation of jack beans, under controlled environment was investigated. One hundred gramme of ground, samples were inoculated with the mixed cultures under aseptic condition using 1 mL of each inoculum and fermentation allowed to take place under controlled environment of temperature of 40°C for the liquid state fermentation (with bacteria being the inoculum) for 7 days. Thereafter the fungi were inoculated aseptically for the commencement of the solid state phase of the combined fermentation for another 7 days at the temperature of 30°C. The inocula range between 3-7 species in number. Physical sensory changes, fermentation parameters, proximate and antinutritional composition were determined during fermentation. The total titratable acidity values of the multiple starter culture fermenting substrates increased from 0.04-0.43%. While the pH values decreased from 6.5 to 4.3. The higher the number of species used as inoculums, the more acceptable the fermented samples (in terms of sensory properties). Irrespective of the number of species used in the fermentation, there was a significant increase in the crude protein from 26.20-39.82 g/100 g, while the fat (11.95-4.33 g/00 g) and ash content (3.50-2.23 g/100 g) shows a decrease in comparison with the control. The mineral composition showed a significant increase in magnesium (30.07 to 46.77 mg g -1), sodium (18.51 to 34.34 mg g -1), potassium (23.51 to 40.88 mg g -1) and iron (0.00 to 0.08 mg g -1) when compared with the control. Of all the antinutrient content analysed, only phytate (58.66 to 5.08 g/100 g) and canavanine (0.79 to 0.40 mg g -1) has significant decrease in comparison with the control. Hence, it can be deduce from this work that the use of multiple starter culture in combined fermentation can be used to improve the nutritional content of Canavalia ensiformis L. © 2011, Academic Journals Inc. | Antinutritional composition; Bacterial; Fermentation; Fungal isolates; Nutritional | Bacteria (microorganisms); Canavalia; Canavalia ensiformis; Fungi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053525511 | Biochemical evaluation of fermented white maize (Zea mays L.) blended with scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) flour | Aremu M.O., Olaofe O., Audu S.S., Ijalana D.M. | 2011 | Open Nutraceuticals Journal | 4 | None | 10.2174/1876396001104010163 | Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Aremu, M.O., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Olaofe, O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Audu, S.S., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Ijalana, D.M., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | Fermented maize product, ogi, is a popular weaning and breakfast cereal in west coasts of Africa. In the study proximate, mineral and amino acid compositions of ogi from a composite mixture of white maize (Zea mays L.) and scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) flours were evaluated using standard processing techniques. Maize ogi was substituted with scarlet runner bean flour at ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 maize: scarlet runner bean; with 100% maize ogi flour as control. The results showed that protein, ash and crude fibre contents increased progressively with increased scarlet runner bean flour substitution, reaching 192.0%, 187.5% and 170.0% dry weight, respectively at 60:40 ratio. The macro minerals such as Mg, Na and P also recorded increase in concentrations in the fortified products. Harmful heavy metals like Pb and Cd were below detection limit of the AAS. The total essential amino acids (TEAA) ranged from 20.37 - 27.59 g/100g crude protein or from 41.40 - 43.10% of the total amino acid while the limiting amino acid (LAA) was Met + Cys. It was also found that fortified samples had progressive increase in the concentration levels of total amino acid (TAA), total essential amino acid (TEAA), essential aromatic amino acid (EArAA) and total sulphur amino acid (TSAA). Generally, the present study indicates that at < 40% scarlet runner bean seed substitution of the ogi mass, the quality attributes of ogi can be maintained, with higher nutrient content. © Aremu et al. | Maize ogi; Nutritional quality; Scarlet runner bean | alanine; arginine; aspartic acid; cadmium; cysteine; glutamic acid; glycine; histidine; isoleucine; lead; leucine; lysine; magnesium; methionine; phenylalanine; phosphorus; proline; serine; sodium; threonine; tyrosine; valine; vegetable protein; amino acid analysis; article; ash; bean; cereal; controlled study; dry weight; flour; maize; nonhuman; ogi; phaseolus coccineus; plant fiber; priority journal; processing; Phaseolus coccineus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449365116 | Biochemical evaluation of hepatotoxicity in mice due to administration of artemether | Adekunle A.S., Agbedana E.O., Egbewale B.E. | 2009 | Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry | 91 | 4 | 10.1080/02772240802445522 | Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Faculty of Basic Medica | Adekunle, A.S., Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Agbedana, E.O., Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Egbewale, B.E., Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Effects of artemether administration on liver and selected biochemical parameters were evaluated. Eighty albino mice were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 was given water which served as control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were given 1.2, 2.4, or 4.8 mg kg-1 body weight artemether intramuscularly for five consecutive days. On day 6 all mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and blood was collected for analysis of alanine and aspartate transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, copper, and total proteins. Liver tissues were prepared for histological studies. It was found that the serum alanine and aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities were higher in groups treated with artemether compared to control. The serum concentrations of copper and total proteins were lower than control. The histological features of liver tissues after administration of artemether showed histopathological alterations. These findings showed that artemether administration may have reversible adverse effects on mouse hepatocytes. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Antimalaria; Artemether; Biochemical parameters; Hepatotoxicity; Malaria; Mice | Antimalaria; Artemether; Biochemical parameters; Hepatotoxicity; Malaria; Mice; Body fluids; Histology; Proteins; Liver; biochemical composition; blood; cytology; drug; enzyme; histology; histopathology; malaria; rodent; toxicity test; Mus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955512034 | Biochemical evaluation of leachate-contaminated groundwater on the kidney of Albino rats | Adeyemi O., Oloyede O.B., Oladiji A.T. | 2010 | Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology | 62 | 5 | 10.1016/j.etp.2009.06.008 | Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, PMB 1221, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Adeyemi, O., Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, PMB 1221, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria; Oloyede, O.B., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oladiji, A.T., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | The effect of leachate-contaminated groundwater on the cells of the kidney was evaluated. Serum Na+ concentration of control rats was observed to be 120±1.0nmol/l while that of rat placed on simulated leachate was 180±4.0nmol/l. Serum K+, urea and creatinine concentrations of rats placed on simulated leachate and leachate-contaminated groundwater were significantly higher(p<0.05) than those of control rats. The activity of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of the kidney and serum, respectively, observed for the control rats were (237±3.70 and 0.37±0.01)nmol/min/mg protein while (116±4.20 and 3.17±0.20)nmol/min/mg protein was the ALP activity of kidney and serum, respectively, observed for the rats placed on simulated leachate. Histological examination of the kidney of the control rats showed no visible lesion while that of rats placed on simulated leachate showed extensive necrosis of muscle fibres and cellular infiltration by macrophages. It is viewed that leachate-contaminated groundwater may damage kidney cells and impair renal function. © 2009 Elsevier GmbH. | Contaminated water; Enzymes; Groundwater; Kidney; Leachate | alkaline phosphatase; creatinine; ground water; potassium ion; sodium ion; urea; alkaline phosphatase blood level; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; biochemistry; bleeding; cell damage; cell infiltration; controlled study; creatinine blood level; enzyme activity; histopathology; kidney cell; kidney dysfunction; kidney parenchyma; leaching; macrophage; muscle necrosis; nonhuman; potassium blood level; rat; simulation; sodium blood level; urea blood level; water contamination; Animals; Creatinine; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Rats; Urea; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949106268 | Biochemical evaluation of millet offal as feeds for broiler chickens | Ezieshi E.V., Olomu J.M. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 7 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Ezieshi, E.V., Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Olomu, J.M., Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Studies were conducted to chemically characterize and biologically evaluate millet offal as a replacement for maize in the diets of broiler chickens. Two types of millet offal were chemically characterized: the one obtained as a by-product of brewing industry and the other a by-product of pap manufacture. Studies were further carried out to further determine the effects of varying levels of millet offal obtained from the brewing industry on the performance of broiler chickens. The results of the studies indicated that millet offal from the brewery contained 14.60% CP, 4.57% CF, 2.25% EE, 2.90% Ash and 2148.Okcal/kg ME while the one from pap manufacture contained 20.65% CP, 3.12% CF, 3.01 % EE, 3.36% Ash and 2506.Okcal/kg ME. The results further indicated final body weight values of 602.02, 605.85, 605.83 and 561.72g/bird for starter chicks (5 weeks old) and 2283.7, 2192.2, 2145.9 and 1904.5g/bird for finisher chickens (9 weeks old). Generally, there was an increase in feed intake as dietary millet offal increased. Feed cost per bird generally decreased when millet offal replaced maize in the diets. Therefore, millet offal can be classified as medium energy and protein sources in poultry diets. Moreover, millet offal can replace up to 50% maize in the diet without any adverse performance of broiler chickens and at reduced cost of feed production. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Feef for broiler; Maize; Millet offal | animal experiment; animal food; article; biochemistry; body weight; brewing; chicken; controlled study; cost control; energy metabolism; energy resource; feeding behavior; food analysis; food composition; food intake; maize; millet; nonhuman; physical performance; protein content; Aves; Gallus gallus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958464771 | Biochemical evaluation of serum metabolites, Enzymes and haematological indices of broilerchicks fed with varying levels of rumen epithelial scraps in place of fish meal proteins | Alikwe P.C.N., Faremi A.Y., Egwaikhide P.A. | 2010 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 9 | 6 | None | Department of Chemical Sciences, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria | Alikwe, P.C.N., Department of Chemical Sciences, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria; Faremi, A.Y., Department of Chemical Sciences, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria; Egwaikhide, P.A., Department of Chemistry, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria | The effect of various inclusion of rumen epithelial scraps as substitute for fish meal proteins on the feed intake, nitrogen retention, serum metabolites, enzymes and haematological parameters in broiler-chicks in their finisher phase were examined. Five set of meal with 0%, 25%, 50%,75% and 100% inclusion of rumen epithelial scraps as substitute for fish meal proteins were formulated. 100 day old chicks were fed a nutritionally sound starter mash for four weeks after which they were randomly divided into five groups and placed on the various formulated diets. The feed intake and the weight gain in each group was measured for the following twenty one days after which the birds were sacrificed. Nitrogen retention, serum proteins, liver enzyme activities and haematological evaluation were carried out. The feed intake, nitrogen retention and the weight gain in broiler-chicks fed 75% and 100% RES inclusion diet were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of broiler-chicks fed 0%, 25% and 50%RES inclusion diet. The albumin/globulin ratio in broiler-chicks fed 100%RES inclusion diet was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of broiler-chicks in other groups. Mean cell heamoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean cell volume(MCV) in broiler-chicks fed 0%, 25% and 75% RES inclusion diet were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of broiler-chicks fed 50% and 100% RES inclusion diet. However neutrophils of broiler-chicks fed 0%, 25% and 50% RES inclusion diets were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of 75% and 100% RES inclusion diets. The pack cell volume(PCV), haemoglobin concentration(HBC), white blood cell(WBC), lymphocytes and monocytes compared favourably in all the groups. The liver alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase acivities in all the groups examined compared favourably. We infer that the 25% and 50% RES inclusion as substitute for fish meal protein could be employed to maintain the quality of the broiler-chicks while minimizing the high cost of whole fish meal since RES is an abattoir by-product that is available locally. | Abattoir; Broiler-chicks; Diet; Fish meal; Rumen epithelial scrap | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927132794 | Bioconversion of wastes (Khat leaf leftovers and eucalyptus twigs) into vermicompost and assessing its impact on potato yield | Mekonnen E., Argaw A. | 2015 | Journal of Agronomy | 14 | 1 | 10.3923/ja.2015.37.42 | School of Natural Resources Managemen and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 337, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Mekonnen, E., School of Natural Resources Managemen and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 337, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Argaw, A., School of Natural Resources Managemen and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 337, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | The major rural land use system in Eastern Ethiopia is cultivation of khat (Catha edulis Forsk), which is the main perennial cash crop in the region for its stimulant leaf. Due to its financial attractiveness, farmers mostly cultivate the crop on cost of soil nutrient depletion as the marketing practice involves harvesting its fresh leaves throughout the year, wrapping with Eucalyptus twigs to retain its freshness during transportation to the local market, where they are dumped as municipal waste. Such routine activity disrupts the nutrient cycle out of its agro ecosystem. This study was conducted to assess fertilizer value of these wasted materials in the form of vermicompost and also to evaluate impacts of the vermicompost when it replenish soil in smallholder agriculture under rainfed condition. The khat and Eucalyptus wastes were collected, chopped and filled into 5 cemented pits of 1.5 m3. Treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, which was designed as 100% khat leftover; 70% khat leftover mixed with 30% Eucalyptus twig and inoculated with red earthworms (Eisenia fetida), which feed and ultimately produce the vermicomposts. Its quality analysis showed that both forms of vermicompost are rich with essential plant nutrients. They were bulked and applied into a soil with rate of 0,15 and 301 ha-1 with or without half dose of recommended nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. The rate below 151 ha-1 of vermicompost plus half dose of the recommended fertilizer resulted highest marketable tuber yield. It implies that these forms of vermicomposts can be effective source of organic fertilizer in smallholder agriculture, potato cultivation in particular. © 2015 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Bioconversion; Ethiopia; Municipal waste; Potato; Vermicompost | Catha edulis; Eisenia fetida; Eucalyptus; Solanum tuberosum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875361714 | Biodiversity tradeoffs and offsets in impact assessment and decision making: Can we stop the loss? | Brownlie S., King N., Treweek J. | 2013 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 31 | 1 | 10.1080/14615517.2012.736763 | deVilliers Brownlie Associates, 21 Menin Ave, Claremont, 7708, South Africa; Treweek Environmental Consultants, Devon, United Kingdom | Brownlie, S., deVilliers Brownlie Associates, 21 Menin Ave, Claremont, 7708, South Africa; King, N.; Treweek, J., Treweek Environmental Consultants, Devon, United Kingdom | The healthy functioning of ecosystems is fundamental to human wellbeing, but sustainable development policies have failed to reverse global decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services. Accepting loss of biodiversity as a tradeoff for socio-economic gains means that the global ecological deficit continues to grow, with attendant risks for human wellbeing. While impact assessment has become more effective at identifying potential impacts on biodiversity, it has generally retained a 'damage limitation' focus, rather than striving to sustain, or even enhance, important biodiversity and ecosystem services. This paper recommends changes in how biodiversity is addressed in impact assessment to avoid increasing the ecological deficit. It considers whether, and how, integration of biodiversity offsets, namely measurable conservation outcomes to compensate for significant residual loss of biodiversity, can achieve 'no net loss' outcomes for biodiversity. It also reviews some of the implementation challenges. These challenges include obtaining the information needed to assess impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services at appropriate spatial and temporal scales, and recognizing when impacts might be impossible to offset or compensate in practice, thus setting limits to tradeoffs. © 2013 Copyright IAIA. | biodiversity offsets; compensation; ecosystem services; mitigation hierarchy; tradeoffs | biodiversity; decision making; ecosystem service; environmental impact assessment; hierarchical system; nature conservation; risk assessment; trade-off | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84895523150 | Bioeconomic modeling of farm household decisions for ex-ante impact assessment of integrated watershed development programs in semi-arid India | Nedumaran S., Shiferaw B., Bantilan M.C.S., Palanisami K., Wani S.P. | 2014 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 16 | 2 | 10.1007/s10668-013-9476-7 | Research Program on Markets, Institutions and Policies, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, 502 324, India; Socio-Economics Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Patancheru, 502 324, India; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, 502 324, India | Nedumaran, S., Research Program on Markets, Institutions and Policies, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, 502 324, India; Shiferaw, B., Socio-Economics Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya; Bantilan, M.C.S., Research Program on Markets, Institutions and Policies, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, 502 324, India; Palanisami, K., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Patancheru, 502 324, India; Wani, S.P., International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, 502 324, India | The increasing population and urbanization have serious implications for sustainable development in less-favoured areas of developing countries. In an attempt to sustain the long-term productivity of natural resources and to meet the food and non-food demands of growing population in the semi-arid tropics, the Indian government invests and promotes integrated watershed development programs. A comprehensive tool to assess the impacts of watershed development programs on both social well-being and sustainability of natural resource is currently lacking. In this study, we develop a watershed level bioeconomic model to assess the ex-ante impacts of key technological and policy interventions on the socioeconomic well-being of rural households and the natural resource base. These interventions are simulated using data from a watershed community in the semi-arid tropics of India. The model captures the interaction between economic decisions and biophysical processes and using a constrained optimization of household decision model. The interventions assessed are productivity-enhancing technologies of dryland crops and increased in irrigable area through water conservation technologies. The results show that productivity-enhancing technologies of dryland crops increase household incomes and also provided incentives for conserving soil moisture and fertility. The increase in irrigable area enables cultivation of high-value crops which increase the household income but also lead to an increase in soil erosion and nutrient mining. The results clearly indicate the necessity for prioritizing and sequencing technologies based on potential effects and trade-offs on household income and conservation of natural resources. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Bioeconomic model; Impact assessment; Productivity-enhancing technologies; Sustainability; Watershed development program | agricultural technology; demand-side management; developing world; development project; economic analysis; environmental economics; household income; incentive; natural resource; numerical model; prioritization; rural population; semiarid region; socioeconomic impact; soil erosion; soil moisture; state role; sustainability; urbanization; watershed; welfare impact; India | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899154644 | Bio evaluation of different crude extracts of Chrysanthimoides monilifera subsp.rotundata [Chrysanthimoides monilifera subsp.rotundata farkli{dotless} ham özütlerinin biyodeǧerlendirilmesi] | Kommidi D.R., Kandappa H.R., Moodley B., Koorbanally N.A., Govender P. | 2014 | Turkish Journal of Biochemistry | 39 | 1 | 10.5505/tjb.2014.84755 | University of Kwazulu-natal, School of Chemistry and Physics, Durban-4000, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Westville Durban-4000, South Africa | Kommidi, D.R., University of Kwazulu-natal, School of Chemistry and Physics, Durban-4000, South Africa; Kandappa, H.R., Department of Biochemistry, Westville Durban-4000, South Africa; Moodley, B., University of Kwazulu-natal, School of Chemistry and Physics, Durban-4000, South Africa; Koorbanally, N.A., University of Kwazulu-natal, School of Chemistry and Physics, Durban-4000, South Africa; Govender, P., Department of Biochemistry, Westville Durban-4000, South Africa | Aim: This communication describes the in vitro anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidative evaluation results of the different extracts of leaves, stem and roots of Chrysanthimoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (Asteraceae) for the first time. Materials and Method: Leaves, stem and roots of the plant were used for extraction by using distilled n-hexane, DCM, ethyl acetate and methanol. These fractions were tested for their in vitro anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidative activities using standard protocols like micro broth dilution method for anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, DPPH radical scavenging and H2O2 scavenging activity methods for anti-oxidative activity. Results: The investigations resulted fractions with good anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidative activities which were tabulated. Conclusions: Based on the results it was concluded that these fractions with good bioactivity may be further researched for the pure compounds. © TurkJBiochem.com. | Bioactivity; Chrysanthimoides monilifera Subsp; DPPH radical scavenging; Rotundata | Chrysanthimoides monilifera extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; antibacterial susceptibility; antifungal activity; antifungal susceptibility; antioxidant activity; article; biological activity; broth dilution; comparative study; DPPH radical scavenging assay; drug sensitivity; hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay; nonhuman; plant leaf; plant root; plant stem | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934764742 | Biological activities of (E)-N-(CH<inf>3</inf>-substituted-phenyl)-1-phenylmethanimine: Evaluation of ortho-, meta- and para- substitution effects | Mkpenie V.N., Mkpenie I.V., Essien E.E. | 2015 | Der Pharma Chemica | 7 | 6 | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Mkpenie, V.N., Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Mkpenie, I.V., Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Essien, E.E., Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Schiff bases with ortho-, meta- and para-methyl substituents were synthesized by thecondensation of appropriatearomatic amines (o-, m- and p-toluidine) with benzaldehyde. The structures of all the synthesized compounds were confirmed by analytical and spectral data. The sensitivity of thebacteria and fungi was evaluated bymeasuring the zones of inhibition exhibited by the microorganisms against the tested compounds using disk diffusion method. The results of the antimicrobial activity showed that the methyl group substituted at meta and para positions exhibited more antifungal and antibacterial activities compared to the ortho and unsubstituted derivatives. The results showed that antifungal and antibacterial activities are affected by the position of substituents in the aryl ring of theSchiff bases. | Antibacterial activity; Antifungal activity; Schiff bases; Substitution effect; Toluidine | 2 methylaniline; 3 methylaniline; 4 methylaniline; aniline derivative; antiinfective agent; benzaldehyde; fluconazole; n (2 methylphenyl) 1 phenylmethanimine; n (3 methylphenyl) 1 phenylmethanimine; n (4 methylphenyl) 1 phenylmethanimine; n,1 diphenylmethanimine derivative; Schiff base; streptomycin; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; antibiotic sensitivity; antifungal activity; antifungal susceptibility; Article; Aspergillus fumigatus; Aspergillus niger; Candida albicans; controlled study; disk diffusion; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; Escherichia coli; nonhuman; Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi; Shigella dysenteriae; Staphylococcus aureus; Trichophyton rubrum | None |
| WoS | WOS:000249645000014 | Biological and behavioural impact of an adolescent sexual health intervention in Tanzania: a community-randomized trial | Anemona, Alessandra,Balira, Rebecca,Changalucha, John,Cleophas-Mazige, Bernadette,Everett, Dean,Gavyole, Awene,Grosskurth, Heiner,Hayes, Richard J.,Mabey, David C.,Makokha, Maende J.,Mosha, Frank,Obasi, Angela I. N.,Parry, John V.,Plummer, Mary L.,Ross, D | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | 14 | None | University of London, Mwanza Ctr | None | Objective: The impact of a multicomponent intervention programme on the sexual health of adolescents was assessed in rural Tanzania.
Design: A community-randomized trial.
Methods: Twenty communities were randomly allocated to receive either a specially designed programme of interventions (intervention group) or standard activities (comparison group). The intervention had four components: community activities; teacher-led, peer-assisted sexual health education in years 5-7 of primary school; training and supervision of health workers to provide 'youth-friendly' sexual health services; and peer condom social marketing. Impacts on HIV incidence, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) and other sexual health outcomes were evaluated over approximately 3 years in 9645 adolescents recruited in late 1998 before entering years 5, 6 or 7 of primary school.
Results: The intervention had a significant impact on knowledge and reported attitudes, reported sexually transmitted infection symptoms, and several behavioural outcomes. Only five HIV seroconversions occurred in boys, whereas in girls the adjusted rate ratio (intervention versus comparison) was 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34, 1.66]. Overall HSV2 prevalences at follow-up were 11.9% in male and 21.1% in female participants, with adjusted prevalence ratios of 0.92 (CI 0.69, 1.22) and 1.05 (CI 0.83, 1.32), respectively. There was no consistent beneficial or adverse impact on other biological outcomes. The beneficial impact on knowledge and reported attitudes was confirmed by results of a school examination in a separate group of students in mid-2002.
Conclusion: The intervention substantially improved knowledge, reported attitudes and some reported sexual behaviours, especially in boys, but had no consistent impact on biological outcomes within the 3-year trial period. (C) 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | ADOLESCENTS,HIV,"PREGNANCY PREVENTION","SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS",Tanzania,"AIDS EDUCATION",HIV,IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS,PREGNANCIES,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH","RISK REDUCTION","RURAL TANZANIA",SELF-REPORT,"TRANSMITTED DISEASES",TRICHOMONAS-VAGINALIS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50849125397 | Biological and chemical evaluation of sewage water pollution in the Rietvlei nature reserve wetland area, South Africa | Oberholster P.J., Botha A.-M., Cloete T.E. | 2008 | Environmental Pollution | 156 | 1 | 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.12.028 | CSIR 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 Africa | Oberholster, 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 Africa | Macroinvertebrate 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 discharge | Agricultural 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 adspersus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928339216 | Biological and chemical evaluation of the extracts of the leaf of Phyllanthus amarus Schum | Okwute Simon K., Okolo Simon C., Okoh-Esene R., Olajide Olutayo O. | 2014 | International Journal of ChemTech Research | 7 | 5 | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Abuja, P.M. B. 117, Gwagwalada, Abuja, F.C.T, Nigeria; Chemistry Advanced Laboratory, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, F.C.T, Nigeria | Okwute Simon, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Abuja, P.M. B. 117, Gwagwalada, Abuja, F.C.T, Nigeria; Okolo Simon, C., Chemistry Advanced Laboratory, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, F.C.T, Nigeria; Okoh-Esene, R., Chemistry Advanced Laboratory, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, F.C.T, Nigeria; Olajide Olutayo, O., Chemistry Advanced Laboratory, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, F.C.T, Nigeria | The leaf of Phyllanthus amarus was investigated for its chemical and biological properties. The powdered leaf was extracted with 95% ethanol and the crude extract was partitioned successively with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and 70% aqueous methanol. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extract showed that it contained alkaloids, balsams, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and anthraquinones. The proximate analysis revealed that Phyllanthus amarus leaf is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins and fibre. The crude extract and fractions were tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli, Staphylococcous aureus, and Candida albicans for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Flash column chromatographic separation of the antimicrobial dichloromethane fraction gave a partially pure isolate which on GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 2- naphthyl-α- D-galactopyranoside and 9-octadecenoic acid in the leaf extract. © 2014-2015, Sphinx Knowledge House. All rights reserved. | Antimicrobial activity; Chemical constituents; Phyllanthus amarus leaf; Proximate analysis | alkaloid; anthraquinone; balsam; carbohydrate; flavonoid; Phyllanthus amarus extract; protein; saponin; steroid; tannin; terpenoid; antimicrobial activity; Article; bioassay; Candida albicans; chemical analysis; chemical composition; chromatography; Escherichia coli; mass fragmentography; nonhuman; phytochemistry; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; quantitative analysis; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855181272 | Biological evaluation of Thaumatococcus danielli waste protein | Elemo B.O., Adu O.B., Ogunrinola O.O., Efuwape T.O., Olaleye K.O., Kareem A.A. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 11 | None | Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, P.M.B. 01, LASU, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | Elemo, B.O., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, P.M.B. 01, LASU, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Adu, O.B., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, P.M.B. 01, LASU, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Ogunrinola, O.O., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, P.M.B. 01, LASU, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Efuwape, T.O., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, P.M.B. 01, LASU, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Olaleye, K.O., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, P.M.B. 01, LASU, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Kareem, A.A., Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, P.M.B. 01, LASU, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | Potential application of T. danielli waste as a raw material in livestock feed formulation had been suggested in earlier reports. In this study, the nutritional quality of protein in Thaumatococcus danielli seed and pericarp was evaluated using 16 male waster rats (20-25 g). The animals were randomly assigned to 4 groups and were maintained on four isocaloric diets, namely: casein, seed, pericarp and nitrogen-free diets, for 10 days. Daily weight gain and feed intake over the last 7 days were measured. Feacal, carcass, and feed nitrogen contents were also determined at the end of the feeding trial. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Net Protein Retention (NPR), Biological Value (BV), Net Protein Utilization (NPU) and True Digestibility (TD), were thereafter calculated. Mean weight gain was significantly lower (p>0.05) in the rats fed the T. danielli pericarp feed (-2.60±0.80 g) than those placed on the seed (5.46±0.71 g). PER (-2.11±0.09); TD (59.37±1.72%); BV (16.96±1.61%); NPU (76.13±1.01%); and NPR (2.53±0.22) values were also significantly lower (p<0.01) in the pericarp than in the seed (2.19±0.23, 82.02±1.25%, 58.04±11.54%, 90.86±1.25% and 4.54±0.43 respectively). The quality of T. danielli seed protein compared favourably with that of the casein based diet. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the BV, PER, and NPU values between the casein based and the T. danielli based diets. The NPR value of the seed was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the casein diet. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Protein quality; Thaumatococcus danielli; Under-utilized crops; Waste utilization | casein; nitrogen; protein; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; carcass; controlled study; dietary intake; food composition; food intake; growth inhibition; male; nonhuman; nutritional assessment; nutritional value; pericarp; plant; plant seed; rat; test meal; Thaumatococcus danielli; weight gain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873123830 | Biological evaluation of Trans-African highways | Adamatzky A., Kayem A.V.D.M. | 2013 | European Physical Journal: Special Topics | 215 | 1 | 10.1140/epjst/e2013-01714-6 | Unconventional Computing Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom; Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Adamatzky, A., Unconventional Computing Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom; Kayem, A.V.D.M., Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | The Trans-African highway network is a unique concept of integrated development of transport corridors spanning all African countries and providing landlocked countries access to seaports. The planned road system is still maturing and just partially complete, thus giving us a chance to play with different scenarios of its growth and to consider potential alternative transport networks. We study the evolving transport network in the African continent with a groundbreaking technique of imitating growing transport networks with slime mould Physarum polycephalum. We represent the major urban areas of Africa with a source of nutrients, inoculate a piece of the slime mould in Cairo and allow the mould to span all urban areas with its network of protoplasmic tubes. We then compare the slime mould networks with existing and planned highway corridors. We found that slime mould provides a good approximation of the Trans-African highway network, with some roads of Eastern Africa delineated by P. polycephalum in a larger number of laboratory experiments. We demonstrate direct matches between protoplasmic tubes and Trans-Sahelian as well as Lagos-Mombasa corridors. Finally we analyse the bio-logic of transport network development in families of generalised Physarum graphs. © 2013 EDP Sciences and Springer. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929008997 | Biological impact of recurrent sexually transmitted infections on HIV seroconversion among women in South Africa: Results from frailty models | Wand H., Ramjee G. | 2015 | Journal of the International AIDS Society | 18 | 1 | 10.7448/IAS.18.1.19866 | Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia; HIV Prevention Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Wand, H., Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia; Ramjee, G., HIV Prevention Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Introduction: Understanding the impact of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on HIV transmissibility is essential for effective HIV prevention programs. Investigating the impact of longitudinally measured recurrent STIs on HIV seroconversion is the interest of the current paper. Methods: In this prospective study, data from a total of 1456 HIV-negative women who enrolled in a HIV biomedical trial were used. It was hypothesized that women who had recurrent STI diagnoses during the study share a common biological heterogeneity which cannot be quantified. To incorporate this "unobserved" correlation in the analysis, times to HIV seroconversion were jointly modelled with repeated STI diagnoses using Cox regression with random effects. Results and discussion: A total of 110 HIV seroconversions were observed (incidence rate of 6.00 per 100 person-years). In a multivariable model, women who were diagnosed at least once were more likely to seroconvert compared to those who had no STI diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 2.57]; women who had recurrent STI diagnoses during the study were 2.5 times more likely to be at increased risk of HIV infection (95% CI: 1.35, 4.01) with an estimated frailty variance of 1.52, with p >0.001, indicating strong evidence that there is a significant correlation (heterogeneity) among women who had recurrent STIs. In addition to this, factors associated with incidence of STIs, namely not being married and having a new sexual partner during the study follow-up, were all significantly associated with increased risk for HIV seroconversion (HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.76, 5.01 and HR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.63, 3.83 respectively). Conclusions: The results indicated that women who were at risk for STIs were also at risk of HIV infection. In fact, they share the similar risk factors. In addition to this, repeated STI diagnoses also increased women's susceptibility for HIV infection significantly. Decreasing STIs by increasing uptake of testing and treatment and reducing partner change plays a significant role in the trajectory of the epidemic. © 2015 Wand H and Ramjee G; licensee International AIDS Society. | HIV incidence; Joint modelling; Recurrent sexually transmitted infections; South Africa | adult; Article; controlled study; female; follow up; genital tract infection; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection risk; major clinical study; priority journal; prospective study; seroconversion; sexually transmitted disease; South Africa; unprotected sex | 18057, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649197354 | Biological relevance of ion energy in performance of human endothelial cells on ion-implanted flexible polyurethane surfaces | Özkucur N., Richter E., Wetzel C., Funk R.H.W., Monsees T.K. | 2010 | Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A | 93 | 1 | 10.1002/jbm.a.32541 | Department 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 Africa | Özkucur, 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 Africa | To 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; Polyurethane | Apoptosis 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; Thermodynamics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954231050 | Biological sulphate reduction with primary sewage sludge in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor -part 3: Performance at 20°c and 35°c | Poinapen J., Ekama G.A., Wentzel M.C. | 2009 | Water SA | 35 | 5 | None | Water Research Group, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Poinapen, J., Water Research Group, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Ekama, G.A., Water Research Group, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Wentzel, M.C., Water Research Group, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The performance of 2 biological sulphate reduction (BSR) upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors fed primary sewage sludge (PSS) and sulphate, one at 20°C (R2) and one at 35°C (R1) is described. To maintain the effluent sulphate concentration below 250 mgSO4 2/£, the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and bed solids retention time (SRT or sludge age) both needed to be longer and the feed primary sewage sludge (PSS) COD to SO4 2 ratio higher at 20°C than at 35°C, viz. 20.4 to 21.0 h, 24 d and 1.75 gCOD/gSO4 2 at 20°C and 16.4 to 17.0 h, 21 d and 1.75 gCOD/gSO4 2 at 35°C respectively. The longer HRT, SRT and higher feed PSS COD/ SO4 2 ratio is a consequence of a slower PSS hydrolysis/acidogenesis rate at 20°C resulting in a lower biodegradable particulate organics conversion to volatile fatty acids (VFA). Solid liquid separation in both systems was good yielding average particulate and soluble organic COD concentrations of (150 and 100 mgCOD/£ for R1; 138 and 96 mgCOD/£ for R2). The sulphate reduction was >90% in both systems. The UASB reactor R1 (at 35°C) was also operated at an increased influent sulphate concentration (1 800 mgSO4 2/£) to investigate the inhibition effect by undissociated hydrogen sulphide generated from the reduction of this high sulphate concentration. It was found that a high sulphate reduction (~ 92%) was maintained even at the relatively low HRT of 18.5 h. The COD and S mass balances above 95% were achieved over both systems indicating that the performance data obtained from them is reliable for developing and calibrating mathematical models. | Biological sulphate reduction; Hydraulic retention time; Hydrolysis; Uasb reactor | Biological sulphate reduction; Hydraulic retention time; Hydrogen sulphide; Hydrolysis/acidogenesis; Inhibition effect; Mass balance; Organics; Performance data; Sludge age; Solid liquid separation; Solids retention time; Sulphate reduction; Sulphates; UASB reactor; Up-flow anaerobic sludge bed reactors; Volatile fatty acids; Effluents; Fatty acids; Hydraulics; Hydrolysis; Mathematical models; Sewage sludge; Concentration (process); anoxic conditions; biodegradation; biological analysis; chemical oxygen demand; concentration (composition); effluent; fatty acid; hydrogen sulfide; hydrolysis; inhibition; mass balance; numerical model; particulate matter; performance assessment; reduction; sewage; sludge; sulfate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881508780 | Biomass-derived activated carbon as high-performance non-precious electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction | Wang K., Wang H., Ji S., Feng H., Linkov V., Wang R. | 2013 | RSC Advances | 3 | 30 | 10.1039/c3ra41978a | Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China | Wang, K., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Wang, H., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Feng, H., College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Linkov, V., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Wang, R., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China | A new type of Fe and N doped carbon material is synthesized by pyrolyzing ferric chloride doped egg white (EW) and the proposed synthetic route is easy, green, and low-cost. In addition, the as-prepared sample exhibits a feasible magnetism and comparable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity to commercial Pt/C. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2013. | None | Activated carbon; Chlorination; Chlorine compounds; Electrocatalysts; Egg white; Ferric chloride; N-doped; Oxygen Reduction; Oxygen reduction reaction; Pyrolyzing; Synthetic routes; Electrolytic reduction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71649088273 | Biomethanol production from gasification of non-woody plant in South Africa: Optimum scale and economic performance | Amigun B., Gorgens J., Knoetze H. | 2010 | Energy Policy | 38 | 1 | 10.1016/j.enpol.2009.09.020 | Sustainable Energy Futures, Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa; Process Engineering Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa | Amigun, B., Sustainable Energy Futures, Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa, Process Engineering Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Gorgens, J., Process Engineering Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Knoetze, H., Process Engineering Department, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa | Methanol production from biomass is a promising carbon neutral fuel, well suited for use in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), as transportation fuel and as chemical building block. The concept used in this study incorporates an innovative Absorption Enhanced Reforming (AER) gasification process, which enables an efficient conversion of biomass into a hydrogen-rich gas (syngas) and then, uses the Mitsubishi methanol converter (superconverter) for methanol synthesis. Technical and economic prospects for production of methanol have been evaluated. The methanol plants described have a biomass input between 10 and 2000 MWth. The economy of the methanol production plants is very dependent on the production capacity and large-scale facilities are required to benefit from economies of scale. However, large-scale plants are likely to have higher transportation costs per unit biomass transported as a result of longer transportation distances. Analyses show that lower unit investment costs accompanying increased production scale outweighs the cost for transporting larger quantities of biomass. The unit cost of methanol production mostly depends on the capital investments. The total unit cost of methanol is found to decrease from about 10.66 R/l for a 10 MWth to about 6.44 R/l for a 60 MWth and 3.95 R/l for a 400 MWth methanol plant. The unit costs stabilise (a near flat profile was observed) for plant sizes between 400 and 2000 MWth, but the unit cost do however continue to decrease to about 2.89 R/l for a 2000 MWth plant. Long term cost reduction mainly resides in technological learning and large-scale production. Therefore, technology development towards large-scale technology that takes into account sustainable biomass production could be a better choice due to economic reasons. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Gasification; Methanol; Syngas | Biomass productions; Capital investment; Carbon neutral fuel; Chemical building blocks; Economic performance; Economic prospects; Economies of scale; Fuel cell vehicles; Gasification process; Hydrogen-rich gas; Investment costs; Large-scale production; Long term; Methanol plants; Methanol production; Methanol synthesis; Mitsubishi; Per unit; Plant size; Production capacity; Production scale; South Africa; Syn-gas; Technological learning; Technology development; Transportation cost; Transportation distance; Transportation fuels; Unit cost; Woody plants; Biomass; Costs; Economics; Forestry; Fuel cells; Gas absorption; Gas generators; Gasification; Investments; Methanol; Synthesis gas manufacture; Technological forecasting; Cost benefit analysis; alternative fuel; biomass power; economy of scale; fuel; methanol; production cost; sustainable development; technological development; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923658847 | Biomonitoring and evaluation of metal concentrations in sediment and crab samples from the North-West Province of South Africa | Somerset V., Van Der Horst C., Silwana B., Walters C., Iwuoha E. | 2015 | Water, Air, and Soil Pollution | 226 | 3 | 10.1007/s11270-015-2329-2 | Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa; SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Somerset, V., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Der Horst, C., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa, SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Silwana, B., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa, SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Walters, C., Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Stellenbosch, South Africa; Iwuoha, E., SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | In this study, various metal concentrations were determined in environmental samples from rivers in the vicinity of mining areas of the Northwest Province, South Africa. These metal concentrations were also determined in various crustacean organs viz., hepatopancreas, flesh and muscle of the freshwater crab, Potamonautes warreni. The highest metal concentrations obtained in the freshwater samples were Ni (0.022 mg/l), Pb (0.02 mg/l), Cu (0.011 mg/l), Cd (0.009 mg/l), Pt (0.017 μg/l), Pd (0.011 μg/l) and Rh (0.008 μg/l). The highest metal concentrations obtained in the sediment samples were Ni (85.1 mg/kg dry weight (d.wt)), Pb (25.4 mg/kg d.wt), Cu (75.5 mg/kg d.wt), Cd (64.9 mg/kg d.wt), Pt (0.38 ng/g d.wt), Pd (0.74 ng/g d.wt) and Rh (0.23 ng/g d.wt). The results obtained for the bioavailability studies of all the metals investigated in the sediment have revealed no definite patterns for the fractionation results of the metal concentrations. In the case of the crab samples collected in the Elands River, the Pb, Cd, Pt, Pd and Rh concentrations indicate that the mining activities may have had an influence in the uptake of these metals in the crab samples analysed. In the case of the Hex River, the Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Pd and Rh concentrations in the crab samples may be attributed to mining activities. The bioaccumulation results indicated that the Ni and Cu concentrations show partly bioaccumulation in the tissues of the crab samples evaluated. For the Pd, Cd, Pt, Pd and Rh concentrations evaluated, definite signs of bioaccumulation were found. © 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland. | Bioaccumulation; Bioavailability; Freshwater crab; Heavy metals; Potamonautes warreni; Precious metals | Bioaccumulation; Biochemistry; Cadmium; Heavy metals; Lead; Metals; Nickel; Palladium; Platinum; Precious metals; Rhodium; Rivers; Sediments; Shellfish; Water; Bioavailability; Bioavailability study; Cu concentrations; Environmental sample; Freshwater crab; Metal concentrations; Northwest Province , South Africa; Potamonautes warreni; Pollution; cadmium; copper; fresh water; lead; metal; nickel; palladium; platinum; rhodium; bioaccumulation; bioavailability; biomonitoring; crab; fluvial deposit; heavy metal; mining; precious metal; animal tissue; Article; bioaccumulation; bioavailability; biological monitoring; concentration (parameters); controlled study; crab; mining; nonhuman; physical chemistry; sediment; South Africa; tissue level; water quality; water sampling; Elands River; Mpumalanga; North West Province; South Africa; Crustacea; Decapoda (Crustacea); Potamonautes warreni; Tragelaphus oryx | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887570926 | Bio-monitoring of mycotoxin exposure in Cameroon using a urinary multi-biomarker approach | Abia W.A., Warth B., Sulyok M., Krska R., Tchana A., Njobeh P.B., Turner P.C., Kouanfack C., Eyongetah M., Dutton M., Moundipa P.F. | 2013 | Food and Chemical Toxicology | 62 | None | 10.1016/j.fct.2013.10.003 | Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon; Center for Analytical Chemistry, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria; Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028 Gauteng, South Africa; MIAEH, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Central Hospital, Yaounde, Centre Region, Cameroon; Regional Hospital Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon; Food, Environment and Health Research Group (FEHRG), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028 Gauteng, South Africa | Abia, W.A., Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon, Center for Analytical Chemistry, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028 Gauteng, South Africa; Warth, B., Center for Analytical Chemistry, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria; Sulyok, M., Center for Analytical Chemistry, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria; Krska, R., Center for Analytical Chemistry, Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria; Tchana, A., Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon; Njobeh, P.B., Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028 Gauteng, South Africa; Turner, P.C., MIAEH, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States; Kouanfack, C., Central Hospital, Yaounde, Centre Region, Cameroon; Eyongetah, M., Regional Hospital Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon; Dutton, M., Food, Environment and Health Research Group (FEHRG), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, 2028 Gauteng, South Africa; Moundipa, P.F., Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon | Bio-monitoring of human exposure to mycotoxin has mostly been limited to a few individually measured mycotoxin biomarkers. This study aimed to determine the frequency and level of exposure to multiple mycotoxins in human urine from Cameroonian adults. 175 Urine samples (83% from HIV-positive individuals) and food frequency questionnaire responses were collected from consenting Cameroonians, and analyzed for 15 mycotoxins and relevant metabolites using LC-ESI-MS/MS. In total, eleven analytes were detected individually or in combinations in 110/175 (63%) samples including the biomarkers aflatoxin M1, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin A and total deoxynivalenol. Additionally, important mycotoxins and metabolites thereof, such as fumonisin B2, nivalenol and zearalenone, were determined, some for the first time in urine following dietary exposures. Multi-mycotoxin contamination was common with one HIV-positive individual exposed to five mycotoxins, a severe case of co-exposure that has never been reported in adults before. For the first time in Africa or elsewhere, this study quantified eleven mycotoxin biomarkers and bio-measures in urine from adults. For several mycotoxins estimates indicate that the tolerable daily intake is being exceeded in this study population. Given that many mycotoxins adversely affect the immune system, future studies will examine whether combinations of mycotoxins negatively impact Cameroonian population particularly immune-suppressed individuals. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Bio-measures; Bio-monitoring; Cameroon; Exposure assessment; HIV/AIDS; Multi-mycotoxin biomarkers | aflatoxin M1; biological marker; fumonisin B1; fumonisin B2; mycotoxin; nivalenol; ochratoxin; vomitoxin; zearalenone; adult; article; biological monitoring; Cameroon; Cameroonian; controlled study; disease severity; electrospray mass spectrometry; environmental exposure; ethnic group; female; food contamination; food frequency questionnaire; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; liquid chromatography; major clinical study; male; metabolite; pilot study; population based case control study; toxin analysis; urinalysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847108463 | Bio-nutritional evaluations of three tropical leaf vegetables (Telfairia occidentalis, Amaranthus cruentus and Talinum triangulare) as sole dietary protein sources in rat assay | Fasuyi A.O. | 2007 | Food Chemistry | 103 | 3 | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.09.030 | Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria | Fasuyi, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health Sciences, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria | The bio-nutritional potentials of three tropical vegetable leaf meals (Telfairia occidentalis leaf meal, TOLM; Talinum triangulare leaf meal, TTLM and Amaranthus cruentus leaf meal, ACLM) were investigated using albino rat as the test animal. Some protein quality evaluation indices were measured when the three vegetable leaf meals (VLMs) were used as sole protein sources in diets fed to the experimental animals and results were compared with data obtained for a basal nitrogen free diet (diet 1) and another reference diet (diet 2) in which the protein was solely supplied by nutritional casein (pure protein). The weight gain value recorded over a 10 day experimental period for the test animals on the reference (casein) diet 2 was consistently higher (P < 0.05) than the weight gain value obtained for the animals on the 3 VLMs diets (diets 3-5). Feed intake values recorded for the rats on the VLMs were similar (P > 0.05) and significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the value obtained for rats on the reference (casein) diet. Nitrogen excreted in faeces (feacal nitrogen) was lowest (P < 0.05) for the animals in reference diet 2. However, the nitrogen excreted in urine (urinary nitrogen) was highest (P < 0.05) for the animals on reference diet 2 and lowest for animals on diet 3 (TOLM diet) (P < 0.05). The nitrogen retention (NR) value obtained for the test animals on the reference diet 2 was similar (P > 0.05) to the value obtained for animals on diet 3 (TOLM). These values were significantly higher (P > 0.05) than NR values obtained for animals on diets 4 (TTLM) and 5 (ACLM). Expectedly, the apparent nitrogen digestibility (AND), protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR), true digestibility (TD), biological value (BV) and net protein utilization (NPU) all indicated higher and better values (P < 0.05) than the corresponding values obtained for the 3 VLMs diets (diets 3-5). © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Nitrogen free diet; Protein quality evaluation; Rat bioassay; Reference diet | casein; nitrogen; Amaranthus cruentus; animal experiment; article; bioassay; dietary intake; digestion; feces analysis; measurement; nitrogen urine level; nonhuman; nutritional assessment; protein intake; rat; Talinum triangulare; Telfairia occidentalis; vegetable; weight gain; Amaranthus cruentus; Animalia; Rattus; Talinum triangulare; Telfairia occidentalis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956492674 | Biosorption of lead(II) onto pine cone powder: Studies on biosorption performance and process design to minimize biosorbent mass | Ofomaja A.E., Naidoo E.B. | 2010 | Carbohydrate Polymers | 82 | 4 | 10.1016/j.carbpol.2010.05.024 | Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P. bag X021, Vanderbiljpark 1900, South Africa | Ofomaja, A.E., Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P. bag X021, Vanderbiljpark 1900, South Africa; Naidoo, E.B., Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, P. bag X021, Vanderbiljpark 1900, South Africa | Biosorption kinetic modeling is frequently performed on both raw and modified biosorbents and changes in model parameters observed. Comparative studies on the relationship between best fitting model parameters and biosorption performance for raw and modified is scares in literature. In the present study, the effect of surface modification on the kinetic parameters of the best fitting kinetic model (pseudo-second order) for biosorption of lead(II) ions onto Raw and NaOH modified pine cone powder was examined and related with biosorption performance for each sample. Equilibrium biosorption studies performed showed that the Langmuir-1 isotherm gave a better fitting of the equilibrium data for all samples indicating that biosorption sites are homogenous regardless of surface modification. Based on the Langmuir-1 isotherm, a two-stage batch adsorber was designed to predict the minimum biosorbent amount to achieve a specified percentage lead(II) removal. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Biosorption performance; Kinetic parameters; Langmuir-1 model; NaOH modification; Optimization of biosorbent mass; Pseudo-second order model | Adsorbers; Biosorbents; Comparative studies; Equilibrium data; Fitting model; Kinetic modeling; Kinetic models; Langmuirs; Lead ions; Lead removal; Model parameters; NaOH modification; Pine cone; Pseudo second order; Pseudo-second order model; Surface modification; Two stage; Adsorption; Isotherms; Kinetic parameters; Optimization; Process engineering; Biosorption | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880024279 | Biosurfactants as demulsifying agents for oil recovery from oily sludge -Performance evaluation | Chirwa E.M.N., Mampholo T., Fayemiwo O. | 2013 | Water Science and Technology | 67 | 12 | 10.2166/wst.2013.207 | Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Chirwa, E.M.N., Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Mampholo, T., Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Fayemiwo, O., Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | The oil producing and petroleum refining industries dispose of a significant amount of oily sludge annually. The sludge typically contains a mixture of oil, water and solid particles in the form of complex slurry. The oil in the waste sludge is inextractible due to the complex composition and complex interactions in the sludge matrix. The sludge is disposed of on land or into surface water bodies thereby creating toxic conditions or depleting oxygen required by aquatic animals. In this study, a fumed silica mixture with hydrocarbons was used to facilitate stable emulsion ('Pickering' emulsion) of the oily sludge. The second step of controlled demulsification and separation of oil and sludge into layers was achieved using either a commercial surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)) or a cost-effective biosurfactant from living organisms. The demulsification and separation of the oil layer using the commercial surfactant SDS was achieved within 4 hours after stopping mixing, which was much faster than the 10 days required to destabilise the emulsion using crude biosurfactants produced by a consortium of petrochemical tolerant bacteria. The recovery rate with bacteria could be improved by using a more purified biosurfactant without the cells. © IWA Publishing 2013. | Biosurfactant; Demulsification; Oily sludge simulation; Pickering emulsion; Sodium dodecyl sulphate | Bio surfactant; Commercial surfactants; Complex compositions; Demulsifying agents; Oily sludges; Pickering emulsions; Sodium dodecyl sulphate; Surface water body; Bacteria; Biology; Biomolecules; Demulsification; Emulsification; Mixtures; Petroleum refining; Sodium; Surface waters; Surface active agents; biosurfactant; dodecyl sulfate sodium; hydrocarbon; oil; oxygen; silicon dioxide; surface water; aquatic organism; chemical composition; cost-benefit analysis; emulsion; microbial activity; microbial community; oil production; recovery method; silica; sludge; surface water; surfactant; aquatic fauna; article; bacterium; controlled study; emulsion; nonhuman; petrochemical industry; sludge; Bacteria; Industrial Waste; Petroleum; Sewage; Surface-Active Agents; Temperature; Time Factors; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Animalia | FA2006031900007, NRF, National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149459606 | Biotribological evaluation of artificial disc arthroplasty devices: Influence of loading and kinematic patterns during in vitro wear simulation | Grupp T.M., Yue J.J., Garcia Jr. R., Basson J., Schwiesau J., Fritz B., Blömer W. | 2009 | European Spine Journal | 18 | 1 | 10.1007/s00586-008-0840-5 | Aesculap 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, Germany | Grupp, 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, Germany | Wear 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 < 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 simulation | polyethylene; 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-Bearing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862140149 | Bis(ferrocenylimine)palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes: Synthesis, molecular structures and evaluation as antitumor agents | Motswainyana W.M., Onani M.O., Madiehe A.M. | 2012 | Polyhedron | 41 | 1 | 10.1016/j.poly.2012.04.010 | Chemistry 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 Africa | Motswainyana, 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 Africa | Compounds (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; Platinum | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857445009 | Bisphenol A (BPA) in China: A review of sources, environmental levels, and potential human health impacts | Huang Y.Q., Wong C.K.C., Zheng J.S., Bouwman H., Barra R., Wahlström B., Neretin L., Wong M.H. | 2012 | Environment International | 42 | 1 | 10.1016/j.envint.2011.04.010 | Croucher 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 States | Huang, 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, China | Bisphenol 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 impact | Bisphenol 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; China | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857773152 | Bivariate causality analysis on the impact of FDI inflows and economic growth in Nigeria | Egbo O.P. | 2011 | Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce | 16 | 3 | None | Department of Banking, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria | Egbo, O.P., Department of Banking, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria | The aim of this study is to find out the direction of causality between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth (GDP) in Nigeria for a period of 40 years, which is between 1970 to 2009. The study employed in its analysis, the use of Ordinary Least Square (OLS), the unit root test was used to test for stationarity of the time series, the Johansen Cointegration test was used to test for the existence of long-run relationship among the variables and finally, Granger causality test, to establish the causal relationship between the variables. The stationarity test (unit root) was carried out in other to ascertain the order of integration among the variables. The variables foreign direct investment (FDI) and gross domestic product (GDP) were found to be non-stationary at their level and first difference with 2 lags. They were thus integrated of order one 1(1). The Cointegration test which was done using Johansen Cointegration test, revealed that the variables were cointegrated and had a unchanging relationship in the long-run. To check for the direction of causality, the Granger causality test was employed and it indicated that a causality relationship ran from FDIs to GDP which showed a uni-directional relationship. From the result of this work, it was ascertained that during the period under study, that there was a positive relationship between FDI and GDP which is a strong indication that FDI leads to economic growth in Nigeria. © Obiamaka Egbo, 2011. | Causality and cointegration; Economic growth; Foreign direct investment (FDI); Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65749083293 | Bleaching performance of a nigerian (Yola) bentonite | James O.O., Mesubi M.A., Adekola F.A., Odebunmi E.O., Adekeye J.I.D., Bale R.B. | 2008 | Latin American Applied Research | 38 | 1 | None | Dept. of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Dept. of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Dept. of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | James, O.O., Dept. of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Mesubi, M.A., Dept. of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Adekola, F.A., Dept. of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Odebunmi, E.O., Dept. of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Adekeye, J.I.D., Dept. of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Bale, R.B., Dept. of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | The bleaching performance of raw and acid activated Yola montmorillonite clay was studied. The bleaching performance was enhanced upon activation. The predominant active sites on the raw clay are Lewis acid sites, those on the improved clay are Bronsted acid sites. The best bleaching performance was obtained with clay sample activated with 5M H 2SO 4 at acid/clay ratio 0.7, bleaching temperature of 120°C and at 10 minute stirring time. At these conditions the improved clay compares favorably well in terms of bleaching performance with the imported industrial standard sample. Thus, it could be a local substitute for the industrial standard. © 2009 Universidad Nacional del Sur. | β-Carotene; Adsorption; Bentonite; Bleaching; Clay Activation; Palm Oil | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79551684533 | Blood transfer devices for malaria rapid diagnostic tests: Evaluation of accuracy, safety and ease of use | Hopkins H., Oyibo W., Luchavez J., Mationg M.L., Asiimwe C., Albertini A., González I.J., Gatton M.L., Bell D. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-30 | Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Lumumba Avenue, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Filinvest Compo | Hopkins, H., Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Lumumba Avenue, Kampala, Uganda; Oyibo, W., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Luchavez, J., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Filinvest Compound, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines; Mationg, M.L., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Filinvest Compound, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines; Asiimwe, C., Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Lumumba Avenue, Kampala, Uganda; Albertini, A., Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Avenue de Budé, Geneva, Switzerland; González, I.J., Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Avenue de Budé, Geneva, Switzerland; Gatton, M.L., Queensland Institute of Medical Research, QLD, Australia; Bell, D., Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Avenue de Budé, Geneva, Switzerland, Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Background. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are increasingly used by remote health personnel with minimal training in laboratory techniques. RDTs must, therefore, be as simple, safe and reliable as possible. Transfer of blood from the patient to the RDT is critical to safety and accuracy, and poses a significant challenge to many users. Blood transfer devices were evaluated for accuracy and precision of volume transferred, safety and ease of use, to identify the most appropriate devices for use with RDTs in routine clinical care. Methods. Five devices, a loop, straw-pipette, calibrated pipette, glass capillary tube, and a new inverted cup device, were evaluated in Nigeria, the Philippines and Uganda. The 227 participating health workers used each device to transfer blood from a simulated finger-prick site to filter paper. For each transfer, the number of attempts required to collect and deposit blood and any spilling of blood during transfer were recorded. Perceptions of ease of use and safety of each device were recorded for each participant. Blood volume transferred was calculated from the area of blood spots deposited on filter paper. Results. The overall mean volumes transferred by devices differed significantly from the target volume of 5 microliters (p < 0.001). The inverted cup (4.6 microliters) most closely approximated the target volume. The glass capillary was excluded from volume analysis as the estimation method used is not compatible with this device. The calibrated pipette accounted for the largest proportion of blood exposures (23/225, 10%); exposures ranged from 2% to 6% for the other four devices. The inverted cup was considered easiest to use in blood collection (206/226, 91%); the straw-pipette and calibrated pipette were rated lowest (143/225 [64%] and 135/225 [60%] respectively). Overall, the inverted cup was the most preferred device (72%, 163/227), followed by the loop (61%, 138/227). Conclusions. The performance of blood transfer devices varied in this evaluation of accuracy, blood safety, ease of use, and user preference. The inverted cup design achieved the highest overall performance, while the loop also performed well. These findings have relevance for any point-of-care diagnostics that require blood sampling. © 2011 Hopkins et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | edetic acid; glass; article; blood; blood sampling; calibration; device; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; filter; health auxiliary; health care personnel; health program; human; laboratory diagnosis; major clinical study; malaria; Nigeria; paper; parasite examination; patient care; Philippines; point of care testing; rapid diagnostic test; reliability; Uganda; blood safety; evaluation; instrumentation; methodology; reproducibility; Blood Safety; Blood Specimen Collection; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Health Personnel; Humans; Malaria; Nigeria; Philippines; Reproducibility of Results; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867812779 | Board characteristics and the financial performance of Nigerian quoted firms | Ujunwa A. | 2012 | Corporate Governance (Bingley) | 12 | 5 | 10.1108/14720701211275587 | Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria | Ujunwa, A., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of corporate board characteristics on the financial performance of Nigerian quoted firms. Board characteristics studied comprise board size, board skill, board nationality, board gender, board ethnicity and CEO duality. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed the random-effects and fixed-effects generalised least squares (GLS) regression to test the six hypotheses formulated for the study, while controlling for firm size and firm age. Findings: Using panel data from 122 quoted firms in Nigeria between 1991 and 2008, it was found that board size, CEO duality and gender diversity were negatively linked with firm performance, whereas board nationality, board ethnicity and the number of board members with a PhD qualification were found to impact positively on firm performance. The result of the robustness test using the same board characteristics for 160 small firms showed that board duality was positively linked to firm performance, while a PhD qualification was negatively linked to firm performance. Practical implications: The study contributes to the understanding of the board-performance link by examining both the traditional variables such as board size, CEO duality and other organisational attributes such as ethnic diversity, foreign nationality and competence variables represented by women and PhD holders, respectively. The results provide an insight for practitioners and policy makers on the importance of relying on institutional specifics in the prescription of corporate governance codes. Originality/value: The study adds value to the global corporate governance discourse in two ways: first, the use of Nigeria, which is claimed to have one of the weakest business cultures in the world, and secondly, using a good number of proxies that are country-specific for corporate boards. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Board characteristics; Boards of Directors; Corporate governance; Firm performance; Regression analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922974260 | Board composition and financial performance: Empirical analysis of companies listed at the Nairobi securities exchange | Ongore V.O., K’Obonyo P.O., Ogutu M., Bosire E.M. | 2015 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 5 | 1 | None | Kenya Revenue Authority, Nairobi, Kenya; Business Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Judiciary of Kenya, Kenya | Ongore, V.O., Kenya Revenue Authority, Nairobi, Kenya; K’Obonyo, P.O., Business Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Ogutu, M., Business Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Bosire, E.M., Judiciary of Kenya, Kenya | Studies investigating effects of board composition on financial performance have yielded mixed results, due largely to contextual variables and varying roles of boards in different jurisdictions. Independent members, gender diversity and board size are some of the key attributes of boards that have been linked to financial performance of companies in industrialized countries, but which, unfortunately have not attracted much scholarly interest in developing countries. The study, which surveyed forty-six companies listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in 2011, and whose findings are presented in this paper, was therefore, designed to inform practice of corporate governance mainly in developing countries, but will also add to the already existing body of literature in the industrialized economies. Using multivariate regression analysis on panel data, with Return on Assets, Return on Equity, and Dividend Yield as performance indicators, the study found out that independent board members had insignificant effect on financial performance, but gender diversity did, in fact, have significant positive effect on financial performance. Board size, on the other hand, had an inverse relationship with financial performance. These results are largely consistent with conceptual and empirical literature on corporate governance with respect to small board size (5 to 7) that is sufficiently diverse in terms of gender, skill, experience, industry networks, among other important attributes. Regarding outside directors, however, the study findings appear to contradict the long-held traditional view that outsiders confer superior performance to the board. © 2015, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Board size; Financial performance; Gender diversity; Independent directors | None | None |
| None | None | Board Composition and Outreach Performance of Microfinance Institutions: Evidence from East Africa | Mori N., Golesorkhi S., Randøy T., Hermes N. | 2015 | Strategic Change | 24 | 1 | 10.1002/jsc.2000 | University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Tanzania; Norwegian Center for Microfinance Research, University of Agder, Norway; Faculty of Business and Law, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom; Kristiansand School of Business, University of Agder, Norway; Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Netherlands | Mori, N., University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Tanzania, Norwegian Center for Microfinance Research, University of Agder, Norway; Golesorkhi, S., Faculty of Business and Law, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom; Randøy, T., Kristiansand School of Business, University of Agder, Norway; Hermes, N., Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Netherlands | The attributes of microfinance's board members have an impact on attainment of their social objectives. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914164019 | Board demographic diversity, Firm performance and strategic change a test of moderation | Tarus D.K., Aime F. | 2014 | Management Research Review | 37 | 12 | 10.1108/MRR-03-2013-0056 | Department of Accounting and Finance, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States | Tarus, D.K., Department of Accounting and Finance, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Aime, F., Department of Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States | Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of boards’ demographic diversity on firms’ strategic change and the interaction effect of firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – This paper used secondary data derived from publicly listed firms in Kenya during 2002-2010 and analyzed the data using fixed effects regression model to test the effect of board demographic and strategic change, while moderated regression analysis was used to test the moderating effect of firm performance. Findings – The results partially supported board demographic diversity–strategic change hypothesis. In particular, results indicate that age diversity produces less strategic change, while functional diversity is associated with greater levels of strategic change. The moderated regression results do not support our general logic that high firm performance enhances board demographic diversity–strategic change relationship. In effect, the results reveal that at high level of firm performance, board demographic diversity produces less strategic change. Originality/value – Despite few studies that have examined board demographic diversity and firm performance, this paper introduces strategic change as an outcome variable. This paper also explores the moderating role of firm performance in board demographic diversity–strategic change relationship, and finally, the study uses Kenyan dataset which in itself is unique because most governance and strategy research uses data from developed countries. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Board demographic diversity; Developing countries; Firm performance; Fixed effects regression model; Kenya; Strategic change | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940537537 | Board diversity and financial performance: A graphical time-series approach | Taljaard C.C., Ward M.J.D., Muller C.J. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 3 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n3a10 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Taljaard, C.C., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Ward, M.J.D., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Muller, C.J., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Directors need to guide and govern companies on behalf of and for the benefit of shareholders and stakeholders. However questions remain as to whether boards with higher levels of diversity amongst directors are better equipped to fulfil their fiduciary duty than boards with lower levels of diversity. This research examines whether increased levels of diversity within boards are associated with improved financial performance to shareholders. From the literature, several theoretical frameworks that could explain why increased diversity might or might not lead to improved board performance were noted. Share returns and directors’ demographic data were collected for a sample of the largest 40 companies listed on the JSE from 2000 to 2013. This data was analysed using Muller and Ward’s (2013) investment style engine by forming portfolios of companies based on board-diversity constructs. Time-series graphs of cumulative portfolio market returns were analysed to determine if the diversity dimensions tested were associated with improved share performance. The results show that racial diversity within boards is not associated with financial performance. However, increased gender diversity and younger average board age are shown to have strong associations with improved share price performance. These findings are mainly attributed to agency-, resource dependency, human capital and signalling theories. Increased diversity is seen to bolster independence and lessen agency problems. Rising diversity levels also enlarge boards’ external networks, allowing diverse stakeholders’ needs to be accommodated and limiting dependence on strategic resources. Finally, as human capital is increased, the collection of different skills and experiences are associated with better performance. The results, based on a more robust methodology and improved data set, provide additional support to previous studies. © 2015 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | Boards; Diversity; Financial performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931038947 | Board diversity, external governance, ownership structure and performance in Ethiopian microfinance institutions | Wale L.E. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 3CONT1 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Wale, L.E., University of South Africa, South Africa | This research investigated the effect of governance dimensions such as board diversity, external governance and ownership structures on the sustainability and outreach performance of Ethiopian MFIs. A panel data of 13 MFIs for 6 years (2003-2008) is used for the study. No study of such type is conducted in the past for the Ethiopian environment. The result indicates that more women on board of directors help in depth of outreach whereas board members with a financial skill and local businessmen reduce depth of outreach. Regulation has an opposite effect in that it reduces sustainability without curtailing depth of outreach. Rating of MFIs activity by rating agencies is found to have a good effect of increasing sustainability and at the same time cater f or more women borrowers. On ownership structure it is found that MFIs dominantly owned by individual investors lends less to women and more profitable indicating the commercial orientation of their operation . © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Ethiopia; Governance; Outreach; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936755032 | Board structure and performance in Ethiopian microfinance institutions | Wale L.E. | 2015 | Corporate Board: Role, Duties and Composition | 11 | 1CONT1 | None | University of South Africa, South Africa | Wale, L.E., University of South Africa, South Africa | This research investigated the effect of one governance dimension, board structure on the sustainability and outreach performance of Ethiopian MFIs. A panel data of 13 MFIs for 6 years (2003-2008) is used for the study. No study of such type is conducted in the past for the Ethiopian environment. The results indicate an experienced manager, a larger board size and educated board members all help to increase sustainability with board education having the largest effect. Manager experience and board size also have a negative effect on depth of outreach (i.e. less lending to women). Board independence has no visible effect on either sustainability or outreach. Surprisingly, no governance variable explains breath of outreach. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Ethiopia; Governance; Outreach; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904865493 | Book availability and performance measure in an academic library: The case of the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) library, Mthatha Campus | Alabi G.A. | 2011 | Library Philosophy and Practice | 2011 | JAN | None | Department of Library and Information Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa | Alabi, G.A., Department of Library and Information Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29244471693 | Bosumtwi impact structure, Ghana: Geochemistry of impactites and target rocks, and search for a meteoritic component | Dai X., Boamah D., Koeberl C., Reimold W.U., Irvine G., McDonald I. | 2005 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 40 | 42623 | None | Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Department of Earth Sciences, Cardiff University, P.O. Box 914, Cardiff CF10 3YE, United Kingdom; Department of Physics, Queen's University, Stirling Hall, Kingston, Ont. K7L 3N6, Canada | Dai, X., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria, Department of Physics, Queen's University, Stirling Hall, Kingston, Ont. K7L 3N6, Canada; Boamah, D., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Koeberl, C., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Reimold, W.U., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Irvine, G., Department of Earth Sciences, Cardiff University, P.O. Box 914, Cardiff CF10 3YE, United Kingdom; McDonald, I., Department of Earth Sciences, Cardiff University, P.O. Box 914, Cardiff CF10 3YE, United Kingdom | Major and trace element data, including platinum group element abundances, of representative impactites and target rocks from the crater rim and environs of the Bosumtwi impact structure, Ghana, have been investigated for the possible presence of a meteoritic component in impact-related rocks. A comparison of chemical data for Bosumtwi target rocks and impactites with those for Ivory Coast tektites and microtektites supports the interpretation that the Bosumtwi structure and Ivory Coast tektites formed during the same impact event. High siderophile element contents (compared to average upper crustal abundances) were determined for target rocks as well as for impactites. Chondrite-normalized (and iron meteorite-normalized) abundances for target rocks and impactites are similar. They do not, however, allow the unambiguous detection of the presence, or identification of the type, of a meteoritic component in the impactites. The indigenous siderophile element contents are high and possibly related to regional gold mineralization, although mineralized samples from the general region show somewhat different platinum-group element abundance patterns compared to the rocks at Bosumtwi. The present data underline the necessity of extensive target rock analyses at Bosumtwi, and at impact structures in general, before making any conclusions regarding the presence of a meteoritic component in impactites. © The Meteoritical Society, 2005. | None | crater; impact structure; impactite; meteorite; shock metamorphism | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891914051 | Boswellia papyrifera resin as microencapsulating agent for controlled release of diclofenac sodium: Formulation, evaluation and optimization study | Molla F., Belete A., Gebre-Mariam T. | 2014 | International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | 6 | 1 | None | Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Molla, F., Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Belete, A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gebre-Mariam, T., Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Objective: The present study is aimed to investigate the resin from local olibanum (Boswellia papyrifera) as a wall material for microencapsulation using diclofenac sodium as a model drug. Methods: Microcapsule formulations were prepared by solvent evaporation method with varying polymer to drug ratio, stirring rate, temperature and dispersed phase volumes and their effects on percentage yield, particle size, encapsulation efficiency and release rate were evaluated. Results: The preliminary experiments revealed that the polymer to drug ratio and stirring rate significantly affect both the encapsulation efficiency and release rate while the other factors only affect one of the responses. Therefore, the effects of polymer to drug ratio and stirring rate on the encapsulation efficiency and release rate of the microcapsules were further studied and optimized by central composite design. The optimal conditions were obtained at 3.7:1 polymer to drug ratio and 1200 rpm stirring rate. Under these conditions, the encapsulation efficiency and release rate were 26.45 % and 27.87 h-1/2, respectively. The optimum formulation also provided discrete, spherical and freely flowing microcapsules. The in vitro drug release exhibited minimum burst release with sustained release for 12 h. The kinetic study showed the optimized formulation followed Higuchi square root kinetic model with non-Fickian diffusion release mechanism. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the resin of B. papyrifera could be used as a potential alternative wall material for microencapsulation. | Controlled release; Diclofenac sodium; Encapsulation efficiency; Microcapsules; Olibanum resin; Release kinetics; Solvent evaporation method | diclofenac; plant resin; analytic method; article; Boswellia papyrifera; central composite design; controlled release formulation; density; drug release; experimental design; kinetics; mathematical model; microcapsule; microencapsulation; microscopy; particle size; pH; physical parameters; solvent evaporation; stirring rate; temperature | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650218407 | Botanical preparations for the protection of stored rice seed Oryza sativa from rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae and their impact on Oryza sativa germination | Sartie A., Mcgill C.R., Koolaard J., Van Epenhuijsen K., Carpenter A. | 2010 | Seed Science and Technology | 38 | 3 | None | Institute of Natural Resources (PN433), Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (UTA), Ibadan, Nigeria; C/o IITA Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kin | Sartie, A., Institute of Natural Resources (PN433), Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (UTA), Ibadan, Nigeria, C/o IITA Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Mcgill, C.R., Institute of Natural Resources (PN433), Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand; Koolaard, J., AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Tennent Drive, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand; Van Epenhuijsen, K., Plant and Food Research, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North, New Zealand; Carpenter, A. | Protection of seed from pest and disease damage, and the maintenance of seed quality during storage between harvest and planting are key issues for peasant farmers. Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) is one of the main causes of loss of seed quality in rice (Oryza saliva). Treatment of stored rice with Azatin® XL (active ingredient azadiractin), neem (Azadirachta indica) seed powder and lentil (Lens culinaris cv. "Raja") seed powder gave some protection from rice weevil damage. Azatin® XL applied at a rate of 0.5% v/w rice seed gave effective short-term control of rice weevil without reducing rice seed germination. However, Azatin® XL applied at a rate of 2.0% (v/w) reduced rice seed germination. A. indica and lentil seed powders at the rate of 1.0% (w/w) and 2.0% (w/w rice seed) respectively gave effective protection against rice weevils with no reduction in seed germination. Pepper (Capsicum chinensis cv. "Habanero") fruit powder was ineffective against rice weevils. A relative humidity (RH) of 43% or lower in the seed storage environment and a reduction in seed moisture content (SMC) below 10% enhanced the mortality of rice weevils on rice seed. | None | Azadirachta indica; Capsicum; Capsicum chinense; Lens culinaris; Oryza; Oryza sativa; Raja; Sitophilus oryzae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858337998 | Bottom shrimp trawling impacts on species distribution and fishery dynamics; Ungwana Bay fishery Kenya before and after the 2006 trawl ban | Munga C., Ndegwa S., Fulanda B., Manyala J., Kimani E., Ohtomi J., Vanreusel A. | 2012 | Fisheries Science | 78 | 2 | 10.1007/s12562-011-0458-0 | Marine Biology Section, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa 80100, Kenya; Fisheries Department-Kenya, P.O. Box 90423, Mombasa 80100, Kenya; The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, MOI University, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, Shimoarata 4-50-20, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan | Munga, C., Marine Biology Section, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa 80100, Kenya; Ndegwa, S., Fisheries Department-Kenya, P.O. Box 90423, Mombasa 80100, Kenya; Fulanda, B., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa 80100, Kenya, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Manyala, J., Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, MOI University, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Kimani, E., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa 80100, Kenya; Ohtomi, J., Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, Shimoarata 4-50-20, Kagoshima 890-0056, Japan; Vanreusel, A., Marine Biology Section, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium | The Malindi-Ungwana Bay fishery Kenya is one of the most important marine fisheries of the Western Indian Ocean. There are two fishing grounds: Formosa and Malindi, with a designated 5-nM no-trawl zone offshore. However, the fishery was faced with numerous resource use conflicts and a decline in catches, culminating in a trawl ban in 2006. This study analyses catches and fishery dynamics before and after the 2006 trawl ban. Results show that artisanal landings declined before the ban, but rapidly recovered within 2 years after the ban was imposed. However, shrimp landings in the artisanal fishery remain low. Commercial shrimp landings gradually declined before the ban: ~550 t in 2001 to 250 t in 2006, and the shrimp: fish bycatch ratio was 1:1. 5 compared to early reports of 1:7 in 1999. SIMPER analyses shows that 6 and 16 families (groups) accounted for 91. 0 and 90. 2% of the similarity in catch within the Formosa and Malindi fishing grounds, respectively. Formosa was important for Claridae, Cichlidae and Protopteridae, while Malindi recorded Carangidae, Siganidae, Carcharhinidae and Lethrinidae as the main families. Future studies should therefore embark on analyses of the factors driving the spatio-temporal distributions of the species and assess the impacts of bottom trawling on fishery dynamics before the trawl ban can be lifted. © 2012 The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science. | Artisanal fishery; Bottom trawl; Catch per unit effort; Malindi-Ungwana Bay Kenya; SIMPER analysis | Carangidae; Carcharhinidae; Cichlidae; Decapoda (Crustacea); Lethrinidae; Protopteridae; Siganidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907715549 | Bottom-up impact on the cecidomyiid leaf galler and its parasitism in a tropical rainforest | Malinga G.M., Valtonen A., Nyeko P., Vesterinen E.J., Roininen H. | 2014 | Oecologia | 176 | 2 | 10.1007/s00442-014-3024-5 | Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland; Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland | Malinga, G.M., Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland; Valtonen, A., Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland; Nyeko, P., Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Vesterinen, E.J., Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Roininen, H., Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, Finland | The relative importance of host-plant resources, natural enemies or their interactions in controlling the population of galling insects and their parasitism is poorly known for tropical gallers. In this study, we assessed the impacts of plant quality and density of host trees in regulating the densities of a galler species, the cecidomyiid leaf galler (Cecidomyiini sp. 1EJV) and its parasitoids and inquilines on Neoboutonia macrocalyx trees in Uganda. We manipulated the nutritional quality (or vigour) and the resource concentration with four levels each of fertilization and the group size of host tree. We then recorded the effects of these treatments on the growth rate and total leaf area of host plants, the density of gallers and their mortality by parasitoids and inquilines. Higher levels of fertilization and host density resulted in significantly higher total leaf area than did ambient nutrient levels, and lowest tree densities, respectively. Fertilization also caused significant change in the growth rate of leaf area. Both higher fertilization and host density caused higher density of gallers. Total leaf area was positively associated with galler density, but within galled replicates, the galled leaves were larger than the ungalled leaves. Although highest levels of fertilization and density of host trees caused significant change in the densities of parasitoids, the rate of parasitism did not change. However, tree-density manipulations increased the rate of inquilinism, but on a very low level. Our results demonstrate a trophic cascade in the tropical galler and its parasitoids as a response to bottom-up effects. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Plant quality; Plant vigour; Resource concentration; Trophic cascade; Tropical gallers | fertilization (reproduction); group size; growth rate; host plant; insect; parasitism; population density; rainforest; tropical forest; Uganda; Cecidomyiidae; animal; Diptera; Euphorbiaceae; fertilization; growth, development and aging; herbivory; Hymenoptera; parasitology; plant leaf; plant tumor; population density; rain forest; tree; Uganda; Animals; Diptera; Euphorbiaceae; Fertilization; Herbivory; Hymenoptera; Plant Leaves; Plant Tumors; Population Density; Rainforest; Trees; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949659136 | Boundaries and intimacies: Ethics and the (re)performance of "the Law" in psychoanalysis | Barratt B.B. | 2015 | International Forum of Psychoanalysis | 24 | 4 | 10.1080/0803706X.2012.714907 | Department of Psychology, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Barratt, B.B., Department of Psychology, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | The notion of a boundary as it pertains to psychoanalysis is explored, and the distinctiveness of psychoanalysis as a healing science that is ethical and amoral is discussed. The difference between such a science and psychotherapies, which are committed to ideological ideals of maturation and adaptation, is elucidated. Five characteristics of psychological boundaries are discussed, and the significance of each individual's "encounter" with the incest taboo is elaborated, in terms of the dynamic formation of the repression barrier. In this context, the strict ethicality and moral neutrality of psychoanalytic practice is understood in terms of the emancipative way in which free-associative discourse works and plays along the repression barrier. © 2012 The International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies. | Boundaries; Ethics; Incest Taboo; Primordial Law; Psychoanalysis versus Therapy; Repression Barrier | Article; behavior; consciousness; defense mechanism; ethics; healing; human; incest; intimacy; mental health care personnel; morality; motivation; narcissism; patient care; personal space; play; pleasure; priority journal; psychoanalysis; psychoanalytic theory; psychological aspect; psychotherapy; relative; self disclosure; taboo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951216022 | Bovine fasciolosis: Coprological, abattoir survey and its economic impact due to liver condemnation at Soddo municipal abattoir, Southern Ethiopia | Abunna F., Asfaw L., Megersa B., Regassa A. | 2010 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 42 | 2 | 10.1007/s11250-009-9419-3 | Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Abunna, F., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Asfaw, L., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Megersa, B., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Regassa, A., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | A study was carried out to determine the prevalence and the species of liver flukes in indigenous adult cattle, to compare the diagnostic efficiency of fecal and post mortem examination and to assess the economic significance of bovine fasciolosis due to liver condemnation in the abattoir. Of the 406 livers and fecal samples examined, 57 (14.0%) and 20 (4.9%) were positive for fasciolosis. The most common liver fluke species affecting the cattle was Fasciola gigantica, 9.1% of cattle were infected with F. gigantica while, Fasciola. hepatica, mixed infections and unidentified or immature forms of Fasciola spp. were present in 3.2 %, 0.7% and 1 % of cattle, respectively. A retrospective abattoir survey revealed that the prevalence of fasciolosis was 12.7%. The prevalence of fasciolosis recorded in this study was lower than that reported by other researchers in this country. There was a strong relationship between fecal examination and postmortem findings of liver lesions, (K = 0.23) but under local conditions, postmortem examination was considered a better diagnostic tool for fasciolosis. Fasciolosis is of significant economic importance as the resultant liver condemnations caused an average loss of 4000 USD per annum. Hence, this disease deserves serious attention by the various stakeholders in order to promote the beef industry in the study area in particular and in the country in general. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009. | Abattoir; Bovine; Coprology; Ethiopia; Fasciolosis; Soddo | Bos; Bovinae; Fasciola; Fasciola gigantica; Fasciola hepatica; Hepatica; animal; animal disease; article; cattle; cattle disease; cross-sectional study; economics; Ethiopia; Fasciola; fascioliasis; feces; isolation and purification; male; parasite identification; parasitology; prevalence; retrospective study; sensitivity and specificity; slaughterhouse; Abattoirs; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Fasciola; Fascioliasis; Feces; Male; Parasite Egg Count; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931396021 | Bovine tuberculosis in Rwanda: Prevalence and economic impact evaluation by meat inspection at Société des Abattoirs de Nyabugogo-Nyabugogo Abattoir, Kigali | Habarugira G., Rukelibuga J., Nanyingi M.O., Mushonga B. | 2014 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 85 | 1 | 10.4102/jsava.v851i1.1062 | School of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kigali, Rwanda; Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya Medical Research Institute, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya; Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Habarugira, G., School of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rukelibuga, J., United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kigali, Rwanda; Nanyingi, M.O., Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Medical Research Institute, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya; Mushonga, B., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, South Africa | Despite the significant public health burden of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Rwanda, the prevalence of bTB is poorly documented. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bTB in cattle using gross examination of granulomatous lesions, to identify mycobacteria species in suspected samples, and to evaluate the economic impact of meat condemnation based on bTB-like lesions in the meat industry in Rwanda. Routine meat inspection was conducted at Société des Abattoirs de Nyabugogo (SABAN)-Nyabugogo Abattoir. Tissue samples including 31 lymph nodes, 3 lungs and 2 livers were obtained from cattle of different ages with gross tuberculous lesions. Mycobacterium bovis was identified using microscopy with Kinyoun staining and isolation of mycobacterial species in culture on Löwenstein-Jensen and Colestos media, further identified using biochemical tests. Our findings, based on culture and postmortem results, show that the prevalence of bTB is 0.5% (0.587*148/16753), with an overall gross tuberculous lesion prevalence of 0.9% (148/16753). The presence of lesions were higher in cattle aged 2 years and older (1.6% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.05) and higher in females than in males (1.4% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.05). Of the 36 samples tested, 26 (72.2%) were positive by microscopic examination with Kinyoun staining while M. bovis was culture-confirmed in 21 (58.7%) cases. Bovine tuberculosis caused condemnation of 1683.5 kg of meat, resulting in an estimated loss of $4810. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of bTB in Rwanda is significant, and that bTB is a major cause of meat condemnation requiring continued implementation of surveillance and control measures. Furthermore, the results from this study also show important variations in sensitivity of the different tests that were used to determine the prevalence of bTB in cattle in Rwanda. © 2014. The Authors. | None | animal tissue; Article; bacterium culture; bacterium isolation; bovine tuberculosis; controlled study; economic evaluation; female; granulomatous inflammation; liver; lung; lymph node; male; meat; meat industry; microscopy; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium bovis; nonhuman; prevalence; Rwanda; slaughterhouse; Bos; Bovinae; Corynebacterineae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942834771 | Brain stimulation modulates the autonomic nervous system, rating of perceived exertion and performance during maximal exercise | Okano A.H., Fontes E.B., Montenegro R.A., De Tarso Veras Farinatti P., Cyrino E.S., Li L.M., Bikson M., Noakes T.D. | 2015 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 49 | 18 | 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091658 | Physical Education Department, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Physical Education and Sports Institute, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Center of Physical Education and Sport, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Parana, Brazil; Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York of CUNY, New York, New York, United States; MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa | Okano, A.H., Physical Education Department, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Fontes, E.B., Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Montenegro, R.A., Physical Education and Sports Institute, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; De Tarso Veras Farinatti, P., Physical Education and Sports Institute, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Cyrino, E.S., Center of Physical Education and Sport, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Parana, Brazil; Li, L.M., Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Bikson, M., Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York of CUNY, New York, New York, United States; Noakes, T.D., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa | Background The temporal and insular cortex (TC, IC) have been associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) control and the awareness of emotional feelings from the body. Evidence shows that the ANS and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) regulate exercise performance. Non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate the cortical area directly beneath the electrode related to ANS and RPE, but it could also affect subcortical areas by connection within the corticocortical neural networks. This study evaluated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the TC on the ANS, RPE and performance during a maximal dynamic exercise. Methods Ten trained cyclists participated in this study (33±9 years; 171.5±5.8 cm; 72.8±9.5 kg; 10-11 training years). After 20-min of receiving either anodal tDCS applied over the left TC (T3) or sham stimulation, subjects completed a maximal incremental cycling exercise test. RPE, heart rate (HR) and R-R intervals (as a measure of ANS function) were recorded continuously throughout the tests. Peak power output (PPO) was recorded at the end of the tests. Results With anodal tDCS, PPO improved by ~4% (anodal tDCS: 313.2±29.9 vs 301.0±19.8 watts: sham tDCS; p=0.043), parasympathetic vagal withdrawal was delayed (anodal tDCS: 147.5±53.3 vs 125.0±35.4 watts: sham tDCS; p=0.041) and HR was reduced at submaximal workloads. RPE also increased more slowly during exercise following anodal tDCS application, but maximal RPE and HR values were not affected by cortical stimulation. Conclusions The findings suggest that non-invasive brain stimulation over the TC modulates the ANS activity and the sensory perception of effort and exercise performance, indicating that the brain plays a crucial role in the exercise performance regulation. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69949136596 | Brain tissue oxygen tension monitoring in pediatric severe traumatic brain injury : PPPart 1: Relationship with outcome | Figaji A.A., Zwane E., Thompson C., Fieggen A.G., Argent A.C., Le Roux P.D., Peter J.C. | 2009 | Child's Nervous System | 25 | 10 | 10.1007/s00381-009-0822-x | Divisions of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit (Biostatistics), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Pediatric Critical Care, University of Cape Town, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States | Figaji, A.A., Divisions of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Zwane, E., Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit (Biostatistics), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Thompson, C., Divisions of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Fieggen, A.G., Divisions of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Argent, A.C., Pediatric Critical Care, University of Cape Town, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Le Roux, P.D., Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States; Peter, J.C., Divisions of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa | Introduction: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) management are the current standards to guide care of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, brain hypoxia and secondary brain injury can occur despite optimal ICP and CPP. In this study, we used brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2) monitoring to examine the association between multiple patient factors, including PbtO2, and outcome in pediatric severe TBI. Materials and methods: In this prospective observational study, 52 children (less than 15 years) with severe TBI were managed with continuous PbtO2 and ICP monitoring. The relationships between outcome [Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) and Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale] and clinical, radiologic, treatment, and physiological variables, including PbtO2, were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Outcome was favorable in 40 patients (77%) and unfavorable (mortality, 9.6%; n∈=∈5) in 12 (23%). In univariate analysis, the following variables had a significant association with unfavorable outcome: initial GCS, computed tomography classification, ICPpeak, mICP24, mICP, CPPlow, CPP<40, pupil reactivity, PbtO2low, PbtO2<5 mmHg, PbtO2< 10 mmHg, mPbtO224, and time-severity product. PbtO2 parameters had the strongest independent association with poor outcome in multiple regression analysis. In particular, when PbtO2 was <5 mmHg for >1 h, the adjusted OR for poor outcome was 27.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-391). No variables apart from PbtO2 were independently associated with mortality when controlled for PbtO2. Conclusion: Reduced PbtO2 is shown to be an independent factor associated with poor outcome in pediatric severe TBI in the largest study to date. It appears to have a stronger association with outcome than conventionally evaluated measures. © 2009 Springer-Verlag. | Brain injury; Brain tissue oxygen tension; Children; Hypoxia; Outcome; Traumatic | thiopental; adolescent; article; brain decompression; brain oxygen tension; brain perfusion; brain tissue; child; childhood mortality; computer assisted tomography; confidence interval; controlled study; craniectomy; female; hospital admission; hospital discharge; human; intensive care unit; intracranial pressure; major clinical study; male; multiple regression; multivariate logistic regression analysis; preschool child; priority journal; school child; scoring system; traumatic brain injury; univariate analysis; Adolescent; Analysis of Variance; Brain; Brain Injuries; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Logistic Models; Male; Monitoring, Physiologic; Oxygen; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34948902242 | Brand management and strategic performance: Some evidence from South Africa | Berthon J.-P., Opoku R.A., Pitt L.F., Nel D. | 2007 | Journal of African Business | 8 | 2 | 10.1300/J156v08n02_03 | Industrial Marketing and e-Commerce Research Group, Division of Business Administration and Management, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden; Department of Marketing, Segal School of Business, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V6C 1W6, Canada; Department of Marketing, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Berthon, J.-P., Industrial Marketing and e-Commerce Research Group, Division of Business Administration and Management, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden; Opoku, R.A., Industrial Marketing and e-Commerce Research Group, Division of Business Administration and Management, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden; Pitt, L.F., Department of Marketing, Segal School of Business, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V6C 1W6, Canada; Nel, D., Department of Marketing, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This article reports on a study using a previously published checklist to assess the brand management practices of South African firms. Indications are that the perceptions of a sample of senior managers regarding how well their institutions manage their brands are reasonably positive, and that the management of brands has effects on a firm's profitability, market share and growth compared to competitors. While the checklist used seems to possess the characteristic of reliability, further development needs to be done on aspects of its underlying structure. Implications for managers and further avenues for research are identified and discussed. © 2007 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. | Brand management; South Africa; Strategic performance | competitiveness; corporate strategy; industrial practice; performance assessment; profitability; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350015004 | Brazilian network for the surveillance of maternal potentially life threatening morbidity and maternal near-miss and a multidimensional evaluation of their long term consequences | Cecatti J.G., Souza J.P., Parpinelli M.A., Haddad S.M., Camargo R.S., Pacagnella R.C., Silveira C., Zanardi D.T., Costa M.L., Pinto E Silva J.L., Passini Jr. R., Surita F.G., Sousa M.H., Calderon I.M., Say L., Pattinson R.C. | 2009 | Reproductive Health | 6 | 1 | 10.1186/1742-4755-6-15 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; CEMICAMP - Campinas Center for Studies in Reproductive Health, Campinas, Brazil; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, So Paulo State University, Brazil; Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Cecatti, J.G., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Souza, J.P., UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Parpinelli, M.A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Haddad, S.M., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Camargo, R.S., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Pacagnella, R.C., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Silveira, C., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Zanardi, D.T., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Costa, M.L., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Pinto E Silva, J.L., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Passini Jr., R., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Surita, F.G., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil; Sousa, M.H., CEMICAMP - Campinas Center for Studies in Reproductive Health, Campinas, Brazil; Calderon, I.M., Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, So Paulo State University, Brazil; Say, L., UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Spec. Prog. of Res., Devmt. and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Pattinson, R.C., Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Background. It has been suggested that the study of women who survive life-threatening complications related to pregnancy (maternal near-miss cases) may represent a practical alternative to surveillance of maternal morbidity/mortality since the number of cases is higher and the woman herself is able to provide information on the difficulties she faced and the long-term repercussions of the event. These repercussions, which may include sexual dysfunction, postpartum depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, may persist for prolonged periods of time, affecting women's quality of life and resulting in adverse effects to them and their babies. Objective. The aims of the present study are to create a nationwide network of scientific cooperation to carry out surveillance and estimate the frequency of maternal near-miss cases, to perform a multicenter investigation into the quality of care for women with severe complications of pregnancy, and to carry out a multidimensional evaluation of these women up to six months. Methods/Design. This project has two components: a multicenter, cross-sectional study to be implemented in 27 referral obstetric units in different geographical regions of Brazil, and a concurrent cohort study of multidimensional analysis. Over 12 months, investigators will perform prospective surveillance to identify all maternal complications. The population of the cross-sectional component will consist of all women surviving potentially life-threatening conditions (severe maternal complications) or life-threatening conditions (the maternal near miss criteria) and maternal deaths according to the new WHO definition and criteria. Data analysis will be performed in case subgroups according to the moment of occurrence and determining cause. Frequencies of near-miss and other severe maternal morbidity and the association between organ dysfunction and maternal death will be estimated. A proportion of cases identified in the cross-sectional study will comprise the cohort of women for the multidimensional analysis. Various aspects of the lives of women surviving severe maternal complications will be evaluated 3 and 6 months after the event and compared to a group of women who suffered no severe complications in pregnancy. Previously validated questionnaires will be used in the interviews to assess reproductive function, posttraumatic stress, functional capacity, quality of life, sexual function, postpartum depression and infant development. © 2009 Cecatti et al. | None | adult; article; Brazil; data analysis; disease association; female; functional status; groups by age; health care quality; health survey; human; infant; major clinical study; maternal morbidity; multiple organ failure; posttraumatic stress disorder; pregnancy complication; prevalence; puerperal depression; quality of life; risk factor; sexual dysfunction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23744470700 | Bread making quality evaluation of Ethiopian wheat cultivars using direct and indirect measures of quality traits | Dessalegn T., Labuschagne M.T., Van Deventer C.S. | 2005 | Cereal Research Communications | 33 | 42403 | None | Adet Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 08, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O.Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Dessalegn, T., Adet Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 08, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Labuschagne, M.T., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O.Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Van Deventer, C.S., Department of Plant Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O.Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | The bread making quality of Ethiopian cultivars was studied using 18 quality traits at low and high protein environments. Significant variation was observed between genotypes with a broad range of milling, rheological and baking traits. Three different quality prediction models were constructed explaining 48% to 73% of the variation of mixing time and loaf volume, respectively. SDS-sedimentation alone accounted for 56% of the variation in loaf volume at the high protein environment. The variation of mixing time due to protein content alone was 37% at the low protein environment. SDS-sedimentation and mixograph mixing time were common in the three models. SDS-sedimentation, protein content and mixing time can be used as selection criteria in breeding programs where resources are limited. Hectoliter weight and grain weight also contributed to the variation of loaf volume and mixing time. | Loaf volume; Quality; Wheat | Triticum aestivum; Triticum aethiopicum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866644270 | Breaking community barriers to polio vaccination in northern nigeria: The impact of a grass roots mobilization campaign (Majigi) | Nasiru S.-G., Aliyu G.G., Gasasira A., Aliyu M.H., Zubair M., Mandawari S.U., Waziri H., Nasidi A., El-Kamary S.S. | 2012 | Pathogens and Global Health | 106 | 3 | 10.1179/2047773212Y.0000000018 | Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute for Globa | Nasiru, S.-G., Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Aliyu, G.G., Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States; Gasasira, A., World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Aliyu, M.H., Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Zubair, M., World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Mandawari, S.U., World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Waziri, H., World Health Organization (WHO) Office, Abuja, Nigeria; Nasidi, A., Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; El-Kamary, S.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States | This paper examines the impact of a community-based intervention on the trends in the uptake of polio vaccination following a community mobilization campaign for polio eradication in northern Nigeria. Uptake of polio vaccination in high-risk communities in this region has been considerably low despite routine and supplemental vaccination activities. Large numbers of children are left unvaccinated because of community misconceptions and distrust regarding the cause of the disease and the safety of the polio vaccine. The Majigi polio campaign was initiated in 2008 as a pilot trial in Gezawa, a local council with very low uptake of polio vaccination. The average monthly increase in the number of vaccinated children over the subsequent six months after the pilot trial was 1,047 [95% confidence interval (CI): 647-2045, P50.001]. An increasing trend in uptake of polio vaccination was also evident (P50.001). The outcome was consistent with a decrease or no trend in the detection of children with zero doses. The average monthly decrease in the number of children with zero doses was 6.2 (95% CI: 221 to 24, P50.353). Overall, there was a relative increase of approximately 310% in the polio vaccination uptake and a net reduction of 29% of never vaccinated children. The findings of this pilot test show that polio vaccination uptake can be enhanced by programs like Majigi that promote effective communication with the community. © W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2012. | Majigi; Nigeria; Polio; Trend; Vaccination | poliomyelitis vaccine; article; child; controlled study; high risk population; human; Nigeria; poliomyelitis; preschool child; treatment outcome; vaccination; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunization Programs; Infant; Male; Nigeria; Poliomyelitis; Poliovirus Vaccines; Vaccination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917737047 | Breast evaluation findings in calabar, Nigeria | Ikpeme A.A., Akintomide A., Inah G., Oku A. | 2014 | Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences | 7 | 4 | 10.3889/MJMS.1857-5773.2014.0444 | University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Radiology, 4 Elijah Henshaw Street, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Community Medicine, 4 Elijah Henshaw Street, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria | Ikpeme, A.A., University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Radiology, 4 Elijah Henshaw Street, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; Akintomide, A., University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Radiology, 4 Elijah Henshaw Street, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; Inah, G., University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Radiology, 4 Elijah Henshaw Street, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; Oku, A., University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Community Medicine, 4 Elijah Henshaw Street, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria | Background: X-ray and sonomammography constitute a significant option in the early detection and management of breast diseases in the developed world. Unfortunately these modalities became available in Nigeria, only in the past few decades.Aim: The aim of this audit is therefore to document the imaging findings, in the past three years in a developing facility in Nigeria relating them with the demograghic features.Methods: We prospectively studied the x-ray and sonomammography in all patients, presenting over a three year period, for breast evaluation with the hope of discerning the epidemiologic pattern of breast lesions in this environment.Results: One hundred and forty-five females and four males. Median was 38 years (IQR=30-48). The commonest reason for evaluation was screening. Patients that were below 38 years showed no significant difference in frequency and type of lesion compared with patients over 38 years. The commonest breast pattern was fatty replaced. The upper outer quadrant was the commonest site.Conclusion: Patients presenting for breast evaluation in Calabar do so for screening mainly. Patients below 38 are nearly equally affected by malignant breast disease as their older counterparts. The commonest breast pattern was fatty replaced. Digital mammography should be available in all tertiary institutions. © 2014 Anthonia Ikpeme, Akintunde Akintomide, Grace Inah, Afiong Oku. | BI-RADS; Breast Ultrasound; Calabar; Mammography; Nigeria; Screening | adult; age distribution; Article; body fat distribution; breast discharge; breast disease; breast examination; breast itching; breast lesion; breast lump; breast tumor; breast ulceration; disease classification; echomammography; evaluation study; female; human; major clinical study; male; mastalgia; middle aged; Nigeria; physical examination; plots and curves; prospective study; X ray; young adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22444447492 | Breeding efficiency, lifetime lactation and calving performance of Friesian-Boran crossbred cows at Cheffa farm, Ethiopia | Goshu G. | 2005 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 17 | 7 | None | Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Goshu, G., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Records of 602 cows maintained at Cheffa farm from 1976 to 1997 were used to analyze the variables breeding efficiency, herd life, and effective productive herd life, number of parity completed, number of calves produced and lifetime milk yield. The fixed factors considered were four levels of Friesian inheritance, three levels of season of birth or calving, nine levels of parity and 21 levels of year. General Linear Model was used to estimate the effect of independent factors. The overall mean for breeding efficiency was 66.3±0.49 and affected significantly (P<0.001) by all factors. The overall mean for herd life and effective productive herd life were 2858±57.3 and 1301±47.6 days, respectively. Level of Friesian inheritance and year of birth effected significantly (P<0.001) both traits. The overall mean for initiated parity and number of calves produced were 4.23±0.12 and 3.58±0.13, respectively and affected (P<0.001) by level of inheritance and birth year of the cow but not by season of birth. Lifetime milk yield was 12749±483kg and significantly affected (P<0.001) by level of inheritance and year of birth. Season of birth did not affect the trait significantly. The study showed that the F1 and 3/4Friesian inheritance cows had performed better than 15/16 groups. Breeding efficiency and lifetime productivity can be improved by placing efficient reproduction, feeding and health management at the farm. | Breeding efficiency; Cattle; Crossbreeds; Herd life; Season | Bos taurus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872701657 | Breeding investigations into the gene action and agronomic performance of sunflower traits based on f1 top-cross hybrids | Makanda I., Matamela T., Mashingaidze K., Chigeza G., Musanya J., Muungani D. | 2012 | Helia | 35 | 56 | 10.2298/HEL1256031M | ARC-Grains Crops Institute, P/Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; ICFR, P.O. Box 100281, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; ZARI, Private Bag 7, Chilanga, Zambia; Agricultural Seeds and Services (Pvt) Ltd., Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe | Makanda, I., ARC-Grains Crops Institute, P/Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Matamela, T., ARC-Grains Crops Institute, P/Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Mashingaidze, K., ARC-Grains Crops Institute, P/Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Chigeza, G., ICFR, P.O. Box 100281, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Musanya, J., ZARI, Private Bag 7, Chilanga, Zambia; Muungani, D., Agricultural Seeds and Services (Pvt) Ltd., Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe | Information on the performance and gene action of sunflower traits is still scarce in southern Africa despite the crop's increasing importance and the growing demand for adapted cultivars. To generate this information, 30 malesterile lines were cross-bred to a restorer line generating 30 experimental hybrids. The hybrids and three check varieties were evaluated in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Data was analysed using REML procedure in Gen- Stat®. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed for grain yield traits, oil content and days to 50% flowering. Grain yield ranged between 1700 kg ha-1 and 4278 kg ha-1, 1000-seeds weight between 59.4 g and 89.3 g, oil content between 36.6% and 44.6%, and days to 50% flowering between 55.5 and 68.0 for the hybrids but going up to 70 for the control varieties. Five hybrids were ranked above the highest performing check variety for grain yield. Two hybrids, HV9120 and HV9132, significantly outperformed the highest check variety by up to 19.6% and the lowest check variety by up to 91.6%. Oil content showed similar trends with eight hybrids having up to 6.8% yield advantage over the highest check variety and 19.3% over the lowest check variety. The high yields were attributed to heterosis and indicated the high potential for grain yield and oil content from the current germplasm set. The presence of high yielding hybrids with shorter days to 50% flowering, such as HV9132, HV9127, HV9128 and HV9135, showed that it was possible to breed for the short growing season, characteristics of most southern African areas, without compromising grain yield. General combining ability (GCA) effects were significant for all the traits indicating the importance of additive gene action for the traits. Parental lines KP1235, KP1304 and KP1290 that showed desirable GCA effects for at least three of the important traits, were selected for inclusion in the breeding programme for cultivars adapted to the region. | None | Helianthus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877590894 | Breeding practices and reproductive performance of traditionally managed indigenous sheep and goat in Ilu Abba Bora zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia | Urgessa D., Duguma B., Demeke S., Tolamariam T. | 2013 | Global Veterinaria | 10 | 6 | 10.5829/idosi.gv.2013.10.6.64163 | Illu Abba Bora Zone Office of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mettu, Ethiopia; Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Urgessa, D., Illu Abba Bora Zone Office of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mettu, Ethiopia; Duguma, B., Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Demeke, S., Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Tolamariam, T., Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | The aim of this study was to assess the breeding practices and reproductive performance of sheep and goats in three districts of Ilu Aba Bora Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 270 (90 from each district) households were randomly selected for the study and the heads of the households were interviewed using pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Findings of the study indicated that 26% of respondents had breeding rams and bucks, while 74% of them share breeding rams and bucks with their neighbors. Breeding was predominantly uncontrolled. Kidding/lambing occurred all the year round with 37.8 and 38.1% of lambs and kids were dropped in wet season. Coat color, body conformation and pedigree performance were considered as the most important criteria in selecting breeding rams and bucks showing significant (P<0.05) difference between districts. Age at puberty was 5-8 months in sheep and 5-6 months in goats. The average age at first parturition was 10-11 months in 43 and 52%of sheep and goats, respectively. Parturition interval was 9-10 months in 62 and 61.9% of sheep and goats, respectively. About 59, 38 and 1.5% respondents reported that ewes give single, twine and triple births, respectively, while 58, 40 and 1.1% of respondents revealed that does give single, twine and triple births, respectively. The study observed that reproductive performance of sheep and goats was generally found to be low. Thus, small ruminant productivity would be improved if adequate attention is paid to alleviate the technical constraints, increase adoption of improved technologies and appropriate delivery of extension messages. © IDOSI Publications, 2013. | Age at first lambing/kidding; Breeding; Goats; Puberty; Selection; Sheep | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84911380768 | Breeding programs for smallholder sheep farming systems: I. Evaluation of alternative designs of breeding schemes | Gizaw S., Rischkowsky B., Valle-Zárate A., Haile A., van Arendonk J.A.M., Mwai A.O., Dessie T. | 2014 | Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics | 131 | 5 | 10.1111/jbg.12101 | International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic; Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya | Gizaw, S., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Rischkowsky, B., International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic; Valle-Zárate, A., Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Haile, A., International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, ICARDA, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic; van Arendonk, J.A.M., Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mwai, A.O., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Nairobi, Kenya; Dessie, T., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Village-and central nucleus-based schemes were simulated and evaluated for their relative bio-economic efficiencies, using Ethiopia's Menz sheep as example. The schemes were: village-based 2-tier (Scheme-1) and 1-tier (Scheme-2) cooperative village breeding schemes, dispersed village-based nuclei scheme (Scheme-3), conventional 2-tier central nucleus-based scheme (Scheme-4), and schemes linking a central nucleus and village multiplier nuclei with selection in central nucleus (Scheme-5) or in both central and village nuclei (Scheme-6). Among village-based schemes, Scheme-1 gave the highest genetic progress, while Scheme-2 was economically the most efficient with genetic gain in the breeding objective of Birr 5.6 and a profit of Birr 37.2/ewe/year. The central nucleus schemes were more efficient than the village schemes. Scheme-4 was the most efficient with genetic gain in the breeding objective of Birr 13.5 and a profit of Birr 71.2, but is operationally more difficult as it requires a very large central nucleus. The choice between village and central nucleus-based schemes would depend on local conditions (availability of infrastructure, logistics and technical knowhow and support). Linking central nucleus with village-based nuclei (Scheme-6) would be a feasible option to overcome the operational difficulties of the conventional central nucleus scheme. If a village-based breeding program is envisaged as should be the 1st step in most low-input systems, then Scheme-2 is the most efficient. To scale out to an entire Menz breed level, Scheme-3 would be recommended. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Breeding programs; Nucleus breeding; Sheep; Smallholder system; Village breeding | Ovis aries; animal; animal husbandry; breeding; Ethiopia; evaluation study; genetics; procedures; sheep; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Breeding; Ethiopia; Sheep | None |
| None | None | Breeding strategies for improving performance of Kuchi chicken ecotype of Tanzania for production under village conditions | Lwelamira J., Kifaro G.C., Gwakisa P. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 11 | None | Institute of Rural Development Planning, P.O. Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania | Lwelamira, J., Institute of Rural Development Planning, P.O. Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania; Kifaro, G.C., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Gwakisa, P., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania | A study was carried out to evaluate various breeding scenarios geared at improving performance of Kuchi chicken ecotype of Tanzania, a type of native chicken found in drier area of north-west part of the country, for production under extensive (village) management conditions. The purpose of these breeding scenarios was mainly to improve body weight at 16 weeks of age (Bwt16). In some breeding scenarios, primary antibody response against Newcastle disease virus vaccine (Ab) was also considered. Depending on a breeding scenario, results from the present study indicate that it would take approximately 5 to 10 generations of selection, which corresponds to around 3 to 6 years of selection for improving Bwt16 either singly or together with Ab from their current population mean of 974g and 4.8 (HIlog2) to the desired population mean of 1300g and 6(HIlog2), respectively (i.e. improvement by 34 and 25%, respectively). Depending on gain per generation, number of years required to attain the desired mean, expected fitness under village conditions and costs of breeding, some breeding scenarios were recommended. | Body weight; Desired gain; Extensive management; Newcastle disease; Selection | Aves; Newcastle disease virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871061272 | Bridging public works project performance gaps in South Africa | Emuze F., Smallwood J.J. | 2012 | Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Management, Procurement and Law | 165 | 2 | 10.1680/mpal.10.00032 | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Emuze, F., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Smallwood, J.J., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | The construction industry's role in terms of infrastructure development cannot be overemphasised. However, shortage of skills, poor productivity, accidents, time overruns, rework, cost overruns and corruption have marginalised infrastructure development in the developing world, and Africa in particular. Regardless of these shortcomings, the importance of the industry in terms of nation building motivated the South African government to embark upon continuous funding of infrastructure projects that are underpinned with appropriate fiscal policies in order to increase the pace of service delivery. This paper is a synopsis of performance-related barriers and interventions relative to infrastructure projects. Based upon a survey of the literature and a quantitative survey conducted among Eastern Cape-based consulting engineering firms, civil engineering contractors and selected public sector client organisations, performance gaps were identified in South African public works projects. The research findings indicate that there is major scope for performance improvement in South African public works construction projects, especially in terms of availability of technical and managerial skills in the infrastructure sector. | Municipal & Public service engineering | Construction projects; Consulting engineering firms; Engineering contractors; Infrastructure development; Infrastructure project; Performance improvements; Public services; South African government; Construction industry; Developing countries; Public policy; Public works; Surveys; Management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955024861 | Broiler performance and bone strength minimally affected by either a simulated dusk or night-interruption photoperiod | Lewis P.D., Gous R.M., Tumova E. | 2010 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 40 | 1 | None | Animal 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 Republic | Lewis, 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 Republic | Two 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; Photoperiod | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952889631 | Broiler performance on finisher diets containing different levels of either Pleurotus ostreatus-fermented dried cocoa pod husk or dried cocoa pod husk supplemented with enzymes | Alemawor F., Oddoye E.O.K., Dzogbefia V.P., Oldham J.H., Donkoh A. | 2010 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 42 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-009-9510-9 | Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Alemawor, F., Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Oddoye, E.O.K., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Dzogbefia, V.P., Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Oldham, J.H., Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Donkoh, A., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | The purpose was to investigate the feeding value of fibrous cocoa pod husk (CPH) either fermented with Pleurotus ostreatus or supplemented with fibre-degrading multi-enzymes (Viscozyme®L + Pectinex®5XL) before inclusion in diets for 3-week-old finishing broilers. Growth performance and carcass yield of broilers fed diets containing 100, 200 or 300 g kg-1 of the P. ostreatus-fermented CPH or 100, 200 or 300 g kg-1 of the enzyme-supplemented CPH as well as a normal broiler finisher diet (control), were investigated in a 35-day feeding trial setup as a completely randomised design, with the seven treatments replicated three times. There were significant differences (P > 0. 05) among treatments for some of the parameters measured including growth-related indices, percent weights of abdominal fat, intestine, and gizzard. It was concluded that P. ostreatus-fermented dried CPH up to a level of 200 g kg-1 and enzyme-supplemented dried CPH up to a level of 100 g kg-1 could be included in broiler finisher diets without any deleterious effects. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Blood; Broilers; Carcass; Cocoa pod husk; Feeding trial; Multi-enzymes; Pleurotus ostreatus | enzyme; animal; animal disease; animal food; article; cacao; chicken; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diet; female; fermentation; growth, development and aging; male; physiology; Pleurotus; randomized controlled trial; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cacao; Chickens; Diet; Enzymes; Female; Fermentation; Male; Pleurotus; Aves; Pleurotus ostreatus; Theobroma cacao | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958129745 | Bubbles in South African house prices and their impact on consumption | Das S., Gupta R., Kanda P.T. | 2011 | Journal of Real Estate Literature | 19 | 1 | None | CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Das, 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 Africa | This 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. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-64549122298 | Budget and budgetary control for improved performance: A consideration for selected food and beverages companies in Nigeria | Akintoye I.R. | 2008 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 12 | None | Department of Economics, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, West Africa, Nigeria | Akintoye, I.R., Department of Economics, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, West Africa, Nigeria | Budget and Budgetary control, both at management and operational level looks at the future and lays down what has to be achieved. Control checks whether or not the plans are realized, and puts into effect corrective measures where deviation or shortfall is occurring. This study examines how budget and budgetary control can impact on the performance of the selected food and beverages companies in Nigeria, as considered in this study, being a sample of the entire population of the firms in the Nigerian Manufacturing Industry. We reviewed the performance of the Nigeria manufacturing industry in previous and recent times. We found out that the performance of this industry leaves much to be desired due to factors such as neglect of the industry due to over dependence on crude oil, epileptic power supply, collapsing infrastructures, unfavourable sectoral reforming among others and have resulted in low capacity utilization of the manufacturing industry. An empirical investigation was undertaken, using the simple correlation analytics technique specifically the Pearson product movement correlation coefficient. In most of he cases considered, established the presence of strong relationship between turnover as a variable of budget and performance indicators - EPS, DPS and NAS, of the selected food and beverages companies. Following our findings, we advise managers and business operators (not only in the manufacturing industry) to pay more attention to their budgetary control systems, for those without an existing budgetary control system, they should put one in place, and those with a dummy or passive budgetary control system, it is time they re-established a result-oriented budgetary control system as it goes a long way in repositioning the manufacturing industry from its creeping performance level to an improved high capacity utilization point. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2008. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907667549 | Budget impact analysis of antiretroviral less drug regimen simplification in HIV-positive patients on the Italian National Health Service | Restelli U., Andreoni M., Antinori A., Bonfanti M., Di Perri G., Galli M., Lazzarin A., Rizzardini G., Croce D. | 2014 | ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research | 6 | None | 10.2147/CEOR.S68101 | Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centro di Ricerca in Economia e Management in Sanità e nel Sociale (CREMS), Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Clinical Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University (PTV), Rome, Italy; Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy; Third Division of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; First and Second Divisions of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, Milan, Italy; School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Restelli, U., Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centro di Ricerca in Economia e Management in Sanità e nel Sociale (CREMS), Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Andreoni, M., Clinical Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University (PTV), Rome, Italy; Antinori, A., Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Rome, Italy; Bonfanti, M., Centro di Ricerca in Economia e Management in Sanità e nel Sociale (CREMS), Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Di Perri, G., Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy; Galli, M., Third Division of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, Milan, Italy; Lazzarin, A., Department of Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Rizzardini, G., First and Second Divisions of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, Milan, Italy; Croce, D., Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centro di Ricerca in Economia e Management in Sanità e nel Sociale (CREMS), Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, Castellanza, VA, Italy, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: Deintensification and less drug regimen (LDR) antiretroviral therapy (ART) strategies have proved to be effective in terms of maintaining viral suppression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, increasing tolerability, and reducing toxicity of antiretroviral drugs administered to patients. However, the economic impact of these strategies have not been widely investigated. The aim of the study is to evaluate the economic impact that ART LDR could have on the Italian National Health Service (INHS) budget.Methods: A budget impact model was structured to assess the potential savings for the INHS by the use of ART LDR for HIV-positive patients with a 3 year perspective. Data concerning ART cost, patient distribution within different ARTs, and probabilities for patients to change ART on a yearly basis were collected within four Italian infectious diseases departments, providing ART to 13.7% of the total number of patients receiving ART in Italy.Conclusion: ART LDR simplification would have a significant impact in the reduction of ART-related costs within the hospitals involved in the study. These strategies could therefore be addressed as a sustainable answer to the public financing reduction observed within the INHS in the last year, allowing therapies to be dispensed without affecting the quality of the services provided.Results: The LDR investigated (protease inhibitor-based dual and monotherapies) led to savings for the hospitals involved when compared to the “do nothing” scenario on a 3 year basis, between 6.7% (23.11 million €) and 12.8% (44.32 million €) of the total ART expenditures. The mean yearly cost per patient is reduced from 9,875 € in the do nothing scenario to a range between 9,218 € and 8,615 €. The use of these strategies within the four departments involved would have led to a reduction of ART expenditures for the INHS of between 1.1% and 2.1% in 3 years. © 2014 Restelli et al. | Antiretroviral therapy; Budget impact model; Cost; Dual therapy; Italy; Monotherapy | antiretrovirus agent; atazanavir; darunavir; efavirenz; emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil; lamivudine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; ritonavir; antiretroviral therapy less drug regimen; Article; budget; drug cost; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Italian National Health Service; Italy; medication compliance; national health service; nonhuman | None |
| WoS | WOS:000207829600007 | Budget Monitoring and Control in South African Township Schools Democratic Governance at Risk | Mestry, Raj,Naidoo, Gans | 2009 | EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION & LEADERSHIP | 37 | 1 | 10.1177/1741143208098166 | University of Johannesburg | "Mestry, Raj: University of Johannesburg" | This article investigates budget monitoring and control in township schools in South Africa. The enactment of the Schools Act 1996 revolutionized school financial management in South Africa, making it part of the drive for democratic school governance. School governing bodies had to be established, whose responsibility it became to manage finances at school. Schools were allowed to raise funds over and above the departmental allocations, which to township schools were increased in order to redress past imbalances. However, most of these school governors lacked the necessary financial knowledge, skills and competencies required to effectively manage large sums of cash, and as a result many schools experienced financial difficulty. This study investigated the way in which a group of township schools in South Africa monitor and control their budgets. The findings revealed that the level of education plays a significant role in the way in which budget monitoring and control is perceived. It was concluded that, if applied conscientiously, the schools can remain liquid in terms of cash flow and operate within the confines of the approved budget. | "BUDGET PROCESS",CONTROL,"democratic governance",MONITORING,"school funds" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931473198 | Building a global surgery initiative through evaluation, collaboration, and training: The massachusetts general hospital experience | Chao T.E., Riesel J.N., Anderson G.A., Mullen J.T., Doyle J., Briggs S.M., Lillemoe K.D., Goldstein C., Kitya D., Cusack J.C., Jr. | 2015 | Journal of Surgical Education | 72 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jsurg.2014.12.018 | Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States; Kartis, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda | Chao, T.E., Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States; Riesel, J.N., Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States; Anderson, G.A., Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States; Mullen, J.T., Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States; Doyle, J., Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States; Briggs, S.M., Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States; Lillemoe, K.D., Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States; Goldstein, C., Kartis, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States; Kitya, D., Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Cusack, J.C., Jr., Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 425, Boston, MA, United States | Objective The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Department of Surgery established the Global Surgery Initiative (GSI) in 2013 to transform volunteer and mission-based global surgery efforts into an educational experience in surgical systems strengthening. The objective of this newly conceived mission is not only to perform advanced surgery but also to train surgeons beyond MGH through international partnerships across disciplines. At its inception, a clear pathway to achieve this was not established, and we sought to identify steps that were critical to realizing our mission statement. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda Participants Members of the MGH and MRRH Departments of Surgery including faculty, fellows, and residents Results The MGH GSI steering committee identified 4 steps for sustaining a robust global surgery program: (1) administer a survey to the MGH departmental faculty, fellows, and residents to gauge levels of experience and interest, (2) catalog all ongoing global surgical efforts and projects involving MGH surgical faculty, fellows, and residents to identify areas of overlap and opportunities for collaboration, (3) establish a longitudinal partnership with an academic surgical department in a limited-resource setting (Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH)), and (4) design a formal curriculum in global surgery to provide interested surgical residents with structured opportunities for research, education, and clinical work. Conclusions By organizing the collective experiences of colleagues, synchronizing efforts of new and former efforts, and leveraging the funding resources available at the local institution, the MGH GSI hopes to provide academic benefit to our foreign partners as well as our trainees through longitudinal collaboration. Providing additional financial and organizational support might encourage more surgeons to become involved in global surgery efforts. Creating a partnership with a hospital in a limited-resource setting and establishing a formal global surgery curriculum for our residents allows for education and longitudinal collaboration. We believe this is a replicable model for building other academic global surgery endeavors that aim to strengthen health and surgical systems beyond their own institutions. © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | academic global surgery; cross-country collaboration; global surgery; LMIC partnership; mapping; surgical education | Article; curriculum; general hospital; health care planning; human; medical education; medical school; medical specialist; normal human; priority journal; public-private partnership; residency education; resident; surgery; surgical training; surgical ward; work; work experience | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955328501 | Building a palliative care program in ethiopia: The impact on HIV and AIDS patients and their families | Wube M., Horne C.J., Stuer F. | 2010 | Journal of Pain and Symptom Management | 40 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.04.003 | Family Health International, Ethiopia; Family Health International, 339 Hilda Street, Pretoria, Gauteng 0083, South Africa | Wube, M., Family Health International, Ethiopia; Horne, C.J., Family Health International, 339 Hilda Street, Pretoria, Gauteng 0083, South Africa; Stuer, F., Family Health International, Ethiopia | Home- and community-based care in Ethiopia implements palliative care through the continuum of care in 14 major cities with links to local health facilities. Community support through traditional burial societies (idirs) makes it possible for the program to provide holistic care to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their family members. The program has been shown to 1) reduce stigma and discrimination of PLHIV and vulnerable children, 2) increase acceptance and use of voluntary testing and counseling for HIV, 3) improve PLHIV health and well-being, 4) improve household economic conditions of PLHIV, orphans and vulnerable children, and other beneficiaries, and 5) increase community support by idirs. © 2010 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. | Community care; Ethiopia; HIV and AIDS; Home-based care; Idirs; Palliative care | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS patient; article; community care; economic aspect; Ethiopia; family assessment; family centered care; health care access; health care facility; health care planning; health program; holistic care; home care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; nursing care; orphaned child; outcome assessment; palliative therapy; patient attitude; patient compliance; patient counseling; patient education; quality of life; social discrimination; social support; stigma; wellbeing; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; family; HIV Infections; palliative therapy; patient; treatment outcome; trends; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Ethiopia; Family; Health Plan Implementation; HIV Infections; Humans; Palliative Care; Patients; Treatment Outcome | None |
| WoS | WOS:000258862900006 | Building capacity for AIDS NGOs in southern Africa: evaluation of a pilot initiative | Hartwig, Kari A.,Humphries, Debbie,Matebeni, Zethu | 2008 | HEALTH PROMOTION INTERNATIONAL | 23 | 3 | 10.1093/heapro/dan013 | University of Witwatersrand, Yale University | "Humphries, Debbie: Yale University","Matebeni, Zethu: University of Witwatersrand", | In this paper, we present the evaluation results of an AIDS non-governmental organization (NGO) capacity building 20-month pilot initiative in five countries in southern Africa called the NGO Institute. A five-person international team conducted a 2 week evaluation of the pilot in 2004 to assess the strength of the model, designed and funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. The NGO Institute functioned through a separate consortium in each country. Results of the pilot indicate variations in adaptation and implementation of the model in each of the five countries. Each consortium took considerable time to develop its own governance and management systems. There were examples of strengthened NGO capacity in each country although it was too soon to establish overall impact. The strengths and weaknesses of this NGO capacity building model are presented along with the implications for other funding agencies and NGOs. | AIDS,"capacity building",evaluation,NGOS,HEALTH,"PREVENTION PROGRAMS" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000262233800001 | Building capacity for antiretroviral delivery in South Africa: A qualitative evaluation of the PALSA PLUS nurse training programme | Bateman, E.,Bheekie, A.,English, R.,Fairall, L.,Lewin, S.,Mayers, P.,Stein, J.,Zwarenstein, M. | 2008 | BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH | 8 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-8-240 | South African Medical Research Council, University of Cape Town, University of London, University of the Western Cape, University of Toronto, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Sunnybrook Res Inst | "Bateman, E.: University of Cape Town","Bheekie, A.: University of the Western Cape","Mayers, P.: University of Cape Town","Stein, J.: University of Cape Town", | Background: South Africa recently launched a national antiretroviral treatment programme. This has created an urgent need for nurse-training in antiretroviral treatment ( ART) delivery. The PALSA PLUS programme provides guidelines and training for primary health care (PHC) nurses in the management of adult lung diseases and HIV/AIDS, including ART. A process evaluation was undertaken to document the training, explore perceptions regarding the value of the training, and compare the PALSA PLUS training approach ( used at intervention sites) with the provincial training model. The evaluation was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial measuring the effects of the PALSA PLUS nurse-training ( Trial reference number ISRCTN24820584).
Methods: Qualitative methods were utilized, including participant observation of training sessions, focus group discussions and interviews. Data were analyzed thematically.
Results: Nurse uptake of PALSA PLUS training, with regard not only to ART specific components but also lung health, was high. The ongoing on-site training of all PHC nurses, as opposed to the once-off centralized training provided for ART nurses only at non-intervention clinics, enhanced nurses' experience of support for their work by allowing, not only for ongoing experiential learning, supervision and emotional support, but also for the ongoing managerial review of all those infrastructural and system-level changes required to facilitate health provider behaviour change and guideline implementation. The training of all PHC nurses in PALSA PLUS guideline use, as opposed to ART nurses only, was also perceived to better facilitate the integration of AIDS care within the clinic context.
Conclusion: PALSA PLUS training successfully engaged all PHC nurses in a comprehensive approach to a range of illnesses affecting both HIV positive and negative patients. PHC nurse-training for integrated systems-based interventions should be prioritized on the ART funding agenda. Training for individual provider behaviour change is nonetheless only one aspect of the ongoing system-wide interventions required to effect lasting improvements in patient care in the context of an over-burdened and under-resourced PHC system. | ,ACCESS,CARE,COUNTRIES,CRISIS,"HEALTH SYSTEMS",HIV,HIV/AIDS,IMPLEMENTATION,TUBERCULOSIS,WILL | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000303341300004 | Building Capacity for the Assessment of HIV Drug Resistance: Experiences From the PharmAccess African Studies to Evaluate Resistance Network | Botes, Mariette E.,Conradie, Francesca,de Wit, Tobias F. Rinke,Hamers, Raph L.,Kityo, Cissy,Mandaliya, Kishor,Osibogun, Akin,PharmAccess African Studies Evalua,Sigaloff, Kim C. E.,Siwale, Margaret,Stevens, Wendy S.,Straatsma, Elske,van Vugt, Michele,Walli | 2012 | CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 54 | None | 10.1093/cid/cir995 | Joint Clinic Research Center - United Arab Emirates, University of Amsterdam, University of Lagos, University of Witwatersrand, Coast Prov Gen Hosp, Lusaka Trust Hosp, Muelmed Hosp, Newlands Clin | "Conradie, Francesca: University of Witwatersrand","Kityo, Cissy: Joint Clinic Research Center - United Arab Emirates","Osibogun, Akin: University of Lagos","Stevens, Wendy S.: University of Witwatersrand","Wallis, Carole L.: University of Witwatersrand", | The PharmAccess African Studies to Evaluate Resistance (PASER) network was established as a collaborative partnership of clinical sites, laboratories, and research groups in 6 African countries; its purpose is to build research and laboratory capacity in support of a coordinated effort to assess population-level acquired and transmitted human immunodeficiency virus type-1 drug resistance (HIVDR), thus contributing to the goals of the World Health Organization Global HIV Drug Resistance Network. PASER disseminates information to medical professionals and policy makers and conducts observational research related to HIVDR. The sustainability of the network is challenged by funding limitations, constraints in human resources, a vulnerable general health infrastructure, and high cost and complexity of molecular diagnostic testing. This report highlights experiences and challenges in the PASER network from 2006 to 2010. | ,"ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT",INDIVIDUALS,PREVENTION,STRATEGY,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",THERAPY,"VIRAL LOAD" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903383448 | Building capacity to measure long-term impact on women's empowerment: CARE's Women's Empowerment Impact Measurement Initiative | Karim N., Picard M., Gillingham S., Berkowitz L. | 2014 | Gender and Development | 22 | 2 | 10.1080/13552074.2014.920977 | CARE USA, 151 Ellis Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303-2440, United States; 5718 Clark Street, Montreal, QC H2T 2V4, Canada; 72 Marlborough Road, Grandpont, Oxford OX 1 4LR, United Kingdom; 703 Hillside Village, 9th Street, Killarney, Johannesburg 2198, South Africa | Karim, N., CARE USA, 151 Ellis Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303-2440, United States; Picard, M., 5718 Clark Street, Montreal, QC H2T 2V4, Canada; Gillingham, S., 72 Marlborough Road, Grandpont, Oxford OX 1 4LR, United Kingdom; Berkowitz, L., 703 Hillside Village, 9th Street, Killarney, Johannesburg 2198, South Africa | From 2010 to 2012, CARE USA implemented the Women's Empowerment Impact Measurement Initiative (WEIMI) to develop the necessary capacity, tools, guidance, and practice to measure and demonstrate the impact of its work on women's empowerment. The lessons and experiences from this initiative have been transformed into an online guidance tool being utilised throughout CARE to inform the process of developing robust theories of change and impact measurement systems for women's empowerment programmes. The WEIMI experience has contributed significantly to CARE's understanding of gender inequality and its implications for achieving broader impact. This article highlights key lessons learned and good practices that emerged in addressing the challenge of developing organisational impact measurement systems for women's empowerment long-term programmes. © 2014 Oxfam GB 2014. | gender; impact groups; impact measurement; social change; theory of change | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927746312 | Building resilience to climate change impacts after the 2011 flood disaster at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Adewole I.F., Agbola S.B., Kasim O.F. | 2015 | Environment and Urbanization | 27 | 1 | 10.1177/0956247814547679 | University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Adewole, I.F., University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Agbola, S.B., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Kasim, O.F., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This paper describes how the University of Ibadan has sought to build greater resilience to flooding, through its response to the devastating flood in 2011. This included both structural and non-structural components, as well as measures to address the increased risk levels that climate change is bringing or may bring in the future. The paper also draws out some lessons that have wide relevance for other universities. © 2014 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) | climate change adaptation; community-based adaptation; disaster response; disaster risk; flooding; resilience; University of Ibadan; urban floods | adaptive management; climate change; climate effect; disaster management; flooding; university sector; Ibadan; Nigeria; Oyo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899818776 | Building the South African nation through legal deposit: The impact of legislation on preservation of digital materials | Nsibirwa Z., Hoskins R., Stilwell C. | 2014 | African Journal of Library Archives and Information Science | 24 | 1 | None | Information Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Nsibirwa, Z., Information Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Hoskins, R., Information Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Stilwell, C., Information Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | The legal deposit of and preservation of digital materials depends on the proper legislative framework and implementation of the Legal Deposit Act. This article examines the challenges related to legal instruments affecting the legal deposit of digital materials in South Africa. Two main objectives of the study upon which this article is based were to find out the systems in place to help collect and ensure long term accessibility to print and electronic publications. This included the examination of the legislative regulatory and policy framework relating to preservation and access to legal deposit materials. The different legislations reviewed included the Legal Deposit Act No. 54 of 1997, copyright laws, the Promotion of Access to Information Act No 2, 2000 and the current Protection of State Information Bill of South Africa. Four legal deposit libraries and three Official Publications Depositories (OPDs) were the units of analysis, with a population of 17 staff directly involved with legal deposit. The survey revealed that though the South African Legal Deposit Act covers electronic materials, majority of the depositories did not have policies to manage or collect these types of materials. The greatest challenge that comes with collecting and preserving electronic materials are the multifaceted issues regarding legislation, as well as the preservation of technology used to create, store and access these records in comparison with paper. | Cultural heritage; Digital materials; Legal deposit; Legal framework; Preservation; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548281533 | Bull breeding soundness evaluation in Southern Africa | Irons P.C., Nöthling J.O., Bertschinger H.J. | 2007 | Theriogenology | 68 | 6 | 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.06.013 | Section Reproduction, Department Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, P. Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Irons, P.C., Section Reproduction, Department Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, P. Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Nöthling, J.O., Section Reproduction, Department Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, P. Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Bertschinger, H.J., Section Reproduction, Department Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, P. Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | The motivation for and process leading up to the publication of a new bull breeding soundness certification standard endorsed by the South African Veterinary Association is described. The veterinary certificate of bull breeding soundness and explanatory notes and minimum standards are shown. The first component of the certificate is a declaration by the veterinarian that the bull complies with the minimum standards set for examinations for the selected purpose, these being for use as a natural service sire, as a donor of semen for distribution, and for insurance purposes. This is followed by the details of the bull and owner, and a list of the recommended examinations and tests for the bull with provision for which were performed. Certificates are available in book form with the explanatory notes and minimum standards on the reverse, and a carbon copy which remains in the book.The clarity and ease of completion of the document are regarded as being positive features. Bulls are either classified as breeding sound or not, with no actual parameters indicated on the document and no certificate issued for those which do not meet the set criteria. Contact details of the parties involved are shown on the certificate to allow for communication as a means of avoiding disputes. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Bull breeding soundness; Certification; South Africa | animal; animal husbandry; article; biological model; breeding; cattle; certification; cytology; domestic animal; evaluation; fertility; male; physiology; South Africa; sperm; standard; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Breeding; Cattle; Certification; Fertility; Male; Models, Biological; Semen; South Africa | None |
| None | None | Bull selection and use for improved performance in pastoral herds of Tanzania | Kashoma I.P.B., Luziga C., Mgongo F.O.K. | 2010 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 22 | 1 | None | Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3020, Morogoro, Tanzania | Kashoma, I.P.B., Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3020, Morogoro, Tanzania; Luziga, C., Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3020, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mgongo, F.O.K., Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3020, Morogoro, Tanzania | Tanzania shorthorn zebu (TSHZ) cattle are extensively reared in pastoral herds under natural multiple-breeding system in Tanzania. However, no study has been carried out to describe the reproductive performance of TSHZ bulls. The objective of this study was to measure scrotal circumference (SC) and correlate it with age, heart girth (HG), spermatozoa quality and body condition (BC). 303 healthy TSHZ breeding bulls were evaluated. SC measured by using standard scrotal metal. Age was determined by dentition. HG circumference was measured by tape. BC was estimated by visual assessment. Sperm cells were collected by epididymal aspiration procedure and stained with Carbol-fuchsin. One hundred spermatozoa were counted per slide and each classified into normal or abnormal. Three parenchyma samples were taken after slaughter and processed for histological examination by staining with hemotoxylin and eosin. Forty sections of seminiferous tubules per section were evaluated and classified into either normal or abnormal. Bulls were retrospectively classified into two groups; normal (55.8%) and abnormal (44.2%). The mean SC in normal bulls was 28.9±1.8 cm and positively correlated with age, years (r=0.67, P< 0.01) and HG, cm (r=0.82, P< 0.01). The mean percentages of spermatozoa abnormalities in normal and abnormal bulls were 15.6 ± 2.5 and 39.0 ± 9.1, respectively. Bulls with large testicular lesions had poorer seminal characteristics than bulls with normal testicles and the spermatozoa abnormalities increased with severity of testicular abnormalities (P < 0.01). This study revealed that large numbers of inferior bulls are used for breeding in pastoral system that partly contributes to poor performance and low genetic improvement that currently exist in pastoral system. Also the study established the average values of SC for normal TSHZ bulls, however further studies should be done to establish the origin and effects of stump-tail spermatozoa abnormalities that had high prevalence in this study. | Scrotal circumference; Spermatozoa abnormalities; Tanzania shorthorn zebu bulls | Bos; Bos indicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650065703 | Buoyancy under control: Underwater locomotor performance in a deep diving seabird suggests respiratory strategies for reducing foraging effort | Cook T.R., Kato A., Tanaka H., Ropert-Coudert Y., Bost C.-A. | 2010 | PLoS ONE | 5 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0009839 | DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UPR 1934, Villiers-en-bois, France; National Institute of Polar Research, Tokyo, Japan; Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), Département Écologie, Physiologie et Éthologie (DEPE), Université Louis Pasteur - CNRS, Strasbourg, France; COE for Neo-Science of Natural History, Graduate School of Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan | Cook, T.R., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UPR 1934, Villiers-en-bois, France; Kato, A., National Institute of Polar Research, Tokyo, Japan, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), Département Écologie, Physiologie et Éthologie (DEPE), Université Louis Pasteur - CNRS, Strasbourg, France; Tanaka, H., COE for Neo-Science of Natural History, Graduate School of Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan; Ropert-Coudert, Y., Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), Département Écologie, Physiologie et Éthologie (DEPE), Université Louis Pasteur - CNRS, Strasbourg, France; Bost, C.-A., Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UPR 1934, Villiers-en-bois, France | Background: Because they have air stored in many body compartments, diving seabirds are expected to exhibit efficient behavioural strategies for reducing costs related to buoyancy control. We study the underwater locomotor activity of a deep-diving species from the Cormorant family (Kerguelen shag) and report locomotor adjustments to the change of buoyancy with depth. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using accelerometers, we show that during both the descent and ascent phases of dives, shags modelled their acceleration and stroking activity on the natural variation of buoyancy with depth. For example, during the descent phase, birds increased swim speed with depth. But in parallel, and with a decay constant similar to the one in the equation explaining the decrease of buoyancy with depth, they decreased foot-stroke frequency exponentially, a behaviour that enables birds to reduce oxygen consumption. During ascent, birds also reduced locomotor cost by ascending passively. We considered the depth at which they started gliding as a proxy to their depth of neutral buoyancy. This depth increased with maximum dive depth. As an explanation for this, we propose that shags adjust their buoyancy to depth by varying the amount of respiratory air they dive with. Conclusions/Significance: Calculations based on known values of stored body oxygen volumes and on deep-diving metabolic rates in avian divers suggest that the variations of volume of respiratory oxygen associated with a respiration mediated buoyancy control only influence aerobic dive duration moderately. Therefore, we propose that an advantage in cormorants - as in other families of diving seabirds - of respiratory air volume adjustment upon diving could be related less to increasing time of submergence, through an increased volume of body oxygen stores, than to reducing the locomotor costs of buoyancy control. Copyright: © 2010 Jung et al. | None | oxygen; animal; animal behavior; article; biomechanics; bird; breathing; diving; energy metabolism; female; male; metabolism; movement (physiology); oxygen consumption; physiology; predation; swimming; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Biomechanics; Birds; Diving; Energy Metabolism; Female; Male; Movement; Oxygen; Oxygen Consumption; Predatory Behavior; Respiration; Swimming | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746715037 | Burden of tuberculosis in an antiretroviral treatment programme in sub-Saharan Africa: Impact on treatment outcomes and implications for tuberculosis control | Lawn S.D., Myer L., Bekker L.-G., Wood R. | 2006 | AIDS | 20 | 12 | 10.1097/01.aids.0000238406.93249.cd | Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Lawn, S.D., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Myer, L., Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Bekker, L.-G., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | OBJECTIVES: To determine burden and risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) in an antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme and its impact on ART outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Prevalent TB was assessed at baseline and incident TB was ascertained prospectively over 3 years among 944 patients accessing a community-based ART programme in South Africa. RESULTS: At enrollment, median CD4 cell count was 96 cells/μl and 52% of patients had a previous history of TB. Prevalent TB (current antituberculosis treatment or active TB) was present in 25% and was strongly associated with advanced immunodeficiency. During 782 person-years of ART, 81 cases of TB were diagnosed. The incidence was 22.1/100 person-years during the first 3 months of ART and decreased to an average of 4.5/100 person-years during the second and third years. In multivariate analysis, risk of incident TB during follow-up was only associated with the current absolute CD4 cell count at that time point; an increase of 100 cells/μl was associated with a 25% lower risk (P = 0.007). Although prevalent and incident TB were associated with greater than two-fold increased mortality risk, they did not compromise immunological and virological outcomes among survivors at 48 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Late initiation of ART was associated with a major burden of TB in this ART programme. TB reduced survival but did not impair immunovirological outcomes. Reductions in TB incidence during ART were dependent on CD4 cell count; however, after 3 years of treatment, rates were still 5- to 10-fold higher than among non-HIV-infected people. Earlier initiation of ART may reduce this burden of TB. © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Antiretroviral programme; HAART; HIV; Resource-limited country; TB control; Tuberculosis | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; dapsone; didanosine; efavirenz; isoniazid; lamivudine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; nevirapine; RNA directed DNA polymerase inhibitor; stavudine; tuberculostatic agent; zidovudine; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; disease association; female; follow up; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; major clinical study; male; mortality; multivariate analysis; patient assessment; priority journal; South Africa; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; tuberculosis control; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cost of Illness; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Male; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis; Viral Load | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905190672 | Burial and thermal history modeling and petroleum potential evaluation of the northwestern Niger Delta, Nigeria [Modelação da evolução térmica e do soterramento e avaliação do potencial petrolífero do noroeste do Delta do Níger, Nigéria] | Ojo O.J., Akpabio I., Frielingsdorf J. | 2012 | Comunicacoes Geologicas | 99 | 2 | None | Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Nigeria; Shell Petroleum Development Company, PortHarcourt, Nigeria | Ojo, O.J., Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Akpabio, I., Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Nigeria; Frielingsdorf, J., Shell Petroleum Development Company, PortHarcourt, Nigeria | One of the major hydrocarbon exploration risks or constraints in the Niger Delta is the complex nature of the petroleum systems, as there is lack of geochemical data from deeper and older potential strata. In this study, 1D models of burial and thermal histories were constructed from stratigraphic and well-log data in order to assess the petroleum potential of part of the northwestern Niger Delta basin using Cauldron and PetroMod software. The thermal maturation of the source rock intervals was reconstructed based on crustal thinning during rift, break up, and drift during the Lower and Upper Cretaceous. Bottom-hole temperature data were used to estimate present-day subsurface temperature. Results show that the Eocene and Paleocene source rocks attained sufficient thermal maturities to contribute oil and gas into the Oligocene and Miocene clastic reservoirs. In Operation Mining License (OML) 1 and 40, the Paleocene, which is overmature (modeled Ro% ranges from 0.9 to 3 Ro %) at present, entered the oil window and expelled most of its oil during late Eocene. In the present day, it could be expelling minor volumes of dry gas. The Eocene source rock intervals appear to be the most active at present, having entered the oil window during Oligocene and attained present-day maturities in the range of 0.62 to 0.90 Ro% in most of the wells. However, in OML 38, with relatively higher sedimentation rates, the Paleocene source rocks are presently at the peak of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion whereas the Eocene source rocks in most of the wells are barely mature. The Oligocene intervals in the wells studied are not mature according to modeled vitrinite reflectance ranging from 0.4 to 0.52R% at present day. At present time, average cumulative oil generated and expelled from Paleocene source rocks in OML 1 and 40 are 98,000 kg/m2 and 77,500 kg/m2, respectively. The Eocene source rocks stand at 73,000 kg/m2 and 35,000 kg/m2, respectively. In OML 38, average cumulative oil generated from Paleocene and Eocene source rocks are 95,000 and 51,000 kg/m2, respectively. Only 76% and 1.9% of the generated hydrocarbon have been expelled, respectively. It is only from the Paleocene interval of Abiala 1 (OML 40) that a substantial amount of gas (65,000 kg/m2) has been generated. © 2012 LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Geologia e Energia IP. | Abiala; Heat flow; Hydrocarbon; Maturation; Paleocene; Source rock | burial (geology); computer simulation; crustal thinning; gas field; heat flow; hydrocarbon exploration; hydrocarbon reservoir; Paleocene-Eocene boundary; potential flow; sedimentation rate; software; source rock; thermal maturity; Niger Delta; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873927521 | Burn-in and the performance quality measures in continuous heterogeneous populations | Cha J.H., Finkelstein M. | 2012 | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part O: Journal of Risk and Reliability | 226 | 4 | 10.1177/1748006X12443217 | Department of Statistics, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Deehyun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-750, South Korea; Department of Mathematical Statistics, University of the Free State, South Africa; Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Germany | Cha, J.H., Department of Statistics, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Deehyun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-750, South Korea; Finkelstein, M., Department of Mathematical Statistics, University of the Free State, South Africa, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Germany | Burn-in is a method used to eliminate initial failures in field use. To burn-in a component or system means to subject it to a period of use prior to the time when it is to actually be used. Under the assumption of decreasing or bathtub-shaped population failure rate functions, various problems of determining optimal burn-in have been intensively studied in the literature. In this paper, we assume that a population is composed of stochastically ordered subpopulations, described by their own performance quality measures and study optimal burn-in, which optimizes overall performance measures. It turns out that this setting can justify burn-in even when it is not necessary in the framework of conventional approaches. For instance, it could be reasonable to perform burn-in even when the failure rate function that describes a heterogeneous population of items increases and this is one of the main and important findings of the current study. © 2012 IMechE. | burn-in; heterogeneous population; performance quality measures; Reliability; stochastically ordered subpopulations | Burn-in; Conventional approach; Failure rate functions; Heterogeneous populations; In-field; Initial failure; Performance measure; Performance quality; stochastically ordered subpopulations; Optimization; Reliability; Failure analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650416758 | Burn-in and the performance quality measures in heterogeneous populations | Cha J.H., Finkelstein M. | 2011 | European Journal of Operational Research | 210 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ejor.2010.09.019 | Department of Statistics, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea; Department of Mathematical Statistics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Germany | Cha, J.H., Department of Statistics, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, South Korea; Finkelstein, M., Department of Mathematical Statistics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Germany | Burn-in is a widely used engineering method of elimination of defective items before they are shipped to customers or put into field operation. Under the assumption that a population is described by the decreasing or bathtub-shaped failure rate functions, various optimal burn-in problems have been intensively studied in the literature. In this paper, we consider a new model and assume that a population is composed of stochastically ordered subpopulations described by their own performance quality measures. It turns out that this setting can justify burn-in even in situations when it is not justified in the framework of conventional approaches. For instance, it is shown that it can be reasonable to perform burn-in even when the failure rate function that describes the heterogeneous population of items increases and this is one of the main and important findings of our study. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Burn-in; Heterogeneous population; Performance quality measures; Reliability; Stochastically ordered subpopulations | Bathtub shaped failure rate; Burn-in; Conventional approach; Defective items; Engineering methods; Failure rate functions; Field operation; Heterogeneous populations; New model; Performance quality; Stochastically ordered subpopulations | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862076582 | Bush clearing, tillage methods and the performance of a maize/cassava intercrop on an Ultisol in Southwestern Nigeria | Ndaeyo N.U., Aiyelari E.A. | 2009 | Tropical Agriculture | 86 | 4 | None | Systems Agronomy, Department of Agronomy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Agricultural Engineering, Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ndaeyo, N.U., Systems Agronomy, Department of Agronomy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Aiyelari, E.A., Agricultural Engineering, Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | A three season (1995/96-1997/98) study was conducted on an Ultisol at Epemakinde, a primary forest area of southwestern Nigeria to assess the effects of bush clearing and tillage methods on the growth and yield of a maize/cassava intercrop. A randomized complete block design with plot arrangement and three replicates was used with the bush clearing (bulldozed and windrowed (BW), bulldozed not windrowed (BNW) and Clear-fell, slashed and burnt (CSB)] and tillage methods (conventional (CT), minimum (MT), traditional (TT) and zero (ZT) as the main and sub-treatments, respectively. Results indicated that maize and cassava heights and number of leaves were generally better in CSB than in BW and BNW plots. Cassava storage root yield was better in the BNW plots whereas maize grain yield in the CSB plots was 5-6%, 8-11% and 15-20% better than in BW and BNW plots after the first, second and third cropping cycles, respectively. Among the tillage methods, no definite pattern was shown for crop heights and number of leaves but TT and MT treatments were significantly (P<0.05) better than CT and ZT, except for number of maize leaves. The best crop yields were obtained in MT plots for maize and in TT plots for cassava. The interaction effects of bush clearing and tillage methods were significant for the crop yield with the CSB + ZT or TT combination supporting better crop yields. However since the CSB is slow, inefficient and laborious, it would hardly meet the food demands of the ever-increasing population. Therefore, the adoption of BNW + MT combination would be more appropriate in primary forests of the humid tropics. © 2009 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Bush clearing; Crop yields; Nigeria; Tillage methods | Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931051845 | Business cycles and stock market performance in South Africa | Muchaonyerwa F., Choga I. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; School of Economic and Decision Sciences, North West University, South Africa | Muchaonyerwa, F., Department of Economics, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Choga, I., School of Economic and Decision Sciences, North West University, South Africa | The stock market is an important indicator of an economy’s financial health. It checks the mood of investors in a country. Stock market performance is a vital component of business cycle growth. T hus, this study investigates the relationship between stock market performance and business cycles in South Africa for the period 2002-2009 using monthly data. This is done by constructing a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study specifies a business cycle model with the business cycle coincident indicator of South Africa being the independent variable explained by the All Share Price index (ALSI), Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER), Money Supply (M1), Inflation (CPIX) and the Prime Overdraft Rate (POR). The ALSI represents stock market performance whilst the rest of the variables are to enhance model specification. The study found a positive association between stock market performance and business cycles and this match with most of the results from the empirical literature provided. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Business cycle; Stock market; Vector error correction South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937886083 | Business environment and the financial performance of small and medium enterprises: A study of Lagos state, Nigeria | Titus O.A. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 4CONT4 | None | College of Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Titus, O.A., College of Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | The financial outcome of an enterprise is perceived to have some relationships with its operational environment. This study analysed the business environment as a correlate of financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as to contribute to environment-enterprise policy mechanisms and regulatory framework, industry and management practices. Relevant definitional criteria and World Bank’s model were adopted to sample 228 SMEs from 456 via judgmental and convenience techniques. Multifactor business-environment questionnaire (MBEQ) was used to elicit responses from SMEs in a field survey. Enterprise type, activity, product line and financial performance were examined. Results showed dominance of sole proprietorship and services SMEs, multi-product lines, and highly positively correlated financial performance and business environment. Consequently, improved SME-friendly business environment was recommended. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Business environment; Correlational analysis; Financial performance; Small and medium enterprises | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959369143 | Business impact of time-lapse data in deepwater Niger Delta | Fehintola T.O., Olatunbosun G. | 2011 | Leading Edge (Tulsa, OK) | 30 | 6 | 10.1190/1.3599152 | Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Nigeria | Fehintola, T.O., Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Nigeria; Olatunbosun, G., Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Nigeria | Data acquisition projects that cost significant sums of money should always be justified based on derived benefits. Time-lapse seismic data requirements need to be driven by the impact of the new data upon the field devel-opment plan (FDP) and integrated reservoir management. This article discusses the business impact of time-lapse seismic data using both a lookahead and a lookback value of information (VOI) analysis in an offshore oil field in Nigeria. © 2011 Society of Exploration Geophysicists. | None | Acquisition projects; Business impact; Deepwater; Look-ahead; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Time-lapse seismic data; Value of information; Petroleum reservoir evaluation; Reservoir management; Seismic response; Seismic waves; Offshore oil fields | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887140836 | Business owner's expertise, employee skills training and business performance: A small business perspective | Chinomona R. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 29 | 6 | None | Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Chinomona, R., Department of Logistics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | While researches on small businesses have grown substantially, there seem to be a paucity of researches that specifically investigate the effects of small business owner's expertise on employees' skills training and small business performance. In order to fill this void the current study examined the direct effects of small business owner expertise on small business performance and the mediating influence of employee skills training in this relationship. To empirically test the three (3) posited hypotheses, a sample data of 221 was collected from small business employees in Zimbabwe. The results indicate that small business owner's expertise positively influence employees' skills training and small business performance in a significant way. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are indicated. © author(s) Creative Commons License CC-BY. | Business performance; Employee training; Expert power; Small and medium enterprises | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955003761 | Business re-engineering and organisational performance in Nigeria: A case study of First Bank Nigeria Plc | Aregbeyen O. | 2011 | International Business Management | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/ibm.2011.151.158 | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Aregbeyen, O., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Using paired data samples between 1986 and 2008, this study evaluates the impact of the re-engineering of operational processes on the performance of the First Bank Nigeria Plc. The performance of the bank was assessed focusing on growth, profitability and the extent of financial intermediation. The analysis of the data showed that the re-engineering project significantly, improved the profitability performance of the bank but not for growth and the extents of its financial intermediation. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Bank; Growth; Nigeria; Performance; Profitability; Re-engineering | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860877339 | Business studies academic performance differences of secondary school juniors in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria | Udoukpong B.E., Emah I.E., Umoren S.E. | 2012 | International Education Studies | 5 | 2 | 10.5539/ies.v5n2p35 | Department of Educational Foundations Guidance and Counselling, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Department of Curriculum Studies Educational Management and Planning, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Government Technical College, Uyo, Nigeria | Udoukpong, B.E., Department of Educational Foundations Guidance and Counselling, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Emah, I.E., Department of Curriculum Studies Educational Management and Planning, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Umoren, S.E., Government Technical College, Uyo, Nigeria | The research examined the differences in the academic performance in Business Studies of a sampled secondary school junior students in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. A sample of 290 (138 male and 152 female) Junior Secondary Three (9 th grade) students was surveyed. The students' variables' being examined vis-à-vis academic performance in Business Studies were: 1) gender and 2) self-concept. Students' academic performance in Business Studies differed significantly on the basis of gender and self-concept. Implications for students' personal variables considerations in the teaching-learning of Business Studies are suggested. | Academic performance; Business studies; Gender; Self-concept | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904965186 | 'By seeing with our own eyes, it can remain in our mind': Qualitative evaluation findings suggest the ability of participatory video to reduce gender-based violence in conflict-affected settings | Gurman T.A., Trappler R.M., Acosta A., McCray P.A., Cooper C.M., Goodsmith L. | 2014 | Health Education Research | 29 | 4 | 10.1093/her/cyu018 | Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States; American Refugee Committee, 1320 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; American Refugee Committee, International Uganda Program, P.O Box 7868, Kampala, Uganda; Communication for Change, 423 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States | Gurman, T.A., Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States; Trappler, R.M., Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States; Acosta, A., American Refugee Committee, 1320 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; McCray, P.A., American Refugee Committee, International Uganda Program, P.O Box 7868, Kampala, Uganda; Cooper, C.M., American Refugee Committee, 1320 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Goodsmith, L., Communication for Change, 423 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States | Gender-based violence is pervasive and poses unique challenges in conflict-affected settings, with women and girls particularly vulnerable to its sequelae. Furthermore, widespread stigmatization of gender-based violence promotes silence among survivors and families, inhibiting access to services. Little evidence exists regarding effective gender-based violence prevention interventions in these settings. Through Our Eyes, a multi-year participatory video project, addressed gender-based violence by stimulating community dialogue and action in post-conflict settings in South Sudan, Uganda, Thailand, Liberia and Rwanda. The present qualitative analysis of project evaluation data included transcripts from 18 focus group discussions (n = 125) and key informant interviews (n = 76). Study participants included project team members, representatives from partner agencies, service providers and community members who either participated in video production or attended video screenings. Study findings revealed that the video project contributed to a growing awareness of women's rights and gender equality. The community dialogue helped to begin dismantling the culture of silence gender-based violence, encouraging survivors to access health and law enforcement services. Furthermore, both men and women reported attitude and behavioral changes related to topics such as wife beating, gender-based violence reporting and girls' education. Health education professionals should employ participatory video to address gender-based violence within conflict-affected settings. © 2014 The Author. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961361674 | CAD/CAM applications: Status and impact in Nigerian industrial sector | Simolowo E., Okonkwo F.C., Kehinde O.O. | 2010 | Indian Journal of Science and Technology | 3 | 6 | 10.17485/ijst/2010/v3i6/29774 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Simolowo, E., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Okonkwo, F.C., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Kehinde, O.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This research assessed, among others, the current status and the impact of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) applications in the Nigerian industrial and technological sector. Two prominent cities Lagos and Ibadan were selected as centers of case studies to establish the level of the applications. Data was collected from industries within the 2 cities in the areas of manufacturing, design, production, construction and consultancy service units during a year long study. From the survey, 56% of companies visited in Lagos metropolis apply Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) activities in their operations. Also 60% of the companies considered in Ibadan metropolis apply CAE, of which 75% are into CAD, 12.5% are applying CAM whereas 12.5% are utilizing Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines. Conclusively, the commonest CAD techniques employed by the industries surveyed are Auto CAD and Archi CAD representing 55.6% and 33.3% of the total packages being used in the visited companies respectively. © Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee). | CAD/CAM-applications; Improvements; Nigerian-industries status | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-32544440191 | Calculating age-adjusted cancer survival estimates when age-specific data are sparse: An empirical evaluation of various methods | Gondos A., Parkin D.M., Chokunonga E., Brenner H. | 2006 | British Journal of Cancer | 94 | 3 | 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602976 | Department of Epidemiology, German Centre for Research on Ageing, Bergheimer Str. 20, Heidelberg 69115, Germany; Unit of Descriptive Epidemiology, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France; Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, Harare, Zimbabwe | Gondos, A., Department of Epidemiology, German Centre for Research on Ageing, Bergheimer Str. 20, Heidelberg 69115, Germany; Parkin, D.M., Unit of Descriptive Epidemiology, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France, Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Chokunonga, E., Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, Harare, Zimbabwe; Brenner, H., Department of Epidemiology, German Centre for Research on Ageing, Bergheimer Str. 20, Heidelberg 69115, Germany | We evaluated empirically the performance of various methods of calculating age-adjusted survival estimates when age-specific data are sparse. We have illustrated that a recently proposed alternative method of age adjustment involving the use of balanced age groups or age truncation may be useful for enhancing calculability and reliability of adjusted survival estimates. © 2006 Cancer Research UK. | Age-adjusted survival; Cancer survival; Sparse data | adolescent; adult; aged; article; cancer survival; child; data analysis; human; infant; mathematical analysis; priority journal; reliability; survival; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Research Design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904679522 | Calculation methods and effects of end-winding inductance and permanent-magnet end flux on performance prediction of nonoverlap winding permanent-magnet machines | Potgieter J.H.J., Kamper M.J. | 2014 | IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications | 50 | 4 | 10.1109/TIA.2013.2295468 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom | Potgieter, J.H.J., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom; Kamper, M.J., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Due to the short end windings of nonoverlap winding permanent-magnet (PM) machines, the end-winding inductance component is generally ignored in the design. In most cases, the end-flux fringing effects in PMs are also not taken into account. It is shown in this paper that these end effects have a significant influence on the performance parameters of the machine. In this paper, several nonoverlap winding PM machines are considered with respect to the effects of end-winding inductance and PM end-flux fringing. A number of calculation methods for the per-phase end-winding inductance of the machines are compared. A new simple analytical calculation method is proposed, which is shown to give a relatively good prediction of the end-winding inductance compared with 3-D finite-element (FE) results. It is proposed in this paper that the PM strength should be reduced by a certain fringing factor to take the end-flux fringing effects into account in the 2-D FE analysis. Practical measurements are also presented to validate the FE calculations and to give an indication on the effects that are caused by the end-winding inductance and the PM end-flux fringing. © 2013 IEEE. | analytical models; design optimization; end windings; finite element methods; flux fringing; Inductance; permanent magnet machines; saturation magnetization | Analytical models; Finite element method; Inductance; Permanent magnets; Saturation magnetization; Analytical calculation; Design optimization; End windings; FE calculations; Fringing effects; Performance parameters; Performance prediction; Permanent-magnet machine; Winding | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650995038 | Calf survival and reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cows in central Ethiopia | Yalew B., Lobago F., Goshu G. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 2 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9697-9 | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Yalew, B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Lobago, F., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Goshu, G., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | This study was carried out to evaluate the reproductive performance and calves survival rate of Holstein-Friesian (HF) herd in Holeta, central highland of Ethiopia. A retrospective analysis of 26 years data was carried out, from which records of 724 age at first calving (AFC), 2,022 calving intervals (CI), 2,971 breeding efficiencies (BE), 260 abortions, 111 stillbirths were derived from 795 cows. Moreover, 738 female calves' records were also included for survival rate study. The overall least squares means of AFC, CI, and BE were 40.9 ± 0.33 months, 475 ± 2.84 days, 81.9 ± 0.26%, respectively, while the incidence rates of abortion, stillbirth, and female calves survival rate for this herd were 8.0%, 3.4%, and 77.5%, respectively. The effects of parity number and year of birth/calving on CI and BE were significant (P<0.001). Moreover, birth year had significant (P<0.001) effect on AFC and calves survival rate, while calving season had significant effect on BE. The reproductive performance found in this study was lower than the performance reported in many tropical regions and the genetic potential of HF breed in their origins. Moreover, higher loss due to calf mortality was observed. Thus, the centre should consider appropriate measures to improve its herd reproductive performance and calves survival rate for attaining its aspired objectives. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Calf survival; Ethiopia; Holstein-Friesian herd; Reproductive performance | animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; article; cattle; cattle disease; Ethiopia; female; male; mortality; physiology; reproduction; retrospective study; stillbirth; veterinary abortion; Abortion, Veterinary; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Ethiopia; Female; Male; Mortality; Reproduction; Retrospective Studies; Stillbirth; Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862162307 | Calibration and performance testing of sodium iodide, NaI (Tl), detector at the food and environmental laboratory of the radiation protection institute of the Ghana atomic energy commission | Faanu A., Emi-Reynolds G., Darko E.O., Awudu R., Glover E.T., Adukpo O.K., Otoo F., Kpeglo D.O., Lawluvi H. | 2012 | West African Journal of Applied Ecology | 19 | 1 | None | Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Faanu, A., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Emi-Reynolds, G., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Darko, E.O., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Awudu, R., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Glover, E.T., National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Adukpo, O.K., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Otoo, F., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Kpeglo, D.O., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Lawluvi, H., Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana | The performance testing of a newly acquired sodium iodide detector (NaI), (Tl)) at Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) was investigated by carrying out energy and efficiency calibration on the detector, as well as validation of its calibration. The energy and efficiency calibrations were performed using mixed radionuclides standard containing 241Am, 109Cd, 57Co, 137Cs and 60Co in the energy range of 60-1333 keV. The energy and efficiency calibration curves obtained compare well with what is available in the literature. Results of the validation of the calibration showed that there were no significance differences between the measured and the calculated activities of the standard radionuclides with activity ratios in the range of 0.90-0.98 and the corresponding percentage deviation in a range of 1.43-10.47%. The average MDA of 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs from background counting rates were estimated to be 0.099 ± 0.055 Bq, 0.061 ± 0.037 Bq, 0.727 ± 0.300 Bq and 0.014 ± 0.006 Bq, respectively. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052431099 | Calibration and resolution effects on model performance for predicting shallow landslide locations in Taiwan | Keijsers J.G.S., Schoorl J.M., Chang K.-T., Chiang S.-H., Claessens L., Veldkamp A. | 2011 | Geomorphology | 133 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.03.020 | Land 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, Netherlands | Keijsers, 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, Netherlands | In 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 distribution | calibration; digital elevation model; hazard assessment; land use change; landslide; model validation; performance assessment; precipitation intensity; prediction; slope dynamics; slope stability; trigger mechanism; Taiwan | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84960896156 | Calibration of a passive, in situ, integrative sampler for monitoring of microbial biotoxins in aquatic environments | Nyoni H., Mamba B.B., Msagati T.A.M. | 2015 | Water Science and Technology: Water Supply | 15 | 6 | 10.2166/ws.2015.080 | University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa | Nyoni, H., University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mamba, B.B., University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa; Msagati, T.A.M., University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box 392 UNISA 0003, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa | In this work, an integrative passive sampler based on a silicone membrane filled with a suspension of γ-Fe2O3 at pH 3.5 was developed. The novel device was calibrated for the measurement of microcystin concentrations in water. Laboratory calibration studies of the passive sampling devises under controlled conditions of temperature, water turbulence, and analyte concentration were conducted in order to establish how variable environmental conditions affect the novel sampler's performance. The chemical uptake of microcystin (MC)-RR, -LR, and -YR into the passive sampler remained linear and integrative throughout the 28-day exposure. The relative standard deviations of mean concentrations obtained using silicone-based sampler ranged from 1.42 to 3.74% for microcystin-LR, -RR, and -YR. The values for reproducibility from triplicate samplers ranged from 3.5 to 7.1% for microcystin-LR, -RR, and -YR. The detection limits on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with PDA detection for microcystins LR, RR, and YR were 24.7, 17.2, and 23.8 μg L-1 respectively, calculated as three times the signal to noise ratio. The rate of accumulation of most of the MC compounds tested was dependent on temperature and flow velocity. Furthermore, the sample matrix, e.g. humic substances, had no significant effect on the concentration of compounds trapped in the acceptor solution and once these MC compounds were trapped in the acceptor phase they did not diffuse back during the deployment period. © IWA Publishing 2015. | Iron-oxide-nanoparticle; Microcystins; Passive sampling; Silicone membrane | Calibration; Chromatography; Flow velocity; High performance liquid chromatography; Iron compounds; Liquid chromatography; Signal to noise ratio; Silicones; Analyte concentration; Controlled conditions; Environmental conditions; Iron oxide nanoparticle; Microcystins; Passive sampling; Relative standard deviations; Silicone membrane; Toxic materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68049142271 | Call for global health-systems impact assessments | Swanson R.C., Mosley H., Sanders D., Egilman D., De Maeseneer J., Chowdhury M., Lanata C.F., Dearden K., Bryant M. | 2009 | The Lancet | 374 | 9688 | 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61212-5 | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; School of Public Health, University of Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa; Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Nutritional Research Institute, Lima, Peru; Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; IDEAS Development Institute, Boston, MA, United States | Swanson, R.C., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Mosley, H., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Sanders, D., School of Public Health, University of Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa; Egilman, D., Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; De Maeseneer, J., Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Chowdhury, M., BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Lanata, C.F., Nutritional Research Institute, Lima, Peru; Dearden, K., Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Bryant, M., IDEAS Development Institute, Boston, MA, United States | [No abstract available] | None | article; health care personnel; health care system; health service; medical information system; priority journal; responsibility; world health organization; Health Planning; Health Status Disparities; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Public Health; Quality of Health Care; World Health; World Health Organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929509728 | Can behaviour buffer the impacts of climate change on an arid-zone bird? | Cunningham S.J., Martin R.O., Hockey P.A.R. | 2015 | Ostrich | 86 | 42371 | 10.2989/00306525.2015.1016469 | Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST–NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Cunningham, S.J., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST–NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Martin, R.O., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST–NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hockey, P.A.R., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST–NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Behavioural thermoregulation, particularly the use of cool microclimates, is one method by which organisms could avoid the worst effects of climate warming. However, retreat into cool microsites, e.g. shady vegetation or burrows, may carry important lost-opportunity costs. These could include reduced opportunity for foraging, breeding or territorial defence, each carrying implications for fitness. We investigated patterns of microclimate use and foraging behaviour by Southern Fiscals Lanius collaris in the Kalahari. We used Ivlev's electivity index to assess preference of breeding males for perch types with different thermal properties. We found that Southern Fiscals preferred to hunt from high, sunny perches at all times, except on hot afternoons (air temperature >35 °C), when they switched their preference to high, shaded perches. Black-bulb thermometers indicated shaded perches were always cooler than sunny perches, especially on hot afternoons. Therefore, Southern Fiscals could reduce thermoregulatory costs by switching foraging locations. However, Southern Fiscal foraging success rates were highest when hunting from sunny perches, and were reduced by c. 50% when hunting from shaded perches. Our data suggest that Southern Fiscals were making a trade-off on hot afternoons, compromising foraging intake in return for thermal benefits. We discuss potential costs and consequences of this trade-off under climate change. © 2015, Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd. | climate change; fitness; foraging; Kalahari; Lanius collaris; lost-opportunity cost; microclimate; microsite; Southern Fiscal; thermoregulation; trade-off | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43049094353 | Can crops be irrigated with sodium bicarbonate rich CBM deep aquifer water? Theoretical and field evaluation | Beletse Y.G., Annandale J.G., Steyn J.M., Hall I., Aken M.E. | 2008 | Ecological Engineering | 33 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2007.12.011 | Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Anglo Coal Project Services, Private Bag X9, Leraatsfontein 1038, South Africa; Anglo Coal Environmental Services, Private Bag X9, Leraatsfontein 1038, South Africa | Beletse, Y.G., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Annandale, J.G., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Steyn, J.M., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Hall, I., Anglo Coal Project Services, Private Bag X9, Leraatsfontein 1038, South Africa; Aken, M.E., Anglo Coal Environmental Services, Private Bag X9, Leraatsfontein 1038, South Africa | A simulation modelling exercise, followed by field trials was carried out to assess the suitability of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) rich water obtained from dewatering for extraction of methane gas from coal beds in the Limpopo Province, Republic of South Africa. This water has a very high EC of 750 mS m-1, which according to FAO water quality guidelines would suit only salt tolerant crops. Modelled crop growth at a leaching fraction (LF) of 23% using the Soil Water Balance (SWB) model gave root zone salinity (ECe) between 857 and 981 mS m-1, and a 90% potential crop yield. In the field trials, barley, Italian ryegrass and Bermuda grass were successfully grown in a loamy sand soil without leaf burn and toxicity problems, but cotton foliage was scorched when sprinkler irrigated. Drip emitter discharge rate decreased from 3.99 ± 0.15 to 3.5 ± 0.19 l h-1, suggesting that clogging will be problematic with micro irrigation. SWB gave a good estimation of the suitability of this NaHCO3 rich water in the theoretical assessment, which was similar to the experimental findings. SWB, therefore, is a useful tool for assessing the suitability of NaHCO3 deep aquifer water for irrigation of agricultural crops. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Irrigation; Long term; Mine water; Modelling; NaHCO3; Salt tolerance; SWB model | Extraction; Irrigation; Mathematical models; Methane; Mine water; Salt tolerance; SWB model; Sodium compounds; Extraction; Irrigation; Mathematical models; Methane; Sodium compounds; aquifer; barley; bicarbonate; coal seam; crop yield; growth; irrigation; methane; mine; salinity tolerance; sodium; toxicity; water quality; Africa; Limpopo; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Cynodon dactylon; Gossypium hirsutum; Hordeum; Lolium multiflorum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650099709 | Can disease control priorities improve health systems performance in South Africa? | Rispel L.C., Barron P. | 2010 | South African Medical Journal | 100 | 12 | None | Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Rispel, L.C., Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Barron, P., Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; cost effectiveness analysis; disease control; health care access; health care cost; health care delivery; health care disparity; health care financing; health care personnel management; health care quality; health care system; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medical information; performance measurement system; primary health care; South Africa; tuberculosis; Delivery of Health Care; Government Programs; Humans; Medical Assistance; Quality of Health Care; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881063716 | Can environmental performance rating programmes succeed in Africa? An evaluation of Ghana's AKOBEN project | Darko-Mensah A.B., Okereke C. | 2013 | Management of Environmental Quality | 24 | 5 | 10.1108/MEQ-01-2012-0003 | EcoBank, Accra, Ghana; Department of Geography and Environmental Science, School of Human and Environmental Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom | Darko-Mensah, A.B., EcoBank, Accra, Ghana; Okereke, C., Department of Geography and Environmental Science, School of Human and Environmental Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse Ghana's AKOBEN programme which is the first environmental performance rating and public disclosure programme in Africa. Furthermore, by means of a SWOT analysis, the article assesses the suitability of AKOBEN as a veritable tool for promoting good environmental governance in Ghana specifically and Africa in general. Design/methodology/approach: The description of the design, scope and operation of the AKOBEN programme is based on 42 semi structured interviews and series of informal interactions with officials of Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - the organisation that runs the AKOBEN project, industry participants, civil society representatives and other stakeholders. This extensive interaction with relevant actors and stakeholders and the analysis of extant literature on environmental disclosure projects provided the basis for a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis of Ghana's AKOBEN programme. Findings: AKOBEN possesses several elements that make it capable of being an effective environmental governance tool in Ghana. These include inter alia high level political support, comprehensive rating criteria and transparency in the design of the programme. However, certain weaknesses such as the absence of a specific legal and institutional framework among others could undermine the chances of the programme attaining its full potential. Other African countries can reasonably copy the AKOBEN model with success. Originality/value: Assessment of Africa's first ever environmental rating programme provides insight that can help Ghana to consolidate on the strengths while addressing the weaknesses of the rating programme. Other African governments considering the establishment of a similar rating programme can learn a lot from the analysis of Ghana's EPA's AKOBEN programme. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | AKOBEN Ghana; Environmental management; Environmental performance; Environmental rating; Ghana | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865291371 | Can floral traits predict an invasive plant's impact on native plant-pollinator communities? | Gibson M.R., Richardson D.M., Pauw A. | 2012 | Journal of Ecology | 100 | 5 | 10.1111/j.1365-2745.2012.02004.x | Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, 7602, Matieland, South Africa; Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, 7602, Matieland, South Africa | Gibson, M.R., Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, 7602, Matieland, South Africa; Richardson, D.M., Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, 7602, Matieland, South Africa; Pauw, A., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, 7602, Matieland, South Africa | The possession of certain floral traits can determine which insects visit a plant species. If two species possess similar floral traits that determine shared flower visitors, floral traits can be said to mediate plant-plant interactions. Such indirect interactions are important for understanding fundamental relationships of plant communities, such as competition and facilitation but thus far have only been tested within a native community context. We test whether floral-trait similarity can be used to predict interactions between an invasive plant and co-occurring native species in South Africa's Cape Floristic Region. We surveyed flower visitation at invaded and uninvaded plots across four sites and correlated floral-trait similarity between invasive and native species with both invasion impact on native flower visitation and flower visitor overlap of natives and the invasive species. Similarity of all traits (categorical and continuous) and categorical traits alone explained invasion impact (flower visitor overlap) between the native and invasive species. The majority of flower visitor overlap was attributed to the native honeybee Apis mellifera subsp. capensis. This study is the first to show that floral traits can be used to predict novel plant-plant interactions, even amongst ecologically generalized flower visitors and plants and to predict potential impacts of an invasive species on native flowering communities. However, floral traits were not useful for predicting changes in visitation to plant species. Synthesis. Results advance our understanding of the role of plant traits in ecological communities and reveal that they are important in mediating not only plant-pollinator interactions but also plant-plant interactions. Our findings also shed light on invasive-native plant interactions via pollinators and have the potential to predict certain invasion impacts. Results advance our understanding of the role of plant traits in ecological communities and reveal that they are important in mediating not only plant-pollinator interactions but also plant-plant interactions. Our findings also shed light on invasive-native plant interactions via pollinators and have the potential to predict certain invasion impacts. © 2012 British Ecological Society. | Acacia saligna; Biological invasions; Flower morphology; Fynbos; Generalist; Honeybee; Invasion ecology; Plant-insect interactions; Plant-plant interactions; Pollination syndromes | coexistence; community structure; competition (ecology); flower visiting; generalist; honeybee; intraspecific interaction; invasive species; morphology; native species; plant community; plant-pollinator interaction; pollination; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349107054 | Can GM sorghum impact Africa? | Botha G.M., Viljoen C.D. | 2008 | Trends in Biotechnology | 26 | 2 | 10.1016/j.tibtech.2007.10.008 | GMO Testing Facility, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Botha, G.M., GMO Testing Facility, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Viljoen, C.D., GMO Testing Facility, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | It is said that genetic modification (GM) of grain sorghum has the potential to alleviate hunger in Africa. To this end, millions of dollars have been committed to developing GM sorghum. Current developments in the genetic engineering of sorghum are similar to efforts to improve cassava and other traditional African crops, as well as rice in Asia. On closer analysis, GM sorghum is faced with the same limitations as 'Golden Rice' (GM rice) in the context of combating vitamin A deficiency (VAD) efficiently and sustainably. Thus, it is questionable whether the cost of developing GM sorghum can be justified when compared to the cost of investing in sustainable agricultural practice in Africa. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Costs; Food products; Genetic engineering; Sustainable development; Africa; Genetic modification; Grain sorghum; Sustainable agricultural practice; Crops; vitamin; Africa; agriculture; article; DNA modification; genetic engineering; grain; priority journal; rice; sorghum; Africa; Food, Genetically Modified; Genetic Enhancement; Plants, Genetically Modified; Sorghum; Manihot esculenta; Sorghum bicolor bicolor | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949612498 | Cannibalization as popular tradition in Igbo Masquerade performance | Okoye C. | 2010 | Research in African Literatures | 41 | 2 | 10.2979/RAL.2010.41.2.19 | University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Okoye, C., University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Most of the critical strategies deployed in the investigation of the postcolonial condition of African cultures, such as hybridity and creolization, celebrate the emergence of a somewhat syncretist new culture. Notably, these strategies fail to sufficiently typify situations where one culture violently extracts cultural "pieces" from another for its own nourishment rather than the production of a new ethos. Describing this encounter as "cannibalization," this paper argues that African communities have always scrutinized their contact with foreign cultures, accepting, rejecting, and appropriating practices and artifacts according to their needs, while still maintaining an underlying loyalty to their indigenous processes. This "tradition" is exemplified in Igbo masquerade performance, which adopts an expropriatory strategy by which it subjects Euro-American cultural forms to a process of indigenization, stripping them of their original symbolic equipment and immersing them in entirely local ones. Thus, rather than producing a qualitatively new performance form, these pieces sustain the Igbo masquerade tradition. © 2010. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000320574400001 | Can palliative care integrated within HIV outpatient settings improve pain and symptom control in a low-income country? A prospective, longitudinal, controlled intervention evaluation | Alexander, Carla,Collins, Karilyn,Combo, Eric,Harding, Richard,Loy, George,Memiah, Peter,Patrick, Genevieve,Sigalla, Geoffrey,Simms, Victoria | 2013 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 25 | 7 | 10.1080/09540121.2012.736608 | Kings College London, University of London, University of Maryland Baltimore, University System of Maryland, AIDS Relief, Evangel Lutheran Church Tanzania, Hosp Teule, Sekou Toure Hosp | "Alexander, Carla: University of Maryland Baltimore","Alexander, Carla: University System of Maryland","Harding, Richard: Kings College London","Harding, Richard: University of London","Memiah, Peter: University of Maryland Baltimore","Memiah, Peter: University System of Maryland","Simms, Victoria: Kings College London","Simms, Victoria: University of London", | A high burden of pain, symptoms and other multidimensional problems persist alongside HIV treatment. WHO policy indicates palliative care as essential throughout the disease course. This study aimed to determine whether palliative care delivered from within an existing HIV outpatient setting improves control of pain and symptoms compared to standard care. A prospective, longitudinal controlled design compared patient outcomes at an outpatient facility that introduced palliative care training to clinicians and stocked essential palliative care drugs, to outcomes of a cohort of patients at a similar HIV care facility with no palliative care, in Tanzania. Inclusion criteria were clinically significant pain or symptoms. Patients were followed from baseline fortnightly until week 10 using validated self-report outcome measures. For the primary pain outcome, the required sample size of 120 patients was recruited. Odds of reporting pain reduced significantly more at intervention site (OR=0.60, 95% CI 0.50-0.72) than at control (OR=0.85, 95% CI 0.80-0.90), p=0.001. For secondary outcomes, longitudinal analysis revealed significant difference in slope between intervention and control, respectively: Medical Outcomes Study-HIV (MOS-HIV) physical score 1.46 vs. 0.54, p=0.002; MOS-HIV mental health 1.13 vs. 0.26, p=0.006; and POS total score 0.84 vs. 0.18, p=0.001. Neither baseline CD4 nor antiretroviral therapy (ART) use was associated with outcome scores. These data are the first to report outcomes evaluating integrated HIV outpatient palliative care in the presence of ART. The data offer substantive evidence to underpin the existing WHO clinical guidance that states an essential role for palliative care alongside HIV treatment, regardless of prognosis. | evaluation,HIV,PAIN,palliative,SYMPTOMS,"ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",BURDEN,CONTROLLED-TRIALS,"HEALTH SURVEY",INFECTION,"OUTCOME SCALE",PREVALENCE,QUALITY-OF-LIFE,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",UGANDA | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000295735200003 | Can Peer Education Make a Difference? Evaluation of a South African Adolescent Peer Education Program to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health | Flisher, Alan J.,Mason-Jones, Amanda J.,Mathews, Catherine | 2011 | AIDS AND BEHAVIOR | 15 | 8 | 10.1007/s10461-011-0012-1 | South African Medical Research Council, University of Cape Town | "Flisher, Alan J.: University of Cape Town", | Peer education is popular both with governments and with young people. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a government-led peer education program on the self-reported sexual health behavior and related psychosocial outcomes of adolescent students in public high schools in the Western Cape of South Africa. Grade 10 students (n = 3934), at 30 public high schools (15 intervention, 15 comparison) were recruited to the study. In the intervention schools, peer educators were recruited and trained to provide information and support to their fellow students. Sexual health behaviors and related psychosocial outcomes of students were measured at baseline and at follow up 18 months later. Comparisons were made between those in the intervention and comparison group schools. We were unable to detect a significant difference in the age of sexual debut, use of condoms at last sex, goal orientation, decision-making or future orientation for students in the intervention group as compared to students in the comparison group. The findings suggest that the peer education program was not effective in reducing the age of sexual debut or condom use. Issues around the implementation of the program suggested that this was sub-optimal. Governments who advocate widespread use of peer education as an approach need to recognise barriers to implementation and ensure ongoing monitoring and evaluation of effectiveness and cost effectiveness. | ADOLESCENT,Africa,HIV,"PEER EDUCATION",SCHOOL,COUNTRIES,GENDER,"HIV PREVENTION",INTERVENTIONS,SCHOOLS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894070154 | Can personal initiative training improve small business success?: A longitudinal South African evaluation study | Solomon G., Frese M., Friedrich C., Glaub M. | 2013 | International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 14 | 4 | 10.5367/ijei.2013.0129 | Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Management and Organisation, National University of Singapore Business School, Singapore; Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Germany; Department of Management, University of the Western Cape, South Africa; University of Applied Sciences, Giessen, Germany; University of Giessen, Germany | Solomon, G., Department of Business Management, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Frese, M., Department of Management and Organisation, National University of Singapore Business School, Singapore, Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Germany; Friedrich, C., Department of Management, University of the Western Cape, South Africa, University of Applied Sciences, Giessen, Germany; Glaub, M., University of Giessen, Germany | High levels of personal initiative will be required to unlock the potential offered by the many untapped resources in Africa in terms of business opportunities. Significant resources are ploughed into the development of the small business sector by governments in Africa, particularly in South Africa. However, there is little evidence that these efforts are sufficiently effective to produce the desired results. Two issues are addressed in this article: (a) whether or not enhancing the personal initiative of owner-managers improves the performance of small businesses, and (b) the moderation of the content and effectiveness of a short training intervention by means of a longitudinal evaluation study, including a control group. The findings show an increase in the training group's business activities and performance, and also identify the varied contributions of the components of the training. | Entrepreneurial training; Entrepreneurship education; Personal initiative training; Small businesses; South africa; Success factors | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870370090 | Can shelterbelts improve sprinkler irrigation performance under windy semi arid conditions? | Toromo A.K., Kipkorir E.C., Shitote S.M., Kibiiy J.K. | 2011 | Irrigation and Drainage Systems | 25 | 4 | 10.1007/s10795-012-9128-3 | Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya | Toromo, A.K., Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Kipkorir, E.C., Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Shitote, S.M., Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya; Kibiiy, J.K., Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya | Field experiments were performed to study the effect that wind shelterbelts has on irrigation uniformity of hand move sprinkler irrigation system located in northwest Kenya. Catch can tests were performed to evaluate the distribution of applied water using coefficient of uniformity and distribution uniformity for plots with shelterbelt and without shelterbelt scenarios. Three medium pressure twin nozzle sprinkler head types were tested to determine their water distribution uniformity at varying wind speed and working pressure and obtained results were statistically analysed. The analysis was used to ascertain the performance of the medium pressure sprinklers under varying wind conditions for the two scenarios. Results indicate that uniformity is improved by wind for wind speeds below 1. 4 m/s. Analysis of data from sheltered and unsheltered plots showed a significant difference of uniformity parameters on sheltering with coefficient of uniformity for sheltered plots averaging 84 % compared to 74 % for unsheltered plots. Results indicate that the coefficient of uniformity values were higher than the distribution uniformity values although both had a strong linear relationship with a coefficient of determination above 0. 96 in both scenarios. It is concluded that shelterbelts improve sprinkler irrigation performance under windy conditions. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Distribution; Drop size; Irrigation; Uniformity; Wind drift losses | A-coefficient; Analysis of data; Coefficient of uniformity; Distribution; Distribution uniformity; Drift loss; Drop size; Field experiment; Irrigation uniformity; Linear relationships; Medium pressure; Semi-arid conditions; Sprinkler irrigation; Uniformity; Water distributions; Wind conditions; Wind speed; Windy conditions; Working pressures; Hose; Irrigation; Water supply systems; Wind effects; Sprinkler systems (irrigation); irrigation system; performance assessment; semiarid region; shelterbelt; size distribution; wind velocity; Kenya | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548414867 | Cape Town and the two oceans marathon: The impact of sport tourism | Kotze N. | 2006 | Urban Forum | 17 | 3 | 10.1007/s12132-006-0013-8 | Department of Geography, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Kotze, N., Department of Geography, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644757692 | Capital controls and the lending behaviour of South African banks: Preliminary findings on the expected impact of Basel II | Cumming S., Nel H. | 2005 | South African Journal of Economics | 73 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2005.00044.x | Department of Economics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Cumming, S.; Nel, H., Department of Economics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Banking regulation has developed rapidly over the past few years. There is a growing realization that the regulatory environment must keep pace with globalization and with advances in the financial sector. The 1988 Basel Capital Accord was an attempt to align regulatory capital with the actual underlying risks that banks face, thereby improving the soundness of the banking sector. The New Basel Capital Accord, due for implementation in South Africa in 2007, refines this principle and remedies some of the flaws of the 1988 Accord. This paper considers whether such implementation would have an effect on lending patterns and credit expansion in South Africa. It falls into five parts. Section 1 examines the rationale for the 1988 Basel Accord and outlines the relevant features of the New Accord. Section 2 reviews some of the criticisms directed towards the New Accord, concentrating on the speculation that its implementation will adversely affect bank credit expansion. Section 3 proposes a method of research for assessing the effect of the New Accord in South Africa. Section 4 analyses the trends in South African banking and considers how the New Accord may affect bank behaviour. Section 5 concludes. © 2005 Economic Society of South Africa. | None | banking; lending behavior; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000303591700010 | Capitalizing on the Characteristics of mHealth to Evaluate Its Impact | Burbach, Ryan,Cole-Lewis, Heather,Cosmaciuc, Roxana,Dusabe, Schadrack,Kanter, Andrew S.,Kaonga, Nadi Nina,Mechael, Patricia,Namakula, Patricia,Nemser, Bennett,Ohemeng-Dapaah, Seth,Shemsanga, Muhadili | 2012 | JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION | 18 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1080/10810730.2012.679848 | Columbia University, Millennium Dev Goal Ctr W Africa, Millennium Villages Project | "Burbach, Ryan: Columbia University","Cole-Lewis, Heather: Columbia University","Cosmaciuc, Roxana: Columbia University","Kanter, Andrew S.: Columbia University","Kaonga, Nadi Nina: Columbia University","Mechael, Patricia: Columbia University","Nemser, Bennett: Columbia University", | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956816345 | Capital structure and corporate performance in Nigeria Petroleum Industry: Panel data analysis | David D.F., Olorunfemi S. | 2010 | Journal of Mathematics and Statistics | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 001, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 001, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria | David, D.F., Department of Banking and Finance, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 001, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Olorunfemi, S., Department of Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, P.M.B. 001, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria | Problem statement: The actual impact of capital structure on corporate performance in Nigeria has been a major problem among researchers that has not been resolved. Approach: The study looks at the impact of capital structure on corporate performance in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. Results: The study employed panel data analysis by using Fixed-effect estimation, Random-effect estimation and Maximum likelihood estimation. It was found out that there was positive relationship between earnings per share and leverage ratio on one hand and positive relationship between dividend per share and leverage ratio on the other hand. Conclusion/Recommendations: It is therefore recommended that the management of the industry should do more to improve on its leverage ratio. © 2010 Science Publications. | Dividend; Earnings per share; Fixed effect and random effect; Leverage ratio | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884763798 | Capital structure and corporate performance of nigerian quoted firms: A panel data approach | Olokoyo F.O. | 2013 | African Development Review | 25 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2013.12034.x | Department of Finance, College of Development Studies, Covenant University, KM 10, Idiroko Road, PMB 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Olokoyo, F.O., Department of Finance, College of Development Studies, Covenant University, KM 10, Idiroko Road, PMB 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | This paper presents empirical findings on the impact of leverage (debt's ratio) on firms' performance. Empirical results based on 2003 to 2007 accounting and marketing data for 101 quoted firms in Nigeria lend some support to the pecking order and static tradeoff theories of capital structure. The study employed panel data analysis by using fixed-effect estimation, random-effect estimation and a pooled regression model. The usual identification tests and Hausman's Chi-square statistics for testing whether the fixed effects model estimator is an appropriate alternative to the random effects model were also computed for each model. A firm's leverage was found to have a significant negative impact on the firm's accounting performance measure (ROA). An interesting finding is that all the leverage measures have a positive and highly significant relationship with the market performance measure (Tobin's Q). The study further reveals a salient fact that Nigerian firms are either majorly financed by equity capital or a mix of equity capital and short-term financing. It is therefore suggested that Nigerian firms should try to match their high market performance with real activities that can help make the market performance reflect on their internal growth and accounting performance. © 2013 The Author. African Development Review © 2013 African Development Bank. | None | corporate strategy; data assimilation; econometrics; numerical model; panel data; performance assessment; regression analysis; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649791393 | Capital structure and firm performance: Evidence from Nigeria | Onaolapo A.A., Kajola S.O. | 2010 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 25 | None | Department of Management Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | Onaolapo, A.A., Department of Management Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Kajola, S.O., Department of Accounting, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | This paper examines the impact of capital structure on firm's financial performance using sample of thirty non- financial firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange during the seven- year period, 2001- 2007. Panel data for the selected firms are generated and analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) as a method of estimation. The result shows that a firm's capital structure surrogated by Debt Ratio, DR has a significantly negative impact on the firm's financial measures (Return on Asset, ROA and Return on Equity, ROE). The study by these findings, indicate consistency with prior empirical studies and provide evidence in support of Agency cost theory. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2010. | Agency cost; Capital structure; Firm performance; Roa; Roe | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874078832 | Capital structure, corporate financial performance and shareholders' investment decisions: A survey of selected nigerian companies | Bassey B.E., Inah E.U. | 2012 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 54 | None | Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115, Calabar, 8037983154, Nigeria | Bassey, B.E., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115, Calabar, 8037983154, Nigeria; Inah, E.U., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115, Calabar, 8037983154, Nigeria | This study examines capital structure, corporate financial performance and shareholders' investment decisions. The greatest issue striving against the management of any firm in Nigeria and the world over is how to minimize cost of capital and maximize shareholders wealth. To achieve this major objective, financial managers of firms need to understand the source of capital to finance the growth of the firm and also the efficient use of the available capital. The study made use of an ex-post facto design and the data collected through the use of questionnaires were analyzed using the ordinary least square (OLS) method. The results therefore revealed that capital structure have a significant relationship with corporate financial performance and shareholders' investment decisions. Based on the findings obtained the study therefore concluded that capital structure ratios significantly influence investment decisions in companies, with most investors preferring to invest in companies with a smaller debt/equity ratio. Finally, it was recommended that retained earnings should be the first source of financing a business venture before considering debt and equity. Where extra fund is needed, the company should preferably go for equity capital as the risk would be shared among the different investors. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2012. | Debt; Debt/equity; Dividend per share; Earnings per share; Equity; Return on asset; Return on equity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861554230 | CAPRISA 004 tenofovir microbicide trial: No impact of tenofovir gel on the HIV transmission bottleneck | Valley-Omar Z., Sibeko S., Anderson J., Goodier S., Werner L., Arney L., Naranbhai V., Treurnicht F., Abrahams M.-R., Bandawe G., Swanstrom R., Karim Q.A., Karim S.S.A., Williamson C. | 2012 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 206 | 1 | 10.1093/infdis/jis305 | Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States | Valley-Omar, Z., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Sibeko, S., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Anderson, J., Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, United States; Goodier, S., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Werner, L., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Arney, L., Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, United States; Naranbhai, V., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Treurnicht, F., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Abrahams, M.-R., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Bandawe, G., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Swanstrom, R., Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, United States; Karim, Q.A., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Karim, S.S.A., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Williamson, C., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa | Alterations of the genital mucosal barrier may influence the number of viruses transmitted from a human immunodeficiency virus-infected source host to the newly infected individual. We used heteroduplex tracking assay and single-genome sequencing to investigate the effect of a tenofovir-based microbicide gel on the transmission bottleneck in women who seroconverted during the CAPRISA 004 microbicide trial. Seventy-seven percent (17 of 22; 95 confidence interval [CI], 56-90) of women in the tenofovir gel arm were infected with a single virus compared with 92 (13 of 14; 95 CI, 67->99) in the placebo arm (P =. 37). Tenofovir gel had no discernable impact on the transmission bottleneck. © 2012 The Author. | None | placebo; tenofovir; amplicon; article; bottleneck population; controlled study; disease classification; gel; gene sequence; genetic distance; genetic variability; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; phylogeny; priority journal; seroconversion; virus transmission; Adenine; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cervix Uteri; Cohort Studies; Female; Gels; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Mucous Membrane; Phosphonic Acids | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863827657 | Capturing convection in the northwest Mediterranean Sea: Using underwater gliders to assess the performance of regional forecast models | Loveday B., Swart S., Storkey D. | 2012 | Underwater Technology | 30 | 3 | 10.3723/ut.30.135 | Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory, CSIR-NRE, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; FOAM Ocean Modelling Group, Met Office, Exeter, Devon EX1 3PB, United Kingdom | Loveday, B., Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Swart, S., Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa, Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory, CSIR-NRE, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Storkey, D., FOAM Ocean Modelling Group, Met Office, Exeter, Devon EX1 3PB, United Kingdom | Ocean models require independent datasets to verify forecast accuracy. Glider data, within an appropriate reference frame, can satisfy this constraint. In the present paper, profiles from the northwest Mediterranean Sea are re-gridded to allow evaluation of modelled deepwater formation episodes. Time-series analysis of temperature, salinity, mixed-layer depth and ocean heat content show that the simulated response to surface flux is consistent with observations and the evolution of convective events is well represented. However, discrepancies in the distributions of the simulated Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW) and western Mediterranean deep water (WMDW) remain. A new 'sweep' methodology, developed in the present paper, indicates that the location and duration of the simulated convective events are consistent with that observed, but spatial variability is underrepresented. Variogram analysis ascribes integral scales similar to those observed for the mixed-layer depth, but suggests that simulated scalar fields are too diffuse. The ability to maximise the separation of temporal and spatial variability, inherent in this new methodology, confirms that glider data is suitable for validating high-resolution ocean models. | Convection; Gliders; Mediterranean; Validation; Variogram | Convective events; Data sets; Deep Water; Deep-water formation; Forecast accuracy; FORECAST model; High-resolution ocean model; Levantine intermediate waters; Mediterranean; Mediterranean sea; Ocean heat content; Ocean model; Reference frame; Scalar fields; Simulated response; Spatial variability; Surface flux; Temporal and spatial variability; Underwater gliders; Validation; Variogram analysis; Variograms; Western Mediterranean; Harmonic analysis; Heat convection; Gliders; accuracy assessment; convection; deep water; gliding; intermediate water; performance assessment; spatiotemporal analysis; surface flux; underwater camera; Mediterranean Sea; Mediterranean Sea (Northwest) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20544455616 | Carbohydrate ingestion during exercise & endurance performance | Bosch A.N., Noakes T.D. | 2005 | Indian Journal of Medical Research | 121 | 5 | None | UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands 7700, South Africa | Bosch, A.N., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands 7700, South Africa; Noakes, T.D., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands 7700, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | carbohydrate; glucose; insulin; article; carbohydrate intake; carbohydrate metabolism; concentration (parameters); endurance; energy consumption; energy metabolism; exercise; fatigue; glucose blood level; glycogen muscle level; glycogenolysis; human; insulin blood level; medical research; oxidation; oxygen consumption; physical activity; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Exercise; Glucose; Humans; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650524187 | Carbonation of brine impacted fractionated coal fly ash: Implications for CO2 sequestration | Nyambura M.G., Mugera G.W., Felicia P.L., Gathura N.P. | 2011 | Journal of Environmental Management | 92 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.10.008 | Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Ecology and Resource Management, School of Environmental studies, University of Venda, Private bag, X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Limpopo, South Africa | Nyambura, M.G., Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Mugera, G.W., Department of Ecology and Resource Management, School of Environmental studies, University of Venda, Private bag, X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Limpopo, South Africa; Felicia, P.L., Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Gathura, N.P., Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | Coal combustion by-products such as fly ash (FA), brine and CO2 from coal fired power plants have the potential to impact negatively on the environment. FA and brine can contaminate the soil, surface and ground water through leaching of toxic elements present in their matrices while CO2 has been identified as a green house gas that contributes significantly towards the global warming effect. Reaction of CO2 with FA/brine slurry can potentially provide a viable route for CO2 sequestration via formation of mineral carbonates. Fractionated FA has varying amounts of CaO which not only increases the brine pH but can also be converted into an environmentally benign calcite. Carbonation efficiency of fractionated and brine impacted FA was investigated in this study. Controlled carbonation reactions were carried out in a reactor set-up to evaluate the effect of fractionation on the carbonation efficiency of FA. Chemical and mineralogical characteristics of fresh and carbonated ash were evaluated using XRF, SEM, and XRD. Brine effluents were characterized using ICP-MS and IC. A factorial experimental approach was employed in testing the variables. The 20-150μm size fraction was observed to have the highest CO2 sequestration potential of 71.84kg of CO2 per ton of FA while the >150μm particles had the lowest potential of 36.47kg of CO2 per ton of FA. Carbonation using brine resulted in higher degree of calcite formation compared to the ultra-pure water carbonated residues. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Brine; Carbonation efficiency; CO2 sequestration; Fly ash | calcium carbonate; carbon dioxide; coal; sea water; atmospheric pollution; brine; calcite; carbon dioxide; carbon sequestration; chemical alteration; coal; coal-fired power plant; fly ash; fuel consumption; greenhouse gas; pH; article; carbon sequestration; fly ash; fractional anisotropy; greenhouse effect; mass spectrometry; pH; scanning electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; Calcium Carbonate; Carbon; Carbon Dioxide; Coal; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Particulate Matter; Sodium Chloride; X-Ray Diffraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903526553 | Carbon colonialism and the new land grab: Plantation forestry in Uganda and its livelihood impacts | Lyons K., Westoby P. | 2014 | Journal of Rural Studies | 36 | None | 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2014.06.002 | School of Social Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; University of Free State, South Africa | Lyons, K., School of Social Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Westoby, P., School of Social Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia, University of Free State, South Africa | Private sector investment has become increasingly central to development in the global south, and in recent years these interventions have taken a 'green' turn. This is demonstrated via investment in economic activities associated with environmental claims, including plantation forestry and carbon trading initiatives. Many of these green initiatives represent market-based responses to climate change that rely upon the implementation of mitigation strategies in the global south to offset industrial and polluting activities in the global north. In this paper we explore the activities of Green Resources, the largest plantation forestry operator on the African continent.Through an examination of the activities of Green Resources in Uganda, this paper argues that while private sector international investment in plantation forestry for carbon offsetting is widely supported as responding to the nation's environmental crisis, it is part of a carbon colonialism and neoliberal land grab. There are profound adverse local livelihood outcomes that arise on the basis of this carbon colonialism. After discussing these themes in turn, this paper concludes that the commodification and fetishing of carbon via global carbon markets disconnects northern-based carbon credit consumers from adverse local livelihood impacts for those living in, and adjacent to, forestry plantations. These impacts point to the limits of north-south market-based green development interventions as solutions to climate change. © 2014 . | Carbon colonialism; Carbon markets; Land grabs; Plantation forestry; Privatization; Uganda | emissions trading; environmental economics; investment; plantation forestry; private sector; privatization; agrarian change; carbon emission; climate change; colonialism; land market; pollution tax; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897048371 | Carbon footprint evaluation and reduction as a climate change mitigation tool - case study of federal university of agriculture abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Ologun O.O., Wara S.T. | 2014 | International Journal of Renewable Energy Research | 4 | 1 | None | Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria | Ologun, O.O., Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria; Wara, S.T., Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria | In this paper efforts were made to create awareness and evaluate carbon footprint for the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for the period August 2011 to July 2012. The aim of this analysis was to determine the carbon footprint of FUNAAB, not only to give a tangible number with which the University's carbon sustainability level can be compared with other academic Institutions, but also to provide the much-needed baseline against which future mitigation efforts on the university campus can be measured. FUNAAB's carbon footprint for the 2011/2012 session was found to be about 5,935 tons CO2, with transportation, campus energy consumption and farm machineries contributing about 63%, 35% and 2% respectively. Staff and student commuting alone contributed about 55% of all emissions associated with University activities. FUNAAB's per-capita emissions with a total of about 10,256 students for the 2011/2012 session amount to about 0.6 tons CO2 emissions per student. | Carbon footprint; FUNAAB; Per-capita emissions | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953221450 | Cardiovascular risk management and its impact on hypertension control in primary care in low-resource settings: A cluster-randomized trial [Prise en charge du risque cardiovasculaire et impact sur le contrôle de l'hypertension par les soins de santé prima | Mendis S., Johnston S.C., Fan W., Oladapo O., Cameron A., Faramawi M.F. | 2010 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 88 | 6 | 10.2471/BLT.08.062364 | Department of Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, World Health Organization, 20 avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, United States; National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicab | Mendis, S., Department of Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, World Health Organization, 20 avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland; Johnston, S.C., Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Fan, W., National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Oladapo, O., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Cameron, A., Department of Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, World Health Organization, 20 avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland; Faramawi, M.F., Department of Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, World Health Organization, 20 avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Objective To evaluate a simple cardiovascular risk management package for assessing and managing cardiovascular risk using hypertension as an entry point in primary care facilities in low-resource settings. Methods Two geographically distant regions in two countries (China and Nigeria) were selected and 10 pairs of primary care facilities in each region were randomly selected and matched. Regions were then randomly assigned to a control group, which received usual care, or to an intervention group, which applied the cardiovascular risk management package. Each facility enrolled 60 consecutive patients with hypertension. Intervention sites educated patients about risk factors at baseline and initiated treatment with hydrochlorothiazide at 4 months in patients at medium risk of a cardiovascular event, according to a standardized treatment algorithm. Systolic blood pressure change from baseline to 12 months was the primary outcome measure. Findings The study included 2397 patients with baseline hypertension: 1191 in 20 intervention facilities and 1206 in 20 control facilities. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased more in intervention patients than in controls. However, at 12 months more than half of patients still had uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg). Behavioural risk factors had improved among intervention patients in Nigeria but not in China. Only about 2% of hypertensive patients required referral to the next level of care. Conclusion Even in low-resource settings, hypertensive patients can be effectively assessed and managed in primary care facilities. | None | hydrochlorothiazide; cardiovascular disease; cluster analysis; disease treatment; geographical region; hypertension; primary health care; risk assessment; risk factor; adult; aged; article; body mass; cardiovascular risk; China; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diastolic blood pressure; dietary intake; disease control; female; fruit; health care planning; human; hypertension; intervention study; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; outcome assessment; patient referral; primary medical care; randomized controlled trial; risk management; systolic blood pressure; vegetable; Adult; Aged; Algorithms; Antihypertensive Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; China; Cluster Analysis; Female; Geography; Health Resources; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Hydrochlorothiazide; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Primary Health Care; Risk Factors; Risk Management; Statistics as Topic; Systole; China; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897447953 | Career management practices: Impact of work design on employee retention | Hlanganipai N., Mazanai M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p21 | Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; School of Business and Economics, Monash South Africa (A campus of Monash University Australia), 144 Peter Rd, Ruimsig, South Africa | Hlanganipai, N., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Mazanai, M., School of Business and Economics, Monash South Africa (A campus of Monash University Australia), 144 Peter Rd, Ruimsig, South Africa | The paper presents the findings of the study that was conducted to investigate the impact of Work design on employee retention. A quantitative research methodology was used and 116 randomly selected respondents participated in this study. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to respondents; drawn from Manufacturing, Wholesale and Retail, Banking and Finance and Others industries. The data collected was analysed using SPSS 20.0. Correlational statistics revealed statistically significant relationship between all the ten (10) identified work design variables and employee retention variables. However strong correlations were observed between job enrichment, job design and job enlargement. Therefore, it can be recommended that addressing job enrichment; job design and job enlargement should take priority over others, if the organisation is to achieve acceptable employee retention levels. The value of the findings of this study lies in the explanatory utility of the identified relationships between work design variables and employee retention, in the 21st century economy whose main characteristics is high volatility in the work environment and high levels of employee mobility. | Career management; Employee retention; South Africa; Work design | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863887903 | Care, performance and performativity: Portraits of teachers' lived experiences | Perold M., Oswald M., Swart E. | 2012 | Education as Change | 16 | 1 | 10.1080/16823206.2012.692208 | Department of Educational Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Perold, M., Department of Educational Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Oswald, M., Department of Educational Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Swart, E., Department of Educational Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Data from an investigation into the care practices of teachers in a primary school in a vulnerable community fore-grounded, firstly, the influence of a performance culture on the lived experiences of teachers; and secondly, the role of language in the meaning-making of teachers regarding care. The data was generated by means of group discussions, individual and focus group interviews and open-ended questions as part of a more comprehensive research project that explored teachers' care practices in two primary schools. The research project employed an ethnographic methodology and more specifically, an ethnographic casebook design. We purposefully selected three teachers from the one school to construct portraits of their care practices. In an effort to make sense of the data we consulted the writings of Judith Butler on the constitutive nature of language. We viewed the teachers' accounts of their lived experiences through the lenses of care theory, performance and performativity. The portraits of the three teachers demonstrated how different interpretations of circumstances, culture and language can lead to different courses of action, albeit in one environment, and clearly indicate how the pressure of performing might obscure other important aspects of teachers' work such as caring for their learners. © 2012 Copyright Centre for Education Practice Research (CEPR). | care; performance; performativity; teachers' lived experiences | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000305973900001 | Caring for the caregiver: Evaluation of support groups for guardians of orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya | Jarabi, Ben,Rice, Janet,Thurman, Tonya R. | 2012 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 24 | 7 | 10.1080/09540121.2011.644229 | Tulane University, University of Nairobi | "Jarabi, Ben: University of Nairobi","Rice, Janet: Tulane University", | HIV and AIDS have altered the context in which millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa are raised. Many are under the care of a widowed or ill parent, and others are residing with their extended family. Caregivers of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) face a variety of stressors that may adversely affect children. This study explores potential benefits of caregivers' membership in support groups on their own psychosocial wellbeing, and on the treatment and psychosocial well-being of OVC aged 8-14 under their care. A post-test study design comparing members and non-members was applied, drawing upon random samples of current and prospective beneficiaries from a rural community in Kenya. With up to two children per caregiver eligible for study inclusion, the sample comprised 766 caregivers and 1028 children. Three-quarters of children had lost at least one parent. Nearly 90% were cared for by a female, often their natural mother or grandmother. Half of the caregivers were widowed and one-fifth had a chronic illness. Over one-third of caregivers were members of support groups, more commonly female caregivers. Regression analyses assessed the effect of support group membership after controlling for household, caregiver and child characteristics. Members reported less social marginalization, better family functioning and more positive feelings towards the children in their care than nonmembers. Children with caregivers in support groups exhibited fewer behavioral problems, higher rates of pro-social behavior and reported lower incidence of abuse from adults in their household. The psychological state of caregivers, however, was not associated with support group membership. Results underscore that quality care of vulnerable children hinges on interventions that address the psychosocial challenges facing their caregivers. | CAREGIVERS,evaluation,KENYA,"orphans and vulnerable children","SUPPORT GROUP","AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILIES",AIDS,DIFFICULTIES,GRANDPARENTS,"HIV EPIDEMIC",IMPACT,INTERVENTIONS,MOTHERS,"PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT","SOCIAL SUPPORT" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886745650 | Carotenoid accumulation and agronomic performance of maize hybrids involving parental combinations from different marker-based groups | Menkir A., Gedil M., Tanumihardjo S., Adepoju A., Bossey B. | 2014 | Food Chemistry | 148 | None | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.09.156 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; University of Wisconsin, 273 Nutritional Science, 1415 Linden DY, Madison, WI 53706, United States | Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Gedil, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Tanumihardjo, S., University of Wisconsin, 273 Nutritional Science, 1415 Linden DY, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Adepoju, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria; Bossey, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320 Ibadan, Nigeria | The present study examined the effect of crossing parental lines from two AFLP-based groups on carotenoid accumulation and agronomic performance in hybrids, which were tested in four environments in Nigeria. Environments, hybrids and hybrid × environment interactions had significant effects on carotenoid content. Hybrids had consistent carotenoid levels across test environments. The correlations between carotenoids produced in a specific branch of the biosynthetic pathway were significant and positive. Environments, hybrids and hybrid × environment interactions had significant effects on grain yield and other traits in this study. Several hybrids with high provitamin A content that were competitive to a commercial hybrid in grain yield and other traits were identified in this study. Selection of parental lines with high provitamin A content and desirable agronomic traits from different molecular-based groups may serve as the basis for developing hybrids with greater expression of heterosis in productivity and concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism); Agronomic traits; Carotenoids; Hybrids; Marker-based groups | Agronomic traits; Amplified fragment length polymorphisms; Carotenoids; Hybrids; Marker-based groups; Agronomy; Pigments; alpha carotene; carotenoid; agronomic trait; article; bioaccumulation; controlled study; cross breeding; grain yield; hybrid; maize; Nigeria; nonhuman; plant environment interaction; Zea mays; AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism); Agronomic traits; Carotenoids; Hybrids; Marker-based groups; Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis; Biological Markers; Carotenoids; Hybridization, Genetic; Nigeria; Plant Extracts; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904743148 | Carpolobia lutea roots restore sexual arousal and performance in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats | Yakubu M.T., Jimoh R.O. | 2014 | Revista Internacional de Andrologia | 12 | 3 | 10.1016/j.androl.2014.02.002 | Phytomedicine, Toxicology and Reproductive Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Yakubu, M.T., Phytomedicine, Toxicology and Reproductive Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Jimoh, R.O., Phytomedicine, Toxicology and Reproductive Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Objective: This study aimed at investigating the aphrodisiac effects of aqueous extract of Carpolobia lutea root at the doses of 47, 94 and 141. mg/kg body weight in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. Materials and methods: Thirty sexually active male rats (148.20. ±. 3.22. g) were assigned into six groups (A-F) of five animals each. Rats in group A received 0.5. ml of distilled water once daily for 7 days while those in groups B, C, D, E and F which were induced with sexual dysfunction (oral administration of 10. mg/kg of paroxetine suspension, once daily for 21 days) received 0.5. ml corresponding to 7.14. mg/kg body weight of PowmaxM, 47, 94 and 141. mg/kg body weight of the extract and distilled water, respectively. Sexual behaviour parameters (frequencies of mount (ML), intromission (IF), ejaculation (EL), latencies of mount (ML), intromission (IL), ejaculation (EL) and post ejaculation interval (PEI)) were monitored 30. min post administration by pairing (1:1) with receptive female rats (114.01. ±. 2.64. g) on days 1, 4 and 7. The concentrations of serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined after 7 days of administration using standard methods. Results: The study revealed that the extract contained saponins (21.02. mg/L), anthraquinones (5.11. mg/L), alkaloids (2.93. mg/L), flavonoids (1.82. mg/L), tannins (0.91. mg/L) and cardiac glycosides (0.09. mg/L) whereas terpenes, phlobatannins and steroids were not detected. Paroxetine significantly (p<. 0.05) decreased mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency and ejaculation latency whereas it increased mount latency, intromission latency and post-ejaculatory interval for more than the baseline of 25% in each case. In contrast, all the doses of the extract significantly (p<. 0.05) attenuated the parameters of sexual behaviour displayed by the sexual dysfunction animals, with the 141. mg/kg body weight comparing favourably (p>. 0.05) with the sexual dysfunction animals treated with Powmax. In addition, the extract significantly (p<. 0.05) elevated the levels of serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone which were hitherto reduced by paroxetine. Conclusion: The study concludes that the aqueous extract of C. lutea root especially the doses of 94 and 141. mg/kg body weight restored various components of sexual arousal and performance as well as the reproductive hormones in the sexually sluggish male rats with the highest dose being the most effective. Present findings provide experimental evidence to support the folkloric claim of the plant in the management of sexual inadequacies in males. © 2014 Asociación Española de Andrología, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva. | Aphrodisiac; Carpolobia lutea; Paroxetine; Polygalaceae; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual function | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954722951 | Case series of the long-term psychosocial impact of drug-resistant tuberculosis in HIV-negative medical doctors | Padayatchi N., Daftary A., Moodley T., Madansein R., Ramjee A. | 2010 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 14 | 8 | None | Centre for AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa; Department of Community Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; King George V Hospital, Durban, South Africa | Padayatchi, N., Centre for AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa, Department of Community Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa; Daftary, A., Centre for AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Moodley, T., Centre for AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa; Madansein, R., Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Ramjee, A., King George V Hospital, Durban, South Africa | BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) are at greater risk for tuberculosis (TB), including multidrugresistant TB (MDR-TB), compared to the general population. The psychosocial impact of nosocomial TB on HCWs has received little attention in the literature. METHODS: A retrospective medical record review from 1999 to 2003 found 15 HCWs who were treated for drug-resistant TB at a specialist hospital in South Africa. Five human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative doctors with no predisposing factors for drug resistance are included in this case series. We collectively present their clinical case histories based on medical records from 2000 to 2005, and explore the long-term psychosocial impact of TB from interviews conducted in 2009. RESULTS: Four doctors had primary MDR-TB and one had primary resistance to multiple first-line drugs. Time from symptom onset to commencement of effective treatment ranged from 8 to 39 weeks. Time for bacteriological confirmation of drug-resistant TB ranged from 6 to 24 weeks. All were cured within 3 years of initial presentation. Content analysis of follow-up interviews revealed five main themes: 1) prolonged morbidity, 2) psychological impact, 3) poor infection control, 4) weak support structures and 5) attrition from the field. CONCLUSION: Themes emergent from this case series encourage prioritisation of TB infection control education and practice to minimise HCW morbidity and prevent HCW attrition from high-burden resource-constrained settings. © 2010 The Union. | Drug-resistant tuberculosis; Health care workers; Infection control; Psychosocial impact; South Africa | amikacin; clarithromycin; cycloserine; dexamethasone; ethambutol; ethionamide; isoniazid; ofloxacin; prednisone; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; streptomycin; terizidone; valproic acid; tuberculostatic agent; adult; antibiotic therapy; anxiety; article; bladder dysfunction; case study; clinical article; clinical effectiveness; controlled study; depression; disease predisposition; drug resistant tuberculosis; female; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection control; insomnia; interview; limb pain; limb weakness; male; medical record review; medical specialist; morbidity; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; muscle spasm; nausea; otosclerosis; panic; physician; priority journal; pruritus; psychological aspect; retrospective study; sensory neuropathy; shoulder pain; side effect; small intestine disease; social aspect; South Africa; tinnitus; tuberculous meningitis; antibiotic resistance; attitude to health; comparative study; complication; disease transmission; incidence; Mental Disorders; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; physician; prevention and control; prognosis; psychology; questionnaire; risk factor; serodiagnosis; time; transmission; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Attitude to Health; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Incidence; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; Male; Mental Disorders; Physicians; Prognosis; Questionnaires; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; South Africa; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Attitude to Health; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Incidence; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; Male; Mental Disorders; Physicians; Prognosis; Questionnaires; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; South Africa; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864591014 | Case Study: The Impact of the ACU-PAL Scheme for the Provision of Journal Subscriptions to Libraries in Developing Countries | Ahenkorah-Marfo M., Senyah Y. | 2012 | Serials Librarian | 63 | 2 | 10.1080/0361526X.2012.700776 | University Library, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana | Ahenkorah-Marfo, M., University Library, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana; Senyah, Y., University Library, KNUST, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana | This study examines the impact of the Association of Commonwealth Universities-Protecting the African Library (ACU-PAL) scheme for the provision of journal subscriptions to libraries of developing economies, using the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology library in Kumasi, Ghana as a case study. The history of the scheme is outlined and subscription outcomes between 2006 and 2009 are critically examined. The mode of selecting and ordering of the journals is also discussed. The scheme has been found to have met the core journal needs of faculty and students to a greater extent, and this success could be enhanced further if the challenges identified are addressed. Recommendations are made to improve on the scheme and advice is provided for non-participating members to take advantage of the scheme. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | academic publishers Commonwealth Universities; journal subscription; low-cost journals | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916205419 | Cash flow management: Assessing its impact on the operational performance of small and medium size enterprises at the Mafikeng local municipality in South Africa prior to the global financial crisis | Belobo A.B., Pelser F. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p226 | North-West University, South Africa | Belobo, A.B., North-West University, South Africa; Pelser, F., North-West University, South Africa | Aims: This study propped up as a result of the repeated complaints from both electronic mails and customers’ about the underperformance of Mafikeng Small and Medium-Size enterprises after the global financial crisis. The authors were on the view that, poor operational performance experienced by Mafikeng SMEs was as a result of the negative effects on the cash flow of these businesses due to volatilities in the business environment in general prior to the global crisis. Thus, the paper was mainly aimed at determining the shortcomings experienced by these SMEs with regards to cash flow management. It was also aimed at suggesting possible measures to improve cash flow management of these SMEs in this tough time. Methods: A case study was conducted on 3 beverage suppliers, 27 bottle stores, 3 largest fast consumer goods super markets and 7 automobiles enterprises in the Mafikeng local municipality. The study made use of a mixed method approach. A purposive sampling was used in selecting SMEs that participated. Views and experiences of participants of the paper were captured through in-depth interviews. Data from the empirical investigation were interpreted using open coding and a simple percentage formula. Results: Findings from the empirical research reflected that majority of Mafikeng SMEs suffer poor operational performance prior to the global financial crisis primarily as a result of poor cash flow management. However, the empirical outcome also indicted other secondary factors contributing to this poor operational performance. Conclusion: Finally, the authors proposed possible measures that could be used to improve cash flow management and to solve other factors affecting operational performance in Mafikeng bottle stores in other to achieve better business performance. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877265187 | Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) performance as influenced by nitrogen and potassium fertilizers in Uyo, Nigeria | Uwah D.F., Effa E.B., Ekpenyong L.E., Akpan I.E. | 2013 | Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences | 23 | 2 | None | Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria | Uwah, D.F., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Effa, E.B., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Ekpenyong, L.E., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Akpan, I.E., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria | Large scale cassava production is today being carried out season after season repeatedly on the same piece of land leading to decline in soil fertility and yield overtime. Research information to guide farmers on appropriate fertilizer management under such continuous cropping are few and poorly documented in south eastern Nigeria. A two-year field experiment was conducted during 2007 - 2009 at Uyo, a humid forest agro-ecology of south eastern Nigeria to assess the growth and yield response of cassava. Treatments included four rates each of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha) in all possible factorial combination replicated thrice in a randomized complete block design. Application of N at the highest rate significantly (P = 0.05) increased plant height, produced higher number of leaves and branches/plant, stem girth, number and weight of tubers/plant and total fresh tuber yield compared with other treatments. The fresh tuber yield at 120 kg N/ha was however, comparable with that at 80 kg N/ha rate. Cassava growth, fresh tuber yield and all yield attributes peaked at 80 kg K/ha rate. The 120 kg N/ha and 80 kg K/ha rates increased fresh tuber weight by 48 and 45% and total fresh tuber yield by 36 and 27% respectively, compared with the control plots. The application of N between 80 and 120 kg/ha and K at 80 kg/ha appeared appropriate for optimum yield in our study area and are thus recommended. | Cassava; Growth; Nitrogen; Potassium; Yield | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893415221 | Cassava root peel as a replacement for maize in diets for growing pigs: Effects on energy and nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics | Akinola O.S., Fanimo A.O., Adeniyi Agunbiade J., Susenbeth A., Schlecht E. | 2013 | Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics | 114 | 2 | None | University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Department of Animal Production and Health, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Department of Animal Production, Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Nigeria; Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Institute of Animal Nu | Akinola, O.S., University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Department of Animal Production and Health, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Fanimo, A.O., University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Department of Animal Production and Health, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adeniyi Agunbiade, J., Olabisi Onabanjo University, Department of Animal Production, Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Nigeria; Susenbeth, A., Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Kiel, Germany; Schlecht, E., University of Kassel and Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Animal Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, Witzenhausen, Germany | Two experiments were conducted to evaluate cassava root peel (CRP) as diet component for fattening pigs. In the first experiment, ten male pigs were used to investigate the nutrient digestibility and the nutritive value of CRP as replacement for maize in the diet at 0 %, 30 %, 40 %, 50% and 60 %, while supplementing free amino acids (fAA). During two experimental periods, faeces were quantitatively collected and analysed for chemical composition. In the second experiment, 40 pigs received the same diets as in Experiment 1, and daily feed intake and weekly weight changes were recorded. Four pigs per diet were slaughtered at 70 kg body weight to evaluate carcass traits. Digestibility of dry and organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre and gross energy were depressed (p<0.05) at 60% CRP; digestible energy content (MJ kg-1 DM) was 15.4 at 0% CRP and 12.7 at 60% CRP. In the second experiment, CRP inclusion had only a small impact on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p>0.05) as well as on the length of the small intestine and the Longissimus dorsi muscle area. The missing correlation of daily weight gain and feed-to-gain ratio up to a CRP inclusion of 40% indicates that negative effects of CRP on pig growth can be avoided by respecting upper feeding limits. Hence, a combined use of CRP and fAA can reduce feeding costs for small-scale pig farmers in countries where this crop-by product is available in large amounts. | Energy value; Free amino acids; Manihot esculenta; Nigeria; Weight gain | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953655248 | CAT-7 cable evaluation for Square Kilometre Array analogue signal transport | Langat P.K., Van Der Merwe P., Ikin T., Reader H.C. | 2011 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 102 | 1 | None | Department of Electrical anil Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom | Langat, P.K., Department of Electrical anil Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, P., Department of Electrical anil Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Ikin, T., Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom; Reader, H.C., Department of Electrical anil Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Data-cable systems are essential for an evolving Square Kilometre Array (SKA) phased array demonstrator project. Loss, dispersion and channel coupling are the characteristics of interest. We evaluate a Category 7 (CAT-7) cable system, which incorporates a 20 m CAT-7 cable, balun transformers, and ARJ45 connectors. Measurements from 30 MHz - 1.5 GHz are made using a calibrated Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Through, Reflect, Line (TRL) as well as Short, Open, matched Load, Through (SOLT) calibration techniques were performed, which separately test the cables and the entire system performance respectively. A further measurement isolates the baluns. The connectors and baluns are mounted on customised printed circuit boards. We investigated phase dispersion, return loss, attenuation, near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and far-end crosstalk (FEXT). The best system was found to have a linear phase response in the 30 MHz to 1.4 GHz band, with NEXT and FEXT levels below -50 dB and -63 dB respectively. Such performance makes this cable class a candidale lor high-volume dala streams anlicipaled lor Ihe SKA. | Baluns; Calibration; CAT-7 cables; Connectors; EMC; Far-end crosstalk; Near-end crosstalk; Square Kilometre Array | Baluns; CAT-7 cables; Connectors; EMC; Far end crosstalk; Near end cross talks; Square Kilometre Array; Calibration; Crosstalk; Dispersions; Electric network analysis; Electric network analyzers; Electronic equipment manufacture; Microstrip devices; Printed circuit boards; Cables | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34748818776 | Catalytic performance and deactivation of precipitated iron catalyst for selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur in the waste gas streams from coal gasification | Mashapa T.N., Rademan J.D., Van Vuuren M.J.J. | 2007 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 46 | 19 | 10.1021/ie061589z | Fischer-Tropsch Refinery Catalysis, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | Mashapa, T.N., Fischer-Tropsch Refinery Catalysis, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Rademan, J.D., Fischer-Tropsch Refinery Catalysis, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Van Vuuren, M.J.J., Fischer-Tropsch Refinery Catalysis, Sasol Technology Research and Development, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | The selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur, using a commercial, precipitated silica promoted ferric oxide based catalyst, was investigated in laboratory and pilot-plant reactors. Low levels of hydrogen sulfide (1-3 vol %) can be readily removed, but a continuous slow decrease in catalyst activity was apparent. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the loss of activity was due to the formation of ferrous sulfate, which is known to be less active than the ferric oxide. In addition, studies using a model feed showed that the propene and HCN impurities in the plant feed stocks also act as potent catalyst poisons. © 2007 American Chemical Society. | None | Catalysts; Coal gasification; Sulfur; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Catalytic performance; Precipitated silica; Hydrogen sulfide; Catalysts; Coal gasification; Hydrogen sulfide; Sulfur; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349755996 | Cataract and glaucoma case detection for Vision 2020 programs in Africa: An evaluation of 6 possible screening tests | Cook C., Cockburn N., Van Der Merwe J., Ehrlich R. | 2009 | Journal of Glaucoma | 18 | 7 | 10.1097/IJG.0b013e318193c15b | Department of Ophthalmology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Cook, C., Department of Ophthalmology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Cockburn, N., Department of Ophthalmology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, J., Department of Ophthalmology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Ehrlich, R., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | PURPOSE: To determine if there is a screening test or a combination of screening tests that may be suitable for cataract and glaucoma case detection in Vision 2020 programs in Africa. METHODS: Design-Screening methods validation study. Setting-Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Subjects-African patients aged 40 years and older with known cataract or with known glaucoma, and accompanying relatives aged 40 years and older with no known eye pathology. Outcome measures-Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and accuracy of 6 screening tests, used alone and in various combinations. RESULTS: Testing the pinhole visual acuity using a cut point of 6/18 in 1 or both eyes has a sensitivity and specificity greater than 90%, a positive likelihood ratio greater than 10.0, a negative likelihood ratio less than 0.1, and an accuracy greater than 90% for case detection of cataract or glaucoma. Examination of the optic disk with a lens free direct ophthalmoscope using a cut point of 0.7 for the vertical cup:disk ratio combined with testing for an afferent pupil defect has similar values for case detection of glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: These tests may be suitable for use in Vision 2020 programs in Africa. © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Glaucoma screening; Vision 2020 | adult; Africa; aged; article; cataract; diagnostic accuracy; evaluation; female; glaucoma; human; intraocular pressure; lens; male; ophthalmoscope; optic disk; predictive validity; priority journal; pupil; relative; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; tonometry; validation study; visual acuity; visual field; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cataract; False Positive Reactions; Female; Glaucoma; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Male; Middle Aged; Ophthalmoscopy; Optic Disk; Optic Nerve Diseases; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Vision Screening; Visual Acuity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746092916 | Categorical imperatives for alleviating the problems militating against organizational performance in Nigeria | Aluko M.A.O. | 2006 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 13 | 4 | None | Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Aluko, M.A.O., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This study examined the problems militating against organizational performance in Nigeria and then proceeded by suggesting the necessary categorical imperatives for alleviating the identified problems. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. In all, 630 respondents who were selected via multiple sampling techniques were used for the study. The data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistics. The findings reveal that the problems' militating against organizational performance is multidimensional and comprises of economic, technological, political, social and management issues. On the basis of these findings, the paper made some categorical imperatives, which will be of immense benefits in the area of policy formulation in the quest to alleviate these problems so that organizations can contribute their quota to national development. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2006. | Capacity utilization; Collectivistic; Downsizing; Industrializing; Liberalization; Materialistic | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20044361824 | Caudal fin allometry in the white shark Carcharodon carcharias: Implications for locomotory performance and ecology | Lingham-Soliar T. | 2005 | Naturwissenschaften | 92 | 5 | 10.1007/s00114-005-0614-4 | Department of Zoology, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, 4000 Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Lingham-Soliar, T., Department of Zoology, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, 4000 Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Allometric scaling analysis was employed to investigate the consequences of size evolution on hydrodynamic performance and ecology in the white shark Carcharodon carcharias. Discriminant analysis using the power equation y=ax b was negative for caudal fin span (S) versus fork length (FL) in C. carcharias. In contrast in two delphinid species, Delphinus capensis and Tursiops aduncus, the span of the flukes versus fork length rises in positive allometric fashion, and strong positive allometry of S versus √A (area) was also recorded. The latter reflects a high lift/drag ratio. S versus √A in C. carcharias displays negative allometry and consequently a lower lift/drag ratio. A lower aspect ratio (AR) caudal fin in C. carcharias compared to that of the delphinids (mean 3.33 and 4.1, respectively) and other thunniform swimmers provides the potential for better maneuverability and acceleration. The liver in sharks is frequently associated with a buoyancy function and was found to be positively allometric in C. carcharias. The overall findings suggest that the negatively allometric caudal fin morphometrics in C. carcharias are unlikely to have deleterious evolutionary fitness consequences for predation. On the contrary, when considered in the context of positive liver allometry in C. carcharias it is hereby suggested that buoyancy may play a dominant role in larger white sharks in permitting slow swimming while minimizing energy demands needed to prevent sinking. In contrast hydrodynamic lift is considered more important in smaller white sharks. Larger caudal fin spans and higher lift/drag ratio in smaller C. carcharias indicate greater potential for prolonged, intermediate swimming speeds and for feeding predominantly on fast-moving fish, in contrast to slow-swimming search patterns of larger individuals for predominantly large mammalian prey. Such data may provide some answers to the lifestyle and widespread habitat capabilities of this still largely mysterious animal. © Springer-Verlag 2005. | None | allometry; locomotion; morphology; shark; allometry; article; controlled study; discriminant analysis; ecology; energy metabolism; evolution; hydrodynamics; lifestyle; liver; locomotion; mammal; morphometrics; motor performance; nonhuman; predation; prey; shark; species difference; swimming; Animal Structures; Animals; Body Size; Ecosystem; Motor Activity; Sharks; Animalia; Carcharodon carcharias; Chondrichthyes; Delphinidae; Delphinus capensis; Lamnidae; Mammalia; Tursiops aduncus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939629823 | Causal interaction and external validity: Obstacles to the policy relevance of randomized evaluations | Muller S.M. | 2015 | World Bank Economic Review | 29 | None | 10.1093/wber/lhv027 | Parliamentary Budget Office, Cape Town, South Africa; Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, South Africa | Muller, S.M., Parliamentary Budget Office, Cape Town, South Africa, Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, South Africa | The ability to generalize effects estimated from randomized experiments is critical for their relevance to policy. Framing that problem in terms of causal interaction reveals the extent to which the literature to date has failed to adequately address external validity. An analogy with matching estimators illustrates the current inconsistency in approaches to estimating causal relationships and generalizing these estimates to other populations and contexts. Contrary to some claims, atheoretic replication is not a plausible solution. Better knowledge of, and more information on, interacting factors is required for credible, formal extrapolation. In the absence of that, modesty is recommended. © The Author 2015. | None | econometrics; economic policy; numerical model; policy making | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951173640 | Causes and impacts of seasonal migration on rural livelihoods: Case studies from Amhara Region in Ethiopia | Asfaw W., Tolossa D., Zeleke G. | 2010 | Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift | 64 | 1 | 10.1080/00291950903557696 | Via Malpensada 90, San Bartolomeo, IT-38100 Trento, Italy; College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150229, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Global Mountain Program, ILRI Campus, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Asfaw, W., Via Malpensada 90, San Bartolomeo, IT-38100 Trento, Italy; Tolossa, D., College of Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150229, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zeleke, G., Global Mountain Program, ILRI Campus, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The article examines the characteristics, motivation factors and impacts of seasonal migration in Ethiopia. The study was underpinned by the Sustainable Livelihood Framework. Both urban and rural areas as places of destination and rural villages as origins of migrants have been considered. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and household case studies. Shortage of farmland, debt, lack of viable non-farm activities locally, and the desire to earn additional income are the major reasons for seasonal migration of labour. Social networks and information flows are also important factors in migration. The research found that single men are predominantly involved in migration while the participation of women is negligible. The earnings obtained have allowed rural households to supplement their income from agriculture and indirectly contributed to overcoming the problem of farmland scarcity. The timing of movement which coincides with the agricultural slack season at home makes the impacts of seasonal out-migration on agriculture minimal. Rather than viewing it as a livelihood option of the rural poor which contributes to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of the poor, migration is still perceived negatively, and there has been little awareness of its significance. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Destination; Origin; Rural livelihoods; Seasonal migration | household income; labor migration; population migration; poverty alleviation; questionnaire survey; rural population; seasonality; social network; socioeconomic impact; village; Amhara; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879605246 | Causes of variable reproductive performance by Southern Ground-hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri and implications for management | Wilson G., Hockey P.A.R. | 2013 | Ibis | 155 | 3 | 10.1111/ibi.12042 | Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Wilson, G., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Hockey, P.A.R., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Range occupancy of the cooperatively breeding Southern Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri in South Africa has decreased by 65% in the last three generations and the effective management of the remaining populations is hampered by a lack of fundamental understanding of the factors determining reproductive performance. We examined the influence of social and environmental factors on the species' reproductive success in South Africa using data gathered from 23 groups over eight breeding seasons. Some groups had access to artificial nest-sites, others did not. High rainfall (> 500 mm) over the breeding season led to a decrease in reproductive success, with groups being most successful in years when rain in the vicinity of the nest ranged from 300 to 500 mm. Groups breeding in natural nests were successful only when the proportion of open woodland surrounding the nest-site was high. Those that bred in artificial nests, where overall breeding success was more than twice as high as those in natural nests, were less dependent on the availability of open woodland. Large groups (more than three birds) bred more successfully than groups comprising only two to three individuals. Group size, helper effects and rainfall cannot be managed to increase the productivity of Ground-Hornbills but the fact that the availability of artificial nest-sites and the amount of open woodland around the nest-site both contribute positively to breeding performance identifies practical and simple management options for increasing the reproductive output of Southern Ground-Hornbill populations. © 2013 British Ornithologists' Union. | Artificial nest-sites; Breeding success; Conservation; Cooperative breeding; Rainfall; Social effects | artificial nest; bird; breeding season; cooperative breeding; environmental factor; fecundity; group size; habitat availability; nest site; precipitation (climatology); range size; reproductive productivity; reproductive success; social organization; species conservation; South Africa; Aves; Bucorvus leadbeateri | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755170549 | CD4 cell count and viral load monitoring in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: Cost effectiveness study | Kahn J.G., Marseille E., Moore D., Bunnell R., Were W., Degerman R., Tappero J.W., Ekwaru P., Kaharuza F., Mermin J. | 2011 | BMJ (Online) | 343 | 7834 | 10.1136/bmj.d6884 | Philip R Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Health Strategies International, Oakland, CA, United States; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; CDC-Uganda, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States | Kahn, J.G., Philip R Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Marseille, E., Health Strategies International, Oakland, CA, United States; Moore, D., Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Bunnell, R., CDC-Uganda, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Were, W., CDC-Uganda, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Degerman, R., CDC-Uganda, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Tappero, J.W., CDC-Uganda, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Ekwaru, P., CDC-Uganda, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Kaharuza, F., CDC-Uganda, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Mermin, J., CDC-Uganda, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States | Objective: To examine the cost and cost effectiveness of quarterly CD4 cell count and viral load monitoring among patients taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Design: Cost effectiveness study. Setting A randomised trial in a home based ART programme in Tororo, Uganda. Participants: People with HIV who were members of the AIDS Support Organisation and had CD4 cell counts <250 × 106 cells/L or World Health Organization stage 3 or 4 disease. Main outcome measures: Outcomes calculated for the study period and projected 15 years into the future included costs, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), and incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICER; $ per DALY averted). Cost inputs were based on the trial and other sources. Clinical inputs derived from the trial; in the base case, we assumed that point estimates reflected true differences even if non-significant. We conducted univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses. Interventions: Three monitoring strategies: clinical monitoring with quarterly CD4 cell counts and viral load measurement (clinical/CD4/viral load); clinical monitoring and quarterly CD4 counts (clinical/CD4); and clinical monitoring alone. Results: With the intention to treat (ITT) results per 100 individuals starting ART, we found that clinical/CD4 monitoring compared with clinical monitoring alone increases costs by $20 458 (£12 780, €14 707) and averts 117.3 DALYs (ICER=$174 per DALY). Clinical/CD4/viral load monitoring compared with clinical/CD4 monitoring adds $142 458, and averts 27.5 DALYs ($5181 per DALY). The superior ICER for clinical/CD4 monitoring is robust to uncertainties in input values, and that strategy is dominant (less expensive and more effective) compared with clinical/CD4/viral load monitoring in one quarter of simulations. If clinical inputs are based on the as treated analysis starting at 90 days (after laboratory monitoring was initiated), then clinical/CD4/viral load monitoring is dominated by other strategies. Conclusions: Based on this trial, compared with clinical monitoring alone, monitoring of routine CD4 cell count is considerably more cost effective than additionally including routine viral load testing in the monitoring strategy and is more cost effective than ART. | None | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; adult; AIDS related complex; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical feature; comparative study; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; disability; female; health care cost; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mortality; patient monitoring; priority journal; prognosis; randomized controlled trial; sensitivity analysis; simulation; Uganda; virus load; world health organization; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Disability Evaluation; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Uganda; Viral Load | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961361626 | CD4 enumeration technologies: A systematic review of test performance for determining eligibility for antiretroviral therapy | Peeling R.W., Sollis K.A., Glover S., Crowe S.M., Landay A.L., Cheng B., Barnett D., Denny T.N., Spira T.J., Stevens W.S., Crowley S., Essajee S., Vitoria M., Ford N. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0115019 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, Oakland, CA, United States; UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Center for HIV/AIDS, Immunology and Virology Quality Assessment Center, Durham, NC, United States; Division of AIDS, STD, andTB Laboratory Research, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa; Director Health Programs, ELMA Philanthropies, New York, NY, United States; Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, United States; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Peeling, R.W., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Sollis, K.A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Glover, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Crowe, S.M., Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Landay, A.L., Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Cheng, B., Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, Oakland, CA, United States; Barnett, D., UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Denny, T.N., Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Center for HIV/AIDS, Immunology and Virology Quality Assessment Center, Durham, NC, United States; Spira, T.J., Division of AIDS, STD, andTB Laboratory Research, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Stevens, W.S., University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa; Crowley, S., Director Health Programs, ELMA Philanthropies, New York, NY, United States; Essajee, S., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, United States; Vitoria, M., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Ford, N., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Background: Measurement of CD4+ T-lymphocytes (CD4) is a crucial parameter in the management of HIV patients, particularly in determining eligibility to initiate antiretroviral treatment (ART). A number of technologies exist for CD4 enumeration, with considerable variation in cost, complexity, and operational requirements. We conducted a systematic review of the performance of technologies for CD4 enumeration. Methods and Findings: Studies were identified by searching electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE using a pre-defined search strategy. Data on test accuracy and precision included bias and limits of agreement with a reference standard, and misclassification probabilities around CD4 thresholds of 200 and 350 cells/μl over a clinically relevant range. The secondary outcome measure was test imprecision, expressed as % coefficient of variation. Thirty-two studies evaluating 15 CD4 technologies were included, of which less than half presented data on bias and misclassification compared to the same reference technology. At CD4 counts <350 cells/μl, bias ranged from -35.2 to +13.1 cells/μl while at counts >350 cells/μl, bias ranged from -70.7 to +47 cells/μl, compared to the BD FACSCount as a reference technology. Misclassification around the threshold of 350 cells/μl ranged from 1-29% for upward classification, resulting in under-treatment, and 7-68% for downward classification resulting in overtreatment. Less than half of these studies reported within laboratory precision or reproducibility of the CD4 values obtained. Conclusions: A wide range of bias and percent misclassification around treatment thresholds were reported on the CD4 enumeration technologies included in this review, with few studies reporting assay precision. The lack of standardised methodology on test evaluation, including the use of different reference standards, is a barrier to assessing relative assay performance and could hinder the introduction of new point-of-care assays in countries where they are most needed. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | antiretrovirus agent; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD4+ T lymphocyte; flow cytometry; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; measurement accuracy; measurement precision; microscopy; outcome assessment; probability; reproducibility; systematic review; volumetry | WHO, World Health Organization |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55449093312 | CD4 stabilization tubes provide improved accuracy of absolute CD4 T-cell counts compared to standard K3 EDTA tubes in human immunodeficiency virus immunologic monitoring in resource-poor settings | Shott J.P., Iga B., Makumbi F., Luswata C., Kagulire C., Nammanda J., Mills L.A., Serwadda D., Quinn T.C., Reynolds S.J. | 2008 | Clinical and Vaccine Immunology | 15 | 10 | 10.1128/CVI.00176-08 | Clinical Monitoring Research Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, United States; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NIAID/NIH - Uganda, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda | Shott, J.P., Clinical Monitoring Research Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, United States, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NIAID/NIH - Uganda, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Iga, B., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Makumbi, F., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Luswata, C., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Kagulire, C., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Nammanda, J., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda; Mills, L.A., Rakai Health Sciences Program, Rakai District, Kalisizo, Uganda, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; Serwadda, D., School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Quinn, T.C., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; Reynolds, S.J., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States | CD4 stabilization tubes have the ability to ensure internal quality control in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) monitoring laboratory by maintaining accurate absolute CD4 T-cell counts for up to 6 days. Here, we assessed this technology for its use in an HIV clinical monitoring laboratory in a resource-poor setting in rural Uganda. Copyright © 2008, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | CD4 antigen; edetic acid; accuracy; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; comparative study; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; laboratory; major clinical study; male; nonhuman; priority journal; quality control; rural area; technology; tube; Uganda; CD4 lymphocyte count; evaluation; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; laboratory diagnosis; methodology; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; HIV Infections; Humans; Specimen Handling; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62749083727 | CD4 + T-cell count monitoring does not accurately identify HIV-infected adults with virologie failure receiving antiretroviral therapy | Moore D.M., Awor A., Downing R., Kaplan J., Montaner J.S.G., Hancock J., Were W., Mermin J. | 2008 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 49 | 5 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e318186eb18 | Global AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States | Moore, D.M., Global AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Y6, Canada, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Awor, A., Global AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Downing, R., Global AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Kaplan, J., AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Montaner, J.S.G., British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Y6, Canada, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Hancock, J., Global AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Were, W., Global AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda; Mermin, J., Global AIDS Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Entebbe, Uganda | Background: CD4 - T-lymphocyte (CD4) counts are widely used to monitor response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. However, the utility of such monitoring in terms of predicting virologie response to therapy has been little studied. Methods: We studied participants aged 18 years and older who initiated ART in Tororó, Uganda. CD4 counts, CD4 percentages, and viral load (VL) were examined at 6-monthly intervals. Various definitions of immunologic failure were examined to identify individuals with VLs ≥ 50, ≥500, ≥1000, or ≥5000 copies per milliliter at 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment initiation. Results: One thousand sixty-three ART-naive persons initiated ART. The proportion of individuals with virologie failure ranged between 1.5% and 16.4% for each time point. The proportion with no increase in CD4 count from baseline did not differ between those with suppressed or unsuppressed VLs at 6, 18, and 24 months after ART initiation. No increase in CD4 cell counts at 6 months had a sensitivity of 0.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 0.10] and a positive predictive value of 0.03 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.09) for identifying individuals with VL ≥ 500 copies per milliliter at 6 months. The best measure identified was an absolute CD4 cell count <125 cells per microliter at 21 months for predicting VL ≥ 500 copies per milliliter at 18 months which had a sensitivity of 0.13 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.21) and a positive predictive value of 0.29 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.44). Conclusions: CD4 cell count monitoring does not accurately identify individuals with virologie failure among patients taking ART. Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Africa; Antiretroviral therapy; CD4 cell count; Virologie suppression | adult; aged; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; ethics; female; follow up; health care organization; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human tissue; immunology; informed consent; major clinical study; male; patient monitoring; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; treatment failure; treatment response; Uganda; virology; virus load; world health organization; CD4 lymphocyte count; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; antiretrovirus agent; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Viral Load | None |
| WoS | WOS:000299789600002 | Cell Phone-Based and Internet-Based Monitoring and Evaluation of the National Antiretroviral Treatment Program During Rapid Scale-Up in Rwanda: TRACnet, 2004-2010 | Binagwaho, Agnes,Cishahayo, Shabani,Karema, Corine,Lowrance, David W.,Muhayimpundu, Ribakare,Nsanzimana, Sabin,Nyemazi, Jean Pierre,Raghunathan, Pratima L.,Riedel, David J.,Ruton, Hinda | 2012 | JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES | 59 | 2 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31823e2278 | University of Maryland Baltimore, University System of Maryland, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Minist Hlth, US Ctr Dis Control & Prevent | None | Background: Monitoring and evaluation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) scale-up has been challenging in resource-limited settings. We describe an innovative cell-phone-based and internet-based reporting system (TRACnet) utilized in Rwanda.
Methods: From January 2004 to June 30, 2010, all health facilities with ART services submitted standardized monthly aggregate reports of key indicators. National cohort data were analyzed to examine trends in characteristics of patients initiating ART and cumulative cohort outcomes. Estimates of HIV-infected patients eligible for ART were obtained from Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (Estimation and Projection Package-Spectrum, 2010).
Results: By June 30, 2010, 295 (65%) of 451 health centers, District and referral hospitals provided ART services; of these, 255 (86%) were located outside Kigali, the capital. Cell phone-based and internet-based reporting was used by 253 (86%) and 42 (14%), respectively. As of June 30, 2010, 83,041 patients were alive on ART, 6171 (6%) had died, and 9621 (10%) were lost-to-follow-up. Of those alive on ART, 7111 (8.6%) were children, 50,971 (61.4%) were female, and 1823 (2.2%) were on a second-line regimen. The proportion of all patients initiating ART at World Health Organization clinical stages 3 and 4 declined from 65% in 2005 to 27% in 2010. National ART coverage of eligible patients increased from 13% in 2005 to 79% in 2010.
Conclusions: Rwanda has successfully expanded ART access and achieved high national ART coverage among eligible patients. TRACnet captured essential data about the ART program during rapid scale-up. Cell phone-based and internet-based reporting may be useful for monitoring and evaluation of similar public health initiatives in other resource-limited settings. | "antiretroviral treatment","monitoring and evaluation",RWANDA,SCALE-UP,TRACnet,ADULTS,AIDS,"COLLABORATIVE ANALYSIS",HAITI,HIV,MALAWI,MORTALITY,OUTCOMES,SOUTH-AFRICA,THERAPY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68649121417 | Centrifugal pump performance calculation for homogeneous suspensions | Graham L.J.W., Pullum L., Slatter P., Sery G., Rudman M. | 2009 | Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering | 87 | 4 | 10.1002/cjce.20192 | CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, PO Box 56, Highett, VIC 3190, Australia; Private Consultant, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Rheology and Materials Processing Centre, School of Civil Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe St., Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Flow Process Research Centre, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences, Private Bag 33 Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia | Graham, L.J.W., CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, PO Box 56, Highett, VIC 3190, Australia; Pullum, L., Private Consultant, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Slatter, P., Rheology and Materials Processing Centre, School of Civil Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe St., Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sery, G., Flow Process Research Centre, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa; Rudman, M., CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences, Private Bag 33 Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia | Centrifugal pumps are widely used for transporting suspensions, but their head performance is derated when non-Newtonian fluids and/or coarse solids are present. Some head deration methods are available for high viscosity Newtonian fluids, Bingham plastic fluids and for coarse solids in water. This paper presents a modification of the Hydraulic Institute head deration method that is suitable for any homogeneous non-Newtonian rheology. A modification of the Walker and Goulas method is also considered. Possible anomalous behaviour of kaolin slurries in centrifugal pumps is discussed. ©2009 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering. | Multiphase flows | Bingham plastic fluids; Head performance; Homogeneous suspensions; Newtonian fluids; Non-Newtonian fluids; Non-Newtonian rheology; Centrifugal pumps; Fluid dynamics; Hydraulic machinery; Kaolin; Multiphase flow; Newtonian liquids; Non Newtonian flow; Pumping plants; Pumps; Rheology; Viscosity; Suspensions (fluids) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883422763 | CEO compensation and performance of state owned enterprises in South Africa | Ngwenya S., Khumalo M. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 10 | 0.041666666667 | None | Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, UNISA, 0003, South Africa | Ngwenya, 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 Africa | The 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 Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936744415 | Ceo pay-performance sensitivity in the South African context | Bussin M. | 2015 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 18 | 2 | 10.17159/2222-3436/2015/v18n2a7 | Department of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Bussin, M., Department of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The topic of executive pay-performance sensitivity has resulted in mixed research findings. Literature related to executive remuneration constructs, company performance measures and the underlying theories is critically reviewed in this article. The literature is compared to research findings within the South African context pre, during and post the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. The researcher found similar results in the South African context compared to research in other countries and industries. The research challenges the notion that there is one dominant theory driving CEO compensation. The principal-agent theory, supported by the optimal contract theory, are foremost during periods of strong economic performance, while the influence of managerial power and other behavioural theories appear to prevail during periods of weak economic performance. This article proposes some critical considerations in order to manage this tension. © 2015, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. | CEO remuneration; Company performance; Compensation; Governance; Optimum contracting; Pay-performance sensitivity; principal-agent theory; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890669317 | Ceramic water filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles as a point-of-use water-treatment intervention for HIV-positive individuals in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A pilot study of technological performance and human health benefits | Abebe L.S., Smith J.A., Narkiewicz S., Oyanedel-Craver V., Conaway M., Singo A., Amidou S., Mojapelo P., Brant J., Dillingham R. | 2014 | Journal of Water and Health | 12 | 2 | 10.2166/wh.2013.185 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia, Thornton Hall, 351 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Bliss Hall 213, Kingston, RI 02881, United States; Department of Public Health Sciences, Public Health Sciences Hospital West, University of Virginia, PO Box 800717, Charlottesville, VA 3181, United States; Department of Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 801379, Charlottesville, VA, United States | Abebe, L.S., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia, Thornton Hall, 351 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Smith, J.A., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia, Thornton Hall, 351 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Narkiewicz, S., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Bliss Hall 213, Kingston, RI 02881, United States; Oyanedel-Craver, V., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Bliss Hall 213, Kingston, RI 02881, United States; Conaway, M., Department of Public Health Sciences, Public Health Sciences Hospital West, University of Virginia, PO Box 800717, Charlottesville, VA 3181, United States; Singo, A., Department of Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Amidou, S., Department of Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Mojapelo, P., Department of Microbiology, Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Brant, J., Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 801379, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Dillingham, R., Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 801379, Charlottesville, VA, United States | Waterborne pathogens present a significant threat to people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). This study presents a randomized, controlled trial that evaluates whether a household-level ceramic water filter (CWF) intervention can improve drinking water quality and decrease days of diarrhea in PLWH in rural South Africa. Seventy-four participants were randomized in an intervention group with CWFs and a control group without filters. Participants in the CWF arm received CWFs impregnated with silver nanoparticles and associated safe-storage containers. Water and stool samples were collected at baseline and 12 months. Diarrhea incidence was self-reported weekly for 12 months. The average diarrhea rate in the control group was 0.064 days/week compared to 0.015 days/week in the intervention group (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney). Median reduction of total coliform bacteria was 100% at enrollment and final collection. CWFs are an acceptable technology that can significantly improve the quality of household water and decrease days of diarrhea for PLWH in rural South Africa. © IWA Publishing 2014. | Ceramic water filters; Cryptosporidium parvum; HIV; Point-of-use; South Africa | drinking water; silver nanoparticle; ceramics; diarrheal disease; drinking water; human immunodeficiency virus; nanotechnology; public health; rural area; technological change; water treatment; water use; adult; article; ceramic water fillter; coliform bacterium; container; controlled study; Cryptosporidium; diarrhea; environmental sanitation; feces culture; female; filter; household; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; incidence; male; pilot study; randomized controlled trial; South Africa; water quality; water sampling; water supply; water treatment; Limpopo; South Africa; Adult; Ceramics; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Diarrhea; Drinking Water; Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Feces; Female; Filtration; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Male; Metal Nanoparticles; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rural Population; Silver; South Africa; Water Purification; Water Quality; Young Adult | NSF, National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928765295 | Cerebellar gray and white matter volume and their relation with age and manual motor performance in healthy older adults | Koppelmans V., Hirsiger S., Mérillat S., Jäncke L., Seidler R.D. | 2015 | Human Brain Mapping | 36 | 6 | 10.1002/hbm.22775 | School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Division of Neuropsychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Special Education, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, South Africa; Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States | Koppelmans, V., School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Hirsiger, S., International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Mérillat, S., International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Jäncke, L., International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Switzerland, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, Department of Special Education, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, South Africa; Seidler, R.D., School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States, Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States | Objectives: Functional neuroimaging and voxel-based morphometry studies have confirmed the important role of the cerebellum in motor behavior. However, little is known about the relationship between cerebellar gray (GMv) and white matter (WMv) volume and manual motor performance in aging individuals. This study aims to quantify the relationship between cerebellar tissue volume and manual motor performance. Experimental design: To gain more insight into cerebellar function and how it relates to the role of the primary motor cortex (M1), we related cerebellar GMv, WMv, and M1v to manual motor performance in 217 healthy older individuals. Left and right cerebellar GMv and WMv, and M1v were obtained using FreeSurfer. The following motor measures were obtained: grip force, tapping speed, bimanual visuomotor coordination, and manual dexterity. Principal observations: Significant positive relationships were observed between cerebellar GMv and WMv and grip strength, right cerebellar WMv and right-hand tapping speed, right cerebellar WMv and dexterity, M1v and grip strength, and right M1v and left-hand dexterity, though effect sizes were small. Conclusions: Our results show that cerebellar GMv and WMv are differently associated with manual motor performance. These associations partly overlap with the brain-behavior associations between M1 and manual motor performance. Not all observed associations were lateralized (i.e., ipsilateral cerebellar and contralateral M1v associations with motor performance), which could point to age-related neural dedifferentiation. The current study provides new insights in the role of the cerebellum in manual motor performance. In consideration of the small effect sizes replication studies are needed to validate these results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | Cerebellum; Gray matter; Motor function; MRI; Volume; White matter | age; aged; Article; behavior; brain; brain size; dexterity test; female; gray matter; grip strength; human; male; motor performance; primary motor cortex; priority journal; velocity; visuomotor coordination; white matter; aging; cerebellum; gray matter; hand strength; hemispheric dominance; image processing; longitudinal study; motor cortex; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; organ size; pathology; physiology; white matter; Aged; Aging; Cerebellum; Female; Functional Laterality; Gray Matter; Hand Strength; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Longitudinal Studies; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Motor Cortex; Motor Skills; Organ Size; White Matter | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944254344 | Challenges, Changes, and Impact of the Council on Social Work Education Womens Council: An Update | Tower L.E., Lazzari M.M., Faul A.C., Alvarez A.R. | 2015 | Journal of Social Work Education | 51 | 4 | 10.1080/10437797.2015.1076279 | West Virginia University, School of Social Work, P.O. Box 6830, Morgantown, WV, United States; Social Work Program, University of Washington Tacoma, United States; University of Louisville, United States; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Wayne State University, United States | Tower, L.E., West Virginia University, School of Social Work, P.O. Box 6830, Morgantown, WV, United States; Lazzari, M.M., Social Work Program, University of Washington Tacoma, United States; Faul, A.C., University of Louisville, United States, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Alvarez, A.R., Wayne State University, United States | This article highlights the contributions of the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education (Womens Council) as well as the role and status of women in social work education. For this historical analysis update, the authors drew on several primary and secondary data sources. The first major theme was organizational development (e.g., organizational commitment, strategic planning, and sustainability). The second major theme was contributions to social work education (e.g., furthering the knowledge base, influencing accreditation standards, and monitoring equity). These major themes and subthemes remained constant from the previous publication on the history of the WC (Alvarez et al., 2008), underscoring the resilience, commitment and persistence of the WC to keep a sharp focus on infusing feminist perspectives into social work education. Copyright © Council on Social Work Education. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Challenges for malaria elimination in Zanzibar: Pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors and poor performance of long-lasting insecticide nets | Haji K.A., Khatib B.O., Smith S., Ali A.S., Devine G.J., Coetzee M., Majambere S. | 2013 | Parasites and Vectors | 6 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-3305-6-82 | Zanzibar Malaria Control Program, Mwanakwerekwe, P.O. Box 407, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States; Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Cairns Public Health Unit, P.O. Box 1103, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom | Haji, K.A., Zanzibar Malaria Control Program, Mwanakwerekwe, P.O. Box 407, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Khatib, B.O., Zanzibar Malaria Control Program, Mwanakwerekwe, P.O. Box 407, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Smith, S., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States; Ali, A.S., Zanzibar Malaria Control Program, Mwanakwerekwe, P.O. Box 407, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Devine, G.J., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Cairns Public Health Unit, P.O. Box 1103, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Coetzee, M., Malaria Entomology Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Majambere, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom | Background: Long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual house spraying (IRS) are the main interventions for the control of malaria vectors in Zanzibar. The aim of the present study was to assess the susceptibility status of malaria vectors against the insecticides used for LLINs and IRS and to determine the durability and efficacy of LLINs on the island. Methods. Mosquitoes were sampled from Pemba and Unguja islands in 2010-2011 for use in WHO susceptibility tests. One hundred and fifty LLINs were collected from households on Unguja, their physical state was recorded and then tested for efficacy as well as total insecticide content. Results: Species identification revealed that over 90% of the Anopheles gambiae complex was An. arabiensis with a small number of An. gambiae s.s. and An. merus being present. Susceptibility tests showed that An. arabiensis on Pemba was resistant to the pyrethroids used for LLINs and IRS. Mosquitoes from Unguja Island, however, were fully susceptible to all pyrethroids tested. A physical examination of 150 LLINs showed that two thirds were damaged after only three years in use. All used nets had a significantly lower (p < 0.001) mean permethrin concentration of 791.6 mg/m2 compared with 944.2 mg/m2 for new ones. Their efficacy decreased significantly against both susceptible An. gambiae s.s. colony mosquitoes and wild-type mosquitoes from Pemba after just six washes (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The sustainability of the gains achieved in malaria control in Zanzibar is seriously threatened by the resistance of malaria vectors to pyrethroids and the short-lived efficacy of LLINs. This study has revealed that even in relatively well-resourced and logistically manageable places like Zanzibar, malaria elimination is going to be difficult to achieve with the current control measures. © 2013 Haji et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; Insecticide resistance; LLINs; Tanzania | pyrethroid; bendiocarb; carbamic acid derivative; cyhalothrin; deltamethrin; insecticide; nitrile; pyrethroid; Anopheles; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; anopheles merus; article; bed net; clinical effectiveness; concentration (parameters); malaria; nonhuman; Tanzania; vector control; world health organization; animal; classification; disease carrier; drug effects; epidemiology; female; geography; human; Insect Bites and Stings; insecticide resistance; malaria; mosquito; time; transmission; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Female; Geography; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Vectors; Insecticide Resistance; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Nitriles; Phenylcarbamates; Pyrethrins; Tanzania; Time Factors | None |
| WoS | WOS:000267176400007 | Challenges in implementing a participatory evaluation approach: A case study of the Limpopo Literacy Teaching Evaluation Project | Makgamatha, Matthews Matome | 2009 | EDUCATION AS CHANGE | 13 | 1 | 10.1080/16823200902940730 | Human Sciences Research Council-South Africa | None | The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), in collaboration with the University of Limpopo, was commissioned by the Limpopo Department of Education (LDoE) in South Africa to evaluate literacy teaching materials and practices in Limpopo primary schools. The research followed a participatory evaluation approach involving key education stakeholders in the province. The article examines the formation of the Research Reference Group (RRG) as a mechanism through which stakeholders were enabled to participate in the evaluation. It reviews the challenges encountered during the process of establishing the RRG and how they were addressed by the evaluation team. These challenges included conflicts of interest among stakeholders; determining the size of the RRG and the number of stakeholder representatives, and the knowledge imbalance between the evaluation team and the stakeholder representatives. It also highlights lessons learnt from the Limpopo literacy evaluation case study. | "EVALUATION TEAM",LITERACY,"participatory evaluation",stakeholder | None | None |
| None | None | Challenges in performance of food safety management systems: A case of fish processing companies in Tanzania | Kussaga J.B., Luning P.A., Tiisekwa B.P.M., Jacxsens L. | 2014 | Journal of Food Protection | 77 | 4 | 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-13-254 | Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania; Food Quality and Design, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 WG Wageningen, Netherlands | Kussaga, J.B., Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania; Luning, P.A., Food Quality and Design, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708 WG Wageningen, Netherlands; Tiisekwa, B.P.M., Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania; Jacxsens, L., Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium | This study provides insight for food safety (FS) performance in light of the current performance of core FS management system (FSMS) activities and context riskiness of these systems to identify the opportunities for improvement of the FSMS. A FSMS diagnostic instrument was applied to assess the performance levels of FSMS activities regarding context riskiness and FS performance in 14 fish processing companies in Tanzania. Two clusters (cluster I and II) with average FSMS (level 2) operating under moderate-risk context (score 2) were identified. Overall, cluster I had better (score 3) FS performance than cluster II (score 2 to 3). However, a majority of the fish companies need further improvement of their FSMS and reduction of context riskiness to assure good FS performance. The FSMS activity levels could be improved through hygienic design of equipment and facilities, strict raw material control, proper follow-up of critical control point analysis, developing specific sanitation procedures and company-specific sampling design and measuring plans, independent validation of preventive measures, and establishing comprehensive documentation and record-keeping systems. The risk level of the context could be reduced through automation of production processes (such as filleting, packaging, and sanitation) to restrict peoplés interference, recruitment of permanent highskilled technological staff, and setting requirements on product use (storage and distribution conditions) on customers. However, such intervention measures for improvement could be taken in phases, starting with less expensive ones (such as sanitation procedures) that can be implemented in the short term to more expensive interventions (setting up assurance activities) to be adopted in the long term. These measures are essential for fish processing companies to move toward FSMS that are more effective. Copyright © International Association for Food Protection. | None | analysis; animal; cluster analysis; food contamination; food handling; food industry; food safety; human; medical device contamination; microbiology; procedures; safety; sanitation; sea food; standards; Tanzania; Animals; Cluster Analysis; Equipment Contamination; Food Contamination; Food Handling; Food Safety; Food-Processing Industry; Humans; Safety Management; Sanitation; Seafood; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877004356 | Challenges of Diagnosing Acute HIV-1 Subtype C Infection in African Women: Performance of a Clinical Algorithm and the Need for Point-of-Care Nucleic-Acid Based Testing | Mlisana K., Sobieszczyk M., Werner L., Feinstein A., van Loggerenberg F., Naicker N., Williamson C., Garrett N. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0062928 | Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Durban, South Africa; Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, The Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Mlisana, K., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Durban, South Africa; Sobieszczyk, M., Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Werner, L., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Feinstein, A., Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; van Loggerenberg, F., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Naicker, N., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Williamson, C., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, The Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Garrett, N., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background:Prompt diagnosis of acute HIV infection (AHI) benefits the individual and provides opportunities for public health intervention. The aim of this study was to describe most common signs and symptoms of AHI, correlate these with early disease progression and develop a clinical algorithm to identify acute HIV cases in resource limited setting.Methods:245 South African women at high-risk of HIV-1 were assessed for AHI and received monthly HIV-1 antibody and RNA testing. Signs and symptoms at first HIV-positive visit were compared to HIV-negative visits. Logistic regression identified clinical predictors of AHI. A model-based score was assigned to each predictor to create a risk score for every woman.Results:Twenty-eight women seroconverted after a total of 390 person-years of follow-up with an HIV incidence of 7.2/100 person-years (95%CI 4.5-9.8). Fifty-seven percent reported ≥1 sign or symptom at the AHI visit. Factors predictive of AHI included age <25 years (OR = 3.2; 1.4-7.1), rash (OR = 6.1; 2.4-15.4), sore throat (OR = 2.7; 1.0-7.6), weight loss (OR = 4.4; 1.5-13.4), genital ulcers (OR = 8.0; 1.6-39.5) and vaginal discharge (OR = 5.4; 1.6-18.4). A risk score of 2 correctly predicted AHI in 50.0% of cases. The number of signs and symptoms correlated with higher HIV-1 RNA at diagnosis (r = 0.63; p<0.001).Conclusions:Accurate recognition of signs and symptoms of AHI is critical for early diagnosis of HIV infection. Our algorithm may assist in risk-stratifying individuals for AHI, especially in resource-limited settings where there is no routine testing for AHI. Independent validation of the algorithm on another cohort is needed to assess its utility further. Point-of-care antigen or viral load technology is required, however, to detect asymptomatic, antibody negative cases enabling early interventions and prevention of transmission. © 2013 Mlisana et al. | None | antigen p24; virus antibody; virus RNA; acute Human immunodeficiency virus 1 subtype C infection; adult; age; algorithm; anorexia; antibody detection; article; clinical assessment; clinical feature; cohort analysis; controlled study; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; disease course; ethnic group; female; genital ulcer; high risk population; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; incidence; infection risk; major clinical study; point of care testing; rash; risk assessment; RNA analysis; scoring system; sensitivity and specificity; seroconversion; sore throat; South African; symptom; vagina discharge; virus load; weight reduction; genetics; HIV Infections; hospital information system; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; immunology; mass screening; middle aged; molecular diagnosis; reproducibility; risk; South Africa; young adult; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Adult; Algorithms; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Point-of-Care Systems; Reproducibility of Results; Risk; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901594994 | Change in performance in response to training load adjustment based on autonomic activity | Botek M., McKune A.J., Krejci J., Stejskal P., Gaba A. | 2014 | International Journal of Sports Medicine | 35 | 6 | 10.1055/s-0033-1354385 | Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Tř. Míru 115, Olomouc 771 40, Czech Republic; Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Botek, M., Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Tř. Míru 115, Olomouc 771 40, Czech Republic; McKune, A.J., Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Krejci, J., Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Tř. Míru 115, Olomouc 771 40, Czech Republic; Stejskal, P., Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Tř. Míru 115, Olomouc 771 40, Czech Republic; Gaba, A., Faculty of Physical Culture, Department of Natural Sciences in Kinathropology, Tř. Míru 115, Olomouc 771 40, Czech Republic | The primary aim of this study was to assess performance (Perf) changes in response to a new training strategy. Specifically, based on spectral analysis of heart rate variability (SA HRV) to determine autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, training doses were adjusted to maintain vagal activity at a high and relatively stable level during training preparation. Trained athletes (5 male and 5 female) aged 23.2±4.2 years voluntarily participated in the study. ANS activity was assessed during an orthoclinostatic test, and was represented by calculating HRV variables and a total score index. Over 17 weeks, improvement (1.4-8.5%) and deterioration (0.1-8.8%) in Perf were detected in 7 and 3 athletes, respectively. A relationship (rs=0.684; P<0.05) between the change in Perf (ΔPerf) and supine PHF during season was found. Supine HRV indices (PHF, PT, and MSSD) for the last 3 weeks of the HRV-adjusting period correlated (rs=0.636; 0.648; 0.648, P<0.05) with ΔPerf. Based on the results, a high and relative stable vagal activity during preparation may indicate a readiness to train or appropriate recovery that positively affects Perf. In conclusion, daily quantification of ANS activity by SA HRV seems to be a promising tool for the enhancement of Perf. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York. | adaptability; athlete; exercise; heart rate variability; vagal activity | adult; athletic performance; female; heart rate; human; male; physical education; physiology; procedures; vagus nerve; young adult; Adult; Athletic Performance; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Physical Education and Training; Vagus Nerve; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901653003 | Changes in prey availability impact the foraging behaviour and fitness of Cape gannets over a decade | Cohen L.A., Pichegru L., Grémillet D., Coetzee J., Upfold L., Ryan P.G. | 2014 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 505 | None | 10.3354/meps10762 | DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Seabird Division, BirdLife South Africa, PO Box 515, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CEFE-UMR 5175, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Branch: Fisheries Management, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay 8012, South Africa; Oceans and Coasts, Department of Environmental Affairs, Private Bay X2, Rogge Bay 8012, South Africa | Cohen, L.A., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Pichegru, L., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa, Seabird Division, BirdLife South Africa, PO Box 515, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Grémillet, D., Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CEFE-UMR 5175, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier cedex 5, France; Coetzee, J., Branch: Fisheries Management, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay 8012, South Africa; Upfold, L., Oceans and Coasts, Department of Environmental Affairs, Private Bay X2, Rogge Bay 8012, South Africa; Ryan, P.G., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Seabirds respond to environmental changes by adjusting their breeding and foraging strategies, but this behavioural flexibility has limits. Cape gannets Morus capensis breeding in the southern Benguela on Malgas Island off South Africa's west coast have experienced large fluctuations in natural prey availability over the past decade, linked to environmental change and localised overfishing. When small pelagic fish are unavailable, breeding gannets increase their consumption of low-quality fishery discards (primarily hake Merluccius spp.). To investigate the limits of foraging flexibility of breeding gannets facing variable prey availability, we monitored foraging behaviour, nest attendance, adult body condition and chick growth between 2002 and 2012, along with diet composition and prey abundance (through annual hydroacoustic assessments) during the birds' breeding season. The combined biomass of sardine Sardinops sagax and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus within the Malgas gannet colony's foraging range varied tenfold across the study period and was positively correlated with the proportion of these high quality fish in the gannets' diet (17 to 90%). Foraging effort increased and nest attendance decreased with decreasing sardine/anchovy consumption. Adult body condition was negatively impacted by increases in hake in the diet. Chick growth was lowest when low sardine and anchovy composition was coupled with an increase in adult foraging effort, suggesting a limit to behavioural compensation for food shortages. This long-term study demonstrates the consequences of variable prey levels for Cape gannet behaviour and fitness. These results highlight the need for detailed investigations of seabird-fishery interactions, and the necessity to limit fishing within Cape gannet foraging ranges during years of low natural prey abundance. © 2014 Inter-Research. | Chick growth; Fishery discards; Foraging effort; Pelagic fish; Seabirds | body condition; breeding season; decadal variation; diet; fish; fitness; foraging behavior; overfishing; pelagic fish; prey availability; seabird; Angola; Benguela; Malgas Island; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874072487 | Changes in selected physical, motor performance and anthropometric components of university-level rugby players after one microcycle of a combined rugby conditioning and plyometric training program | Pienaa C., Coetzee B. | 2013 | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research | 27 | 2 | 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825770ea | Sport and Recreation Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Pienaa, C., Sport and Recreation Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Coetzee, B., Sport and Recreation Research Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a microcycle (4 weeks) combined rugby conditioning plyometric compared with a nonplyometric rugby conditioning program on selected physical and motor performance components and anthropometric measurements of university-level rugby players. Players (18.94 ± 0.40 years) were assigned to either a control (n = 16) or experimental group (n = 19) from the U/19 rugby teams of the North-West University (South Africa). Twenty-six direct and indirect anthropometric measurements were taken, and the players performed a battery of 5 physical and motor performance tests before and after a microcycle (4 week) combined rugby conditioning plyometric (experimental group) and a nonplyometric rugby conditioning program (control group). The dependent t-test results showed that the control group's upper-body explosive power decreased significantly, whereas the stature, skeletal mass, and femur breadth increased significantly from pre-to posttesting. The experimental group showed significant increases in wrist breadth, speed over 20 m, agility, and power and work measurements of the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). Despite these results, the independent t-test revealed that speed over 20 m, average power output at 20 seconds, relative work of theWAnT, and agility were the only components of the experimental group that improved significantly more than the control group. A microcycle combined rugby conditioning plyometric program therefore leads to significantly bigger changes in selected physical and motor performance components of university-level rugby players than a nonplyometric rugby conditioning program alone. Based on these findings, coaches and sport scientists should implement × weekly combined rugby conditioning plyometric programs in rugby players' training regimens to improve the players' speed, agility, and power. © 2013 National Strength and Conditioning Association. | Agility; Body composition; Explosive power; Speed; WAnT | adolescent; adult; article; body height; body weight; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; femur; football; histology; human; male; motor performance; muscle contraction; muscle strength; physiology; plyometrics; randomized controlled trial; running; skeletal muscle; wrist; Adolescent; Adult; Body Height; Body Weight; Femur; Football; Humans; Male; Motor Skills; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Plyometric Exercise; Running; Wrist; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953128439 | Changes in tribological performance of high molecular weight high density polyethylene induced by the addition of molybdenum disulphide particles | Pettarin V., Churruca M.J., Felhös D., Karger-Kocsis J., Frontini P.M. | 2010 | Wear | 269 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.wear.2010.03.006 | Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA, Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, B7608 FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina; Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Materials Science Engineering, University of Miskolc, H-3515, Hungary; Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Pettarin, V., Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA, Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, B7608 FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina; Churruca, M.J., Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA, Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, B7608 FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina; Felhös, D., Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Materials Science Engineering, University of Miskolc, H-3515, Hungary; Karger-Kocsis, J., Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Frontini, P.M., Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA, Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, B7608 FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina | Through this work, the effect of the addition of commercial molybdenum disulphide on the tribological behavior of high molecular weight high density polyethylene was assessed. Determination of several tribological parameters (kinetic coefficient of friction by sliding testing, static coefficient of friction by scratch testing, sliding wear rate by roller-on-plate test, abrasive wear rate by dry sand/rubber wheel test, and surface hardness by microhardness measurements) and microscopical observations (by TOM, SEM and EDAX) were combined in an attempt to elucidate the effect of MoS2 in composites performance. In this way, a complete picture of composites behavior was achieved. An content of MoS2 for minimum wear rate was encountered to be around 10 wt.%. It was found that the solid lubricant increases wear resistance under both sliding and abrasive wear conditions. It seems that depending on wear condition MoS2 acts in a different way. It appears that MoS2 contributes to dissipate the generated heat, thus decreasing wear due to surface melting of the polymer. Under sliding conditions, an adhesive wear mechanism became dominant which is characterized by the formation of a uniform and adherent transfer film on the counterface. Under abrasive conditions a positive rolling effect of MoS2 particles was found. Amounts of filler larger than 10% resulted in a detriment of wear resistance due to weak microstructures which lead to the occurrence of micro-cracking wear mechanism. Besides, the effect of MoS2 particles upon HMW-HDPE stress-strain and fracture behavior was checked for the composite with the best wear performance. Low strain mechanical properties of HMW-HDPE remained almost unaltered while a noticeable change in high strain properties resulted from the introduction of filler. Fracture mode was also changed from stable to unstable under quasi-static conditions and from semi-ductile to brittle under dynamic conditions, with a concomitant abrupt reduction in toughness values. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Fracture toughness; Lubricant additives; Polymer-matrix composite; Sliding wear; Stress-strain behavior; Three-body abrasion | Abrasive wears; Adhesive wears; Coefficient of frictions; Dynamic condition; Fracture behavior; Fracture mode; High molecular weight; High strains; Kinetic coefficient of friction; Low strains; Lubricant additives; Microhardness measurement; Microscopical observation; Molybdenum disulphide; Plate test; Quasi-static conditions; Scratch testing; SEM; Sliding conditions; Sliding wear; Stress-strain; Stress-strain behavior; Stress-strain behaviors; Surface hardness; Surface melting; Three body abrasion; Transfer film; Tribological behaviors; Tribological parameters; Tribological performance; Wear condition; Wear mechanisms; Wear performance; Wear rates; Abrasion; Abrasives; Brittle fracture; Ductile fracture; Fillers; Fracture toughness; Friction; Hardness testing; Mechanical properties; Molecular weight; Molybdenum; Molybdenum compounds; Polyethylenes; Polymer matrix composites; Polymers; Rolling; Solid lubricants; Strain; Surface testing; Thermoplastics; Tribology; Wear resistance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951576583 | Changing HIV Clinical Knowledge and Skill in Context: The Impact of Longitudinal Training in the Southeast United States | Culyba R.J., McGee B.T., Weyer D. | 2011 | Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care | 22 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jana.2010.07.005 | Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Training and Education Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa, Voluntary Service Overseas, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Southeast AIDS Training and Education Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States | Culyba, R.J., Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Training and Education Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; McGee, B.T., Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa, Voluntary Service Overseas, Pretoria, South Africa; Weyer, D., Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Southeast AIDS Training and Education Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States | In the Southeast United States, HIV care is provided in a context of disproportionate HIV prevalence and barriers to care, including rural locales, higher proportions of African American and uninsured patients, and inadequate health care workforce and infrastructure. The authors describe a regional on-site longitudinal training program developed to target multidisciplinary teams providing HIV primary care at clinical sites in the region. The effect of this training program was evaluated using pre- and 3-month post-program knowledge and skills tests, a post-training evaluation questionnaire, and a post-program focus group. The authors found desired effects, with increases in knowledge and skills and improved capacity of providers to meet patient care needs across all clinical sites despite variations in terms of HIV-infected patient loads. However, the lack of enabling factors present in clinic environments may attenuate the application of new knowledge and skills, underscoring the relevance of teamwork training in HIV care settings. © 2011 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. | Health education; HIV clinical care; HIV training; Provider training evaluation; Rural population | article; clinical competence; continuing education; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; longitudinal study; male; psychological aspect; United States; Clinical Competence; Education, Continuing; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Southeastern United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84917707305 | Changing patterns of health in communities impacted by a bioenergy project in Northern Sierra Leone | Knoblauch A.M., Hodges M.H., Bah M.S., Kamara H.I., Kargbo A., Paye J., Turay H., Nyorkor E.D., Divall M.J., Zhang Y., Utzinger J., Winkler M.S. | 2014 | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | 11 | 12 | 10.3390/ijerph111212997 | Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland; Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, P.O. Box, Freetown, Sierra Leone; SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Helen Keller International, Regional Office for Africa, P.O. Box, Dakar, Senegal | Knoblauch, A.M., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland; Hodges, M.H., Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, P.O. Box, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Bah, M.S., Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, P.O. Box, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Kamara, H.I., Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, P.O. Box, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Kargbo, A., Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, P.O. Box, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Paye, J., Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, P.O. Box, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Turay, H., Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, P.O. Box, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Nyorkor, E.D., Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, P.O. Box, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Divall, M.J., SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Zhang, Y., Helen Keller International, Regional Office for Africa, P.O. Box, Dakar, Senegal; Utzinger, J., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland; Winkler, M.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland | Large private sector investments in low- and middle-income countries are often critically evaluated with regards to their environmental, social, human rights, and health impacts. A health impact assessment, including a baseline health survey, was commissioned by the Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone project in 2010. As part of the monitoring, a follow-up survey was conducted three years later. A set of health indicators was assessed at six impacted and two control sites. Most of these indices improved, particularly at the impacted sites. The prevalences of stunting, wasting, and Plasmodium falciparum in children under five years of age decreased significantly at impacted sites (all p < 0.05) and non-significantly at control sites. Anemia in children and in women of reproductive age (15–49 years) decreased significantly at impacted and control sites (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Health facility-based deliveries increased significantly at the impacted sites (p < 0.05). The prevalences of helminth infections in children aged 10–15 years remained approximately at the same levels, although focal increases at the impacted sites were noted. Access to improved sanitation decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at control and non-significantly at impacted sites. Water quality remained poor without significant changes. The epidemiologic monitoring of a bioenergy project provides a useful contribution for evidence-based decision-making. © 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | Anemia; Bioenergy; Health impact assessment; Helminth infection; Malaria; Nutritional status; Sierra Leone | amodiaquine plus artesunate; praziquantel; biofuel; anemia; bioenergy; child health; decision making; disease prevalence; health impact; health monitoring; health survey; malaria; sanitation; adolescent; adult; age distribution; anemia; Article; bioenergy; child; controlled study; cross-sectional study; environmental monitoring; evidence based practice; female; health care delivery; health care facility; health impact assessment; health survey; helminthiasis; human; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; medical decision making; preschool child; prevalence; public health; sanitation; schistosomiasis; school child; Sierra Leone; stunting; wasting syndrome; water quality; adverse effects; anemia; Child Nutrition Disorders; delivery; demography; health impact assessment; health status; helminthiasis; infant; Malaria, Falciparum; middle aged; renewable energy; Sierra Leone; statistics and numerical data; epidemiological monitoring; sanitation; young adult; Sierra Leone; Addax; Plasmodium falciparum; Vermes; Adolescent; Adult; Anemia; Child; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Health Impact Assessment; Health Status; Helminthiasis; Humans; Infant; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Middle Aged; Renewable Energy; Residence Characteristics; Sanitation; Sierra Leone; Water Quality; Biofuels; Epidemiological Monitoring; Health Impact Assessment; Sanitation; Sierra Leone; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870864167 | Changing sediment yield and sediment dynamics in the karoo uplands, south africa; post-european impacts | Foster I.D.L., Rowntree K.M., Boardman J., Mighall T.M. | 2012 | Land Degradation and Development | 23 | 6 | 10.1002/ldr.2180 | School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Newton Building, Northampton NN2 6JD, United Kingdom; Department of Geography, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom; Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Department of Geography and the Environment, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, United Kingdom | Foster, I.D.L., School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Newton Building, Northampton NN2 6JD, United Kingdom, Department of Geography, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Rowntree, K.M., Department of Geography, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Boardman, J., Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom, Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Mighall, T.M., Department of Geography and the Environment, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3UF, United Kingdom | We provide an overview of published results and a significant body of new data from an ongoing research programme designed to reconstruct sediment yields and sources in small (<60km2) catchments in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over the last 150years. Our analysis of four catchments has determined that sediment yield increased significantly in the latter half of the 20th century but that the exact timing of these increases was different in each of the four catchments. In two high altitude locations, sediment yield increases were not associated with a significant change in sediment source although, in one case, areas of former cultivation appear to have made a slightly greater contribution since the 1960s. In a third catchment, increases in sediment yield appear to have been driven by the development of badlands and by an increase in connectivity between the badlands and the main channel network in the 1960s. In the fourth catchment, increased connectivity between the main catchment and dam occurred as a result of the construction of a causeway to carry a main road and by the construction of culverts beneath the road. Occasional changes in sediment source have also been identified in the sedimentary record, but these were not linked directly to road construction. Research to date shows the complexity of sediment delivery in these semi-arid catchment systems and emphasises the need to combine sediment yield with source ascription to better understand the dynamics of these systems. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Catchment connectivity; Karoo; Land use change; Sediment sources; Sediment yield; Weather and climate | Karoo; Land-use change; Sediment sources; Sediment yields; Weather and climate; Digital storage; Dynamics; Landforms; Roads and streets; Runoff; Sedimentology; Sediments; Catchments; badlands; catchment; cultivation; land use change; road; sediment yield; upland region; Eastern Cape; Karoo; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880200012 | Characterisation of alkaline tailings from a lead/zinc mine in South Africa and evaluation of their revegetation potential using five indigenous grass species | Titshall L.W., Hughes J.C., Bester H.C. | 2013 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 30 | 2 | 10.1080/02571862.2013.807361 | School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PO Box 100281, Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Titshall, L.W., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville 3209, South Africa, Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PO Box 100281, Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Hughes, J.C., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Bester, H.C., School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Tailings from a lead/zinc (Pb/Zn) mine were characterised and their revegetation potential investigated under glasshouse conditions using five grass species with three rates of inorganic fertiliser. The tailings were alkaline with low nutrient concentrations but high total and extractable Zn. The yield of all grass species increased with an increase in fertiliser rate. The yield of Cenchrus ciliaris at the full fertiliser application rate was significantly higher than the other species tested, followed by Digitaria eriantha. Cymbopogon plurinodis was the third-highest-yielding species, whereas yields of Eragrostis superba and Fingeruthia africana were similar. Concentrations of Zn in the foliage tended to be over the reported grass foliage ranges, whereas Pb concentrations were within typical norms. It is recommended that C. ciliaris, D. eriantha and E. superba be used for initial revegetation, with other species used to improve biodiversity after initial cover has been established. © 2013 Copyright Combined Congress Continuing Committee. | carbonate-rich; dolomitic tailings; indigenous; low cost; phytorestoration | biodiversity; carbonate; concentration (composition); cost-benefit analysis; fertilizer application; foliage; grass; habitat restoration; lead; native species; phytoremediation; restoration ecology; revegetation; tailings; zinc; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958810353 | Characterisation of local Ghanaian chickens: Growth performance evaluation based on Richards growth model and genetic size scaling | Osei-Amponsah R., Kayang B.B., Naazie A., Arthur P.F., Barchia I.M. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-011-9825-1 | Department of Animal Science University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Camden, Australia | Osei-Amponsah, R., Department of Animal Science University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Kayang, B.B., Department of Animal Science University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Naazie, A., Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Arthur, P.F., NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Camden, Australia; Barchia, I.M., NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Camden, Australia | The Richards growth model was fitted to body weight-age data of local and SASSO T44 chickens to describe their growth performance. Males had higher (P < 0.05) asymptotic mature weights than females. Within the local chicken population, birds from the savannah zone had higher (P < 0.05) asymptotic mature weights compared to forest chicken which ironically had higher body weights at hatch. Male local chicken had lower maturing rates compared to the females. Female local chicken were superior to SASSO T44 females in terms of maturing rate. On the average, local chickens took relatively longer time (78.4-83.3 days) to reach the point of inflection than the SASSO T44 population (74.2-79.8 days). However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the age at inflection among local chicken populations. The shape parameter for SASSO T44 chicken (0.053-0.370) and maturation rate for local chicken (0.177-0.198) were the most critical parameters. Scaling the body weights into degree of maturity highlighted the degree to which genotypes matured over time. Female chickens had the highest (P < 0.05) degree of maturity at all ages. The local chicken populations were also metabolically older than SASSO T44 chickens. Results of this study provide an opportunity to develop breeding strategies for local chicken by modifying either management practices or their genetic makeup to positively affect their growth and productivity. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Degree of maturity; Local chicken; Metabolic age; Richards growth model | animal; article; biological model; body weight; chicken; environment; female; genetics; genotype; Ghana; growth, development and aging; male; sex ratio; sexual maturation; statistical model; Animals; Body Weight; Chickens; Environment; Female; Genotype; Ghana; Linear Models; Male; Models, Biological; Sex Distribution; Sexual Maturation; Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901690560 | Characterisation of raw sewage and performance assessment of primary settling tanks at Firle Sewage Treatment Works, Harare, Zimbabwe | Muserere S.T., Hoko Z., Nhapi I. | 2014 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2013.10.004 | Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Harare Water Department, City of Harare, Old Mutual House Corner, Sam Nujoma and Speke Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe | Muserere, S.T., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, Harare Water Department, City of Harare, Old Mutual House Corner, Sam Nujoma and Speke Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hoko, Z., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nhapi, I., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The need for more stringent effluent discharge standards as prescribed by the Environmental Management Act 20:27 to protect the environment can be sustainably achieved with the aid of Activated Sludge Models. Thus, the researchers believe it is time to re-evaluate wastewater characteristics at Firle Sewage Treatment Works (STW) and make use of activated sludge simulators to address pollution challenges caused by the sewage plant. Therefore, this paper characterizes raw sewage and assesses settled and unsettled sewage in order to evaluate the performance of the primary treatment system and the suitability of the settled sewage for treatment by the subsequent Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system at Firle STW. Parameters studied included COD, BOD, TKN, TP, NH3, TSS, pH and Alkalinity. Composite samples were collected over a 9-day campaign period (27 June to 6 July 2012), hourly grab samples over 24hrs and composite samples on 6 March 2012 which were then analysed in the lab in accordance with Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater to support the City of Harare 2004-2012 lab historical records. Concentrations for unsettled sewage in mg/L were COD (527±32), BOD (297±83) TKN (19.0±2.0), TP (18±3), NH3 (24.0±12.9), TSS (219±57), while pH was 7.0±0 and Alkalinity 266±36mg/L. For settled sewage the corresponding values in mg/L were COD (522±15), BOD (324±102), TKN (21.0±3.0), TP (19.0±2.0), NH3 (25.6±11.2), TSS (250±66), while pH was 7.0±0 and Alkalinity 271±17mg/L. The plant design values for raw sewage are COD (650mg/L), BOD (200mg/L), TKN (40mg/L) and TP (11mg/L). Thus, COD and nitrogen were within the plant design range while BOD and TP were higher. Treatability of sewage in BNR systems is often inferred from the levels of critical parameters and also the ratios of TKN/COD and COD/TP. The wastewater average settled COD/BOD, COD/TP and TKN/COD ratio were 1.7±0.5, 27.1±3.1 and 0.04±0.01 respectively and corresponding unsettled ratios were 1.8±0.5, 30.77±6.8 and 0.04±0 respectively. Thus, treatability by the 3-stage BNR system appears highly feasible for nitrogen and is likely to be complex for phosphorous. Fractionation of COD, TP and TN is recommended to appropriately advise further steps to optimise the plant operations. © 2013 The Authors. | Biological Nutrient Removal; Characterise; Firle Sewage Treatment Works; Settled sewage; Treatability of sewage | Activated sludge process; Alkalinity; Effluents; Environmental management; Nitrogen; Nutrients; pH; Activated sludge model; Biological nutrient removal; Characterise; Effluent discharge; Performance assessment; Sewage treatment works; Wastewater characteristics; Water and wastewater; Biological sewage treatment; activated sludge; biochemical oxygen demand; chemical oxygen demand; performance assessment; sewage; sewage treatment; Harare [Zimbabwe]; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951259985 | Characterisation of South African equity unit trusts using the active share measure as a performance indicator | Hirschel P., Krige J.D. | 2010 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 34 | 1 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Hirschel, P., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Krige, J.D., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | This study investigates the relationship between the active share, tracking error and investment performance of South African general equity and large cap unit trusts for the period 2003 to 2007. Active share reflects the amount of deviation of a unit trust's equity holdings from a benchmark. The development of active share over time amongst unit trusts is investigated, as well as the relationship between active share, tracking error, fund size, number of equities in a unit trust and systematic risk as measured by beta. It was found that outperformance, as measured by Jensen's α and the Omega ratio, was statistically significant for unit trusts in the highest active share quintiles. The relationship between tracking error quintiles and performance was less consistent. A slight increase with time in the active share value was observed-possibly as a result of a move away from resources and large cap shares, which are concentrated in the JSE indices. High active share was found to be associated with a larger number of active positions, a beta against the benchmark of less than one and low numbers of stocks. No relationship between active share and size was found. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247632601 | Characterising borehole radio antenna performance using finite-difference time-domain modelling | Vogt D., Marvin A. | 2006 | South African Journal of Geology | 109 | 4 | 10.2113/gssajg.109.4.561 | CSIR, Division of Mining Technology, PO Box 91230, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Department of Electronics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom | Vogt, D., CSIR, Division of Mining Technology, PO Box 91230, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Marvin, A., Department of Electronics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom | Radio Tomography (RT) has proven itself as an imaging tool for base metal orebody delineation. To date, theoretical considerations of the imaging technique and inversion algorithms have concentrated on the propagation of energy from the transmit antenna to the receive antenna, while ignoring the antennas themselves. The Finite-Difference Time-Domain technique for modelling antennas has been extended to efficiently model antennas embedded in arbitrary media such as rock. The model is set up with body-of-rotation symmetry to produce models that have three dimensional accuracy, while only having two dimensional computational cost. Wire dipole antennas are efficiently modelled by the addition of a subcell extension for a thin wire coated with a thin layer of insulation. The extended code is used, both to aid in the design of an improved antenna, and to investigate how the performance of the antenna affects the imaging of RT data in particular circumstances. A completely insulated antenna is preferred because its performance is more independent of the surrounding rock. The numerical model aids in the design of an improved antenna, with the optimum combination of performance features in a physically realizable antenna. If the electronics package is placed at the end of the dipole, the electronics package can be housed in a bare metal pressure casing without significantly affecting antenna performance as a function of rock type. The model also shows how the use of RT can be influenced by the geometry of the system and particularly by the use of conductors to suspend the RT antenna: wire cable support is not recommended until full waveform inversion techniques can take into account the presence of the wire. Antenna arrays appear to be viable, but if antennas without insulation are used, the spacing between the antennas should be at least as great as the length of each antenna. © 2006 December Geological Society of South Africa. | None | accuracy assessment; algorithm; antenna; finite difference method; inverse problem; performance assessment; radio wave; three-dimensional modeling; time domain reflectometry; waveform analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862506385 | Characteristics and tribological performance of DLC and Si-DLC films deposited on nitrile rubber | Lubwama M., McDonnell K.A., Kirabira J.B., Sebbit A., Sayers K., Dowling D., Corcoran B. | 2012 | Surface and Coatings Technology | 206 | 22 | 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2012.05.015 | School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, Ireland; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Lubwama, M., School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; McDonnell, K.A., School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; Kirabira, J.B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Sebbit, A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Sayers, K., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, Ireland; Dowling, D., School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; Corcoran, B., School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland | The characteristics and tribological performance of DLC and Si-DLC films with and without Si-C interlayers were studied in this paper. The films were deposited on nitrile rubber using a closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering ion plating system. The film properties and characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hydrophobicity studies, Raman spectroscopy and tribological investigations. Tribological performance of these films was investigated using a pin-on-disc tribometer under applied loads of 1N and 5N under conditions of dry and wet sliding. The effect of immersing the films in water on tribological performance was also examined. The results show that the morphology of the films had a crack-like network. At a substrate bias of -30V, the coatings were characterised by a very dense non-columnar microstructure. The highest value of the ratio of intensities of the D and G peaks (I D/I G) was 1.2 for Si-DLC film with Si-C interlayer. The lowest value of 0.7 was observed for DLC film. The contact angle (CA) of water droplets showed that the films were hydrophobic. These results are interpreted in terms of hybridisation of carbon in these coatings. The tribological investigation showed a dependence on both the tribological condition under investigation and the atomic percentage of Si in the films. At 5N normal load the lowest wear depth was observed for DLC films. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Coefficient of friction; Contact angle; Diamond-like carbon; Raman spectroscopy; Si-DLC film; Tribology | Applied loads; Atomic percentage; Closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering ion platings; Coefficient of frictions; Crack-like; Diamond-like carbon; DLC film; Dry and wet; Film properties; Hybridisation; Nitrile rubbers; Normal loads; Pin on disc tribometer; Substrate bias; Tribological conditions; Tribological performance; Water droplets; Wear depth; Carbon; Coatings; Composite films; Contact angle; Hydrophobicity; Ion implantation; Raman scattering; Raman spectroscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Silicon; Tribology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897376195 | Characterization and evaluation of acid-modified starch of Dioscorea oppositifolia (Chinese yam) as a binder in chloroquine phosphate tablets | Okunlola A., Akingbala O. | 2013 | Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 49 | 4 | 10.1590/S1984-82502013000400009 | Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Okunlola, A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Akingbala, O., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Chinese yam (Dioscorea oppositifolia) starch modified by acid hydrolysis was characterized and compared with native starch as a binder in chloroquine phosphate tablet formulations. The physicochemical and compressional properties (using density measurements and the Heckel and Kawakita equations) of modified Chinese yam starch were determined, and its quantitative effects as a binder on the mechanical and release properties of chloroquine phosphate were analyzed using a 23 full factorial design. The nature (X1), concentration of starch (X2) and packing fraction (X3) were taken as independent variables and the crushing strength-friability ratio (CSFR), disintegration time (DT) and dissolution time (t80) as dependent variables. Acid-modified Chinese yam starch showed a marked reduction (p<0.05) in amylose content and viscosity but increased swelling and water-binding properties. The modified starch had a faster onset and greater amount of plastic flow. Changing the binder from native to acid-modified form led to significant increases (p<0.05) in CSFR and DT but a decrease in t80. An increase in binder concentration and packing fraction gave similar results for CSFR and DT only. These results suggest that acid-modified Chinese yam starches may be useful as tablet binders when high bond strength and fast dissolution are required. | Acid hydrolysis; Chinese yam/starch/binding properties; Dioscorea oppositifolia/pharmaceutics; Drugs/release; Factorial design | amylose; chloroquine; starch; article; carbohydrate analysis; concentration (parameters); crushing strength; crushing strength friability ratio; Dioscorea oppositifolia; drug binding; drug release; drug solubility; hydrolysis; physical chemistry; tablet disintegration time; tablet formulation; tablet friability; tablet property; viscosity; yam | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871394974 | Characterization and evaluation of South African sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) LAM) land races | Laurie S.M., Calitz F.J., Adebola P.O., Lezar A. | 2013 | South African Journal of Botany | 85 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2012.11.004 | Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Inst., Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council, Biometry Unit, PO Box 8783, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Laurie, S.M., Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Inst., Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Calitz, F.J., Agricultural Research Council, Biometry Unit, PO Box 8783, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Adebola, P.O., Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Inst., Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Lezar, A., Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Inst., Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | A total of 57 sweet potato accessions, consisting of 51 South African land races and six local cultivars, were subjected to characterization in a glass house and in follow-up field experiments. The accessions were morphologically characterized using the Bioversity International descriptors and, in addition, screened for drought and heat tolerance. Significant differences were observed for the following drought-heat screening parameters: number of days to severe wilting and number of severely wilted plants. A number of land races showed tolerance to both drought and heat, namely A3026, A3027, A2316 and A46. The multivariate cluster analysis and principal component analysis divided the 57 accessions into three groups consisting of 17, 21 and 19 accessions, respectively. The commercial varieties were all allocated to group 3, except the old cultivar Mafutha, which was in group 1. The most important characters for distinction of the accessions were leaf outline, leaf lobe type, leaf lobe number, and shape of the central leaf lobe. The study provided comprehensive information concerning locally available sweet potato germplasm and is of vital importance for advancement in the sweet potato improvement program in South Africa. The information will also be useful to SASHA (a regional network for sweet potato breeding), ensuring wider utilization of these germplasms within Sub-Saharan Africa. © 2012. | Drought screening; Morphological traits; Multivariate cluster analysis; Sweet potato | cluster analysis; cultivar; germplasm; morphology; principal component analysis; root vegetable; tolerance; South Africa; Ipomoea batatas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956095468 | Characterization and safety evaluation of the impact of hydrocarbon contaminants on ecological receptors | Nwaichi E.O., Onyeike E.N., Wegwu M.O. | 2010 | Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology | 85 | 2 | 10.1007/s00128-010-0062-5 | Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Nwaichi, E.O., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Onyeike, E.N., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Wegwu, M.O., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Hydrocarbon-contaminant removal efficiency of Bambara groundnuts and biomagnification was investigated. The crude oil contaminated soil samples in which the plants were established were either un-amended, or amended with NPK, or Urea, or Poultry manure. Amendments improved phytoextraction rates as follows: Urea - 63.37%, NPK - 65.99%, Poultry - manure - 70.04%, for PAH; Urea - 78.80%, NPK - 79.80%, Poultry manure - 87.90%, for BTEX. Hazard characterization from 28-day feeding study revealed negative effects of potentially toxic BTEX and PAH on organ weight, optimum digestibility and animal growth rate. Sleep time decreased with increasing hydrocarbon concentrations probably due to increased liver enzyme activity. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Exposure; Food safety; Hydrocarbon contamination; Phytoremediation | Biomagnification; Contaminant removal; Ecological receptors; Exposure; Food safety; Hydrocarbon contamination; Oil contaminated soil; Phytoextraction; Phytoremediation; Poultry manure; Safety evaluations; Sleep time; Bioremediation; Contamination; Crude oil; Enzyme activity; Health; Hydrocarbons; Impurities; Manures; Metabolism; Removal; Soil pollution; Soil pollution control; Urea; Chemical contamination; fertilizer; petroleum; animal; article; biomass; bioremediation; body weight; chemistry; drug effect; environmental monitoring; female; food chain; growth, development and aging; legume; Nigeria; organ size; peanut; plant root; rat; sleep; soil pollutant; Wistar rat; Animals; Arachis hypogaea; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biomass; Body Weight; Environmental Monitoring; Fabaceae; Female; Fertilizers; Food Chain; Nigeria; Organ Size; Petroleum; Plant Roots; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sleep; Soil Pollutants; Animalia; Arachis hypogaea; Bambara | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919917412 | Characterization of binding specificities of bovine leucocyte class I molecules: impacts for rational epitope discovery | Hansen A.M., Rasmussen M., Svitek N., Harndahl M., Golde W.T., Barlow J., Nene V., Buus S., Nielsen M. | 2014 | Immunogenetics | 66 | 12 | 10.1007/s00251-014-0802-5 | Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, United States; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States | Hansen, A.M., Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Rasmussen, M., Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Svitek, N., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Harndahl, M., Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Golde, W.T., Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, United States; Barlow, J., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States; Nene, V., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Buus, S., Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nielsen, M., Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina | The binding of peptides to classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins is the single most selective step in antigen presentation. However, the peptide-binding specificity of cattle MHC (bovine leucocyte antigen, BoLA) class I (BoLA-I) molecules remains poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrate how a combination of high-throughput assays using positional scanning combinatorial peptide libraries, peptide dissociation, and peptide-binding affinity binding measurements can be combined with bioinformatics to effectively characterize the functionality of BoLA-I molecules. Using this strategy, we characterized eight BoLA-I molecules, and found the peptide specificity to resemble that of human MHC-I molecules with primary anchors most often at P2 and P9, and occasional auxiliary P1/P3/P5/P6 anchors. We analyzed nine reported CTL epitopes from Theileria parva, and in eight cases, stable and high affinity binding was confirmed. A set of peptides were tested for binding affinity to the eight BoLA proteins and used to refine the predictors of peptide–MHC binding NetMHC and NetMHCpan. The inclusion of BoLA-specific peptide-binding data led to a significant improvement in prediction accuracy for reported T. parva CTL epitopes. For reported CTL epitopes with weak or no predicted binding, these refined prediction methods suggested presence of nested minimal epitopes with high-predicted binding affinity. The enhanced affinity of the alternative peptides was in all cases confirmed experimentally. This study demonstrates how biochemical high-throughput assays combined with immunoinformatics can be used to characterize the peptide-binding motifs of BoLA-I molecules, boosting performance of MHC peptide-binding prediction methods, and empowering rational epitope discovery in cattle. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | BoLA; Bovine leucocyte antigen; CTL epitopes; Immunoinformatics; Rational epitope discovery | bovine leukocyte antigen class i molecule; epitope; major histocompatibility antigen class 1; peptide; unclassified drug; beta 2 microglobulin; epitope; HLA antigen class 1; ligand; peptide library; protein binding; recombinant protein; animal cell; antigen binding; Article; binding affinity; bioinformatics; computer model; controlled study; cross reaction; dissociation; high throughput screening; human; major histocompatibility complex; molecule; nonhuman; peptide library; protein binding; Theileria parva; validation process; amino acid sequence; animal; binding site; Bovinae; chemistry; epitope mapping; genetics; immunology; metabolism; position weight matrix; protein motif; reproducibility; Bos; Bovinae; Theileria parva; Amino Acid Motifs; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; beta 2-Microglobulin; Binding Sites; Cattle; Cross Reactions; Epitope Mapping; Epitopes; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; Humans; Ligands; Peptide Library; Peptides; Position-Specific Scoring Matrices; Protein Binding; Recombinant Proteins; Reproducibility of Results | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899828181 | Characterization of rice hull ash and its performance in turbidity removal from water | Adams F.V., Ikotun B.D., Patrick D.O., Mulaba-Bafubiandi A.F. | 2014 | Particulate Science and Technology | 32 | 4 | 10.1080/02726351.2013.867001 | Department of Metallurgy, Mineral Processing and Technology Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Jo | Adams, F.V., Department of Metallurgy, Mineral Processing and Technology Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ikotun, B.D., Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa; Patrick, D.O., Department of Chemical Engineering, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria; Mulaba-Bafubiandi, A.F., Department of Metallurgy, Mineral Processing and Technology Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study characterizes the locally obtained samples of rice hull ash and investigates its performance on turbidity removal from water. Four samples of this material were studied, namely, unwashed parboiled rice hull ash (UPRHA), washed parboiled rice hull ash (WPRHA), unwashed unparboiled rice hull ash (UUPRHA), and washed unparboiled rice hull ash (WUPRHA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were carried out to characterize these samples. A filtration process was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the rice hull ash medium in removing water turbidity. The XRD results showed the silica, which is present in the ashes, to be cristobalite, quartz, and tridymite. The silica contents of the UUPRHA and WUPRHA were observed to be 77.10% and 98.24%, respectively, while those of UPRHA and WPRHA were 79.07% and 94.97%, respectively. The SEM images showed agglomeration of ash particles after the ashes were washed. The washed RHA samples showed improved pH, a good percentage of turbidity removal (<5 NTU) from water sample. Washing RHA with distilled water increased the efficiency of RHA in turbidity removal from water and regulated water pH to an acceptable range. © 2014 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Chemical composition; rice hull ash; SEM; turbidity; XRD | Infrared spectroscopy; Quartz; Scanning electron microscopy; Silicate minerals; Chemical compositions; Distilled water; Filtration process; Rice hull ash; Turbidity removal; Water turbidity; X ray diffractometers; XRD; Turbidity; aluminum oxide; calcium oxide; iron oxide; magnesium oxide; manganese oxide; oxide; phosphorus pentoxide; potassium derivative; silicon dioxide; sodium derivative; titanium dioxide; water; article; ash; chemical composition; chemical structure; filtration; infrared spectroscopy; mineralogy; pH; priority journal; rice; scanning electron microscopy; turbidity; turbidity removal; unwashed parboiled rice hull ash; unwashed unparboiled rice hull ash; washed parboiled rice hull ash; washed unparboiled rice hull ash; water pollutant; water treatment; X ray diffraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954579971 | Characterization of wastewater from an Abattoir in Rwanda and the impact on downstream water quality | Muhirwa D., Nhapi I., Wali U.G., Banadda N., Kashaigili J.J., Kimwaga R. | 2010 | International Journal of Ecology and Development | 16 | S10 | None | Faculty of Applied Sciences, National University of Rwanda, Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Uganda Industrial Research Institute, P.O. Box 7086, Kampala, Uganda; Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3003 Morogoro, Tanzania; University of Dar Es Salaam, Box 35131, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Muhirwa, D., Faculty of Applied Sciences, National University of Rwanda, Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Nhapi, I., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Wali, U.G., Faculty of Applied Sciences, National University of Rwanda, Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Banadda, N., Uganda Industrial Research Institute, P.O. Box 7086, Kampala, Uganda; Kashaigili, J.J., Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3003 Morogoro, Tanzania; Kimwaga, R., University of Dar Es Salaam, Box 35131, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | This study analyzed processes and products at Nyabugogo Abattoir in Kigali, Rwanda, and investigated how they can be optimized for environmental safety. The average capacity of the abattoir is 566 cattle and 1,512 goats and sheep slaughtered per week. The study assessed the quantity and quality of different raw materials, by-products and wastewater streams and the potential impacts of applying cleaner production principles in abattoir processes. The samples were collected fortnightly, and analyzed using Standard Methods. The analysis emphasized on nutrients, biologically active constituents, and receiving water impacts. The data were processed for trends and variance using SPSS computer package. The wastewater parameters analyzed are temperature, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen pH, TSS, TDS, BOD5, COD, fat oils and grease, NO3-N, TKN, total phosphorus, chloride, calcium and total coliforms. The findings showed that the abattoir wastewater streams' total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) ranged from (7,533±723) for evisceration to (23,778±1,673) mgl-1 from slaughtering step and the discharge into Mpazi River increased its TCOD from (213±29) to (852±94) mgl-1. The TSS varied between 2,452±51 from the slaughter process and 5,252±174 mgl-1 for the effluent from the goat and sheep slaughter section. Results from the bacteriological analysis showed that the average abattoir wastewater discharge count was (560±81)105 cfu/100ml of total coliforms which increased from (2.8±0.58)105 to (8.2±0.86)105 cfu/100 ml. It was concluded that the current effluent quality is not suitable for discharge into watercourses. It was recommended that further treatment of the effluent is required coupled with the application of cleaner production principles. © 2010 IJED (CESER Publications). | Abattoir effluent; Cleaner production; Rwanda; Sustainability; Wastewater management | Bos; Capra hircus; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907897288 | Characterizations of basalt unsaturated polyester laminates under static three-point bending and low-velocity impact loadings | Gideon R.K., Hu H., Wambua P., Gu B. | 2014 | Polymer Composites | 35 | 11 | 10.1002/pc.22885 | College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; School of Engineering, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya | Gideon, R.K., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; Hu, H., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China; Wambua, P., School of Engineering, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Gu, B., College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, China | This paper reports the responses of basalt unsaturated polyester laminates under static three-point bending loading and low-velocity impact. Three kinds of composite materials, unidirectional (0°), cross-ply (0°/90°) and woven laminates were considered. The laminates were fabricated by layup process and hot pressed under pressure. Static three-point bending tests and low-velocity impact tests were conducted to obtain the force-deflection, force-time, deflection-time, velocity-time, and energy-time curves. The results showed that unidirectional (0°) laminates carried more load during static loading, but in the event of dynamic loading, cross-ply, and woven laminates were more superior. It was observed that the failure of 0° laminates was along the fiber direction while for cross-ply and woven, the damage was localized, around the impacted locations. From the different combinations of unidirectional (0°), cross-ply (0°/90°) and woven lamina, the impact behaviors could be optimized with the lowest area density. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers. | None | Low velocity impact; Three point bending; Unsaturated polyester | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927556441 | C.H. Dodd’s framework for understanding the Gospel according to John: An evaluation [C.H. Dodd se verstaansraamwerk vir die Johannesevangelie: ’n evaluasie] | van der Watt J.G. | 2013 | HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | 69 | 1 | 10.4102/hts.v69i1.1341 | Radboud University, Netherlands; Research Institute for Theology and Religion, University of South Africa, South Africa | van der Watt, J.G., Radboud University, Netherlands, Research Institute for Theology and Religion, University of South Africa, South Africa | During the previous century Dodd was one of the most significant and influential interpreters of the Gospel of John. His views on the symbolic nature of the Gospel formed the basis of his hermeneutical program for understanding the Gospel. He understood the Johannine symbols in the light of what he regarded as the relevant background material. Theologically he interprets the symbols within a Platonic-like structure, arguing that the symbols in John function as hermeneutical bridges between the background material and the theological formation of the Gospel of John. In subsequent literary studies this approach was and still is questioned. © 2013. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892896067 | Cheetah cub survival revisited: A re-evaluation of the role of predation, especially by lions, and implications for conservation | Mills M.G.L., Mills M.E.J. | 2014 | Journal of Zoology | 292 | 2 | 10.1111/jzo.12087 | The Lewis Foundation, Craighall, South Africa; WildCRU, Zoology Department, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Abingdon, United Kingdom | Mills, M.G.L., The Lewis Foundation, Craighall, South Africa, WildCRU, Zoology Department, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Abingdon, United Kingdom; Mills, M.E.J., The Lewis Foundation, Craighall, South Africa | Cheetah cub survival on the Serengeti Plains (SP) was found to be exceptionally low, because of high predation rates, thought to be especially by lions. These results have contributed to the perception that cheetah cubs are particularly vulnerable to predation, and that areas with large carnivores may not be suitable for cheetah conservation. Here we show that survival of cheetah cubs in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was seven times higher than on the SP and, although predation was the most common form of mortality, lions were not found to be involved. Moreover, we suggest that scrutiny of the Serengeti data does not unequivocally prove the dominance of lions as predators of cheetah cubs there. We discuss these findings in the context of cheetah conservation, suggesting that further research on coexistence between cheetahs and other carnivores should receive attention and that the high mortality rates of cubs found on the SP may not be as widespread as is commonly believed. Furthermore, we recommend that maintaining the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning should receive more attention in carnivore conservation. © 2013 The Zoological Society of London. | Carnivore coexistence; Cheetah; Conservation; Cub survival; Ecosystem functioning; Lion; Predation | biodiversity; carnivore; coexistence; ecosystem function; felid; mortality; predation; species conservation; survival; Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; Serengeti; Tanzania; Acinonyx jubatus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748979968 | Chemical analysis and preliminary toxicological evaluation of Garcinia mangostana seeds and seed oil | Ajayi I.A., Oderinde R.A., Ogunkoya B.O., Egunyomi A., Taiwo V.O. | 2006 | Food Chemistry | 101 | 3 | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.02.053 | Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ajayi, I.A., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oderinde, R.A., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunkoya, B.O., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Egunyomi, A., Botany Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Taiwo, V.O., Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The chemical analysis and preliminary toxicological evaluation of Garcinia mangostana seeds and seed oil have been investigated in order to determine the possibility of using them for human and/or animal consumption. Proximate analysis showed that the seeds had high amount of carbohydrate and were rich in oil (21.68 ± 6.18%) but have a low protein content. The physical properties of the oil extracts showed the state to be liquid at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) and the colour of the oil golden-orange. The specific gravity of the oil was 0.98 ± 0.01. Among the chemical properties of the oil extracts, acid value, saponification number, iodine value, percent free fatty acid and peroxide value compared well with those of conventional edible oils. The seed flour was found to be a good source of minerals. It contained considerable amounts of potassium (7071 mg/kg), magnesium (865 mg/kg) and calcium (454 mg/kg). Fatty acid composition of the seed oil indicated that the oil contained one essential fatty acids small proportions: linoleic acid (1.30%). The most prevalent fatty acids were palmitic acid (49.5%) and oleic acid (34.0%). Weanling albino rats appeared to suffer no toxicological effects when fed with G. mangostana seed oil in their diet for 8 weeks. Weekly monitoring of the rats showed good physical appearance and steady weight increase. Histological examination of sections of the heart, liver, kidney, spleen and lung revealed that the kidney of some of the rats had some degrees of pathology which included diffuse glomerular and tubular degeneration. No lesion was found in the heart and liver of the rats. The seed oil could be useful as an edible oil and for industrial applications. © 2006. | Fatty acid; Garcinia mangostana; Mineral elements; Toxicology effect | calcium; carbohydrate; fatty acid; iodine; linoleic acid; magnesium; oleic acid; palmitic acid; peroxide; potassium; vegetable oil; acidity; animal tissue; article; chemical analysis; chemical composition; color; comparative study; degeneration; diet; fluor; Garcinia mangostana; glomerulus; heart; histology; kidney; kidney tubule; lipid composition; liquid; liver; lung; monitoring; nonhuman; pathology; plant seed; rat; relative density; room temperature; saponification; spleen; toxicology; Animalia; Garcinia mangostana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748324762 | Chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of Ogi enriched with soybeans and crayfish | Samuel F.O., Otegbayo B.O. | 2006 | Nutrition and Food Science | 36 | 4 | 10.1108/00346650610676785 | Department of Home Economics, Oyo State College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Technology, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria | Samuel, F.O., Department of Home Economics, Oyo State College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria; Otegbayo, B.O., Department of Food Science and Technology, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria | Purpose - The objective of this work is to prepare two complementary diets based on the enrichment of the traditional Ogi with soybeans and crayfish and comparatively evaluate the compositional and sensory attributes of the two diets. Design/methodology/approach - The diets were formulated by mixing Ogi with soybean flour in the ratio of 7:3 to produce diet A, and with the crayfish flour in the same ratio, giving rise to diet B. These diets were evaluated for their nutritive value using proximate analysis. Sensory evaluation was also carried out to assess the acceptability of the diets. Findings - Chemical analysis showed that diet A (Ogi-soybeans) contained 14.16 per cent protein, 18.6 per cent fat, 2.0 per cent crude fibre and 2.14 per cent ash, while diet B (Ogi-crayfish) contained 17.66 per cent protein, 12.6 per cent fat, 2.45 per cent crude fibre and 5.35 per cent ash. Sensory evaluation showed that diet A was generally more acceptable in terms of colour, tastes, consistency and aroma. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p<0.05). Original ity/value - The methods employed in this study are very simple and ingredients used are available and acceptable to local tastes. Both prepared diets, in their present form, are compared favourably with industrially prepared Nutrend. It is therefore possible for small-scale and cottage industries to engage in suitable complementary food production in Nigeria, utilizing local resources. | Fish; Food products; Nigeria; Nutrition; Soya | Astacoidea; Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34948812581 | Chemical and biogenophysical impact of four-dimensional (4D) seismic exploration in sub-Saharan Africa, and restoration of dysfunctionalized mangrove forests in the prospect areas | Osuji L.C., Ayolagha G., Obute G.C., Ohabuike H.C. | 2007 | Chemistry and Biodiversity | 4 | 9 | 10.1002/cbdv.200790172 | Petroleum and Environmental Chemistry Research Group, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Ha | Osuji, L.C., Petroleum and Environmental Chemistry Research Group, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ayolagha, G., Department of Soil Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Obute, G.C., Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ohabuike, H.C., EPG-PN-TTSP, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Four-dimensional (4D) seismic exploration, an improved geophysical technique for hydrocarbon-data acquisition, was applied for the first time in the Nembe Creek prospect area of Nigeria. The affected soils were slightly alkaline in situ when wet (pH 7.2), but extremely acidic when dry (pH 3.0). The organic carbon content (4.6-26.8%) and other physicochemical properties of soils and water (N, P, and heavy-metal contents, etc.) were higher than the baseline values obtained in 2001 before seismic profiling. Most values also exceeded the baseline compliance standards of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). Rehabilitation of the affected areas was achieved by stabilizing the mangrove floor by liming and appropriate application of nutrients, followed by replanting the cut seismic lines over a distance of 1,372 km with different mangrove species, including juvenile Rhizophora racemosa, R. mangle, and Avicennia species, which were transferred from nursery points. Quicker post-operational intervention is recommended for future 4D surveys, because the time lag between the end of seismic activity and post-impact investigation is critical in determining the relationship between activity and impact: the longer the intervening period, the more mooted the interaction. © 2007 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich. | None | heavy metal; hydrocarbon; organic carbon; water; petroleum; article; Avicennia; biogeography; chemical analysis; controlled study; ecosystem regeneration; environmental protection; mangrove; Nigeria; nutrient; petrochemical industry; pH; physical chemistry; Rhizophora mangle; Rhizophora racemosa; soil pollution; water contamination; world health organization; methodology; Rhizophoraceae; soil; tree; Avicennia; Rhizophora racemosa; Conservation of Natural Resources; Hydrocarbons; Metals, Heavy; Nigeria; Petroleum; Rhizophoraceae; Soil; Trees | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877902770 | Chemical and sensory evaluation of bread sold in benue and Nasarawa States of central nigeria | Eke M.O., Ariahu C.C., Gernah D.I. | 2013 | Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology | 5 | 5 | None | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria | Eke, M.O., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria; Ariahu, C.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria; Gernah, D.I., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria | The proximate composition, vitamin and mineral contents as well as sensory properties of some selected brands of bread sold in Benue and Nasarawa States were determined using standard methods of analysis. Fresh loaves of six of the most popular brands of bread, three from Benue (Top choice, Ostrich, Tito) and three from Nasarawa (Emziler, Canaan, Gods Promise), constituting samples A-F, were purchased from the respective bread factorieswithin 4hrs of their production and used for the investigation. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in proximate composition with values ranging from 30.21-35.07% (moisture), 8.74-14.22% (crude protein), 2.00- 8.10% (crude fat), 0.71-1.05% (crude fibre), 6.00-7.93% (ash) and 35.81-48.18% (carbohydrate), thus showing compliance with Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) specifications, especially in terms of moisture, protein, crudefibre and carbohydrate contents. The fat and ash contents of most of the bread samples were far above the specifications of 2.00% and 0.60% maximum, respectively. The mineral andvitamin contents were found to be quite high in all the bread samples. Sensory evaluationshowed that sample C (Tito) was the most preferred followed by sample E, A, B, D in that order. Sample F (Gods Promise) was the least preferred in terms of sensory evaluation, but showed the highest compliance to SON specifications in terms of proximate composition. All the bread samples were found to be very rich in macro-and micro-nutrients. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013. | Bread; Compliance; Minerals; Proximate composition; Specifications; Vitamins | Bread; Carbohydrate content; Compliance; Methods of analysis; Proximate compositions; Sensory evaluation; Sensory properties; Significant differences; Carbohydrates; Minerals; Moisture; Proteins; Regulatory compliance; Specifications; Vitamins; Food products | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856195899 | Chemical composition and nutritional evaluation of velvet bean seeds (Mucuna utilis) for domestic consumption and industrial utilization in Nigeria | Balogun I.O., Olatidoye O.P. | 2012 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 11 | 2 | None | Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria | Balogun, I.O., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria; Olatidoye, O.P., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria | Velvet bean seeds were collected from a farm Ibadan. The mature seed samples were analyzed for proximate and mineral compositions, fatty acid profiles and amino acid composition. The mean values of various parameters for proximate composition (%) were: Moisture (6.02±0.11), crude protein (25.65±0.14), ash (3.60±0.01), ether extract (14.52±0.05), crude fibre (7.23±0.05) and carbohydrate (by difference) (42.98). The calculated fatty acids were (12.49) and gross energy was (1703.95). The investigated seed samples contained higher amounts of crude protein and lipids when compared with most of the commonly consumed pulses. Mineral element (mg/100g) include: Calcium (148.88±0.2), potassium (1472.33±0.2), phosphorus (377.12±0.2), magnesium (23.66±0.3), iron (3.44±0.2) and manganese (5.28±0.1). The fatty acid profiles of the seeds revealed that the seed lipids contained higher concentration of palmitic acid and linoleic acid. Linoleic acid was the dominating fatty acid, followed by palmitic acid and oleic acid. The seed proteins of sample contained higher levels of the essential amino acids such as, threonine, valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and histidine. Amino acid analysis revealed that velvet bean flour contained nutritionally useful quantities of most of the essential amino acids. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Amino acid profiles; Chemical composition; Physico-chemical characteristics; Velvet bean | amino acid; calcium; carbohydrate; essential amino acid; ether; fatty acid; histidine; iron; isoleucine; linoleic acid; lipid; magnesium; manganese; mineral; oleic acid; palmitic acid; phenylalanine; phosphorus; potassium; threonine; tyrosine; valine; vegetable protein; amino acid analysis; amino acid composition; article; ash; calorie; chemical composition; controlled study; dietary fiber; fatty acid analysis; flour; food analysis; food composition; food industry; food intake; lipid composition; moisture; Nigeria; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional assessment; physical chemistry; plant seed; velvet bean; Mucuna | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37049014892 | Chemical composition of edible Macadamia nuts (Macadamia integrifolia) and impact of soil quality | Moodley R., Kindness A., Jonnalagadda S.B. | 2007 | Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering | 42 | 14 | 10.1080/10934520701627074 | School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban 4000, South Africa | Moodley, R., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Kindness, A., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Chiltern Hills, Durban 4000, South Africa | The distribution of eight selected elements (As, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn) in edible Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) nuts from eight sampling sites in the south east coast region of South Africa is investigated. The levels of the elements in all the Macadamia nuts are found to be in the decreasing order of Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > As. The exception is Mn, which exhibited large variability with concentrations in nuts ranging from 10.21 ± 0.47 μg g-1 to 216.4 ± 0.4 μg g-1. The impact of soil quality parameters: soil pH, cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter and elemental concentrations, as well as interactions in the soil on the elemental composition in the nuts are also studied. At the Ifafa site, south of Durban, typical elemental concentrations (in μg g-1 dry weight) in the (nuts and soil) are Mg (4920 and 4656), Ca (2169 and 6173), Fe (92 and 20200), Zn (52 and 30), Cu (20 and 49), Cr (2.0 and 69.0) and As (0.024 and 0.104). The maximum concentration of Mg in the nuts is observed to be 4956.1 ± 92.8 μg g-1, while that of As is below 0.058 ± 0.003 μg g-1. Ca and Mg levels in nuts are antagonistic. Further, when bioavailable levels of Fe, Cu and Zn in soil are low, the bioaccumulation factor for Fe in nuts is high. Although, the soil quality parameters have an influence on the elemental uptake by the Macadamia nut, the results show that uptake and distribution of metals in the nuts are primarily dependent on the plants inherent controls that ensure the physiological well-being of the plant. Macadamia nuts prove to have good control on elemental uptake and are low in the toxic metals investigated. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Chemical characteristics; Edible nuts; Elemental composition; Macadamia nuts; Nutrition; South Africa | Chemical analysis; Chemical properties; Concentration (process); Metals; Nutrition; Soils; South Africa; Chemical characteristics; Edible nuts; Elemental composition; Macadamia nuts; Fruits; arsenic; calcium; chromium; copper; iron; magnesium; manganese; organic matter; zinc; article; bioaccumulation; bioavailability; chemical composition; concentration (parameters); controlled study; Macadamia; nonhuman; nut; soil quality; Calcium; Chromium; Copper; Iron; Macadamia; Magnesium; Nuts; Plant Oils; Protons; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Zinc; Macadamia; Macadamia integrifolia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952649928 | Chemical composition of the dry fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera and its potential impact on human health | Akin-Idowu P.E., Ibitoye D.O., Ademoyegun O.T., Adeniyi O.T. | 2011 | Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants | 17 | 1 | 10.1080/10496475.2011.560087 | Fruits and Biotechnology Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, P. M. B. 5432, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria; Crop Utilization Unit, National Horticultural Research Institute, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria; Crop Utilization Unit, International In | Akin-Idowu, P.E., Fruits and Biotechnology Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, P. M. B. 5432, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ibitoye, D.O., Fruits and Biotechnology Programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, P. M. B. 5432, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ademoyegun, O.T., Crop Utilization Unit, National Horticultural Research Institute, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeniyi, O.T., Crop Utilization Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria | The chemical composition of Tetrapleura tetraptera, used traditionally as a spice and in African folk medicine, was determined. The proximate composition (%) based on dry weight was ash (3.17 to 3.48); crude protein (5.13 to 8.65); sugar (3.29 to 39.63); and starch (7.56 to 29.10). The mineral content (mg/kg) based on dry weight was Fe (29.69 to 65.06); Zn (5.35 to 25.16); Cu (4.00 to 12.54); Mg (392.35 to 2951.28); Mn (16.23 to 178.91);, Na (119.48 to 2364.93); Ca (1348.63 to 13839.86); K (8631.09 to 14881.00); and B (1.14 to 6.23). The sugar, starch, Zn, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Ca; and K contents were different in different sections of the fruit (p < 0 .05). The phytochemicals (mg/100 g) based on dry weight were total polyphenol (38.05 to 2907.15); flavonoid (10.30 to 410.75); saponin (60.80 to 953.40); tannin (135.50 to 1097.50); and phytate (1021.00 to 5170.00). The phytochemical composition in the fruits was generally high and comparable to other commonly used spices, indicating the potential use of T. tetraptera as a source of these phytochemicals in traditional medicine. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | folk medicine; phytate; phytochemicals; spice; tannin; total polyphenols | boron; calcium; copper; flavonoid; iron; magnesium; manganese; phytate; polyphenol; potassium; saponin; sodium; starch; sugar; tannin; vegetable protein; zinc; chemical composition; fruit; health impact; legume; medicinal plant; phenol; phytochemistry; protein; public health; starch; sugar; tannin; traditional medicine; article; ash; chemical composition; concentration (parameters); dry weight; fruit; nonhuman; plant seed; Tetrapleura; tetrapleura tetraptera; Tetrapleura tetraptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857281840 | Chemical evaluation of African palm weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis, larvae as a food source | Elemo B.O., Elemo G.N., Makinde M.A., Erukainure O.L. | 2011 | Journal of Insect Science | 11 | None | 10.1673/031.011.14601 | Biochemistry Department, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria; Food Technology Division, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Lagos, Nigeria; School of Medicine, Ross University, Portsmouth, Dominica | Elemo, B.O., Biochemistry Department, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria; Elemo, G.N., Food Technology Division, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Lagos, Nigeria; Makinde, M.A., School of Medicine, Ross University, Portsmouth, Dominica; Erukainure, O.L., Food Technology Division, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Lagos, Nigeria | The chemical properties of the African palm weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), larvae were evaluated using standard methodology. The chloroform-methanol extract yielded 37.12% on a dry basis. The oil was liquid at room temperature with a flash point of 36.0 °C. Analysis of the physical constants indicated values of 192.25 Wijs and 427.70 mg KOH/g as iodine and saponification, respectively. Fatty acid analysis of the extracted oil showed the presence of unsaturated fatty acids at low levels. Palmitic acid and stearic acid constituted 35.3 and 60.5% of the oil, respectively. The usual behaviour of the oil at room temperature, irrespective of the level of unsaturation of its constituent fatty acid was noted. The total protein content of the defatted palm weevil larva (dry basis) was estimated at 66.3%. The amino acid values compared favourably to FAO reference protein, except for tryptophan, which was limiting. All the other essential amino acids were adequate. Mineral analysis revealed high levels of potassium (1025 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (685 mg/100 g). The dried and defatted palm weevil lava represents a very good source of protein, and a good complement of essential amino acids. | Amino acids; Edible insects; Fatty acids; Minerals | Coleoptera; Curculionidae; Dryophthorinae; Hexapoda; Rhynchophorus phoenicis; animal; article; chemistry; food analysis; larva; protein intake; weevil; Animals; Dietary Proteins; Food Analysis; Larva; Weevils | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27744449568 | Chemical evaluation of cement-based sandcrete wall deterioration | Odigure J.O. | 2005 | Cement and Concrete Research | 35 | 11 | 10.1016/j.cemconres.2005.03.014 | Federal University of Technology, Chemical Engineering Department, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | Odigure, J.O., Federal University of Technology, Chemical Engineering Department, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | Cement-based structure stability could be characterized not only by their mechanical strength, soil geophysics and loading condition, but also the resistance to various physical and chemical factors that could initiate its corrosion. The contribution of water and various water-based solutions in the environment, to cement-based structure durability could be either physical as in seasonal flooding of the structure or chemical often initiated by the presence in the solution of organic or inorganic compounds or gases. Irrespective of the corrosion type, its destructive effect could be attributed to the build up of internal stress and weakening of the structure matrix. This work is aimed at investigating the role of chemical changes in the sandcrete matrix in the formation and development of macrocracks in cement-based sandcrete walls. Collected sandcrete samples were analyzed using titrimetric and granulometeric methods. Results showed that the percentage composition between the top and bottom of SiO2 was high in all the sandcrete blocks samples analyzed ranging from 76.72% to 80.30%. This indicates high permeability of ground level structure. The acidic nature of the soil in some area varying from pH = 5.89-6.11 could seriously undermine the structures strength. The percentage compositions of CaO were generally very low ranging from 3.83% at the ground to 4.44% at the top levels. For most points there were percentage compositional differential across cracked points horizontally and vertically. This is an indication of either poor cement quality or non-compliance to standards' requirements. There is a need to develop a model equation for the migration of minerals' hydrates in sandcrete wall. © 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd. | Chemical evaluation; Composition differential; Crack formation; Deterioration; Ions diffusion | Chemical analysis; Corrosion; Crack initiation; Deterioration; Mechanical permeability; Residual stresses; Sand; Strength of materials; Walls (structural partitions); Chemical evaluation; Compositional differential; Ions diffusion; Cements | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849086515 | Chemical evaluation of Gnetum africana and Telferia occidentalis | Abara A.E., Obochi G.O., Malu S.P., Obi-Abang M. | 2009 | Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry | 91 | 1 | 10.1080/02772240802015523 | Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria | Abara, A.E., Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Obochi, G.O., Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Malu, S.P., Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Obi-Abang, M., Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria | A chemical evaluation of Gnetum africana and Telferia occidentalis was carried out in five randomly selected restaurants in Calabar. The results showed that both Gnetum africana and Telferia occidentalis soups have high caloric values and contain adequate levels of essential minerals, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, and fat, which are needed for a variety of cellular functions in humans, and which would reduce the problem of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Caloric value; Gnetum africana; Minerals; Telferia occidentalis; Vitamins | Amines; Amino acids; Electric insulators; Minerals; Organic acids; Silica; Vitamins; Calabar; Caloric value; Cellular functions; Chemical evaluations; Gnetum africana; Telferia occidentalis; Nutrition; amino acid; gymnosperm; mineral; protein; vitamin; Gnetum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37049023192 | Chemical evaluation of the nutrient composition of some unconventional animal protein sources | Ojewola G.S., Udom S.F. | 2005 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 4 | 10 | 10.3923/ijps.2005.745.747 | Department of Non-Ruminant Animal Production, College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Ojewola, G.S., Department of Non-Ruminant Animal Production, College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Udom, S.F., Department of Non-Ruminant Animal Production, College of Animal Science and Animal Health, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | A trial was conducted to assess the nutrient composition of some novel feed ingredients so as to enhance livestock development and human protein intake. Ten (10) unconventional protein sources which include fish, crayfish, frog, shrimps, crabs, squilla, toads and grasshopper were harvested, processed and analyzed for their proximate and mineral (macro) composition using internationally established procedures. The results showed that the samples had percent crude protein that ranged from 28.14 (crab) to 61.38 (local fish meal). Frog, toad, squilla, crayfish, pellonula and crab respectively recorded appreciable percent ether extract (EE) values of 9.14, 8.74, 7.21, 6.32, 6.26 and 6.02. The gross energy (kcal/g) value was highest for squilla (2.97), followed closely by crayfish (2.87), Pellonula (2.85), mudskipper (2.84) while the others were below 2.0kcal /g. The crab gave the highest percent ash content (39.11) while the local fish meal gave the least value (5.96). Local fishmeal had the highest percentage of calcium (2.56%) followed by Pellonula (1.94%) and Mudskipper (1.89%) while the others had values that were lower than 1%. Percent Phosphorus followed a similar trend as calcium with local fishmeal recording the highest value of 1.92%. The results of this study showed that all the samples possess an appreciable quantities of all the dietary elements tested for, which, more or less could make them partial or complete substitutes for the conventional feed sources. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2005. | Live stock industry; Nutrient composition; Unconventional animal protein | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952601356 | Chemical 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. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 1 | None | Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B0248, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Akande, 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, Nigeria | This 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; Proximate | Cajanus cajan | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957474462 | Chemical evaluation of the nutritive value of Pentaclethra macrophylla tenth (African oil bean) seeds | Alinnor I.J., Oze R. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 4 | 10.3923/pjn.2011.355.359 | Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Alinnor, I.J., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Oze, R., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Pentaclethra macrophylla benth (African oil bean) seeds were analyzed for their nutritive values. The result showed that Pentaclethra macrophylla seeds have moisture content 11.87%, ash content 2.95%, crude fat content 46.95%, crude protein content 20.95%, crude fibre content 2.50%, carbohydrate content 14.79%, available energy 2344.56 kJ. The mineral content of the analyzed samples showed that Pentaclethra macrophylla seeds were rich in iron of value 140.97 mg/100 g. The analysis indicates that potassium is the most abundant mineral. The high Ca/P ratio indicates that Pentaclethra macrophylla is a very good food source. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Mineral compositions; Nutritive values; Pentaclethra macrophylla | iron; potassium; article; ash; carbohydrate analysis; controlled study; dietary fiber; fat content; food composition; legume; moisture; nonhuman; nutritional value; pentaclethra macrophylla; plant seed; protein content; Pentaclethra macrophylla | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953331985 | Chemical evaluation of the nutritive value of smooth luffa (Luffa Cylindrica) seed's kernel | Olaofe O., Okiribiti B.Y., Aremu M.O. | 2008 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 7 | 10 | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | Olaofe, O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Okiribiti, B.Y., Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Aremu, M.O., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | Proximate, mineral and amino acid composition of smooth luffa (Luffa cylindrica) seeds kernel were investigated using standard analytical techniques. The results gave proximate composition in percentage as: total ash (4.4), organic matter (95.6), moisture (5.8), crude fat (32.7), crude protein (43.1), crude fibre (2.5) and carbohydrate (13.6). Mineral composition (mg/100g sample) of K, Na, Fe, Zn, P, Ca and Mg were 930.0, 26.0, 5.3, 1.0, 700.0, 40.0 and 18.0, respectively which showed that K was the most highly concentrated mineral. The total amino acid was 67.58g/100g crude protein while arginine (Arg) was the most highly concentrated essential amino acid (5.1g/100g protein). The Luffa cylindrica kernel sample had a balance content of essential amino acid in Phe + Tyr alone with respect to the FAO/WHO provisional pattern while supplementation may be required in Ile, Leu, Lys, Met + Cys, Thr and Val. The calculated isoelectric point (pI), predicted protein efficiency ratio (P-PER) and first limiting amino acid were 3.66, 1.49 and Lys, respectively. | Amino acids; Luffa cylindrica kernel; Mineral; Proximate composition | Luffa; Luffa aegyptiaca | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-10044280158 | Chemical evaluation of the seeds of Milletia obanensis | Umoren U.E., Essien A.I., Ukorebi B.A., Essien E.B. | 2005 | Food Chemistry | 91 | 2 | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2003.08.029 | Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; Snowbird Foods Ltd., Wharf Road, Ponders End, Middlesan, en 4TD, Enfield, Nigeria | Umoren, U.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; Essien, A.I., Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; Ukorebi, B.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria; Essien, E.B., Snowbird Foods Ltd., Wharf Road, Ponders End, Middlesan, en 4TD, Enfield, Nigeria | A study was conduced to evaluate the nutritional potential of Milletia obanensis "Odudu" as a possible food or feedstuff and to assess the effect of various processing methods on its nutritional quality. Results of proximate analysis showed that the raw seeds contained 26.7% crude protein, 23.5% ether extract, 3.47% crude fibre, 4.37% ash and 42.0% nitrogen free extract. The protein was well supplied with essential and non-essential amino acids, though the values were low when compared with popular seed legumes. Minerals were in fair supply: P 3.10, Mg 92.30, K 45.25 and Fe 2.20 mg/100 g. Processing methods significantly (p<0.05) affected the nutritional composition. While autoclaving, boiling and toasting (heat treatment) increased the protein content, it reduced the levels of anti-nutritional factors-phytate, tannins, oxalates, cyanogenic glycosides and (slightly) saponin. Thus, it was concluded that M. obanensis seeds, if properly processed, could serve as livestock feed or food for man. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Amino acids; Antinutritional factors; Chemical evaluation; Milletia obanensis; Nutritional potential; Processing methods | essential amino acid; ether; glycoside; iron; magnesium; mineral; nitrogen; oxalic acid; phosphorus; phytate; potassium; saponin; tannin derivative; vegetable protein; analytic method; animal food; article; ash; autoclave; biochemical composition; controlled study; cooking; food; food processing; heat treatment; heating; intermethod comparison; legume; livestock; milletia obanensis; nonhuman; nutritional value; plant; plant fiber; plant seed; protein content; statistical significance; Fraxinus; Millettia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940219584 | Chemical evaluation of unripe plantain dishes commonly consumed by type 2 diabetics attending the university of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa lbom state, Nigeria | Onuoha O.N., Eme P.E., Ekpo U.E. | 2014 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 13 | 6 | 10.3923/pjn.2014.331.334 | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Onuoha, O.N., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Eme, P.E., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ekpo, U.E., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study evaluated the chemical composition of unripe plantain dishes commonly consumed by Type-2 diabetics attending the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akvva lbom, Nigeria. Groups of type 2 diabetic patients were engaged in a focus group discussion to identify the plantain dishes commonly prepared and their recipes. The groups mentioned many plantain dishes but five of them were randomly selected for preparation. The ingredients for preparation of the unripe plantain dishes were purchased from a market in Uyo. The proximate, mineral and antinutrient composition of the dishes were analyzed using standards methods. Means and standard deviation of the triplicate determination was determined and analysis of variance was used to separate the means. The results showed that Unripe plantain flour had the highest carbohydrate content (76.96%) while unripe plantain flour meal with vegetable soup had the highest protein and ash content. All the plantain dishes had low levels of minerals. The saponin (2.54%) and tannin (0.08%) levels of the unripe plantain flour was the highest when compared with the other plantain dishes. There is need to educate the diabetics on the nutrient content of plantain based dishes and encourage them to diversify their diets. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2014. | Chemical; Diabetics; Dishes; Evaluation; Plantain-based | carbohydrate; mineral; protein; saponin; tannin; article; ash; banana; chemical analysis; diet; food composition; human; Nigeria; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; nonhuman; nutrient | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934987551 | Chemical exposure reduction: Factors impacting on South African herbicide sprayers' personal protective equipment compliance and high risk work practices | Andrade-Rivas F., Rother H.-A. | 2015 | Environmental Research | 142 | None | 10.1016/j.envres.2015.05.028 | Environmental Health Division and oCentre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa; Universidad El Bosque, Research Vice-rectoray, Bogotá, Colombia | Andrade-Rivas, F., Environmental Health Division and oCentre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa, Universidad El Bosque, Research Vice-rectoray, Bogotá, Colombia; Rother, H.-A., Environmental Health Division and oCentre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa | The high exposure risks of workers to herbicides in low- and middle-income countries is an important public health concern because of the potential resulting negative impacts on workers' health. This study investigated workers' personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance as a risk mitigation measure; particularly workers who apply herbicides for Working for Water (WfW) - a South African invasive alien vegetation control programme. The study aim was to understand workers' low PPE compliance by analysing their risk perceptions of herbicide use, working conditions and socio-cultural context. Research methods included ethnographic observations, informal interviews, visual media, questionnaires and a focus group. Study results indicated that low PPE compliance persists despite workers' awareness of herbicide exposure risks and as a result of the influence from workers' socio-cultural context (i.e. gender dynamics and social status), herbicide risk perceptions and working conditions (i.e. environmental and logistical). Interestingly, teams comprised of mostly women had the highest compliance rate. These findings highlighted that given the complexity of PPE compliance, especially in countries with several economic and social constraints, exposure reduction interventions should not rely solely on PPE use promotion. Instead, other control strategies requiring less worker input for effectiveness should be implemented, such as elimination and substitution of highly hazardous pesticides, and altering application methods. © 2015 The Authors. | Gender; Personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance; Pesticide risk management; Pesticides; Risk perception | herbicide; herbicide; compliance; health risk; herbicide; invasive species; pollution exposure; public health; risk assessment; risk perception; Article; awareness; control strategy; ethnography; female; gender; harm reduction; high risk behavior; human; male; mental compliance; normal human; occupational exposure; occupational hazard; occupational health; occupational safety; pesticide spraying; priority journal; protective equipment; questionnaire; research; risk assessment; risk reduction; social class; social status; South African; work environment; agricultural worker; analysis; occupational exposure; practice guideline; prevention and control; psychology; risk management; sex difference; social aspects and related phenomena; South Africa; standards; South Africa; Farmers; Female; Guideline Adherence; Herbicides; Humans; Male; Occupational Exposure; Personal Protective Equipment; Risk Management; Risk Reduction Behavior; Sex Factors; Sociological Factors; South Africa; Surveys and Questionnaires | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856543830 | Chemistry and haematology sample rejection and clinical impact in a tertiary laboratory in Cape Town | Jacobsz L.A., Zemlin A.E., Roos M.J., Erasmus R.T. | 2011 | Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine | 49 | 12 | 10.1515/CCLM.2011.743 | Division of Clinical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Haematological Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; MBChB, Division of Clinical Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg 7505, Parow, South Africa | Jacobsz, L.A., Division of Clinical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, MBChB, Division of Clinical Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg 7505, Parow, South Africa; Zemlin, A.E., Division of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Roos, M.J., Division of Haematological Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Erasmus, R.T., Division of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Recent publications report that up to 70 % of total laboratory errors occur in the pre-analytical phase. Identifi cation of specifi c problems highlights pre-analytic processes susceptible to errors. The rejection of unsuitable samples can lead to delayed turnaround time and affect patient care. Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted investigating the rejection rate of routine blood specimens received at chemistry and haematology laboratories over a 2-week period. The reasons for rejection and potential clinical impact of these rejections were investigated. Thirty patient fi les were randomly selected and examined to assess the impact of these rejections on clinical care. Results: A total of 32,910 specimens were received during the study period, of which 481 were rejected, giving a rejection rate of 1.46 % The main reasons for rejection were inappropriate clotting (30 % ) and inadequate sample volume (22 % ). Only 51.7 % of rejected samples were repeated and the average time for a repeat sample to reach the laboratory was about 5 days (121 h). Of the repeated samples, 5.1 % had results within critical values. Examination of patient folders showed that in 40 % of cases the rejection of samples had an impact on patient care. Conclusions: The evaluation of pre-analytical processes in the laboratory, with regard to sample rejection, allowed one to identify problem areas where improvement is necessary. Rejected samples due to factors out of the laboratory's control had a defi nite impact on patient care and can thus affect customer satisfaction. Clinicians should be aware of these factors to prevent such rejections. © 2011 by Walter de Gruyter. | Audit; Patient care; Pre-analytical errors; Rejection rate; Turnaround time | article; blood sampling; blood volume; clinical article; clinical assessment; clinical laboratory; hospital information system; human; human tissue; patient care; patient selection; priority journal; retrospective study; turnaround time; Blood Coagulation; Blood Specimen Collection; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Humans; Laboratories, Hospital; Medical Errors; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Specimen Handling; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72649104663 | Chesapeake bay impact structure deep drilling project completes coring | Gohn G.S., Koeberl C., Miller K.G., Reimold W.U., Abramov O., Aleman Gonzalez W., Bach N., Blazejak A., Browning J., Bruce T., Budet C., Bybell L., Cobbs Jr. E., Cobbs III E., Cockell C., Corland B., Durand C., Dypvik H., Eckberg J., Edwards L., Eichenaue | 2006 | Scientific Drilling | 1 | 3 | 10.2204/iodp.sd.3.07.2006 | Geological Survey, 926A National Center, Reston, VA, United States; University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany | Gohn, G.S., Geological Survey, 926A National Center, Reston, VA, United States; Koeberl, C., University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Miller, K.G., Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States; Reimold, W.U., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany; Abramov, O.; Aleman Gonzalez, W.; Bach, N.; Blazejak, A.; Browning, J.; Bruce, T.; Budet, C.; Bybell, L.; Cobbs Jr., E.; Cobbs III, E.; Cockell, C.; Corland, B.; Durand, C.; Dypvik, H.; Eckberg, J.; Edwards, L.; Eichenauer, S.; Elbra, T.; Elmore, A.; Glidewell, J.; Gohn, G.; Gronstal, A.; Harris, A.; Heidinger, P.; Hester, S.-C.; Horton, W.; Jones, K.; Julson, A.; King, D.; Kirshtein, J.; Koeberl, C.; Kohout, T.; Kraemer, T.; Kring, D.; Kulpecz, A.; Kunk, M.; Larson, D.; Limpitlaw, U.; Lowit, M.; McKeown, N.; McLaughlin, P.; Miller, K.; Mizintseva, S.; Morin, R.; Morrow, J.; Murray, J.; Ormö, J.; Ortiz Martinez, R.; Petruny, L.; Pierce, H.; Plescia, J.; Powars, D.; Pusz, A.; Queen, D.B.; Queen, D.G.; Reimold, U.; Sanford, W.; Seefelt, E.; Self-Trail, J.; Vanko, D.; Voytek, M.; Wade, B.; Wade, J.; Webster, D.; Zinn, B.; Zivkovic, V. | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76149135713 | Chest radiograph reading and recording system: Evaluation for tuberculosis screening in patients with advanced HIV | Dawson R., Masuka P., Edwards D.J., Bateman E.D., Bekker L.-G., Wood R., Lawn S.D. | 2010 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 14 | 1 | None | University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Division of Pulmonology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Dawson, R., University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Division of Pulmonology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Masuka, P., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Edwards, D.J., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Bateman, E.D., University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Division of Pulmonology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Bekker, L.-G., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Lawn, S.D., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa, Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | SETTING: An antiretroviral treatment (ART) service in Gugulethu township, Cape Town, South Africa. OBJECTIVE: To assess the inter-observer agreement when using the chest radiographic reading and reporting system (CRRS) to detect radiographic abnormalities in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated immunodeficiency being actively screened for tuberculosis (TB). Second, to assess the associated performance characteristics of radiology as a routine screening test for detection of culture-confirmed pulmonary TB. DESIGN: Radiographs from a study in which patients were actively screened for TB just before starting ART were independently reported by two CRRS-certified readers blinded to clinical status. RESULTS: Good kappa statistic agreements between observers were found when reporting any radiological abnormality consistent with TB among all patients (n = 203, κ = 0.63, 95%CI 0.52-0.73) and among those with culture-confirmed TB (n = 53, κ = 0.61, 95%CI 0.40-0.83). However, in comparison with sputum culture, the sensitivity (0.68, 95%CI 0.54-0.79) and specificity (0.53, 95%CI 0.45-0.61) of radiology in this patient group were low. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of the good inter-observer agreement using the CRRS standardised reporting methodology when used among patients with advanced HIV-associated immunodeficiency and a high prevalence of culture-proven pulmonary TB. The utility of radiology as a screening test for TB in this patient group, however, remains limited. ©2010 The Union. | Antiretroviral; CRRS; HIV; Radiology; Screening; Tuberculosis | adult; article; bacterium culture; confidence interval; controlled study; evaluation; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; image analysis; immune deficiency; kappa statistics; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; methodology; performance measurement system; priority journal; screening; sensitivity analysis; sputum culture; thorax radiography; Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Observer Variation; Radiography, Thoracic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Single-Blind Method; South Africa; Sputum; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953755355 | Chest x-ray evaluation of pneumonia-like syndromes in smear negative HIV-positive patients with atypical chest x-ray findings in Ethiopian setting | Assefa G., Nigussie Y., Aderaye G., Worku A., Lindquist L. | 2011 | Ethiopian Medical Journal | 49 | 1 | None | Dept of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, AAU, Ethiopia; Dept of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Karolinska Institute, Sweden | Assefa, G., Dept of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, AAU, Ethiopia; Nigussie, Y.; Aderaye, G., Dept of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Worku, A.; Lindquist, L., Karolinska Institute, Sweden | Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), bacterial pneumonia (BP) and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), account for the major causes of pneumonia-like syndromes seen in HIV-AIDS patients and have overlapping clinical and chest x-ray findings pausing challenge to early diagnosis and treatment in Africa. The accuracy of chest x-ray (CXR) interpretations, inter-observer agreement, degree of chest x-ray overlapping, and distinguishing features among these common lung infections was assessed at Tikur Anbessa hospital, a tertiary care referral hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Patients and methods: chest x-rays were independently assessed by two radiologists blinded to the clinical between March 2004 and July 2005, the radiographic presentation of 131 smear-negative, HIV-positive patients with atypical laboratory data. Results: One hundred and twenty-four definite diagnoses were made in 107 (82%) of the 131 patients and PCP, BP and pulmonary TB combined accounted for 92% of the diagnoses. The chest x-ray interpretation had high sensitivity (88%), negative predictive value (NPV) (90%), and inter-observer agreement (84%) for PCP. Thirty-six percent of the infections mimicked one another, of which BP accounted for the major share. BP mimicked PCP and pulmonary TB in 39% and 20% respectively. Diffuse and bilateral alveolar infiltrates (DBAI) and acinar CXR features discriminated between PCP, pulmonary TB and BP (P< 0.05) while Diffuse bilateral fine interstitial infiltrates (DBFI) did not (p>0.05). The level of agreement between the radiologists was 79%. There was no exclusively distinguishing radiographic feature amongst the three diseases. Conclusions: Overlapping clinical and radiographic features often occurs as is co-existing infections in HIV-AIDS patients with respiratory symptoms. Therefore, definitive microbiological method should be the main tool to expedite early diagnosis and treatment in HIV-infected patients with respiratory symptoms. | None | adolescent; adult; aged; AIDS related complex; article; bacterial pneumonia; Ethiopia; evaluation; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; isolation and purification; lung lavage; lung tuberculosis; male; microbiology; middle aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; observer variation; Pneumocystis jiroveci; Pneumocystis pneumonia; predictive value; radiography; sensitivity and specificity; sputum; thorax radiography; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Ethiopia; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Observer Variation; Pneumocystis jirovecii; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiography, Thoracic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750466165 | Chiari I anatomy after ventriculoperitoneal shunting: Posterior fossa volumetric evaluation with MRI | Osuagwu F.C., Lazareff J.A., Rahman S., Bash S. | 2006 | Child's Nervous System | 22 | 11 | 10.1007/s00381-006-0118-3 | Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Division of Neurosurgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Box 957039, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7039, United States; Department of Radiology, UCLA School of Medicine, Box 957039, Los Angeles, CA 90095-703 | Osuagwu, F.C., Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Division of Neurosurgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Box 957039, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7039, United States; Lazareff, J.A., Division of Neurosurgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Box 957039, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7039, United States; Rahman, S., Division of Neurosurgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Box 957039, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7039, United States; Bash, S., Department of Radiology, UCLA School of Medicine, Box 957039, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7039, United States | Introduction: Cephalocranial disproportion was said to be responsible for Chiari I malformation after ventriculoperitoneal shunt. We aimed to evaluate if the volumetric characteristics of Chiari I after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was due to a general volumetric reduction and if it is restricted to the posterior fossa. Results: Our results show that the posterior fossa volume, cisternal, clival length, and posterior cranial fossa volume ratio were reduced in the shunted group compared to the controls (p<0.05). Cerebellar and supratentorial volumes were similar between both groups. Craniocaudal extent, inferior, and superior tonsillar herniations were greater in the shunted group than control (p<0.05). The frontal occipital horn ratio in both groups was within normal range. Discussion: Chiari I anatomy after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt could develop in children and we propose a "posterior cranial fossa disproportion" rather than a "cephalocranial disproportion." © Springer-Verlag 2006. | Acquired Chiari; Hydrocephalus; Intraventricular hemorrhage; Posterior cranial fossa reduction; V-Pshunt | adolescent; Arnold Chiari malformation; article; brain decompression; brain ventricle peritoneum shunt; child; clinical article; clivus; cohort analysis; computer assisted tomography; controlled study; female; human; hydrocephalus; male; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; posterior fossa; priority journal; statistical significance; volumetry; Arnold-Chiari Malformation; Child, Preschool; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958529510 | Chief information officers: An empirical study of competence, organisational, positioning and implications for performance | Cohen J.F., Dennis C.M. | 2010 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 13 | 2 | None | School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Cohen, J.F., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Dennis, C.M., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | The role and contribution of the firm's Chief Information Officer has been the subject of much debate and uncertainty. Yet, too few empirical studies have examined the implications of the CIO role. This study examined the effects of CIO demography, CIO competencies as well as CIO organisational positioning on the contribution of information systems (IS&T) to business performance. Data were collected from 111 South African companies and results revealed that CIO business, interpersonal/political and technology management competence have significant direct effects on the dependent variable. The effect of CIO organisational position, including structural power and political relationship, was found to be mediated by CIO competence. CIO work experience also impacted the contribution of IS&T. Results have important implications for our understanding of the competencies and organisational positioning required of executives charged with the responsibility for information systems and technology management. | Chief information officer; Competence; Information systems management; Performance; Top management; Upper echelons | None | None |
| None | None | Child- and family impacts of infants' oral conditions in Tanzania and Uganda- a cross sectional study | Masumo R., Bardsen A., Mashoto K., Åstrøm A.N. | 2012 | BMC Research Notes | 5 | None | 10.1186/1756-0500-5-538 | Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Masumo, R., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Bardsen, A., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Mashoto, K., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Åstrøm, A.N., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Background: Early childhood dental caries impacts on the quality of life of children and their families. This study set out to assess the psychometric properties of an oral health related quality of life, OHRQoL, measure, based on items emanating from the Child-and Family impact sections of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), in Kiswahili and Luganda speaking communities. It was hypothesized that the Child- and Family impact scores would discriminate between children with and without clinically defined dental problems and reported good and bad oral health. Method. Kiswahili and Luganda versions of the Child- and Family impact scores were derived through translation in pilot studies. Totals of 1221 and 816 child/caretaker pairs attending health care facilities in Manyara, Tanzania and Kampala, Uganda, were recruited into the study. After caretakers completed the interview, their children underwent oral clinical examination. Results: Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was > 0.80 with respect to the Child impact score and 0.79 regarding the Family impact score. Multiple variable logistic- and Poisson regression analyses revealed that the Kiswahili and Luganda versions of the Child- and Family impact score associated in the expected direction with child's oral diseases as with their reported health and oral health status. In Manyara, multiple logistic regression revealed that the ORs of reporting Child impacts were 1.8 (95% CI 1.0-3.4) and 2.2 (1.3-3.4) among caretakers who confirmed linear hypoplasia and teething symptoms, respectively. In Kampala, the ORs for reporting Child impacts were 2.3 (95% CI 1.3-3.9), 1.7 (95% CI 1.1-2.5), 1.6 (95% CI 1.2-2.3) and 2.7 (95% CI 1.3-5.8) among those who confirmed teeth present, hypoplasia, teething symptoms and tooth bud extractions, respectively. The odds ratios for reporting Family impacts were 2.7 (95% CI 1.5-4.7), 1.5 (95% CI 1.1- 2.1) and 4.6 (95% CI 2.0-10.7) if reporting LEH, teething symptoms and toothbud experience, respectively. Conclusion: The Child and Family impact scores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability and reproducibility whereas the discriminative validity was more ambiguous. The OHRQoL scores should be developed further and tested among Kiswahili and Luganda speaking caretakers. © 2012 Masumo et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; cross-sectional study; female; health; human; infant; male; preschool child; psychometry; Tanzania; Uganda; validation study; Adult; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Oral Health; Psychometrics; Tanzania; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902077570 | Child feeding knowledge and practices among women participating in growth monitoring and promotion in Accra, Ghana | Gyampoh S., Otoo G.E., Aryeetey R.N.O. | 2014 | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2393-14-180 | Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG 134, Accra, Ghana; School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG 13, Accra, Ghana | Gyampoh, S., Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG 134, Accra, Ghana; Otoo, G.E., Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG 134, Accra, Ghana; Aryeetey, R.N.O., School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG 13, Accra, Ghana | Background: Child undernutrition and poor feeding practices remain a concern in Ghana. The Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) programme seeks to empower mothers to provide appropriate child care. Although the program has been implemented in Ghana for over four decades, little is known about its impact on child feeding outcomes. The current study assessed the association between GMP exposure and mothers' child feeding knowledge and practices in the Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA), Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 199 mother-child pairs accessing child welfare services in six public health facilities in the AMA was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on respondent characteristics and child feeding knowledge a 24-hour dietary recall tool was used to record child feeding practices. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between mothers' exposure to GMP and their knowledge and practices on child feeding.Results: Seventy four percent of mothers had not missed any scheduled child welfare clinic sessions. Over 60% of mothers knew the appropriate age of introduction of foods; 86% also gave correct response regarding minimum number of times their child should be fed daily. About 81% of children less than 6 months were exclusively breastfed in the preceding 24 hours, although 36% had received water since birth. Forty two percent of children 6-23 months received dietary diverse meals while 64% were fed the required number of times in a day. Overall, only 32% of children 6-23 months received a minimum acceptable diet in the preceding 24 hours. A higher GMP exposure was positively associated with feeding knowledge scores among mothers with children below 6 months (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Although most mothers were knowledgeable about recommendations, feeding practices were suboptimal, especially complementary feeding. GMP exposure was associated with feeding knowledge only among mothers with children less than 6 months. Strengthening of feeding counselling focused on children above 6 months is recommended. © 2014 Gyampoh et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Breastfeeding; Child feeding; Child welfare clinic; Complementary feeding; Growth monitoring and promotion | adult; article; association; child; child care; child growth; child nutrition; child welfare; counseling; cross-sectional study; educational status; employment; empowerment; female; Ghana; growth monitoring and promotion; health care facility; health care personnel; health program; human; infant; knowledge; major clinical study; male; newborn; pediatric hospital; public health; structured questionnaire; attitude to health; breast feeding; child health care; diet; feeding behavior; health education; mother; questionnaire; urban population; young adult; Adult; Breast Feeding; Child Health Services; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Female; Ghana; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Infant; Infant Care; Male; Mothers; Questionnaires; Urban Population; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745962104 | Childhood unintentional injuries: The perceived impact of the environment, lack of supervision and child characteristics | Munro S.-A., van Niekerk A., Seedat M. | 2006 | Child: Care, Health and Development | 32 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2006.00593.x | University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Medical Research Council, MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505 Cape Town, South Africa | Munro, S.-A., University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; van Niekerk, A., Medical Research Council, MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, PO Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505 Cape Town, South Africa; Seedat, M., University of South Africa, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Investigations into the context and causation of injury, including injury risks, are an essential part of the injury prevention knowledge base. Caregiver perceptions of childhood injury risks may assist in the design of safety interventions and influence the way in which an intervention is received within a community. Methods: Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted in two low-income neighbourhoods in South Africa to collect information on caregiver perceptions of injury risks. The data were analysed via thematic content analysis. Results: The results revealed that injury risks are perceived as multifaceted and as contributing synergistically to an injury event. Parents of children also tended to attribute most risks to the environment instead of individual action. Conclusions: Interventions including passive strategies and less activity from the parent may be welcomed in communities. Attention should be given to child injury prevention methods specifically for low-income contexts. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Developing countries; Environmental influences; Health; Injury; Parent perceptions; Perceptions | accident prevention; accidental injury; adult; article; caregiver; child; child safety; childhood injury; community; content analysis; controlled study; data analysis; environment; female; human; information processing; interview; knowledge base; lowest income group; parent; perception; priority journal; South Africa; thematic analysis; Accidental Falls; Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Attitude to Health; Burns; Caregivers; Child; Child Behavior; Child Development; Female; Heating; Humans; Internal-External Control; Middle Aged; Parenting; Parents; Poisoning; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Wounds and Injuries | None |
| None | None | Child mortality patterns in rural tanzania: An observational study on the impact of malaria control interventions | Alba S., Nathan R., Schulze A., Mshinda H., Lengeler C. | 2014 | International Journal of Epidemiology | 43 | 1 | 10.1093/ije/dyt231 | Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), KIT Biomedical Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, Basel, Switzerland; Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland | Alba, S., Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), KIT Biomedical Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Nathan, R., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Schulze, A., Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, Basel, Switzerland; Mshinda, H., Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lengeler, C., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Switzerland, Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland | Background: Between 1997 and 2009, a number of key malaria control interventions were implemented in the Kilombero and Ulanga Districts in south central Tanzania to increase insecticide-treated nets (ITN) coverage and improve access to effective malaria treatment. In this study we estimated the contribution of these interventions to observed decreases in child mortality. Methods: The local Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) provided monthly estimates of child mortality rates (age 1 to 5 years) expressed as cases per 1000 person-years (c/1000py) between 1997 and 2009. We conducted a time series analysis of child mortality rates and explored the contribution of rainfall and household food security. We used Poisson regression with linear and segmented effects to explore the impact of malaria control interventions on mortality. Results: Child mortality rates decreased by 42.5% from 14.6 c/1000py in 1997 to 8.4 c/1000py in 2009. Analyses revealed the complexity of child mortality patterns and a strong association with rainfall and food security. All malaria control interventions were associated with decreases in child mortality, accounting for the effect of rainfall and food security. Conclusions: Reaching the fourth Millenium Development Goal will require the contribution of many health interventions, as well as more general improvements in socio-environmental and nutritional conditions. Distinguishing between the effects of these multiple factors is difficult and represents a major challenge in assessing the effect of routine interventions. However, this study suggests that credible estimates can be obtained when high-quality data on the most important factors are available over a sufficiently long time period. © The Author 2013. | Child mortality; Food security; Malaria; Malaria control interventions; Mortality impact; Rainfall | chloroquine; pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; rain; antimalarial agent; child health; data set; disease control; food security; insecticide; malaria; mortality; observational method; rural area; article; bed net; child; childhood mortality; controlled study; food security; health impact assessment; household; human; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; observational study; preschool child; priority journal; rural area; Tanzania; time series analysis; catering service; female; health care delivery; intervention study; malaria; male; mosquito; nutritional status; procedures; rural population; season; socioeconomics; statistics and numerical data; utilization; Tanzania; Antimalarials; Child; Child Mortality; Female; Food Supply; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Intervention Studies; Malaria; Male; Mosquito Control; Nutritional Status; Rural Population; Seasons; Socioeconomic Factors; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949114832 | China & India as Africa's new donors: The impact of aid on development | McCormick D. | 2008 | Review of African Political Economy | 35 | 1 | 10.1080/03056240802011501 | Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | McCormick, D., Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Using a two-analytical framework and drawing on a wide range of secondary data, this article attempts to assess the likely impact of aid from China and India on the development of Africa. The framework treats aid as one of four main channels through which China and India influence the shape and performance of particular sectors and, through them, development outcomes. The first stage of analysis examines the varying patterns of Chinese and Indian aid and the multiple impacts such aid has on one key sector: manufacturing. The main findings from this level of analysis have to do with the differing patterns of Indian and Chinese aid, differences between Chinese and Indian aid, and aid from western countries, and the interconnections between the impact channels. India and China have different patterns of aid. India concentrates on non-monetary aid mainly in the form of technical assistance and scholarships, while China offers a wider range of monetary and non-monetary aid packages, which include grants and loans for infrastructure, plant and equipment, as well as scholarships, training opportunities, and technical assistance. Chinese monetary aid is tied to the use of Chinese goods and services, and requires adherence to the 'One China' policy, but does not carry the 'good governance' conditionalities that currently characterise western donors. The impact channels of trade, FDI, aid, and migration overlap to some degree, especially in the case of China. The line between FDI and aid is often blurred, as is the line between aid and trade. The second stage of the analysis looks at the implications of Chinese and Indian aid to manufacturing for development outcomes such as growth, distribution, governance, and environment. The analysis shows clearly that the potential impact of Chinese and Indian aid on Africa is significant, but that the actual effects of these emerging donors on particular countries depends to a large extent on the institutional and structural conditions of the recipients. | None | aid dependency; aid flow; analytical framework; conditionality; development aid; international aid; manufacturing; aid policy; Africa; Asia; China; Eurasia; Far East; India; South Asia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877643218 | China's foreign aid to africa: Socio-economic impact of the tazara aid project on tanzania | Enuka C., Ifeoma O.C. | 2013 | Social Sciences (Pakistan) | 8 | 1 | 10.3923/sscience.2013.34.41 | Department of History and International Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State University, Uli, Nigeria | Enuka, C., Department of History and International Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Ifeoma, O.C., Department of Economics, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State University, Uli, Nigeria | The study researches Chinese aid relationship with Africa mirrored in the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara) aid project with a view to analyzing its socio-economic impact on the lives of the people of Tanzania. The idea of a rail link between Tanzania and Zambia dates back to the colonial era. But, the impetus for the actual construction developed in 1965. Appeals for assistance were made to the West but were rejected. China came in when the hope on the West was disappointed. Following President Nyerere's visits and appeals to China in 1967 China agreed to finance the project. The Tazara linked Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia with Dares-Salaam in Tanzania. It was the biggest aid commitment at the time costing about 400 million dollars. The study adopts the inter-dependence theory as its theoretical and analytical framework for the discussion of aid in Chinese relationship with Africa. The findings are that the railway aid project was significant in a number of positive ways and therefore developing to the economy and the state of Tanzania. Among other things, the Chinese involvement in the project demonstrated that despite the ravages of the cultural revolution and the effect that this had on Chinese foreign policy, China remained committed to Africa. By signing the deal on the project at the height of the revolution, China signaled to the continent of Africa of its commitment to her development and liberation from the shackles of imperialism and colonial hang-over. On its completion, the project by its process had transferred technology to Tanzania and left rural lives significantly transformed. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | Foreign policy; Project; Socio-economic | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951800779 | China's impact on South African trade and inflation | Rangasamy L., Swanepoel J.A. | 2011 | Development Southern Africa | 28 | 1 | 10.1080/0376835X.2011.545175 | South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, and Graduate School of Business, University of the North-West, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Economist, Research Department logan, South Africa | Rangasamy, L., South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, and Graduate School of Business, University of the North-West, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa, Economist, Research Department logan, South Africa; Swanepoel, J.A., South African Reserve Bank, Pretoria, and Graduate School of Business, University of the North-West, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | There has been much controversy about the impact of Chinese growth on the rest of the world. It is generally accepted that China has a dampening effect on global inflation through the supply of cheap products. On the other hand, imports from China could displace domestic production and hence have adverse effects on economic growth and employment. Thus, the question of whether a country benefits from trading with China is a country-specific issue. The results in this paper indicate that limited short-term costs have resulted from the strengthening of trade relations between South Africa and China. As far as inflation is concerned, the paper does not find convincing empirical evidence at the aggregate level for inflation in China leading to domestic price changes. At the disaggregate level, however, there appear to be stronger sector-specific linkages between prices in China and South Africa. ©2011 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | China; Inflation; Prices; South africa; Trade | economic growth; employment; inflation; international trade; trade flow; trade performance; trade relations; China; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880251834 | China's 'win-win' cooperation: Unpacking the impact of infrastructure for-resources deals in Africa | Alves A.C. | 2013 | South African Journal of International Affairs | 20 | 2 | 10.1080/10220461.2013.811337 | South African Institute of International Affairs, Braamfontein, South Africa | Alves, A.C., South African Institute of International Affairs, Braamfontein, South Africa | This paper discusses China's use of infrastructure-for-resources loans in Africa as a win-win economic cooperation tool. This formula, offering generous loans for infrastructure in exchange for resource access, came into being largely as a default cooperation tool, inspired by China's own domestic experience, its competitive advantages and Africa's receptivity to this kind of barter deal. Embodying the principle of mutual benefit, China has consistently combined the extension of financial assistance for infrastructure construction in Africa with the expansion of Chinese business interests and the pursuit of resource security goals. The analysis focuses on whether this instrument is actually promoting African development or fuelling instead China's economic growth at the expense of African economies. The author argues that the impact has been mixed. Although there are some meaningful positive signs, many challenges persist, and as such the long-term developmental impact of this particular tool remains uncertain. The responsibility to ensure a positive outcome rests, however, on the African side as much as on China. © 2013 The South African Institute of International Affairs. | Africa; China; Developmental impact; Infrastructure-for-resources loans | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000340085300006 | CHI-SQUARE TESTS FOR COMPLEX SURVEY DESIGNS: A CASE STUDY OF BOTSWANA AIDS IMPACT SURVEY III | Arnab, Raghunath,Mlambo, Tokozile,North, D. | 2014 | PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF STATISTICS | 30 | 3 | None | University of Botswana, University of Kwazulu Natal, Limkokwing Univ Creat Technol | "North, D.: University of Kwazulu Natal", | The traditional Pearsonian chi-square tests for goodness of fit, independence and homogeneity are valid when the sample size is large and the sample is selected using the simple random sampling with replacement (SRSWR) method. These tests however are not valid for complex survey designs, such as those for example which involve stratification, clustering and varying probability sampling designs. The standard statistical packages SPSS, BMDP and SAS provide chi-square statistics where it is assumed that the sample is selected by SRSWR methods and hence very often provide inaccurate results. In this article we present more appropriate methods of chi-square test procedures for complex survey designs. Some numerical illustrations are provided using BAIS III survey data which is based on a complex survey design. The results show that the traditional chi-square statistics provide higher values in most of the cases, while improved Rao-Scott adjustments produce lower values for the test statistics. In many cases different conclusions are reached, depending on which of the traditional or improved chi-square statistic are employed. | "CHI-SQUARE TESTS","complex survey design",P-VALUE,"Rao-Scott corrections","SAMPLING DESIGN","self- weighting design","WALD STATISTIC" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952616547 | Chitosan-polycarbophil interpolyelectrolyte complex as a matrix former for controlled release of poorly water-soluble drugs I: In vitro evaluation | Lu Z., Chen W., Hamman J.H. | 2010 | Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy | 36 | 5 | 10.3109/03639040903315579 | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Lu, Z., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Chen, W., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Hamman, J.H., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Purpose: It was previously shown in our laboratories that the interpolyelectrolyte complex between chitosan and polycarbophil has promise as a matrix former to control the release of water-soluble drugs. This study further investigates the applications of this polymeric complex to produce controlled release matrices for poorly water-soluble drugs. Methods: The swelling, erosion, and drug release performance of matrix-type tablets containing the chitosanpolycarbophil complex as matrix former was compared to those consisting of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and a simple mixture of chitosan and polycarbophil powders. Results: The chitosanpolycarbophil complex matrices showed good swelling with relatively low erosion and slower drug release compared to those prepared from other polymeric materials. They also exhibited release exponent (n) values closer to unity and therefore to zero-order release compared to the other matrices. Conclusions: The chitosanpolycarbophil complex formed matrix-type tablets that controlled the release of poorly water-soluble drugs approaching zero-order kinetics. The mechanism of drug release was mainly diffusion from swollen systems. © 2010 Informa UK, Ltd. | Chitosan; Controlled release; Interpolyelectrolyte complex; Matrix system; Polycarbophil | chitosan; hydrochlorothiazide; hydroxymethylcellulose; ketoprofen; polycarbophil; polymer; article; controlled drug release; controlled release formulation; controlled study; diffusion; drug solubility; in vitro study; powder; tablet formulation; Acrylic Resins; Chitosan; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Polymers; Random Allocation; Solubility; Water | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20444428729 | Chronic cough in primary health care attendees, Harare, Zimbabwe: Diagnosis and impact of HIV infection | Munyati S.S., Dhoba T., Makanza E.D., Mungofa S., Wellington M., Mutsvangwa J., Gwanzura L., Hakim J., Nyakabau M., Mason P.R., Robertson V., Rusakaniko S., Butterworth A.E., Corbett E.L. | 2005 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 40 | 12 | 10.1086/429912 | National Institute of Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, National Institute of Health Research, Josiah Tongogara Ave., Harare, Zimbabwe | Munyati, S.S., National Institute of Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Dhoba, T., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; Makanza, E.D., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mungofa, S., City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; Wellington, M., City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mutsvangwa, J., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; Gwanzura, L., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hakim, J., University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nyakabau, M., University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mason, P.R., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Robertson, V., University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Rusakaniko, S., University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Butterworth, A.E., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Corbett, E.L., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, National Institute of Health Research, Josiah Tongogara Ave., Harare, Zimbabwe | Background. Cough lasting for ≥3 weeks (i.e., chronic cough) indicates that a patient has suspected tuberculosis (TB). At the primary health care level, the spectrum of disease that causes chronic cough has not been previously investigated in a setting with a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods. A total of 544 adults with chronic cough were recruited systematically from 2 primary health care clinics, and they were evaluated using preset first- and second-line investigations and diagnostic case definitions. Results. The overall prevalence of HIV infection among the study cohort was 83%. TB was the most common diagnosis, with 207 HIV-positive patients (46%) and 27 HIV-negative patients (30%) having confirmed or probable TB. Of these, 145 HIV-positive patients with TB (70%) and 20 HIV-negative patients with TB (74%) had smear-positive cases of TB. Only 17 HIV-positive and 2 HIV-negative patients had smear-negative but culture-positive cases of TB. Lower respiratory tract infections (n = 178; HIV prevalence, 79%) and pneumonia (n = 87; HIV prevalence, 89%) were the next most common diagnoses. Asthma (n = 26; HIV prevalence, 46%), posttuberculous disease and other fibrotic lung disease (n = 34; HIV prevalence, 88%), and cardiac disease (n = 15; HIV prevalence, 93%) were more common than were Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and cryptococcosis (n = 8 and n = 5, respectively; HIV prevalence, 100%), and we found no cases of nocardiosis or histoplasmosis. Conclusions. TB was diagnosed for 43% of patients who presented with chronic cough to primary health care clinics in Harare, with 71% having smear-positive disease. The findings of TB culture added relatively little to the findings of fluorescent microscopy of concentrated sputum specimens. The prevalence of HIV infection was high across a range of diagnoses, suggesting that an HIV test should be recommended in the initial investigation of chronic cough. © 2005 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | article; asthma; bacterium culture; chronic disease; coughing; cryptococcosis; fluorescence microscopy; heart disease; histoplasmosis; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; lung fibrosis; nocardiosis; Pneumocystis pneumonia; primary health care; priority journal; sputum smear; tuberculosis; Zimbabwe; Adolescent; Adult; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Cough; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Primary Health Care; Prospective Studies; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861404529 | Class absenteeism: Reasons for non-attendance and the effect on academic performance | Schmulian A., Coetzee S. | 2012 | Accounting Research Journal | 24 | 2 | 10.1108/10309611111163718 | Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Schmulian, A., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Coetzee, S., Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Purpose Other business education literature, particularly in the field of economics, has developed theories in respect of the reasons for non-attendance of lectures and the positive correlation between class attendance and academic performance. The aim of this paper is to determine the generalizability of these theories to a large accounting class in South Africa. Design/methodology/ approach This paper is a differentiated replication of the study by Paisey and Paisey, who provided initial evidence of the generalizability of these theories to a small accounting class in Scotland, employing a research questionnaire and the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Findings The reasons given for the non-attendance of lectures generally correspond with those previously reported. Certain differences that are identified are likely a result of specific country or economic factors. This study found a significant positive correlation between class attendance and academic performance; however, the correlation is low and not very meaningful. Further analysis reveals some difference between language groups suggesting that culture and ethnicity may have an effect on the relationship between class attendance and academic performance. Originality/value This paper raises questions as to the generalizability of prior research on class attendance and academic performance. The findings of this study suggest other factors, including students' economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, are likely to affect associations between class attendance and academic performance. © Copyright - 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. | Absenteeism; Academic performance; Accounting education; Class attendance; South Africa; Students | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892595113 | Classroom activities as measure of academic performance of senior secondary school students in core science subjects | Omodara M.F., Kolawole E.B., Oluwatayo J.A. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n1p209 | Department of Guidance and Counseling, University Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Omodara, M.F., Department of Guidance and Counseling, University Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Kolawole, E.B., Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Oluwatayo, J.A., Institute of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study investigated classroom activities as measure of academic performance of senior secondary school students in core science subjects. Participants were 54 science teachers and 1,620 SS2 students selected from the Schools across the 16 local Government Areas of Ekiti State using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a 28- item interaction schedule and achievement tests in biology, chemistry and physics constructed and administered by the Ekiti State Ministry of Education. The data collected were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. The findings revealed that there existed significant relationship between students' participation in class lessons and their academic performance, the relationship between the teachers activities in science lessons and the students' Academic performance was significant, positive and very high. The classroom activities in science lessons accounted for 94.5% of the variability in students' academic performance. | Observation; Participation and academic performance; Science activities | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53649110745 | Classroom goal structure and students' cognitive performance | Nwokocha P.I., Akpomi M.E., Nnadi M.A. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 19 | 4 | None | Business Education Department, Faculty of Technical and Science Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Nwokocha, P.I., Business Education Department, Faculty of Technical and Science Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Akpomi, M.E., Business Education Department, Faculty of Technical and Science Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Nnadi, M.A., Business Education Department, Faculty of Technical and Science Education, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Over the past 25 years, achievement goal theory has emerged as one of the most prominent theories of achievement motivation. This study uses an achievement goal framework to examine the influence of classroom goal structure on students' academic performance and attitude toward mathematics. Three hundred and fifty (350) students in four, non-residential co-educational secondary schools were randomly assigned to experimental and control structures. Students in each structure were exposed to the learning strategies of the structure they were in. The control group had no instructions; it was simply the convention class. Data on the relevant variables were obtained from the mean scores of each structure on the two tests. Using ANOVA for the analysis, the results revealed that students in the co-operative goal structure were significantly different from the students in the competitive, individualistic and control settings in the mathematics achievement test. There was, however, no statistically significant difference among students in all the four modes in the mathematics attitude measure. Implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations made. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931363521 | Clients' perceptions of architect performance on building projects in Ghana | Adinyira E., Dafeamekpor C.A. | 2015 | Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice | 141 | 3 | 10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000218 | Dept. of Building Technology, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana; Ghana Education Trust Fund, 42nd 4th Close Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | Adinyira, E., Dept. of Building Technology, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana; Dafeamekpor, C.A., Ghana Education Trust Fund, 42nd 4th Close Airport Residential Area, Accra, Ghana | This paper aims to establish clients' perception of the performance of architects on building projects in Ghana. It reports on a survey of both public and private clients of recently completed building projects in two major metropolitan areas of the country. Data from the survey were analyzed by first computing performance indexes and subsequently comparing similarities and differences between results obtained for the two sector clients. The results showed that private sector clients are likely to be more concerned with cost, while public sector clients are more concerned with buildability of design. A total of 71% of the 28 architect performance assessment criteria identified from literature were similarly selected by both sectors with respect to importance of the criteria. Using these, both public and private sector clients were asked to assess the performance of their architects. The results showed that architects were perceived to perform better on public sector building projects than on private sector ones. Their performance on 25% of the performance assessment criteria employed was indicated as being statistically different. The study also revealed that clients expected their architects to improve their performance significantly in approximately 82% of the 28 performance assessment criteria used in the study. The results from this study provide vital feedback to architects on their perceived performance on building projects in Ghana. On a broader level, the paper offers practicing architects some useful feedback that will allow for correction of misconceptions about their true role so as to improve on their relationship with project clients for improved project delivery. © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers. | Architect performance; Building project; Client perception; Ghana | Buildings; Surveys; Architect performance; Building projects; Client perception; Computing performance; Ghana; Perceived performance; Performance assessment; Public and private sector; Architecture | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868463375 | Climate change and impacts on the hydrology of the Congo Basin: The case of the northern sub-basins of the Oubangui and Sangha Rivers | Tshimanga R.M., Hughes D.A. | 2012 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2012.08.002 | Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Department of Natural Resources Management, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 117, Kinshasa, KIN XI, Democratic Republic Congo | Tshimanga, R.M., Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa, Department of Natural Resources Management, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 117, Kinshasa, KIN XI, Democratic Republic Congo; Hughes, D.A., Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa | This study assesses the hydrological response of the Congo Basin's runoff to future changes of climatic conditions. The study is carried out at the sub-basin scale in the northern part of the Congo Basin for which downscaled GCM data have been obtained. In order to assess the impacts of climate change scenarios on water resources availability of the Congo Basin, three downscaled and bias corrected GCMs were used to drive a semi-distributed rainfall-runoff model which was initially established for the whole Congo Basin through manual calibration and physically-based a priori parameter estimation approaches. The analysis focuses on the variables of the hydrological processes such as rainfall, interception, potential evapotranspiration, soil moisture store, surface runoff, soil moisture runoff, and recharge. In general terms, the study shows that there is a decrease in runoff for the near-future projections in the northern part of the Congo Basin which has a tropical transition regime. For the three GCMs used in this study, there is very little change in rainfall from the historical conditions. The major change is observed in evapotranspiration, due to an increase in air temperature. There is a clear indication of the translation of climate signal into flows. There is more than 10% decrease in total runoff, which is a consequence of relatively little increase in rainfall and a consistent increase in potential evapotranspiration. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Climate change; Congo Basin; GCMs; Hydrology | Air temperature; Climate change scenarios; Climate signals; Climatic conditions; Congo basins; GCMs; Hydrological process; Hydrological response; Manual calibration; Potential evapotranspiration; Priori parameter estimation; Rainfall-runoff models; Sub-basin scale; Subbasins; Surface runoffs; Tropical transition; Water resources availability; Digital storage; Evapotranspiration; Hydrology; Parameter estimation; Rain; Runoff; Soil moisture; Water supply; Climate change; climate change; climate effect; downscaling; evapotranspiration; general circulation model; hydrological response; interception; parameterization; rainfall-runoff modeling; resource availability; runoff; soil moisture; Congo Basin; Ubangi River | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899892381 | Climate change/global warming and its impacts on parasitology/entomology | Ngongeh L.A., Idika I.K., Ibrahim Shehu A.R. | 2014 | Open Parasitology Journal | 5 | 1 | None | Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria; Department of | Ngongeh, L.A., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, Nigeria; Idika, I.K., Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ibrahim Shehu, A.R., Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria | Climate change and global warming are important phenomena and do not mean the same thing as is wrongly conceived by some individuals. However, the link between the two is strong and one, global warming is strictly an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the earth’s surface and in the troposphere, while the other, climate change is more diverse and refers to any significant change in measures of climate such as temperature, precipitation, or wind lasting for a long period of time usually several years. Climate change could thus be an increase or decrease in temperature. The most important of the two terms which is under spotlight is global warming, an increase in temperature which has been blamed largely to greenhouse effect. There can no longer be any doubt that the earth’s climate is changing. It is now obvious that even the most hardened sceptics are starting to waiver in their convictions. Climate has been thrown completely out of kilter and each day brings fresh proof such as frequent and more violent cyclones in the Caribean, floods in Africa, the Philippines, the gradual sinking of Islands in the Pacific, heat waves in Europe and the melting of glaciers. There is increase in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and rising global average sea level. Impacts of global warming include the emergence and re-emergence of some parasitic infections and diseases. © Atehmengo et al.; Licensee Bentham Open. | Causes; Climate change; Evidence; Global warming; Impacts; Parasitology/entomology | Article; carbon dioxide evolution; climate change; deforestation; disease carrier; disease transmission; ecology; environmental exploitation; environmental factor; environmental health; environmental impact assessment; environmental radioactivity; environmental temperature; evolutionary adaptation; greenhouse effect; health impact assessment; host parasite interaction; human; hurricane; immune deficiency; industrial waste; malaria; nonhuman; parasitology; parasitosis; priority journal; public health; risk factor; socioeconomics; solar energy; survival | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349873676 | Climate change impact on SWAT simulated streamflow in western Kenya | Githui F., Gitau W., Mutua F., Bauwens W. | 2009 | International Journal of Climatology | 29 | 12 | 10.1002/joc.1828 | Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre de Recherches de Climatologie, Université de Bourgogne, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France | Githui, F., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Gitau, W., Centre de Recherches de Climatologie, Université de Bourgogne, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France; Mutua, F., Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Bauwens, W., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium | Weather and climate extremes such as droughts and floods have far reaching impacts in Kenya. They have had implications in a variety of sectors including agriculture, water resources, health, energy, and disaster management among others. Lake Victoria and its catchment support millions of people and any impact on its ability to support the livelihoods of the communities in this region is of major concern. Thus, the main objective of this study was to assess the potential future climatic changes on the Nzoia catchment in the Lake Victoria basin, and how they might affect streamflow. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool was used to investigate the impact of climatic change on streamflow of the study area. The model was set up using readily available spatial and temporal data, and calibrated against measured daily streamflow. Climate change scenarios were obtained from general circulation models. Results obtained showed increased amounts of annual rainfall for all the scenarios but with variations on a monthly basis. All - but one - global circulation models (GCMs) showed consistency in the monthly rainfall amounts. Rainfall was higher in the 2050s than in the 2020s. According to climate change scenarios, temperature will increase in this region, with the 2050s experiencing much higher increases than the 2020s with a monthly temperature change range of 0-1.7 °C. The range of change in mean annual rainfall of 2.4-23.2% corresponded to a change in streamflow of about 6-115%. The analysis revealed important rainfall-runoff linear relationships for certain months that could be extrapolated to estimate amounts of streamflow under various scenarios of change in rainfall. Streamflow response was not sensitive to changes in temperature. If all other variables, e.g. land cover, population growth etc., were held constant, a significant increase in streamflow may be expected in the coming decades as a consequence of increased rainfall amounts. © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society. | Climate change; General circulation models; Hydrology; Modelling; Runoff; Streamflow | Annual rainfall; Climate change impact; Climate change scenarios; Climatic changes; Disaster management; General circulation model; General circulation models; Global circulation model; Lake Victoria; Land cover; Linear relationships; Modelling; Population growth; Rainfall runoff; Soil and Water assessment tools; Study areas; Temperature changes; Temporal Data; Catchments; Disaster prevention; Drought; Rain; Runoff; Stream flow; Thermal effects; Water; Water resources; Climate change; climate change; climate effect; computer simulation; general circulation model; hydrological modeling; rainfall-runoff modeling; streamflow; temperature anomaly; Africa; East Africa; East African Lakes; Kenya; Lake Victoria; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650246691 | Climate change impact on the density of Faidherbia albida on smallholder farms in the degraded lands of Kano, northern Nigeria | Yakubu I. | 2010 | Environmentalist | 30 | 4 | 10.1007/s10669-010-9279-4 | Department of Geography, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Nigeria | Yakubu, I., Department of Geography, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Nigeria | Nigeria's vegetation in general and some important tree species in particular are under increasing threats from several factors. Worsening climate and environmental conditions, enhanced by a huge population pressure on limited resources, are some of the dominant issues of discourse among scientists. This study investigated the density of Faidherbia albida, a nitrogen-fixing tree, that has been an important component of the farming systems of the smallholder farms in the degraded lands of Kano, Nigeria. Results indicate a 55% decrease in the density of the tree in the study area. The overall diversity of trees on the smallholder farms has also declined by 38%. The study concludes that while climate change may be a catalyst, woodfuel extraction and disease are the immediate factors for the decline of F. indica in the area. It recommends (1) the inclusion of this species in the list of endangered species for deliberate regeneration and protection by all stakeholders (2) an extended study that could lead to determining the specific role of climate change on the density of the tree in the study area. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Climate change; Faidherbia albida; Nitrogen fixing; Smallholder | catalyst; climate change; dicotyledon; fuelwood; land degradation; nitrogen fixation; population decline; population density; smallholder; Kano [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Faidherbia albida | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903129332 | Climate change impact on the limnology of Lake Kariba, Zambia-Zimbabwe | Mahere T.S., Mtsambiwa M.Z., Chifamba P.C., Nhiwatiwa T. | 2014 | African Journal of Aquatic Science | 39 | 2 | 10.2989/16085914.2014.927350 | Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; University of Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Research Station, Kariba, Zimbabwe; Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Mahere, T.S., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mtsambiwa, M.Z., University of Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Research Station, Kariba, Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Chifamba, P.C., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nhiwatiwa, T., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe | There is evidence that global warming is changing the thermal regimes of tropical lakes and this paper examines the impact of warming on the limnology of Lake Kariba. Between 1986 and 2011 the mean temperature of the lake rose by 0.7 °C, a rate equivalent to 0.03 °C y-1, but this increase was not uniform, being most pronounced in March and May (1.5 and 1.4 °C, respectively) and least in August and October (0.1 °C in both). These changes appear to have disrupted the thermal regime which now seems to be less predictable than before. Thermal gradients have weakened and, as a result, oxyclines are now less pronounced and persistent than in the past. Previous workers suggested that warming in Lake Kariba has strengthened stratification and has caused the thermocline to rise, reducing the volume of the epilimnion and thus reducing the productivity of the pelagic fishery. But this does not appear to be the case. Warming was not accompanied by more pronounced stratification or upward shift in the thermocline, but instead there was a downward transfer of heat that caused the thermocline to descend and weaken, thus reducing thermal stability. The dynamic nature of the thermocline highlights the need to exercise caution in making simple predictions and conclusions about biotic responses in a large complex ecosystem. © 2014 Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd. | dissolved oxygen; oxycline; stratification; temperature; thermal gradient; thermocline | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906253269 | Climate change impacts and adaptation in South Africa | Ziervogel G., New M., Archer van Garderen E., Midgley G., Taylor A., Hamann R., Stuart-Hill S., Myers J., Warburton M. | 2014 | Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change | 5 | 5 | 10.1002/wcc.295 | Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; CSIR/School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Pretoria, South Africa; South African National Botanical Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School for Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School for Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa | Ziervogel, G., Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; New, M., African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Archer van Garderen, E., CSIR/School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Pretoria, South Africa; Midgley, G., South African National Botanical Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; Taylor, A., African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hamann, R., Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Stuart-Hill, S., School for Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa; Myers, J., School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Warburton, M., School for Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa | In this paper we review current approaches and recent advances in research on climate impacts and adaptation in South Africa. South Africa has a well-developed earth system science research program that underpins the climate change scenarios developed for the southern African region. Established research on the biophysical impacts of climate change on key sectors (water, agriculture, and biodiversity) integrates the climate change scenarios but further research is needed in a number of areas, such as the climate impacts on cities and the built environment. National government has developed a National Climate Change Response White Paper, but this has yet to translate into policy that mainstreams adaptation in everyday practice and longer-term planning in all spheres and levels of government. A national process to scope long-term adaptation scenarios is underway, focusing on cross-sectoral linkages in adaptation responses at a national level. Adaptation responses are emerging in certain sectors. Some notable city-scale and project-based adaptation responses have been implemented, but institutional challenges persist. In addition, a number of knowledge gaps remain in relation to the biophysical and socio-economic impacts of climate change. A particular need is to develop South Africa's capacity to undertake integrated assessments of climate change that can support climate-resilient development planning. © 2014 The Authors. WIREs Climate Change published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | adaptive management; climate change; environmental planning; environmental policy; socioeconomic impact; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84957051334 | Climate change: Impacts and threats on freshwater aquaculture | Anyanwu C.N., Osuigwe D.I., Adaka G.S. | 2014 | Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science | 9 | 5 | 10.3923/jfas.2014.419.424 | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | Anyanwu, C.N., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Osuigwe, D.I., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Adaka, G.S., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | This study examines the major effects of climate charge on aquaculture, especially on the freshwater ecosystem. Aquaculture as established is not practiced evenly across the world. Therefore, the study highlights the current aquaculture practices within the regions and across the different environments to ascertain the major effects of climate variations on the freshwater ecosystem and aquaculture practices in particular. The main elements of climate change that would impact on aquaculture production, such as sea level and temperature rise, changes is Monsoon patterns and extreme climatic events and water stress, among others were properly looked at and the reasons for their effects addressed. The different elements of climate change that are experienced in varying degrees can be either positive or negative or directly or indirectly depending on the different culture systems that are practiced. It is in the process of our study that we brought out the complex attributes of climate change as it affects aquaculture productivity and the possible roles that the society can play to ameliorate the harsh effects of this ugly monster, referred to as “Climate change and the consequent global warming trends”. © 2014 Academic Journals Inc. | Aquaculture; Climate; Freshwater; Global warming | aquaculture production; climate change; climate effect; freshwater ecosystem; global warming | None |
| WoS | WOS:000302027500004 | Climate Change Impacts in the Developing World: Implications for Sustainable Development | Brainard, L,Jones, A,Nyong, Anthony,Purvis, N | 2009 | CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL POVERTY: A BILLION LIVES IN THE BALANCE | None | None | None | University of Jos, Int Dev Res Ctr | None | None | ,AFRICA,"HEALTH SECTOR",MODEL,RISK,VARIABILITY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65549164595 | Climate change impacts on African rangelands | Hoffman T., Vogel C. | 2008 | Rangelands | 30 | 3 | 10.2111/1551-501X(2008)30[12:CCIOAR]2.0.CO;2 | Plant Conservation Unit, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Geography, Archeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Hoffman, T., Plant Conservation Unit, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Vogel, C., School of Geography, Archeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Despite the fact that Africa has contributed the most minimal in worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change will be greatest for Africa. The reasons for this include majority of the population lives in a region projected to be affected by increased temperature and reduced precipitation, the almost exclusive dependence of people on natural resources, livestock, and agriculture for their livelihoods, extreme poverty, and the degraded state of Africa's natural resources. Meanwhile, Africa's rangelands play an important role in the continent, and they are affected by complex land tenure arrangements. | None | carbon emission; climate change; ecological impact; greenhouse gas; land tenure; rangeland; Africa | None |
| None | None | Climate change impacts on coral reefs: Synergies with local effects, possibilities for acclimation, and management implications | Ateweberhan M., Feary D.A., Keshavmurthy S., Chen A., Schleyer M.H., Sheppard C.R.C. | 2013 | Marine Pollution Bulletin | 74 | 2 | 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.06.011 | Department of Life Science, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, United Kingdom; School of the Environment, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia; Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban, South Africa | Ateweberhan, M., Department of Life Science, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, United Kingdom; Feary, D.A., School of the Environment, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia; Keshavmurthy, S., Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Chen, A., Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Schleyer, M.H., Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban, South Africa; Sheppard, C.R.C., Department of Life Science, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, United Kingdom | Most reviews concerning the impact of climate change on coral reefs discuss independent effects of warming or ocean acidification. However, the interactions between these, and between these and direct local stressors are less well addressed. This review underlines that coral bleaching, acidification, and diseases are expected to interact synergistically, and will negatively influence survival, growth, reproduction, larval development, settlement, and post-settlement development of corals. Interactions with local stress factors such as pollution, sedimentation, and overfishing are further expected to compound effects of climate change.Reduced coral cover and species composition following coral bleaching events affect coral reef fish community structure, with variable outcomes depending on their habitat dependence and trophic specialisation. Ocean acidification itself impacts fish mainly indirectly through disruption of predation- and habitat-associated behavior changes.Zooxanthellate octocorals on reefs are often overlooked but are substantial occupiers of space; these also are highly susceptible to bleaching but because they tend to be more heterotrophic, climate change impacts mainly manifest in terms of changes in species composition and population structure. Non-calcifying macroalgae are expected to respond positively to ocean acidification and promote microbe-induced coral mortality via the release of dissolved compounds, thus intensifying phase-shifts from coral to macroalgal domination.Adaptation of corals to these consequences of CO2 rise through increased tolerance of corals and successful mutualistic associations between corals and zooxanthellae is likely to be insufficient to match the rate and frequency of the projected changes.Impacts are interactive and magnified, and because there is a limited capacity for corals to adapt to climate change, global targets of carbon emission reductions are insufficient for coral reefs, so lower targets should be pursued. Alleviation of most local stress factors such as nutrient discharges, sedimentation, and overfishing is also imperative if sufficient overall resilience of reefs to climate change is to be achieved. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | None | Carbon emission reductions; Climate change impact; Larval development; Management implications; Nutrient discharges; Ocean acidifications; Population structures; Species composition; Acidification; Bleaching; Carbon dioxide; Cleaning; Ecosystems; Emission control; Fish; Reefs; Climate change; calcium carbonate; carbon dioxide; carbonic acid; acclimation; acidification; carbon dioxide; carbon emission; climate change; coral bleaching; coral reef; growth; survival; acidification; article; bleaching; carbon footprint; climate change; community structure; coral reef; ecological specialization; ecosystem resilience; fishing; greenhouse effect; infection; larval development; macroalga; nonhuman; reproduction; sedimentation; species composition; species dominance; survival; water pollution; Acclimatization; Animals; Anthozoa; Carbon Dioxide; Climate Change; Conservation of Natural Resources; Coral Reefs; Oceans and Seas; Seaweed; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollution, Chemical; Anthozoa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866993997 | Climate change impacts on river basin and freshwater ecosystems: Some observations on challenges and emerging solutions | Ostfeld A., Barchiesi S., Bonte M., Collier C.R., Cross K., Darch G., Farrell T.A., Smith M., Vicory A., Weyand M., Wright J. | 2012 | Journal of Water and Climate Change | 3 | 3 | 10.2166/wcc.2012.006 | Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel; Global Environmental Flows Network (eFlowNet), Gland 1196, Switzerland; KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands; Delaware River Basin Commission, West Trenton, NJ, United States; Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Global Environmental Flows Network (eFlowNet), Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Climate Change and Environmental Futures, Water and Environment, ATKINS, Broadoak, Southgate Park, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YS, United Kingdom; Freshwater Initiative, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), 5735 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230, United States; Department of River Basin Management, Ruhrverband, Kronprinzenstr. 37, 45128 Essen, Germany; Environment Agency, Dragonfly House, 2 Gilders Way, Norwich NR3 1UB, United Kingdom | Ostfeld, A., Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel; Barchiesi, S., Global Environmental Flows Network (eFlowNet), Gland 1196, Switzerland; Bonte, M., KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, Netherlands; Collier, C.R., Delaware River Basin Commission, West Trenton, NJ, United States; Cross, K., Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Global Environmental Flows Network (eFlowNet), Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Darch, G., Climate Change and Environmental Futures, Water and Environment, ATKINS, Broadoak, Southgate Park, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YS, United Kingdom; Farrell, T.A., Freshwater Initiative, Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, United States; Smith, M.; Vicory, A., Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), 5735 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230, United States; Weyand, M., Department of River Basin Management, Ruhrverband, Kronprinzenstr. 37, 45128 Essen, Germany; Wright, J., Environment Agency, Dragonfly House, 2 Gilders Way, Norwich NR3 1UB, United Kingdom | Despite uncertainty pertaining to methods, assumptions and input data of climate change models, most models point towards a trend of an increasing frequency of flooding and drought events. How these changes reflect water management decisions and what can be done to minimize climate change impacts remains unclear. This paper summarizes and extends the workshop outcomes on 'Climate Change Impacts on Watershed Management: Challenges and Emerging Solutions' held at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition, Montréal, 2010, hosted by the IWA Watershed and River Basin Management Specialist Group. The paper discusses climate change impacts on water management of freshwater ecosystems and river basins, and illustrates these with three case studies. It is demonstrated through the case studies that engagement of relevant stakeholders is needed early in the process of building environmental flows and climate change decision-making tools, to result in greater buy-in to decisions made, create new partnerships, and help build stronger water management institutions. New alliances are then created between water managers, policy makers, community members, and scientists. This has been highlighted by the demonstration of the Pangani integrated environmental flow assessment, through the Okavango River Basin case study, and in the more participatory governance approach proposed for the Delaware River Basin. © IWA Publishing 2012. | Climate change; Environmental flows; Management; Modeling; River basin; Water resources | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910047561 | Climate change impacts on rural based women: Emerging evidence on coping and adaptation strategies in Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe | Phiri K., Ndlovu S., Chiname T.B. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p2545 | Department of Development Studies, Lupane State University, Zimbabwe; Lupane State University, Zimbabwe | Phiri, K., Department of Development Studies, Lupane State University, Zimbabwe; Ndlovu, S., Department of Development Studies, Lupane State University, Zimbabwe; Chiname, T.B., Lupane State University, Zimbabwe | Climate change is one of the major challenges that are confronting developing countries. Rural women in Zimbabwe are one of the most hard hit populace groups. The study sought to investigate how rural women are affected by climate change in relation to their livelihoods. It also explores women’s perception of climate change and the effects of those perceptions on adapting to climate change. Emphasis is made on the effects of climate change on crop production, livestock production and water sources focusing on Tsholotsho District in Zimbabwe. The study used a qualitative approach to obtain data on the effects of climate change. One of the major findings of the study was that the impact of climate change undermines women’s livelihoods which are rain-fed thus leading to accelerated food insecurity problems and heightened impoverishment. The paper concludes that women in rural areas must be prioritized in development programming especially in agriculture to ameliorate impending and inevitable climate change induced food insecurity. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Adaptation; Climate change; Livelihoods; Zimbabwe | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873740371 | Climate change impacts on sugarcane attainable yield in southern Brazil | Marin F.R., Jones J.W., Singels A., Royce F., Assad E.D., Pellegrino G.Q., Justino F. | 2013 | Climatic Change | 117 | 42371 | 10.1007/s10584-012-0561-y | Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Av. André Tosello, 209 - Barão Geraldo, CP 6041- 13083-886 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, United States; South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; Departamento de Engenharia Agricola, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil | Marin, F.R., Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Av. André Tosello, 209 - Barão Geraldo, CP 6041- 13083-886 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Jones, J.W., Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, United States; Singels, A., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa; Royce, F., Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, United States; Assad, E.D., Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Av. André Tosello, 209 - Barão Geraldo, CP 6041- 13083-886 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Pellegrino, G.Q., Embrapa Agricultural Informatics, Av. André Tosello, 209 - Barão Geraldo, CP 6041- 13083-886 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Justino, F., Departamento de Engenharia Agricola, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil | This study evaluated the effects of climate change on sugarcane yield, water use efficiency, and irrigation needs in southern Brazil, based on downscaled outputs of two general circulation models (PRECIS and CSIRO) and a sugarcane growth model. For three harvest cycles every year, the DSSAT/CANEGRO model was used to simulate the baseline and four future climate scenarios for stalk yield for the 2050s. The model was calibrated for the main cultivar currently grown in Brazil based on five field experiments under several soil and climate conditions. The sensitivity of simulated stalk fresh mass (SFM) to air temperature, CO2 concentration [CO2] and rainfall was also analyzed. Simulated SFM responses to [CO2], air temperature and rainfall variations were consistent with the literature. There were increases in simulated SFM and water usage efficiency (WUE) for all scenarios. On average, for the current sugarcane area in the State of São Paulo, SFM would increase 24 % and WUE 34 % for rainfed sugarcane. The WUE rise is relevant because of the current concern about water supply in southern Brazil. Considering the current technological improvement rate, projected yields for 2050 ranged from 96 to 129 t ha-1, which are respectively 15 and 59 % higher than the current state average yield. © 2012 The Author(s). | None | Air temperature; Average yield; Climate change impact; Climate condition; Field experiment; Future climate scenarios; General circulation model; Growth models; Harvest cycles; Rainfall variation; Rainfed; Southern Brazil; Sugarcane yield; Technological improvements; Water usage; Water use efficiency; Atmospheric temperature; Climate change; Climate models; Geologic models; Rain; Water supply; Carbon dioxide; air temperature; atmospheric general circulation model; carbon dioxide; climate change; climate effect; crop yield; cultivar; growth modeling; harvesting; irrigation system; rainfed agriculture; sugar cane; technological development; water supply; yield response; Brazil; Precis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872323953 | Climate Change or Urbanization? Impacts on a Traditional Coffee Production System in East Africa over the Last 80 Years | Jaramillo J., Setamou M., Muchugu E., Chabi-Olaye A., Jaramillo A., Mukabana J., Maina J., Gathara S., Borgemeister C. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0051815 | Institute of Plant Diseases and Plant Protection, University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany; International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones de Café - Cenicafé, Manizales, Colombia; Texas AandM University-Kingsville Citrus Center, Weslaco, TX, United States; Kenya Meteorological Department, Nairobi, Kenya | Jaramillo, J., Institute of Plant Diseases and Plant Protection, University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany, International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; Setamou, M., Texas AandM University-Kingsville Citrus Center, Weslaco, TX, United States; Muchugu, E., International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; Chabi-Olaye, A., International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya; Jaramillo, A., Centro Nacional de Investigaciones de Café - Cenicafé, Manizales, Colombia; Mukabana, J., Kenya Meteorological Department, Nairobi, Kenya; Maina, J., Kenya Meteorological Department, Nairobi, Kenya; Gathara, S., Kenya Meteorological Department, Nairobi, Kenya; Borgemeister, C., International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya | Global environmental changes (GEC) such as climate change (CC) and climate variability have serious impacts in the tropics, particularly in Africa. These are compounded by changes in land use/land cover, which in turn are driven mainly by economic and population growth, and urbanization. These factors create a feedback loop, which affects ecosystems and particularly ecosystem services, for example plant-insect interactions, and by consequence agricultural productivity. We studied effects of GEC at a local level, using a traditional coffee production area in greater Nairobi, Kenya. We chose coffee, the most valuable agricultural commodity worldwide, as it generates income for 100 million people, mainly in the developing world. Using the coffee berry borer, the most serious biotic threat to global coffee production, we show how environmental changes and different production systems (shaded and sun-grown coffee) can affect the crop. We combined detailed entomological assessments with historic climate records (from 1929-2011), and spatial and demographic data, to assess GEC's impact on coffee at a local scale. Additionally, we tested the utility of an adaptation strategy that is simple and easy to implement. Our results show that while interactions between CC and migration/urbanization, with its resultant landscape modifications, create a feedback loop whereby agroecosystems such as coffee are adversely affected, bio-diverse shaded coffee proved far more resilient and productive than coffee grown in monoculture, and was significantly less harmed by its insect pest. Thus, a relatively simple strategy such as shading coffee can tremendously improve resilience of agro-ecosystems, providing small-scale farmers in Africa with an easily implemented tool to safeguard their livelihoods in a changing climate. © 2013 Jaramillo et al. | None | Africa; agroecosystem; article; biodiversity; climate change; coffee; ecosystem resilience; environmental change; evolutionary adaptation; feedback system; female; food industry; geographic distribution; Hypothenemus hampei; insect; landscape; monoculture; nonhuman; plant insect interaction; plantation; urbanization; zoology; Africa, Eastern; Agriculture; Animals; Beetles; Climate Change; Coffee; Female; Humans; Plant Diseases; Rain; Satellite Communications; Temperature; Urbanization; Hexapoda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887625500 | Climate impacts and oceanic top predators: Moving from impacts to adaptation in oceanic systems | Hobday A.J., Young J.W., Abe O., Costa D.P., Cowen R.K., Evans K., Gasalla M.A., Kloser R., Maury O., Weng K.C. | 2013 | Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries | 23 | 4 | 10.1007/s11160-013-9311-0 | CSIRO Climate Adaptation and Wealth from Oceans Flagships, GPO Box 1538, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia; National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries, 5-7-1 Orido, Shimizu, Shizuoka, 424-8633, Japan; Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States; Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, United States; Fisheries Ecosystems Laboratory, Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05580-120, Brazil; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212 EME, Sète, France; ICEMASA, Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Pelagic Fisheries Research Program, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States | Hobday, A.J., CSIRO Climate Adaptation and Wealth from Oceans Flagships, GPO Box 1538, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia; Young, J.W., CSIRO Climate Adaptation and Wealth from Oceans Flagships, GPO Box 1538, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia; Abe, O., National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries, 5-7-1 Orido, Shimizu, Shizuoka, 424-8633, Japan; Costa, D.P., Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States; Cowen, R.K., Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, United States; Evans, K., CSIRO Climate Adaptation and Wealth from Oceans Flagships, GPO Box 1538, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia; Gasalla, M.A., Fisheries Ecosystems Laboratory, Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05580-120, Brazil; Kloser, R., CSIRO Climate Adaptation and Wealth from Oceans Flagships, GPO Box 1538, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia; Maury, O., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 212 EME, Sète, France, ICEMASA, Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Weng, K.C., Pelagic Fisheries Research Program, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States | Climate impacts are now widely reported from coastal marine systems, but less is known for the open ocean. Here we review progress in understanding impacts on large pelagic species presented at an international workshop for the Climate Impacts on Oceanic Top Predators programme, and discuss the future with regard to the next phase of adaptation-focused research. Recent highlights include a plan to map the distribution of key species in the foodweb using both acoustics and biochemical techniques, and development of a new data sharing and access tool for fisheries and associated data, including socio-economic information. A common research focus in pelagic ecosystems is on understanding climate variability and climate change impacts on marine species, but a greater emphasis on developing future scenarios and adaptation options is needed. Workshop participants also concluded that engagement with and provision of science support to regional fisheries management organisations are critical elements for ensuring successful uptake of research. This uptake will be required for future management of fisheries as global warming continues such that some open ocean top predators can be sustainably harvested, impacts on conservation-dependent species can be avoided, and ecosystem function is not compromised. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Climate change; Climate variability; Fisheries; Pelagic ecosystems | climate change; climate conditions; climate effect; environmental disturbance; environmental factor; environmental stress; fish; food web; marine ecosystem; pelagic environment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879606961 | Climatic stress mediates the impacts of herbivory on plant population structure and components of individual fitness | Louthan A.M., Doak D.F., Goheen J.R., Palmer T.M., Pringle R.M. | 2013 | Journal of Ecology | 101 | 4 | 10.1111/1365-2745.12090 | Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States; Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya; Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, United States; Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States; Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States | Louthan, A.M., Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States, Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya; Doak, D.F., Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya, Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, United States; Goheen, J.R., Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States, Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya, Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States; Palmer, T.M., Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya, Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States; Pringle, R.M., Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States | Past studies have shown that the strength of top-down herbivore control on plant physiological performance, abundance and distribution patterns can shift with abiotic stress, but it is still unclear whether herbivores generally exert stronger effects on plants in stressful or in nonstressful environments. One hypothesis suggests that herbivores' effects on plant biomass and fitness should be strongest in stressful areas, because stressed plants are less able to compensate for herbivore damage. Alternatively, herbivores may reduce plant biomass and fitness more substantially in nonstressful areas, either because plant growth rates in the absence of herbivory are higher and/or because herbivores are more abundant and diverse in nonstressful areas. We test these predictions of where herbivores should exert stronger effects by measuring individual performance, population size structure and densities of a common subshrub, Hibiscus meyeri, in a large-scale herbivore exclosure experiment arrayed across an aridity gradient in East Africa. We find support for both predictions, with herbivores exerting stronger effects on individual-level performance in arid (stressful) areas, but exerting stronger effects on population size structure and abundance in mesic (nonstressful) areas. We suggest that this discrepancy arises from higher potential growth rates in mesic areas, where alleviation of herbivory leads to substantially more growth and thus large changes in population size structure. Differences in herbivore abundance do not appear to contribute to our results. Synthesis. Our work suggests that understanding the multiple facets of plant response to herbivores (e.g. both individual performance and abundance) may be necessary to predict how plant species' abundance and distribution patterns will shift in response to changing climate and herbivore numbers. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Ecology © 2013 British Ecological Society. | Aridity; Climate change; Plant distributions; Plant-herbivore interactions; Population dynamics; Savannas; Stress gradients | abundance; aridity; climate change; climate effect; fitness; phytomass; plant-herbivore interaction; population size; savanna; East Africa; Hibiscus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953355255 | Climatic variability and its impacts on agricultural income and households' welfare in Southern and Northern Nigeria | Oyekale A.S. | 2009 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Oyekale, A.S., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This 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; Nigeria | None | None |
| None | None | Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Typhoid Fever in Pemba, Zanzibar: Assessment of the Performance of the WHO Case Definitions | Thriemer K., Ley B.B., Ame S.S., Deen J.L., de Pak G., Chang N.Y., Hashim R., Schmied W.H., Busch C.J.-L., Nixon S., Morrissey A., Puri M.K., Ochiai R.L., Wierzba T., Clemens J.D., Ali M., Jiddawi M.S., von Seidlein L., Ali S.M. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0051823 | International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; University of Vienna, Biocenter, Vienna, Austria; Public Health Laboratory (Pemba), Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Tanzania; Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia; Duke University, KCMC Collaboration, Moshi, Tanzania | Thriemer, K., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Ley, B.B., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea, University of Vienna, Biocenter, Vienna, Austria; Ame, S.S., Public Health Laboratory (Pemba), Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Tanzania, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Deen, J.L., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia; de Pak, G., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Chang, N.Y., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Hashim, R., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Schmied, W.H., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Busch, C.J.-L., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Nixon, S., Duke University, KCMC Collaboration, Moshi, Tanzania; Morrissey, A., Duke University, KCMC Collaboration, Moshi, Tanzania; Puri, M.K., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Ochiai, R.L., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Wierzba, T., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Clemens, J.D., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Ali, M., International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea; Jiddawi, M.S., Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Zanzibar, Tanzania; von Seidlein, L., Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia; Ali, S.M., Public Health Laboratory (Pemba), Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Tanzania, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Zanzibar, Tanzania | Background: The gold standard for diagnosis of typhoid fever is blood culture (BC). Because blood culture is often not available in impoverished settings it would be helpful to have alternative diagnostic approaches. We therefore investigated the usefulness of clinical signs, WHO case definition and Widal test for the diagnosis of typhoid fever. Methodology/Principal Findings: Participants with a body temperature ≥37.5°C or a history of fever were enrolled over 17 to 22 months in three hospitals on Pemba Island, Tanzania. Clinical signs and symptoms of participants upon presentation as well as blood and serum for BC and Widal testing were collected. Clinical signs and symptoms of typhoid fever cases were compared to other cases of invasive bacterial diseases and BC negative participants. The relationship of typhoid fever cases with rainfall, temperature, and religious festivals was explored. The performance of the WHO case definitions for suspected and probable typhoid fever and a local cut off titre for the Widal test was assessed. 79 of 2209 participants had invasive bacterial disease. 46 isolates were identified as typhoid fever. Apart from a longer duration of fever prior to admission clinical signs and symptoms were not significantly different among patients with typhoid fever than from other febrile patients. We did not detect any significant seasonal patterns nor correlation with rainfall or festivals. The sensitivity and specificity of the WHO case definition for suspected and probable typhoid fever were 82.6% and 41.3% and 36.3 and 99.7% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the Widal test was 47.8% and 99.4 both forfor O-agglutinin and H- agglutinin at a cut-off titre of 1:80. Conclusions/Significance: Typhoid fever prevalence rates on Pemba are high and its clinical signs and symptoms are non-specific. The sensitivity of the Widal test is low and the WHO case definition performed better than the Widal test. © 2012 Thriemer et al. | None | agglutinin; antigen; h antigen; O antigen; rain; unclassified drug; adolescent; adult; area under the curve; article; blood culture; clinical feature; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; disease association; disease duration; false negative result; female; fever; human; major clinical study; male; medical history; predictive value; prevalence; prospective study; receiver operating characteristic; religion; Salmonella typhi; seasonal variation; sensitivity and specificity; symptomatology; Tanzania; temperature; typhoid fever; WHO case definition; widal reaction; Adolescent; Adult; Agglutination Tests; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hospitals; Humans; Indian Ocean Islands; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Probability; Salmonella typhi; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania; Typhoid Fever; World Health Organization; Young Adult; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890257401 | Clinical evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic serological method in the diagnosis of mycobacterium tuberculosis [Mikobakteriyum tüberkülozis tani{dotless}si{dotless}nda hi{dotless}zli{dotless} i̇mmünokromatografik serolojik yöntemin klinik deǧerlen | Banjoko S.O., Sridhar M.K.C. | 2013 | TAF Preventive Medicine Bulletin | 12 | 6 | 10.5455/pmb.1-1351682079 | Department of Chemical Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Community Medicine, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria | Banjoko, S.O., Department of Chemical Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Sridhar, M.K.C., Department of Community Medicine, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria | AIM: There is currently no single diagnostic method which can detect all tuberculosis (TB) cases. Therefore diagnosis can take several days and weeks and involve expensive, invasive and complex procedures. METHODS: 100 clinically diagnosed tuberculosis patients attending Jericho Chest Clinic, Ibadan, Nigeria (Test) and 100 tuberculosis free healthy individuals (Control) were recruited for the study after ethical clearance and patients' consent were obtained. Rapid serological test based on immobilized antigens on immune-chromatographic strips obtainable from (AMRAD, Australia) were performed using serum samples of clotted blood obtained from test and controlled subjects. Controls were selected using results of clinical examination and chest X ray while the tuberculosis patients were confirmed positive using clinical examination, chest X-ray, smear microscopy and microbial culture. RESULTS: The number of true positives were 78 (78.0%) and false positives were 8 (8.0%) while the number of true negatives were 92 (92.0%) and false negatives were 22 (22.0%). Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive and positive predictive values of this serological method were 78.0%, 92.0%, 80.7% and 90.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: These results underscore the need to include serological method as a routine in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis at the point of care particularly in poor resource settings and developing economies. Furthermore it is plausible to suggest that multiple antigen based immunechromatographic kits showed better promise for rapid serological diagnosis. | Diagnosis; Immunochromatography; Serology; Tuberculosis; Validity | immunoglobulin G; article; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; human; immunoaffinity chromatography; major clinical study; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; predictive value; sensitivity and specificity; serology; sputum culture; sputum smear; thorax radiography; tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-25644442481 | Clinical evaluation of extract of Cajanus cajan (Ciklavit®) in sickle cell anaemia | Akinsulie A.O., Temiye E.O., Akanmu A.S., Lesi F.E.A., Whyte C.O. | 2005 | Journal of Tropical Pediatrics | 51 | 4 | 10.1093/tropej/fmh097 | Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria | Akinsulie, A.O., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria; Temiye, E.O., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria; Akanmu, A.S., Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria; Lesi, F.E.A., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria; Whyte, C.O., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria | The major pathology in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is sickling of red cells due to the precipitation of reduced haemoglobin. We report our experience with extract of Cajanus cajan as a possible antisickling agent by determining changes, if any, in clinical and laboratory features of the disease in patients given the extract in a single-blind placebo-controlled study. One hundred patients with steady-state SCA were randomized into treatment and placebo arms. The extract/placebo were administered twice daily to the subjects. Weight, hepatosplenomegaly, blood levels of biliurubin, urea, creatinine, and packed cell volume (PCV) were monitored over a 6-month period. Recall episodes of pain 6 months before enrolment were compared with episodes of pains recorded during the treatment period. Twenty-six cases (55.3 per cent) had hepatomegaly on enrolment. This significantly reduced to 33.3 per cent at 6 months (p = 0.03); but increased in the placebo arm p = >0.05). The total number of recall painful episodes in cases was 207 (mean 4.4 ± 10.3 (SD), range 0-60) and fell to 191 (mean 4.2 ± 4.4 (SD), range 0-16); p = 0.03. Episodes of pain increased from 109 in controls (mean 2.6 ± 5.0 (SD), range 0-26) to 164 (mean 3.9 ± 4.3 (SD), range 0-22); p = 0.01. Mean PCV in the cases showed no appreciable changes p = 0.1) but there was a significant increase in the controls p = 0.02). In conclusion, the extract may cause a reduction of painful crises and may ameliorate the adverse effects of sickle cell anaemia on the liver. The mechanism of action remains to be determined. © The Author [2005]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. | None | antisickling agent; ascorbic acid; bilirubin; Cajanus cajan extract; ciklavit; creatinine; folic acid; placebo; plant extract; proguanil; pyrimethamine; unclassified drug; urea; zinc; antisickling agent; plant medicinal product; abdominal distension; article; bilirubin blood level; body weight; child; clinical feature; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; creatinine blood level; diarrhea; fatigue; female; hematocrit; hepatomegaly; hepatosplenomegaly; human; liver disease; major clinical study; male; ocular pruritus; orbit inflammation; pain assessment; pigeonpea; randomized controlled trial; sickle cell anemia; sickle cell trait; single blind procedure; urea blood level; vomiting; adolescent; analysis of variance; drug effect; infant; liver; phytotherapy; pigeonpea; preschool child; Adolescent; Analysis of Variance; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Antisickling Agents; Cajanus; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Liver; Male; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Single-Blind Method | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44949243108 | Clinical Evaluation of Kaposi Sarcoma in HIV/AIDS Patients With Orofacial Lesions in Enugu, Nigeria | Oji C., Chukwuneke F. | 2008 | Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | 66 | 7 | 10.1016/j.joms.2007.08.049 | Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Maxillofacial Surgeon, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Nigeria | Oji, C., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Chukwuneke, F., Maxillofacial Surgeon, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Nigeria | Purpose: To highlight the association of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) with HIV/AIDS in patients of the oral and maxillofacial surgery units of 2 specialist hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Patients and Methods: The case notes of 112 patients who had HIV/AIDS lesions in the orofacial region were retrieved from the medical records department of 2 specialist hospitals. After studying the biopsy results, attention was focused on 33 patients (27 male and 6 female; age range, 10 to 59 years) who had KS. We studied the clinical, histopathologic, and therapeutic aspects of these AIDS-related KS cases over a period of 4 years, from January 2000 to December 2003. Results: There were 33 cases of KS and they ranged highest out of the total number of cases (112) cases that had HIV/AIDS. The male-to-female ratio was 4.5:1. At the time of initial presentation, all 33 patients were in stages III and IV of the disease. Late presentation and treatment by "fake" medical doctors were responsible for this situation. They all died within 1 to 18 months after commencement of therapy. Conclusion: KS is strongly associated with HIV/AIDS in our environment. We are of the opinion that the responsible authorities in Nigeria must endeavor to educate their citizens about safe sexual conduct and appropriate health-seeking behavior. © 2008 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. | None | antiretrovirus agent; bleomycin; doxorubicin; lamivudine; vincristine; zidovudine; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; AIDS patient; anamnesis; article; behavior change; CD4+ T lymphocyte; chemotherapy; clinical article; clinical evaluation; clinical feature; coughing; dysphagia; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; fever; hemoptysis; heterosexual female; heterosexual male; histology; homosexuality; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Kaposi sarcoma; laboratory test; lesbian; lymphocyte count; male; male homosexual; marriage; mouth lesion; mouth ulcer; Nigeria; physical examination; school child; sexual behavior; weight reduction; Western blotting; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Staging; Nigeria; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Retrospective Studies; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Sexual Behavior | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27944452621 | Clinical evaluation of pearl millet conophor weaning mix as supplementary food for Nigerian children | Akeredolu I.A., Addo A.A., Akeredolu O.A. | 2005 | Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology | 48 | 4 | None | Department of Physical and Health Education, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria | Akeredolu, I.A., Department of Physical and Health Education, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria; Addo, A.A., Department of Physical and Health Education, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria; Akeredolu, O.A., Department of Physical and Health Education, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria | The purpose of this study was to formulate a weaning diet from pearl millet-conophor nut flour that would promote growth. For PER, BV, NPU and TD values, casein diet was the most superior while millet-conophor diet and soy-ogi diet compared favourably with each other. For the clinical measurements of the experimental rats on the soy - ogi diet and millet-conophor diet, apart from the urinary urea level of the group on millet conophor diet which was much higher than soy-ogi, there was no difference in any of the other parameters measured. It was therefore, concluded that the millet-conophor, diet was favourably well with the soy-ogi. | Clinical evaluation; Conophor; Millet and supplementary food; Weaning mix | Pennisetum glaucum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746559808 | Clinical evaluation of post-extraction site wound healing | Adeyemo W.L., Ladeinde A.L., Ogunlewe M.O. | 2006 | Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice | 7 | 3 | None | Medical College of Dental Surgery in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Germany; Department of Oral, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Lagos/Lagos Universit | Adeyemo, W.L., Medical College of Dental Surgery in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Germany, Department of Oral, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Ladeinde, A.L., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Ogunlewe, M.O., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Aim: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical pattern of post-extraction wound healing with a view to identify the types, incidence, and pattern of healing complications following non-surgical tooth extraction. Study Design: A total of 311 patients, who were referred for non-surgical (intra-alveolar) extractions, were included in the study. The relevant pre-operative information recorded for each patient included age and gender of the patient, indications for extraction, and tooth/teeth removed. Extractions were performed under local anesthesia with dental forceps, elevators, or both. Patients were evaluated on the third and seventh postoperative days for alveolus healing assessment. Data recorded were: biodata, day of presentation for alveolus healing assessment, day of onset of any symptoms, body temperature (°C) in cases of alveolus infection, and presence or absence of pain. Results: Two hundred eighty-two patients (282) with 318 extraction sites were evaluated for alveolus healing. Healing was uneventful in 283 alveoli (89%), while 35 alveoli (11%) developed healing complications. These complications were: localized osteitis 26 (8.2%); acutely infected alveolus 5 (1.6%); and an acutely inflamed alveolus 4 (1.2%). Females developed more complications than males (p=0.003). Most complications were found in molars (60%) and premolars (37.1%). Localized osteitis caused severe pain in all cases, while infected and inflamed alveolus caused mild or no pain. Thirty patients (12%) among those without healing complications experienced mild pain. Conclusions: Most of the post-extraction alveoli healed uneventfully. Apart from alveolar osteitis (AO), post-extraction alveolus healing was also complicated by acutely infected alveoli and acutely inflamed alveoli. This study also demonstrated a painful alveolus is not necessarily a disturbance of post-extraction site wound healing; a thorough clinical examination must, therefore, be made to exclude any of the complications. | Alveoli; Evaluation; Healing; Post-extraction alveolus | adult; article; body temperature; controlled study; female; human; incidence; infection; major clinical study; male; molar tooth; osteitis; pain assessment; postoperative period; premolar tooth; symptomatology; tooth extraction; wound healing; adolescent; bone infection; chi square distribution; middle aged; physiology; postoperative complication; postoperative pain; prospective study; tooth pain; tooth socket; Adolescent; Adult; Bone Diseases, Infectious; Chi-Square Distribution; Dry Socket; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Tooth Extraction; Tooth Socket; Wound Healing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949894203 | Clinical evaluation of the aqueous outflow system in primary open-angle glaucoma for canaloplasty | Grieshaber M.C., Pienaar A., Olivier J., Stegmann R. | 2010 | Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science | 51 | 3 | 10.1167/iovs.09-4327 | Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa, South Africa; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Basel, Mittlere Strasse 91, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland | Grieshaber, M.C., Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa, South Africa, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Basel, Mittlere Strasse 91, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; Pienaar, A., Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa, South Africa; Olivier, J., Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa, South Africa; Stegmann, R., Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa, South Africa | Purpose. To assess the aqueous outflow pathway in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) through provocative gonioscopy and channelography with a flexible microcatheter and fluorescein tracer during canaloplasty. Methods. One eye each was randomly selected from 28 consecutive black African POAG patients undergoing canaloplasty. Provocative gonioscopy was performed at the beginning of surgery, and blood reflux from collector channels into Schlemm's canal (SC) was semiquantitatively evaluated. During canaloplasty, a flexible microcatheter injected fluorescein tracer stepwise into SC. The outflow pathway parameters of interest were blood reflux, transtrabecular passage of fluorescein, and episcleral vein filling. Results. Mean age, intraocular pressure (IOP), and cup-to-disc ratio were 45.9 years (SD ± 13.3), 41.0 mm Hg (SD ± 11.9), and 0.78 (SD ± 0.22), respectively. Mean IOP (P < 0.001) and episcleral venous egress (P = 0.01) correlated significantly with blood reflux, but cup-to-disc ratio (P = 0.71), age (P = 0.70), and fluorescein diffusion (P = 0.90) did not. A multinomial regression model showed that higher IOP (P < 0.001, OR, 1.687; 95% CI, 1.151-2.472) was strongly associated with poor blood reflux, independent of the patient's age (P = 0.383, OR, 0.942; 95% CI, 0.823-1.078). No correlation was found between preoperative IOP, transtrabecular passage, episcleral venous egress, and cup-to-disc ratio. The mean IOP was 17.5 mm Hg (SD ± 3.7) 6 months after surgery. The level of IOP after surgery correlated with the grade of blood reflux and episcleral venous egress (P < 0.001). Conclusions. High mean IOP may be associated with poor blood reflux and filling of SC. A collapsed canal, probably secondary to high IOP, may be an underestimated sign in black African patients with POAG. The quality of blood reflux and episcleral venous egress may both be predictive of the level of IOP after surgery. Provocative gonioscopy and channelography may reflect the function of the outflow pathway and may be helpful in assessing the surgical outcome of canaloplasty. Copyright © Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. | None | adult; African American; aqueous humor flow; article; canaloplasty; catheterization; channelography; clinical article; female; fluorescence analysis; glaucoma surgery; gonioscopy; human; imaging system; male; ocular blood vessel; open angle glaucoma; optic disk cup; outcome assessment; priority journal; provocation test; Schlemm canal; aqueous humor; filtering operation; instrumentation; intraocular pressure; metabolism; methodology; middle aged; physiology; prospective study; sclera; vascularization; diagnostic agent; fluorescein; fluorescent dye; Aqueous Humor; Catheterization; Female; Filtering Surgery; Fluorescein; Fluorescent Dyes; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Gonioscopy; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Sclera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925263610 | Clinical evaluation of the OneStep Gonorrhea RapiCard InstaTest for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in symptomatic patients from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Abbai N.S., Moodley P., Reddy T., Zondi T.G., Rambaran S., Naidoo K., Ramjee G. | 2015 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 53 | 4 | 10.1128/JCM.03603-14 | HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Infectious Diseases, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Infection Prevention and Control, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Abbai, N.S., HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Moodley, P., Infectious Diseases, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Infection Prevention and Control, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa; Reddy, T., Biostatistics Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Zondi, T.G., HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Rambaran, S., Infectious Diseases, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Naidoo, K., Infectious Diseases, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ramjee, G., HIV Prevention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Westville, Durban, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | We evaluated a point-of-care test for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in patients attending a public health clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The test showed a low sensitivity against PCR and culture (<40%); however, a higher specificity was observed (>95%). This test is unsuitable as a screening tool for gonorrhea. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | bacterial antigen; Article; bacterium culture; bacterium detection; bioassay; female; gonorrhea; human; human tissue; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; nonhuman; OneStep Gonorrhea RapiCard InstaTest; point of care testing; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; strand displacement amplification assay; Neisseria gonorrhoeae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907274957 | Clinical (non-histological) diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer: Evaluation of treatment outcome after androgen deprivation therapy | Heyns C.F., Basson J., Van Der Merwe A., Zarrabi A.D. | 2014 | South African Journal of Surgery | 52 | 3 | 10.7196/SAJS.1689 | Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa | Heyns, C.F., Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Basson, J., Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, A., Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Zarrabi, A.D., Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa | Introduction. Transrectal biopsy in suspected adenocarcinoma of the prostate (ACP) may cause significant morbidity and even mortality. A strong association between serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and tumour burden exists. If biopsy can be avoided in advanced disease, much morbidity and cost may be saved. Objective. To evaluate the reliability of using PSA and clinical features to establish a non-histological diagnosis of ACP. Methods. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was used in 825 (56.2%) of 1 467 men with ACP. The diagnosis of ACP was made histologically in 607 patients (73.6%) and clinically alone in 218 (26.4%), based on a serum PSA level of >60 ng/ml, and/or clinical evidence of a T3-T4 tumour on digital rectal examination, and/or imaging evidence of metastases. We compared two randomly selected groups treated with bilateral orchidectomy (BO) based on a clinical-only (n=90) v. histological (n=96) diagnosis of ACP. Results. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to mean follow-up (26.1 v. 26.8 months), documented PSA relapse (70% v. 67.7%), and patients alive at last follow-up (91.1% v. 95.8%). ZAR1 068 200 (US$1 = ZAR8) was saved by treating men with advanced ACP on the basis of a clinical (non-histological) diagnosis only, and a total of ZAR24 321 000 was saved by using BO instead of luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonists as ADT. Conclusion. A reliable clinical (non-histological) diagnosis of advanced ACP can be made based on serum PSA and clinical features. This avoids the discomfort and potentially serious complications of biopsy and saves cost. | None | None | None |
| None | None | Clinical performance of an automated reader in interpreting malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Tanzania | Shekalaghe S., Cancino M., Mavere C., Juma O., Mohammed A., Abdulla S., Ferro S. | 2013 | Malaria Journal | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-12-141 | Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, PO Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Fio Corporation, Toronto, Canada | Shekalaghe, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, PO Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Cancino, M., Fio Corporation, Toronto, Canada; Mavere, C., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, PO Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Juma, O., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, PO Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Mohammed, A., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, PO Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Abdulla, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, PO Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Ferro, S., Fio Corporation, Toronto, Canada | Background: Parasitological confirmation of malaria is now recommended in all febrile patients by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce inappropriate use of anti-malarial drugs. Widespread implementation of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is regarded as an effective strategy to achieve this goal. However, the quality of diagnosis provided by RDTs in remote rural dispensaries and health centres is not ideal. Feasible RDT quality control programmes in these settings are challenging. Collection of information regarding diagnostic events is also very deficient in low-resource countries. Methods. A prospective cohort of consecutive patients aged more than one year from both genders, seeking routine care for febrile episodes at dispensaries located in the Bagamoyo district of Tanzania, were enrolled into the study after signing an informed consent form. Blood samples were taken for thick blood smear (TBS) microscopic examination and malaria RDT (SD Bioline Malaria Antigen Pf/Pan™ (SD RDT)). RDT results were interpreted by both visual interpretation and Deki Reader™ device. Results of visual interpretation were used for case management purposes. Microscopy was considered the "gold standard test" to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Deki Reader interpretation and to compare it to visual interpretation. Results: In total, 1,346 febrile subjects were included in the final analysis. The SD RDT, when used in conjunction with the Deki Reader and upon visual interpretation, had sensitivities of 95.3% (95% CI, 90.6-97.7) and 94.7% (95% CI, 89.8-97.3) respectively, and specificities of 94.6% (95% CI, 93.5-96.1) and 95.6% (95% CI, 94.2-96.6), respectively to gold standard. There was a high percentage of overall agreement between the two methods of interpretation. Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of the Deki Reader in interpretation of SD RDTs were comparable to previous reports and showed high agreement to visual interpretation (>98%). The results of the study reflect the situation in real practice and show good performance characteristics of Deki Reader on interpreting malaria RDTs in the hands of local laboratory technicians. They also suggest that a system like this could provide great benefits to the health care system. Further studies to look at ease of use by community health workers, and cost benefit of the system are warranted. © 2013 Shekalaghe et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Deki Reader; Malaria rapid diagnostic test; mHealth | adolescent; adult; aged; analyzer; article; blood sampling; blood smear; child; cohort analysis; developing country; female; human; major clinical study; malaria; male; microscopy; patient care; preschool child; prospective study; school child; sensitivity and specificity; Tanzania; thick blood smear; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Automation, Laboratory; Blood; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Female; Humans; Infant; Malaria; Male; Microscopy; Middle Aged; Parasitology; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35649012028 | Clinical performance of an in-house real-time RT-PCR assay using a fluorogenic LUX™ primer for quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) | Rekhviashvili N., Stevens W., Marinda E., Gonin R., Stevens G., McIntyre J., Wood R. | 2007 | Journal of Virological Methods | 146 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2007.05.024 | Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), Faculty of Health Science, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Westat, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Unit 006, Magaliszicht Avenue, Albury Park, Dunkel West, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa; Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), WITS University, WITS Health Consortium, Old Potch Road, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa; The Desmond Tutu HIV Center, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Rekhviashvili, N., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Marinda, E., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), Faculty of Health Science, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Gonin, R., Westat, Rockville, MD 20850, United States; Stevens, G., International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Unit 006, Magaliszicht Avenue, Albury Park, Dunkel West, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa; McIntyre, J., Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), WITS University, WITS Health Consortium, Old Potch Road, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wood, R., The Desmond Tutu HIV Center, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The South African National Antiretroviral Treatment Guideline recommends the use of HIV viral load assays for routine monitoring of HIV-1 positive patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Approved commercial HIV-1 viral load assays are expensive for developing countries where a large number of patients are treated in the public sector. The evaluation of an in-house HIV-1 viral load assay (LUX assay) is described using 458 plasma specimens. Good specificity of the LUX assay was demonstrated using 50 seronegative plasma specimens. A group of 142 HIV-1 positive patients was used to assess the agreement between the LUX assay and the COBAS Amplicor assay. An intra class correlation (ICC) coefficient of 0.85 (CI 95%) indicated good agreement between the assays. The Bland-Altman model showed good agreement between the assays for ∼87% of the results (mean 0.03 [-1.26; 1.32], CI 95%). In a cohort of 55 patients followed-up longitudinally the LUX assay showed similar declines in viral load to the COBAS Amplicor assay in response to therapy. Viral rebound was detected in 5 patients out of 55 by both assays. Thus, the LUX assay compares well to the gold standard and represents an affordable alternative for high volume testing in resource limited settings. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Affordable; HIV-1 viral load; LUX primer; Quantitative real-time RT-PCR | antiretrovirus agent; article; blood sampling; controlled study; correlation coefficient; gold standard; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; model; nonhuman; priority journal; quantitative analysis; real time polymerase chain reaction; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; sensitivity and specificity; serology; treatment outcome; virus load; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Viral Load; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894040025 | Clinical utility and impact of autopsies on clinical practice among doctors in a large teaching hospital in Ghana | Tette E., Yawson A.E., Tettey Y. | 2014 | Global Health Action | 7 | 1 | 10.3402/gha.v7.23132 | Department of Community Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana; Department of Pathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana; Office of the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana | Tette, E., Department of Community Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana; Yawson, A.E., Department of Community Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana; Tettey, Y., Department of Pathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana, Office of the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana | Background: Autopsies can provide a good indication of the quality of patient care, in terms of the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and the quality of treatment given. Designs: This was a cross-sectional study among clinicians at theKorle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in 2012. Data were collected with a 69-item, self-administered, structured questionnaire. A total of 215 questionnaires were sent out and 119 clinicians responded. Data were collected on the benefits and utility of autopsies for medical practice, care of patients, and management of clinical wards. Survey data were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics (i.e. proportions, ratios, and percentages). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Objective: This study examined the views of clinicians regarding the utility of autopsies and their influence on clinical practice in a large teaching hospital in Ghana. Results: Overall, clinicians in KBTH agreed that autopsy reports are useful in answering clinical questions (55/119; 46.2%), confirming or verifying clinical diagnoses (54/119; 45.4%), providing information on unsuspected diagnoses (40/119; 33.6%), and for medical education (90/119; 75.6%). Overall, 70/119 (58.8%) of clinicians agreed that autopsy findings improve completeness and reliability of death certification and provide information on clinical effectiveness of treatment and patient management. However, only 23/119 (19.3%) of sampled clinicians had personal interactions with a pathologist during autopsy processes and 93/ 119 (78.2%) had not attended any autopsy demonstrations in the past 6 months. Attendance of pathologists at clinicopathological meetings of clinical departments of KBTH was minimal. Unfortunately, the use of autopsy reports for auditing clinical diagnostic performance was not seen as essential. Conclusion: Strengthening the interaction between doctors and pathologists is essential in improving the autopsy process and utilization in the hospital. KBTH should create opportunities for doctors to attend autopsy demonstrations and for pathologists to attend clinicopathological meetings in the hospital. © 2014 Edem Tette et al. | Autopsy; Clinical utility; Clinicians; Ghana; Teaching hospital | article; autopsy; clinical practice; clinical utility; clinicians; cross-sectional study; female; Ghana; health personnel attitude; human; male; medical education; medical staff; physician; psychological aspect; questionnaire; statistics; teaching hospital; autopsy; clinical utility; clinicians; Ghana; teaching hospital; Attitude of Health Personnel; Autopsy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Ghana; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Internship and Residency; Male; Medical Staff, Hospital; Physician's Practice Patterns; Physicians; Questionnaires | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878362088 | Clinicopathological evaluation of intranasal, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes of vaccination against intratracheal challenge of Peste des petits ruminants virus in goats | Emikpe B.O., Ezeasor C.K., Sabri M.Y., Anosa V.O. | 2013 | Small Ruminant Research | 113 | 1 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.03.007 | Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia | Emikpe, B.O., Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ezeasor, C.K., Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Sabri, M.Y., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia; Anosa, V.O., Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | An experiment was conducted to compare the efficacy of intranasal vaccination against caprine Peste des petits ruminant lineage 1 variant virus infection with intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccinations. Twenty four goats were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 was vaccinated intranasally, group 2 was vaccinated subcutaneously, and group 3 intramuscularly, while group 4 was the unvaccinated control. In each group, the vaccinations were carried out once. All goats were challenged intratracheally with PPR virus at a concentration of 106.5 TCID50 two weeks after vaccination and were euthanised 21 days after the challenge. The clinical, lung consolidation, gross and histopathological scores were employed using standard techniques. All data were analysed statistically using the paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Group 3 had the highest clinical score following the challenge of vaccinated group while deaths were observed only in group 4. Three goats in group 2 and 3 had pneumonic lung lesions, compared with none in group 1 and all the goats in group 4. The lung lesions in group 4 were significantly (P<0.05) severe than in others. Similarly, the lesions in group 2 and 3 were less severe with the right lung more affected (P>0.05) while group 1 had no consolidation. This study showed that PPR vaccination using subcutaneous, intramuscular and intranasal routes were protective but that of intranasal was found to be easy to apply hence it could be used for the prevention of the disease in small ruminants. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Goats; Intranasal vaccination; PPR | Bovidae; Capra; Capra hircus; Measles virus; Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903287197 | Cloacal temperature responses and some performance indices in black harco pullets administered with betamint during the hot-dry season | Ayo J.O., Danbirini S., Egbuniwe I.C., Sinkalu V.O. | 2014 | Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology | 5 | 2 | 10.4172/2157-7579.1000166 | Department of Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria; Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria | Ayo, J.O., Department of Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria; Danbirini, S., Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria; Egbuniwe, I.C., Department of Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria; Sinkalu, V.O., Department of Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria | The experiment was performed with the aim of determining fluctuations in cloacal temperature (CT) of Black Harco pullets, and effects of betamint® on the fluctuations and some performance indicesof the pullets during the hot-dry season. Twenty-five experimental pullets were each administered with betamint orally at a dose of 1 ml/kg daily, while 25 other control pullets were given only water for 21 days. The dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity inside the pen and CT of each pullet were recorded every two hours (from 06:00 h to 18:00 h) on days 7, 14 and 21. CT values in experimental and control pullets (41.63 ± 0.10°C and 41.64 ± 0.13°C, respectively) did not differ, but betamint reduced (P<0.05) CT values in the pullets from 12:00 h and 14:00 h. Water consumption in experimental (4.26%) pullets was lower than that of the control (23.63%) pullets. An increase in live weight gain (15%) and feed consumption (45.91%) was obtained in experimental pullets over that of the control pullets (P < 0.01). In conclusion, betamint administration alleviated the risk of adverse effects of heat stress and improved live weight gain in pullets. © 2014 Ayo JO, et al. | Heat stress; Productivity; Thermal microenvironment | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57149105375 | Clonal differences in log end splitting in Eucalyptus grandis in relation to age, parent performance, growth rate and wood density in two even-aged trials in Mpumalanga, South Africa | Malan F.S. | 2008 | Southern Forests | 70 | 1 | 10.2989/SOUTH.FOR.2008.70.1.7.517 | Komatiland Forests (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 574, Sabie 1260, South Africa | Malan, F.S., Komatiland Forests (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 574, Sabie 1260, South Africa | This paper discusses the juvenile-mature correlation of log end splitting among Eucalyptus grandis clones from two trials and how differences in splitting relate to differences in wood density, pith-to-bark gradient and growth rate. Two approximately 20-year-old Eucalyptus grandis clonal trials at Bergvliet plantation were sampled. The first trial (Trial A) consisted of clones of eight ortets (genotypes) specifically selected for their widely different propensities to develop end splitting. The second trial (Trial B) consisted of 80 clones and one seedling control. From the latter trial 15 clones were selected in such a manner that they constituted three groups of clones representing a combination of high- and low-volume producers and, among the high-volume producers, clones exhibiting high and low propensities towards end splitting. The fourth group represented the seedling control. Trial A showed highly significant clonal differences in splitting, basic wood density, as well as its pith-to-bark gradient. No relationship of splitting with differences in growth rate, density or density gradient was found. The clones derived from the low- and high-splitting ortets maintained their general statuses as low and high splitters over a considerable period of time, but some of the individual clones did not reflect the performance of the ortets from which they were derived. Trial B revealed that clones classified as good-volume producers at the age of 65 months still outperformed the clones classified as low-volume producers approximately 15 years later. No significant differences in average wood density between the groups of clones studied was found, irrespective of differences in growth rate and degree of splitting, but trees from the slow-growing group of clones were significantly more variable across the radius in average wood density. The outcome of both trials confirmed results of many previous studies on this species, in that rapid and uniform growth has no significant detrimental effect on wood density or its rate of change across the radius of the tree. It may, in fact, be associated with increased uniformity from pith to bark with increasing age, sometimes resulting in slightly increased overall wood density. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Eucalyptus grandis; Growth stresses; Juvenile-mature correlation; Splitting; Wood density | Eucalyptus; Eucalyptus grandis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645385128 | Clonal evaluation of vegetatively propagated half-node cuttings of Coffea canephora | Famaye A.O., Oloyede A.A., Ayegboyin K.O. | 2006 | Tropical Science | 46 | 1 | 10.1002/ts.10 | Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria | Famaye, 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, Nigeria | Of 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; Robusta | Coffea canephora | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847397493 | Cloning and expression of Rift Valley fever virus nucleocapsid (N) protein and evaluation of a N-protein based indirect ELISA for the detection of specific IgG and IgM antibodies in domestic ruminants | Fafetine J.M., Tijhaar E., Paweska J.T., Neves L.C.B.G., Hendriks J., Swanepoel R., Coetzer J.A.W., Egberink H.F., Rutten V.P.M.G. | 2007 | Veterinary Microbiology | 121 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.vetmic.2006.11.008 | Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, C. Postal 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan I, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Special Pathogens Unit, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Division of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands | Fafetine, J.M., Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, C. Postal 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Tijhaar, E., Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan I, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Paweska, J.T., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Special Pathogens Unit, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa; Neves, L.C.B.G., Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, C. Postal 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Hendriks, J., Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan I, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Swanepoel, R., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Special Pathogens Unit, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, South Africa; Coetzer, J.A.W., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Egberink, H.F., Division of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Rutten, V.P.M.G., Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan I, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands | Serodiagnosis of Rift Valley fever (RVF) currently relies on the use of live or inactivated whole virus as antigens. The recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein of RVF virus was tested for diagnostic applicability in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), using sera from experimentally infected sheep (n = 128), vaccinated sheep (n = 240), and field-collected sera from sheep (n = 251), goats (n = 362) and cattle (n = 100). The N-protein based I-ELISA performed at least as good as VN and HI tests. In goat the diagnostic sensitivity (D-Sn) and specificity (D-Sp) of the I-ELISA was 100% when using the anti-species IgG conjugate. Using protein G as a detection system, the D-Sn and D-Sp in goats were 99.4% and 99.5%, in sheep field sera both 100%, in cattle 100% and 98.3%, respectively. The I-ELISA based on recombinant N-protein has the potential to complement the traditional assays for serodiagnosis of RVF. Advantages of the N-protein are its safety, stability and cost-effectiveness in use and production. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Diagnostic accuracy; Indirect IgM and IgG ELISA; Recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein; Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus; Ruminants | immunoglobulin G; immunoglobulin M; nucleocapsid protein; protein G; recombinant protein; animal experiment; animal model; antibody detection; article; bovids; cattle; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic accuracy; domestic species; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; goat; hemagglutination inhibition; hemorrhagic fever; molecular clock; nonhuman; protein analysis; protein expression; protein stability; Rift Valley fever bunyavirus; sensitivity and specificity; serodiagnosis; sheep; vaccination; virus inactivation; virus neutralization; virus nucleocapsid; Animal Diseases; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Antibody Specificity; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cloning, Molecular; DNA, Viral; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Goat Diseases; Goats; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Neutralization Tests; Nucleocapsid Proteins; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Recombinant Proteins; Rift Valley Fever; Rift Valley fever virus; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Bos; Capra hircus; Ovis aries; Rift Valley fever virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876500079 | Closing the prevention of mother-to-child transmission gap in Nigeria: An evaluation of service improvement intervention in Nigeria | Chabikuli O.N., Gwarzo U., Olufunso A., Reidpath D., Allotey P., Ibrahim M., Hamelmann C. | 2013 | South African Family Practice | 55 | 1 | None | Family Health International 360, Department of Family Medicine, Medunsa, South Africa; Family Health International 360, Nigeria; Monitoring and Evaluation, Family Health International 360, Nigeria; Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Services, Mon | Chabikuli, O.N., Family Health International 360, Department of Family Medicine, Medunsa, South Africa; Gwarzo, U., Family Health International 360, Nigeria; Olufunso, A., Monitoring and Evaluation, Family Health International 360, Nigeria; Reidpath, D., Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Services, Monash University, Malaysia; Allotey, P., Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Services, Monash University, Malaysia; Ibrahim, M., Family Health International 360, Nigeria; Hamelmann, C. | Objectives: The objective was to assess improvement, or lack thereof, in the uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) services at selected sites supported sites by the Global HIV/AIDS Initiative Nigeria (GHAIN). Design: The study used aggregated monthly service statistics to evaluate service improvement efforts that were conducted before and after these were undertaken between July 2007-June 2008. Settings and subjects: The service improvement efforts took place in 60 public healthcare facilities. Outcome measures: The study measured changes in the number of pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics for the first time, the number of pregnant women tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the number of HIV-positive women receiving antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis, and the service ratio, an indicator of the relative uptake of ARV prophylaxis. An estimate of MTCT events that were averted through ARV prophylaxis taken by the pregnant women was also calculated. Results: One hundred and twenty thousand, five hundred and thirty-seven women attended an antenatal clinic (ANC) for the first time. There was an average of 167.4 monthly attendances per facility. ANC attendance increased per facility by 11.1 women monthly post-intervention (p-value < 0.01). The uptake of HIV testing was 87%, with a monthly average increase of 17.8 women tested per facility (p-value < 0.01). ARV prophylaxis uptake rose from 3.3-5.4 women per facility per month (p-value < 0.01). The service ratio per facility improved from 5.3 women receiving ARVs to 6.5 for every 10 women who tested positive for HIV (p-value < 0.01). Applying risk reduction estimates of different ARV regimens, it was estimated that between 88-169 MTCT events were averted pre-intervention, and 143-276 events, post-intervention. Conclusion: Service improvement intervention improved the utilisation of PMTCT services. It should be a key intervention that is used to close the PMTCT gap in Nigeria. © SAAFP. | Effectiveness; Evaluation; HIV; Nigeria; PMTCT; Service improvement | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; female; health care facility; health care utilization; health service; highly active antiretroviral therapy; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; major clinical study; Nigeria; placental transfer; pregnant woman; prenatal care; risk reduction; virus transmission | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894311212 | Cloud computing and virtualization within the regional climate model and evaluation system | Mattmann C.A., Waliser D., Kim J., Goodale C., Hart A., Ramirez P., Crichton D., Zimdars P., Boustani M., Lee K., Loikith P., Whitehall K., Jack C., Hewitson B. | 2014 | Earth Science Informatics | 7 | 1 | 10.1007/s12145-013-0126-2 | Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; UCLA JIFRESSE, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Howard University, WA, DC, United States; University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; University of Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Mattmann, C.A., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States, UCLA JIFRESSE, Los Angeles, CA, United States, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Waliser, D., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States, UCLA JIFRESSE, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Kim, J., UCLA JIFRESSE, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Goodale, C., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Hart, A., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Ramirez, P., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Crichton, D., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Zimdars, P., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Boustani, M., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Lee, K., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Loikith, P., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States; Whitehall, K., Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States, Howard University, WA, DC, United States; Jack, C., University of Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Hewitson, B., University of Cape Town, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | The Regional Climate Model Evaluation System (RCMES) facilitates the rapid, flexible inclusion of NASA observations into climate model evaluations. RCMES provides two fundamental components. A database (RCMED) is a scalable point-oriented cloud database used to elastically store remote sensing observations and to make them available using a space time query interface. The analysis toolkit (RCMET) is a Python-based toolkit that can be delivered as a cloud virtual machine, or as an installer package deployed using Python Buildout to users in order to allow for temporal and spatial regridding, metrics calculation (RMSE, bias, PDFs, etc.) and end-user visualization. RCMET is available to users in an "offline", lone scientist mode based on a virtual machine dynamically constructed with model outputs and observations to evaluate; or on an institution's computational cluster seated close to the observations and model outputs. We have leveraged RCMES within the content of the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) project, working with the University of Cape Town and other institutions to compare the model output to NASA remote sensing data; in addition we are also working with the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP). In this paper we explain the contribution of cloud computing to RCMES's specifically describing studies of various cloud databases we evaluated for RCMED, and virtualization toolkits for RCMET, and their potential strengths in delivering user-created dynamic regional climate model evaluation virtual machines for our users. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Apache; Hadoop; Hive; MongoDB; OODT; RCMES; Regional Climate Modeling; Sqoop | None | None |
| None | None | Cluster-randomized study of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in infants (IPTi) in southern Tanzania: Evaluation of impact on survival | Armstrong Schellenberg J.R.M., Maokola W., Shirima K., Manzi F., Mrisho M., Mushi A., Alonso P., Mshinda H., Tanner M., Schellenberg D.M. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-387 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; National Institute for Medical Research, Muheza, Tanzania; Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland | Armstrong Schellenberg, J.R.M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Maokola, W., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Shirima, K., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Manzi, F., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Mrisho, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Mushi, A., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, National Institute for Medical Research, Muheza, Tanzania; Alonso, P., Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Mshinda, H., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Tanner, M., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Schellenberg, D.M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Intermittent Preventive Treatment for malaria control in infants (IPTi) consists of the administration of a treatment dose of an anti-malarial drug, usually sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, at scheduled intervals, regardless of the presence of Plasmodium falciparum infection. A pooled analysis of individually randomized trials reported that IPTi reduced clinical episodes by 30%. This study evaluated the effect of IPTi on child survival in the context of a five-district implementation project in southern Tanzania. [Trial registration: clinical trials.gov NCT00152204]. Methods. After baseline household and health facility surveys in 2004, five districts comprising 24 divisions were randomly assigned either to receive IPTi (n = 12) or not (n = 12). Implementation started in March 2005, led by routine health services with support from the research team. In 2007, a large household survey was undertaken to assess the impact of IPTi on survival in infants aged two-11 months through birth history interviews with all women aged 13-49 years. The analysis is based on an "intention-to-treat" ecological design, with survival outcomes analysed according to the cluster in which the mothers lived. Results: Survival in infants aged two-11 months was comparable in IPTi and comparison areas at baseline. In intervention areas in 2007, 48% of children aged 12-23 months had documented evidence of receiving three doses of IPTi, compared to 2% in comparison areas (P < 0.0001). Over the three years of the study there was a marked improvement in survival in both groups. Between 2001-4 and 2005-7, mortality rates in two-11 month olds fell from 34.1 to 23.6 per 1,000 person-years in intervention areas and from 32.3 to 20.7 in comparison areas. In 2007, divisions implementing IPTi had a 14% (95% CI -12%, 49%) higher mortality rate in two-11 month olds in comparison with non-implementing divisions (P = 0.31). Conclusion: The lack of evidence of an effect of IPTi on survival could be a false negative result due to a lack of power or imbalance of unmeasured confounders. Alternatively, there could be no mortality impact of IPTi due to low coverage, late administration, drug resistance, decreased malaria transmission or improvements in vector control and case management. This study raises important questions for programme evaluation design. © 2011 Schellenberg et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antimalarial agent; diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; measles vaccine; article; controlled study; evaluation; false negative result; health care facility; health service; health survey; household; human; infant; intention to treat analysis; malaria; mortality; outcome assessment; preventive medicine; randomization; randomized controlled trial; survival; Tanzania; vector control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34347324108 | Coalescence methods reveal the impact of vicariance on the spatial genetic structure of Elephantulus edwardii (Afrotheria, Macroscelidea) | Smit H.A., Robinson T.J., Van Vuuren B.J. | 2007 | Molecular Ecology | 16 | 13 | 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03334.x | Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Smit, H.A., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Robinson, T.J., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Van Vuuren, B.J., Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private BagX1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Within the Macroscelidea 15 species of elephant-shrews are recognized, of which nine occur in the southern African subregion. The Cape rock elephant-shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) is the only strictly endemic South African elephant-shrew species. Recent distribution data suggest that E. edwardii is continuously distributed from Namaqualand in the Western Cape Province to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province. Molecular sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and variable control region indicate significant substructure within the Cape rock elephant-shrew across its distribution. Our data unequivocally showed the presence of a northern Namaqua and central Fynbos clade with four evolutionary lineages identified within the latter. The geographical delimitation of the northern and central clades corresponds closely with patterns reported for other rock-dwelling vertebrate species, indicating a shared biogeographical history for these taxa in South Africa. A coalescent method revealed the effects of ancestral polymorphism in shaping the Namaqua and Fynbos populations since their divergence ∼1.7 million years ago. Furthermore, our analyses uncovered a distinct Karoo lineage(s) that does not correspond to any of the previously described and/or currently recognized species, and we therefore argue for the possible recognition of a new sister taxon to E. edwardii. The taxonomic affinities of this clade were examined by sequencing corresponding regions from the type specimens of species described in the past, but which presently are synonimized within E. edwardii. Our results reveal the morphological misidentification of one of these types, accentuating the problems of field identification. © 2007 The Authors. | Cape Fold Mountains; Elephant-shrew; Knersvlakte; Phylogeography; Sengi; South Africa | cytochrome b; mitochondrial DNA; animal; article; classification; ecosystem; genetic variability; genetics; geography; shrew; South Africa; Animals; Cytochromes b; DNA, Mitochondrial; Ecosystem; Geography; Shrews; South Africa; Variation (Genetics); Afrotheria; Elephantulus edwardii; Loxodonta; Macroscelidea; Soricidae; Vertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866121518 | Cobalt mediated ring contraction reaction of lapachol and initial antibacterial evaluation of naphthoquinones derived from lapachol | Eyong K.O., Kumar S.P., Kuete V., Folefoc G.N., Langmi H., Meyer M.J.J., Lall N., Baskaran S. | 2012 | Medicinal Chemistry Research | 21 | 8 | 10.1007/s00044-011-9788-9 | Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600 036, India; Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde 1, BP 812, Yaounde, Cameroon; Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, BP 67, Dschang, Cameroon; Department of Chemistry, University of Buea, 63, Buea, Cameroon; Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada; Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Science, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Eyong, K.O., Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600 036, India, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde 1, BP 812, Yaounde, Cameroon; Kumar, S.P., Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600 036, India; Kuete, V., Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, BP 67, Dschang, Cameroon, Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Science, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Folefoc, G.N., Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Yaounde 1, BP 812, Yaounde, Cameroon, Department of Chemistry, University of Buea, 63, Buea, Cameroon; Langmi, H., Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada; Meyer, M.J.J., Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Science, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Lall, N., Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Science, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Baskaran, S., Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai 600 036, India | The synthesis of 2-hydroxy-2-(3-methylbut- 2-enyl)-2H-indene-1,3-dione 3, from lapachol which involves a ring contraction via the Hooker intermediate 1,2-dihydroxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro- 1H-indene-1- carboxylic acid 2 is described. Different pyranonaphthoquinone derivatives, obtained in our previous synthetic work, were screened for antimycobacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) activity and against resistant strains of Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The results indicated significant activity of all the tested samples against M. tuberculosis and only moderate activity against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011. | Antibacterial; Antituberculosis; Lapachol; Naphthoquinones; Ring contraction | 1 (2,3,4,9 tetrahydro 4,9 dioxonaphtho[2,3 b]furany 2 yl) 1 methylethyl nitrate; 1,4 dihydro 3 hydroxy 1,4 dioxo 2 naphthaleneacetaldehyde; 2 (1 methylethenyl) 2,3 dihydronaphtho[2,3 b]furan 4,9 dione; 2 (1' methylethenyl)naphtho[2,3 b]furan 4,9 dione; 2 (3 hydroxy 1,4 dioxo 1,4 dihydronaphthalene 2 yl)vinyl acetate; 2 acetyl furanonapthoquinone; 2 hydroxy 2 (3 methylbut 2 enyl) 2h indene 1,3 dione; beta lapachone; cobalt; gentamicin; isoniazid; lapachol; naphthoquinone; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; article; Bacillus cereus; bacterial strain; chemical reaction; controlled study; drug screening; Escherichia coli; minimum inhibitory concentration; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; ring contraction reaction; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62249098547 | Coefficient shifts in geographical ecology: An empirical evaluation of spatial and non-spatial regression | Bini L.M., Diniz-Filho J.A.F., Rangel T.F.L.V.B., Akre T.S.B., Albaladejo R.G., Albuquerque F.S., Aparicio A., Araújo M.B., Baselga A., Beck J., Bellocq M.I., Böhning-Gaese K., Borges P.A.V., Castro-Parga I., Chey V.K., Chown S.L., De Marco Jr. P., Dobkin | 2009 | Ecography | 32 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1600-0587.2009.05717.x | Depto de Biologia Geral, ICB, Univ. Federal de Goias, CP 131, 74001-970 Goiania, GO, Brazil; Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States; Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Longwood Univ., Farmville, VA 23909, United States; Depto de Biologia Vegetal y Ecologia, Univ. de Sevilla, c/Prof. Garcia Gonzalez no 2, ES-41012 Sevilla, Spain; Depto de Ecologia, Univ. de Alcala, ES-28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Depto de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), ES-28006 Madrid, Spain; Dept of Environmental Sciences, Inst. of Biogeography, Univ. of Basel, St.Johanns-Vorstadt 10, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland; Depto de Ecologia, Genetica y Evolucio, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria Pab. 2, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Inst. fur Zoologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Univ. Mainz, Becherweg 13, DE-55099 Mainz, Germany; Depto de Ciencias Agrarias, Univ. dos Acores, CITA A (Azorean Biodiversity Group), Terra Cha, PT- 9700-851 Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Acores, Portugal; Depto de Ecologia C/Darwin 2, Univ. Autonoma de Madrid, ES-28049 Madrid, Spain; Entomology Section, Forest Research Centre of Sabah, Sepilok, P.O. Box 1407, 90715 Sandakan, Malaysia; DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch Univ., Private Bag XI, Matieland 7602, South Africa; High Desert Ecological Research Inst., 15 S.W. Colorado Ave., Bend, OR 97702, United States; Area de Ecologia, Facultad de Biologia, Univ. de Salamanca, ES-37007 Salamanca, Spain; School of Geography, Univ. of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 735 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States; NERC Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Dept of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374, United States; Dept of Biology, Univ. of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON KIN 6N5, Canada; Dept of Entomology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; Depto de Ecologia y Sistematica Terrestre, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carr. Panamericana y Av. Periferico Sur s/n, San Cristobal de Chiapas 29290, Mexico; Depto de Biologia, Univ. Autonoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, ES-28049 Madrid, Spain; IRD, DMPA, Museum National dHistoire Naturelle, 43 Rue Cuvier, FR-75005 Paris, France; Centro de Investigacion sobre Desertificacion (CIDE, CSIC), Apartado Oficial, ES-46470 Albal, Valencia, Spain; Research and Collections Center, Illinois State Museum, 1011 East Ash Street, Springfield, IL 62703, United States; Center for Macroecology, Dept of Biology, Univ. of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratorio Ecotono, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, INIBIOMA-CONICET, Quintral 1250, 8400 Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina; Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; UNIFOB Global, Univ. of Bergen, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway; Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States | Bini, L.M., Depto de Biologia Geral, ICB, Univ. Federal de Goias, CP 131, 74001-970 Goiania, GO, Brazil; Diniz-Filho, J.A.F., Depto de Biologia Geral, ICB, Univ. Federal de Goias, CP 131, 74001-970 Goiania, GO, Brazil; Rangel, T.F.L.V.B., Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Longwood Univ., Farmville, VA 23909, United States; Akre, T.S.B., Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States; Albaladejo, R.G., Depto de Biologia Vegetal y Ecologia, Univ. de Sevilla, c/Prof. Garcia Gonzalez no 2, ES-41012 Sevilla, Spain; Albuquerque, F.S., Depto de Ecologia, Univ. de Alcala, ES-28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Aparicio, A., Depto de Biologia Vegetal y Ecologia, Univ. de Sevilla, c/Prof. Garcia Gonzalez no 2, ES-41012 Sevilla, Spain; Araújo, M.B., Depto de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), ES-28006 Madrid, Spain; Baselga, A., Depto de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), ES-28006 Madrid, Spain; Beck, J., Dept of Environmental Sciences, Inst. of Biogeography, Univ. of Basel, St.Johanns-Vorstadt 10, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland; Bellocq, M.I., Depto de Ecologia, Genetica y Evolucio, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria Pab. 2, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Böhning-Gaese, K., Inst. fur Zoologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Univ. Mainz, Becherweg 13, DE-55099 Mainz, Germany; Borges, P.A.V., Depto de Ciencias Agrarias, Univ. dos Acores, CITA A (Azorean Biodiversity Group), Terra Cha, PT- 9700-851 Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Acores, Portugal; Castro-Parga, I., Depto de Ecologia C/Darwin 2, Univ. Autonoma de Madrid, ES-28049 Madrid, Spain; Chey, V.K., Entomology Section, Forest Research Centre of Sabah, Sepilok, P.O. Box 1407, 90715 Sandakan, Malaysia; Chown, S.L., DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch Univ., Private Bag XI, Matieland 7602, South Africa; De Marco Jr., P., Depto de Biologia Geral, ICB, Univ. Federal de Goias, CP 131, 74001-970 Goiania, GO, Brazil; Dobkin, D.S., High Desert Ecological Research Inst., 15 S.W. Colorado Ave., Bend, OR 97702, United States; Ferrer-Castán, D., Area de Ecologia, Facultad de Biologia, Univ. de Salamanca, ES-37007 Salamanca, Spain; Field, R., School of Geography, Univ. of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom; Filloy, J., Depto de Ecologia, Genetica y Evolucio, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria Pab. 2, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Fleishman, E., National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 735 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States; Gómez, J.F., Depto de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), ES-28006 Madrid, Spain; Hortal, J., NERC Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Iverson, J.B., Dept of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374, United States; Kerr, J.T., Dept of Biology, Univ. of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON KIN 6N5, Canada; Kissling, W.D., Inst. fur Zoologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Univ. Mainz, Becherweg 13, DE-55099 Mainz, Germany; Kitching, I.J., Dept of Entomology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom; León-Cortés, J.L., Depto de Ecologia y Sistematica Terrestre, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carr. Panamericana y Av. Periferico Sur s/n, San Cristobal de Chiapas 29290, Mexico; Lobo, J.M., Depto de Biodiversidad y Biologia Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), ES-28006 Madrid, Spain; Montoya, D., Depto de Ecologia, Univ. de Alcala, ES-28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Morales-Castilla, I., Depto de Ecologia, Univ. de Alcala, ES-28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Moreno, J.C., Depto de Biologia, Univ. Autonoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin 2, ES-28049 Madrid, Spain; Oberdorff, T., IRD, DMPA, Museum National dHistoire Naturelle, 43 Rue Cuvier, FR-75005 Paris, France; Olalla-Tárraga, M.A., Depto de Ecologia, Univ. de Alcala, ES-28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Pausas, J.G., Centro de Investigacion sobre Desertificacion (CIDE, CSIC), Apartado Oficial, ES-46470 Albal, Valencia, Spain; Qian, H., Research and Collections Center, Illinois State Museum, 1011 East Ash Street, Springfield, IL 62703, United States; Rahbek, C., Center for Macroecology, Dept of Biology, Univ. of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Rodríguez, M.A., Depto de Ecologia, Univ. de Alcala, ES-28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Rueda, M., Depto de Ecologia, Univ. de Alcala, ES-28871 Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Ruggiero, A., Laboratorio Ecotono, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, INIBIOMA-CONICET, Quintral 1250, 8400 Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina; Sackmann, P., Laboratorio Ecotono, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche, INIBIOMA-CONICET, Quintral 1250, 8400 Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina; Sanders, N.J., Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Terribile, L.C., Depto de Biologia Geral, ICB, Univ. Federal de Goias, CP 131, 74001-970 Goiania, GO, Brazil; Vetaas, O.R., UNIFOB Global, Univ. of Bergen, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway; Hawkins, B.A., Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States | A major focus of geographical ecology and macroecology is to understand the causes of spatially structured ecological patterns. However, achieving this understanding can be complicated when using multiple regression, because the relative importance of explanatory variables, as measured by regression coefficients, can shift depending on whether spatially explicit or non-spatial modeling is used. However, the extent to which coefficients may shift and why shifts occur are unclear. Here, we analyze the relationship between environmental predictors and the geographical distribution of species richness, body size, range size and abundance in 97 multi-factorial data sets. Our goal was to compare standardized partial regression coefficients of non-spatial ordinary least squares regressions (i.e. models fitted using ordinary least squares without taking autocorrelation into account; "OLS models" hereafter) and eight spatial methods to evaluate the frequency of coefficient shifts and identify characteristics of data that might predict when shifts are likely. We generated three metrics of coefficient shifts and eight characteristics of the data sets as predictors of shifts. Typical of ecological data, spatial autocorrelation in the residuals of OLS models was found in most data sets. The spatial models varied in the extent to which they minimized residual spatial autocorrelation. Patterns of coefficient shifts also varied among methods and datasets, although the magnitudes of shifts tended to be small in all cases. We were unable to identify strong predictors of shifts, including the levels of autocorrelation in either explanatory variables or model residuals. Thus, changes in coefficients between spatial and non-spatial methods depend on the method used and are largely idiosyncratic, making it difficult to predict when or why shifts occur. We conclude that the ecological importance of regression coefficients cannot be evaluated with confidence irrespective of whether spatially explicit modelling is used or not. Researchers may have little choice but to be more explicit about the uncertainty of models and more cautious in their interpretation. © 2009 Ecography. | None | abundance; body size; data set; least squares method; macroecology; range size; regression analysis; species richness | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054051704 | Cognition and performance: Anxiety, mood and perceived exertion among Ironman triathletes | Parry D., Chinnasamy C., Papadopoulou E., Noakes T., Micklewright D. | 2011 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 45 | 14 | 10.1136/bjsm.2010.072637 | Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for ESSM, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Parry, D., Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Chinnasamy, C., Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Papadopoulou, E., Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom; Noakes, T., Department of Human Biology, UCT/MRC Research Unit for ESSM, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Micklewright, D., Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom | Objective The authors examined the changing patterns of mood before and after an Ironman triathlon, and the relationships between expected performance outcomes, perception of effort and pacing. Design Twelve participants in the 2008 Ironman Austria triathlon competition were studied before, during and after the event. Each participant completed measures of mood, anxiety and perceived exertion, while pacing was calculated from offi cial race timings at various points on the course. Results Positive correlations were found between distance covered and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during each of the individual disciplines, and also between RPE and the percentage of overall race time completed (r=0.826, p<0.001). A negative correlation was found between average speed and distance covered during the run segment (r=-0.911, p<0.005) with pace gradually declining. Differences occurred in the profi le of mood states mood subscales of tension and fatigue between the baseline, prerace and postrace trials. Somatic anxiety was higher before the race compared with baseline measures. Discussion RPE followed a linear progression of RPE during each discipline followed by a re-setting of the perception of effort at the start of the next discipline. The increase in RPE for the entire event followed a linear increase. The linear decline in run pace is consistent with a recent model in which expected RPE is used to modulate pacing. Anxiety and mood responses of participants in this study indicate that the emotional response of athletes before and after ultra-endurance exercise is closely aligned with their conscious thoughts. | None | adult; affect; analysis of variance; anxiety; article; athlete; athletic performance; Austria; bicycle; cognition; female; human; male; perception; psychological aspect; questionnaire; running; sport; swimming; Adult; Affect; Analysis of Variance; Anxiety; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Austria; Bicycling; Cognition; Female; Humans; Male; Perception; Questionnaires; Running; Sports; Swimming | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941259017 | Cognitive performance during the first year of treatment in first-episode schizophrenia: A case-control study | Olivier M.R., Killian S., Chiliza B., Asmal L., Schoeman R., Oosthuizen P.P., Kidd M., Emsley R. | 2015 | Psychological Medicine | 45 | 13 | 10.1017/S0033291715000860 | Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Olivier, M.R., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa; Killian, S., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa; Chiliza, B., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa; Asmal, L., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa; Schoeman, R., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa; Oosthuizen, P.P., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa; Kidd, M., Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Emsley, R., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, PO Box 19063, Cape Town, South Africa | Background Several questions remain unanswered regarding the magnitude and time course of cognitive improvement in response to antipsychotic treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in cognitive performance in antipsychotic-naive or minimally medicated patients with first-episode schizophrenia during the first 12 months of treatment, in a case-control design. Patients were treated with flupenthixol decanoate depot injection, according to a standard algorithm. The primary outcome measure was change in MATRICS Cognitive Consensus Battery (MCCB) composite score over 12 months. Method The sample comprised 92 patients and 100 healthy controls matched for age, sex, ethnicity and educational status. Cognitive function was assessed by means of the MCCB. Results A mixed-effects model identified a significant group × time effect (p ≤ 0.0001) for the MCCB composite score, with patients showing a greater degree of change than the controls. For the other MCCB domains there were significant group × time effects at adjusted significance level for attention and vigilance (p ≤ 0.0001), visual learning (p ≤ 0.0001), verbal learning (p = 0.005) and working memory (p ≤ 0.0001), but not for reasoning and problem solving (p = 0.04), speed of processing (p = 0.03) and social cognition (p = 0.06). There were moderate correlations between change in MCCB composite score and change in symptomatology as assessed by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale factor analysis-derived domains. Conclusions Substantial improvements in cognitive function were observed over and above a practice effect, and were significantly correlated with improvements in psychopathology and functionality. © 2015 Cambridge University Press. | Flupenthixol decanoate; neurocognition; outcome; psychosis | None | National Research Foundation; MRC, National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954216122 | Cohort trial reveals community impact of insecticide-treated nets on malariometric indices in urban Ghana | Klinkenberg E., Onwona-Agyeman K.A., McCall P.J., Wilson M.D., Bates I., Verhoeff F.H., Barnish G., Donnelly M.J. | 2010 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 104 | 7 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2010.03.004 | Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; International Water Management Institute, PMB CT 112, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, PO Box LG581, Legon, Ghana; Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust, Alder Hey Hospital, Eaton Road, West Derby, Liverpool L12 2AP, United Kingdom | Klinkenberg, E., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom, International Water Management Institute, PMB CT 112, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana; Onwona-Agyeman, K.A., Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; McCall, P.J., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Wilson, M.D., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, PO Box LG581, Legon, Ghana; Bates, I., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Verhoeff, F.H., Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust, Alder Hey Hospital, Eaton Road, West Derby, Liverpool L12 2AP, United Kingdom; Barnish, G., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Donnelly, M.J., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom | The efficacy of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in prevention of malaria and anaemia has been shown in rural settings, but their impact in urban settings is unknown. We carried out an ITN intervention in two communities in urban Accra, Ghana, where local malaria transmission is known to occur. There was evidence for a mass or community effect, despite ITN use by fewer than 35% of households. Children living within 300 m of a household with an ITN had higher haemoglobin concentrations (0.5. g/dl higher, P=0.011) and less anaemia (odds ratio 2.21, 95% CI 1.08-4.52, P=0.031 at month 6), than children living more than 300 m away from a household with an ITN, although malaria parasitaemias were similar. With urban populations growing rapidly across Africa, this study shows that ITNs will be an effective tool to assist African countries to achieve their Millennium Development Goals in urban settings. [Registered trial number ISRCTN42261314; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN42261314]. © 2010 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Anaemia; Community impact; Ghana; Insecticide-treated nets; Malaria; Urban | hemoglobin; insecticide; anemia; article; bed net; child; cohort analysis; community; community program; female; Ghana; household; human; infant; malaria; male; parasitemia; preschool child; school child; urban area; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anemia; Child; Cohort Studies; Family Characteristics; Female; Ghana; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Insecticides; Malaria; Male; Middle Aged; Mosquito Nets; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Program Evaluation; Urban Health; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80855131639 | COL6A1 gene and ironman triathlon performance | Oconnell K., Posthumus M., Collins M. | 2011 | International Journal of Sports Medicine | 32 | 11 | 10.1055/s-0031-1277181 | Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 115, 7795 Cape Town, South Africa | Oconnell, K., Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Posthumus, M., Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Collins, M., Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 115, 7795 Cape Town, South Africa | Mutations in the type VI collagen gene (COL6A1) cause myopathy and muscle weakness. In addition, COL6A1 knockout mice were shown to have impaired running performance and reduced muscle strength. The COL6A1 rs35796750 polymorphism (IVS32-29 T/C) has been associated with complex phenotypes. The aim of this study was therefore to determine if this polymorphism is associated with performance during the 226km Ironman triathlon. Participants (n=661) were recruited during 4 South African Ironman triathlons. Finishing times for the 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run, and overall race were provided by the race organisers. All participants were genotyped for the COL6A1 rs35796750 polymorphism. Participants with the COL6A1 TT genotype were significantly faster during the bike (p=0.014) and overall race (p=0.030). When participants were grouped into fast, middle and slow bike finishing time tertiles, there was a significant linear trend for the TT genotype (Fast: TT=35.7%; Middle: TT=29.0%; Slow: TT=23.8%; p=0.008). No significant genotype frequency differences were observed for the swim or run of the triathlon. In conclusion, the COL6A1 gene is therefore a potential marker for endurance cycling performance. These effects may be mediated through changes to the composition of type VI collagen containing tissues, such as muscle and tendon. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York. | connective tissue; cycling; muscle; tendon; type VI collagen | Col6a1 protein, human; collagen type 6; adult; article; athletic performance; bicycle; endurance; gene frequency; genetics; genotype; human; male; middle aged; physiology; running; single nucleotide polymorphism; swimming; Adult; Athletic Performance; Bicycling; Collagen Type VI; Gene Frequency; Genotype; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physical Endurance; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Running; Swimming | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893697103 | Cold spray technology for high performance frequency selective conductive structures | Hofsajer I., Botef I. | 2013 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 104 | 3 | None | School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg Wits 2050, South Africa; School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg Wits 2050, South Africa | Hofsajer, I., School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg Wits 2050, South Africa; Botef, I., School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg Wits 2050, South Africa | Conductive structures and interconnects can be designed to exhibit a low pass filtering characteristic. This is accomplished by making use of the skin and proximity effects which confine high frequency currents to a reduced conductor cross sectional area. The efficacy of such filtering structures can be enhanced through the use of composite multi layer conductors, each layer with specific electric and magnetic properties. The widespread implementation of this type of filter has been limited by the difficulty in the layer design, manufacture and availability of materials with the correct properties. This paper discusses how each of these obstacles may be overcome and so doing opens up a large area of new potential applications. | Cold spray technology; Dissipative filters; Proximity effect; Skin effect; Smart materials | Cold spray technology; Cross sectional area; Filtering structures; Frequency-selective; High-frequency current; Low-pass filtering; Proximity effects; Electric properties; Intelligent materials; Skin effect; Low pass filters | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927962459 | Collaboration costs and new product development performance | Parker H., Brey Z. | 2015 | Journal of Business Research | 68 | 7 | 10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.02.013 | Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa | Parker, H., Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Brey, Z., Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa | This study analyzes the relationships between governance in new product development collaboration, collaboration costs, and new product development performance. Data from new technology-based firms indicate that comprehensiveness in formal contractual governance has a stronger negative association with collaboration costs than relational governance does. In addition, collaboration costs relate negatively to new product development performance. This study contributes to understanding transaction costs within collaborative arrangements and the role of relational and formal governance in these arrangements. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Alliances; Collaboration; Collaboration costs; Contracts; New product development performance; Relational governance | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000307868900005 | Collaborative e-learning course design: Impacts on instructors in the Open University of Tanzania | Nihuka, Kassimu A.,Voogt, Joke | 2012 | AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY | 28 | 2 | None | University of Twente, Open Univ Tanzania | "Voogt, Joke: University of Twente", | Efforts by universities in sub-Sahara Africa to promote professional development of instructors in course design and delivery by e-learning technologies have often lacked meaningful impacts. This study investigated the impact of collaborative course design on instructors' professional learning about design and delivery of e-learning courses at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). Six Teacher Design Teams (TDTs), each with 2 instructors, participated in the study, redesigning their print-based courses using an offline Moodle LMS supported by emails and mobile phones. A total of 36 interviews were conducted with 12 instructors, after each of the two workshops and after the course redesign process. Results showed that despite challenges, instructors were satisfied with collaborative course design and they reported that the strategy contributed to their professional learning. Instructors' backgrounds determined the kinds of support needed during course design and delivery. | ,CURRICULUM,PROFESSIONAL-DEVELOPMENT,STRATEGIES,TEACHERS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-31344456240 | Collapse of large complex impact craters: Implications from the Araguainha impact structure, central Brazil | Lana C., Romano R., Reimold U., Hippertt J. | 2006 | Geology | 34 | 1 | 10.1130/G21952.1 | Impact and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BP, United Kingdom; Departamento de Geologia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, 35-400-000 Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Lana, C., Impact and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BP, United Kingdom; Romano, R., Departamento de Geologia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, 35-400-000 Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Reimold, U., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hippertt, J., Departamento de Geologia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, 35-400-000 Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil | The 40-km-wide Araguainha impact structure in central Brazil provides extensive out crops to study the structural evolution of all parts of a complex crater, including the central uplift, annular trough, and crater rim. While most craters of comparable size are buried by impact-related or postimpact sedimentary deposits, Araguainha is deeply eroded and it exposes in detail outcrop-scale structural features that can be used to understand the structural evolution of large impact craters. This study explores evidence from structural features across the entire impact structure in order to provide constraints on the target rock movement during the crater collapse. Most of the structural features described here are consistent with folding and bedding-parallel shearing during several kilometers of lateral inward movement of the target rocks. Vertical movement was, in contrast, restricted to distances of less than a few hundred meters along radial and concentric fault zones around the crater rim. © 2006 Geological Society of America. | Araguainha; Central uplift; Complex crater; Crater collapse; Impact structure; Transient cavity | Central uplift; Complex crater; Impact craters; Impact structure; Structural evolution; Transient cavity; Crystalline rocks; Deformation; Rock mechanics; Sedimentary rocks; Sediments; Structural geology; Tectonics; collapse structure; impact structure; uplift; Araguainha Dome; Brazil; South America | None |
| None | None | Collective action initiatives to improve marketing performance: Lessons from farmer groups in Tanzania | Barham J., Chitemi C. | 2009 | Food Policy | 34 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2008.10.002 | Department of Agriculture, Marketing Services Branch, Washington, DC, United States; Faida Market Link Company Limited, Arusha, Tanzania | Barham, J., Department of Agriculture, Marketing Services Branch, Washington, DC, United States; Chitemi, C., Faida Market Link Company Limited, Arusha, Tanzania | This 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; Tanzania | collective action; farming system; food market; institutional framework; marketing; performance assessment; smallholder; social capital; state role; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884281777 | Collective management on communal grazing lands: Its impact on vegetation attributes and soil erosion in the upper Blue Nile basin, northwestern Ethiopia | Alemayehu M., Amede T., Böhme M., Peters K.J. | 2013 | Livestock Science | 157 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.06.024 | Humboldt University of Berlin, Philippstr. 13, House 9, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute/International Water Management Institute (ILRI /IWMI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Humboldt University of Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany | Alemayehu, M., Humboldt University of Berlin, Philippstr. 13, House 9, 10115 Berlin, Germany, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Amede, T., International Livestock Research Institute/International Water Management Institute (ILRI /IWMI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Böhme, M., Humboldt University of Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany; Peters, K.J., Humboldt University of Berlin, Philippstr. 13, House 9, 10115 Berlin, Germany | Collective action, on communal grazing land, has evolved in the highlands of northwestern Ethiopia to mitigate the problems of feed shortage and land degradation due to overgrazing. The exercise is liked by farmers for improving the availability of natural pasture during the long dry season when other feed sources get depleted. However, large portions of the communal grazing lands are still managed under free grazing throughout the year. This study was undertaken in Maynet village in the upper Blue Nile basin, northwestern Ethiopia, to assess the impacts of three different types of grazing land management (GLM) and two slope gradients (<10%; 15-25%) on aboveground herbaceous biomass yield, ground cover, species richness, runoff, soil loss and soil bulk density of grazing lands. The GLMs include (a) freely open communal GLM, (b) restricted communal GLM - collective management of communal grazing land locally named as 'yebere sar' and (c) private holding GLM. Stocking density was more than carrying capacity of grazing lands across all GLMs. However, the extent of overstocking problem was exceptionally severe in freely open communal GLM. The interaction between GLM and slope was significant (P<0.05) for runoff, soil loss and runoff coefficient. The average runoff coefficient was close to 50% in freely open communal GLM on steeper slopes (15-25%). Freely open communal GLM on steeper slopes resulted in consistently highest cumulative runoff and soil loss amounting to 491mm and 32t/ha per year, respectively. Polynomial regression analysis showed that quadratic relationship (r2=0.87) existed between soil loss and runoff. But, soil loss was close to nil when runoff did not exceed 2mm per rainfall event. As expected, restricted communal GLM appeared to reduce surface runoff by more than 40% and curb the rate of soil erosion by more than 50% compared to freely open communal GLM. Its vegetation cover persisted above 70% throughout the year, meeting the threshold level recommended to keep surface runoff and soil loss to minimum. Reducing the problem of overstocking and pasture resting in August-November are important components to improve ground cover and aboveground herbaceous biomass yield, which in turn reduce land degradation on grazing lands. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Grazing land management; Ground cover; Land degradation; Overstocking; Resting pasture | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907462328 | Colonization of onions by endophytic fungi and their impacts on the biology of thrips tabaci | Muvea A.M., Meyhöfer R., Subramanian S., Poehling H.-M., Ekesi S., Maniania N.K. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0108242 | Institute of Horticultural Production Systems, Section Phytomedicine, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Plant Health Division, IPM Cluster, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya | Muvea, A.M., Institute of Horticultural Production Systems, Section Phytomedicine, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany, Plant Health Division, IPM Cluster, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya; Meyhöfer, R., Institute of Horticultural Production Systems, Section Phytomedicine, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Subramanian, S., Plant Health Division, IPM Cluster, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya; Poehling, H.-M., Institute of Horticultural Production Systems, Section Phytomedicine, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Ekesi, S., Plant Health Division, IPM Cluster, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya; Maniania, N.K., Plant Health Division, IPM Cluster, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya | Endophytic fungi, which live within host plant tissues without causing any visible symptom of infection, are important mutualists that mediate plant-herbivore interactions. Thrips tabaci (Lindeman) is one of the key pests of onion, Allium cepa L., an economically important agricultural crop cultivated worldwide. However, information on endophyte colonization of onions, and their impacts on the biology of thrips feeding on them, is lacking. We tested the colonization of onion plants by selected fungal endophyte isolates using two inoculation methods. The effects of inoculated endophytes on T. tabaci infesting onion were also examined. Seven fungal endophytes used in our study were able to colonize onion plants either by the seed or seedling inoculation methods. Seed inoculation resulted in 1.47 times higher mean percentage postinoculation recovery of all the endophytes tested as compared to seedling inoculation. Fewer thrips were observed on plants inoculated with Clonostachys rosea ICIPE 707, Trichoderma asperellum M2RT4, Trichoderma atroviride ICIPE 710, Trichoderma harzianum 709, Hypocrea lixii F3ST1 and Fusarium sp. ICIPE 712 isolates as compared to those inoculated with Fusarium sp. ICIPE 717 and the control treatments. Onion plants colonized by C. rosea ICIPE 707, T. asperellum M2RT4, T. atroviride ICIPE 710 and H. lixii F3ST1 had significantly lower feeding punctures as compared to the other treatments. Among the isolates tested, the lowest numbers of eggs were laid by T. tabaci on H. lixii F3ST1 and C. rosea ICIPE 707 inoculated plants. These results extend the knowledge on colonization of onions by fungal endophytes and their effects on Thrips tabaci. © 2014 Muvea et al. | None | adult; Article; Clonostachys rosea; controlled study; egg laying; endophytic fungus; feeding behavior; fungal colonization; fungal plant disease; fungus isolation; Fusarium; Hypocrea lixii; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; onion; plant leaf; plant root; plant stem; seed inoculation; seedling inoculation; Thrips tabaci; Trichoderma asperellum; Trichoderma atroviride; animal; endophyte; herbivory; microbiology; molecular genetics; onion; physiology; plant seed; seedling; Thysanoptera; Fungi; Thrips tabaci; Animals; Endophytes; Herbivory; Molecular Sequence Data; Onions; Seedlings; Seeds; Thysanoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49649085836 | Colostomy for high anorectal malformation: An evaluation of morbidity and mortality in a developing country | Chirdan L.B., Uba F.A., Ameh E.A., Mshelbwala P.M. | 2008 | Pediatric Surgery International | 24 | 4 | 10.1007/s00383-008-2114-z | University of Jos, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Murtala Mohammed Way, Jos, Nigeria; Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria | Chirdan, L.B., University of Jos, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Murtala Mohammed Way, Jos, Nigeria; Uba, F.A., University of Jos, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Murtala Mohammed Way, Jos, Nigeria; Ameh, E.A., Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; Mshelbwala, P.M., Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria | Colostomy is a life-saving procedure in newborns with high anorectal malformations (ARM). However, the procedure may be attended by complications, particularly in resource limited settings. This is an evaluation of the morbidity and mortality following colostomy for ARM in newborns in two paediatric teaching centres in a developing country. A retrospective review of 61 neonates who had colostomy for high ARM in 4 years is conducted. The babies were categorised into Group A (weight at presentation < 2.5 kg) and Group B (weight at presentation > 2.5 kg). There were 47 boys and 14 girls aged 18 h to 28 days (median 6 days). There were 23 babies in Group A; 18 had colostomy under local anaesthetic (LA), 5 of whom died while 5 had the procedure done under general anaesthetic (GA), 3 of whom died (mortality 8/23, 34.78%). Group B consisted of 38 babies, 18 had colostomy under GA, 3 died, while in 20 the procedure was under LA, 1 of who died (mortality 4/38, 10.5%). The difference in mortality between groups A and B was statistically insignificant (p < 0.056). There were no significant differences in outcome between the two groups when the type of anaesthesia or types of colostomy were considered. Surgical site infection was the most common 12/61, 19.7%. Of the 12 babies that died, 7 were due to overwhelming infections, 4 respiratory insufficiencies and 1 cyanotic heart disease. The overall procedure related mortality was therefore 7 (11.5%). None of the centres had adequate neonatal intensive care services during the period of this report. Morbidity and mortality following colostomy for ARM in newborns is still high in this setting, due largely to infective complications, particularly in babies < 2.5 kg. © Springer-Verlag 2008. | Anorectal malformation; Colostomy; Morbidity | anal canal; article; body weight; clinical trial; colostomy; congenital malformation; developing country; evaluation; female; human; male; methodology; mortality; multicenter study; newborn; postoperative complication; prematurity; rectum; retrospective study; survival rate; treatment outcome; Anal Canal; Body Weight; Colostomy; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Male; Postoperative Complications; Rectum; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846129458 | Colostomy in children - An evaluation of acceptance among mothers and caregivers in a developing country | Ameh E.A., Mshelbwala P.M., Sabiu L., Chirdan L.B. | 2006 | South African Journal of Surgery | 44 | 4 | None | Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria | Ameh, E.A., Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; Mshelbwala, P.M., Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; Sabiu, L., Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; Chirdan, L.B., Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria | Background. Colostomy is a common procedure performed in children, mostly for anorectal malformation and Hirschsprung's disease. However, acceptance by parents in developing countries is thought to be poor. Methods. A prospective evaluation was done to determine the acceptability of colostomy among parents and caregivers, and their attitude towards colostomy in their children. Results. During the period January 1999 - January 2004 a structured questionnaire was administered to 57 parents and caregivers of children with colostomies (41 boys and 16 girls). The indication for colostomy was anorectal malformation in 28 children and Hirschsprung's disease in 29. The length of time the children had the colostomy ranged from 3 weeks to 8 years. Forty-four respondents (77%) found the colostomy and its management acceptable. Thirteen (23%) found the colostomy unacceptable, mainly because of a feeling of social isolation. Problems the respondents complained of included disturbing smell (17, 30%), frequent change of the cloth napkin used as colostomy appliance (15, 26%) and intermittent bleeding from the stoma (4, 7%). Conclusions. Colostomy in children is acceptable to most parents in our environment. Although some parents found it unacceptable, adequate explanation and counselling may modify their view. | None | anorectal malformation; article; bleeding; caregiver; child; child parent relation; colostomy; controlled study; developing country; female; Hirschsprung disease; human; infant; major clinical study; male; questionnaire; smelling; social isolation; stoma; Caregivers; Child; Child, Preschool; Colon; Colostomy; Developing Countries; Female; Hirschsprung Disease; Humans; Infant; Male; Mothers; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Prospective Studies; Questionnaires; Rectum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892570287 | Combating human trafficking in Nigeria: An evaluation of state policies and programmes | Duru E.J.C., Ogbonnaya U.M. | 2012 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2012.v3n3p161 | Department of Political Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Duru, E.J.C., Department of Political Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Ogbonnaya, U.M., Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | This paper examines the social problem of trafficking in human beings in Nigeria. It considers the root causes of the problem, the socio-economic implication of human trafficking, its recent global dimension and the policies and programmes of the Nigerian state in combating this ugly phenomenon. The paper made predominant use of secondary sources of data. Findings reveal that though the state has certain policies and programs aimed at combating human trafficking, the problem persists because the institutions saddled with these responsibilities are fundamentally weak. The paper, therefore, recommends certain measures to help in tackling the problem of human trafficking in Nigeria. | Humah trafficking; Nigeria; State policies | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938153218 | Combination Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV in Rwandan Adults: Clinical Outcomes and Impact on Reproductive Health up to 24 Months | Asiimwe-Kateera B., Veldhuijzen N., Balinda J.P., Rusine J., Eagle S., Vyankandondera J., Mugabekazi J., Ondoa P., Boer K., Asiimwe A., Lange J., Reiss P., Van De Wijgert J. | 2015 | AIDS Research and Treatment | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/740212 | INTERACT Program, Kigali, Rwanda; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; Academic Medical Center, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University, Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Treatment and Research for AIDS Center, Kigali, Rwanda; National Reference Laboratory, Kigali, Rwanda; Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Kigali University, Teaching Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Rinda Ubuzima, Kigali, Rwanda; Biomedical Research, Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Ministry of Health of Rwanda, Rwanda | Asiimwe-Kateera, B., INTERACT Program, Kigali, Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; Veldhuijzen, N., Academic Medical Center, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University, Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Balinda, J.P., Treatment and Research for AIDS Center, Kigali, Rwanda; Rusine, J., National Reference Laboratory, Kigali, Rwanda; Eagle, S., Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Vyankandondera, J., Kigali University, Teaching Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda, Rinda Ubuzima, Kigali, Rwanda; Mugabekazi, J., Kigali University, Teaching Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Ondoa, P., Academic Medical Center, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Boer, K., INTERACT Program, Kigali, Rwanda, Academic Medical Center, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Biomedical Research, Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Asiimwe, A., Ministry of Health of Rwanda, Rwanda; Lange, J., Academic Medical Center, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Reiss, P., Academic Medical Center, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Van De Wijgert, J., Academic Medical Center, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Rinda Ubuzima, Kigali, Rwanda | Adult women (n=113) and men (n=100) initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and women not yet eligible for cART (n=199) in Kigali, Rwanda, were followed for 6-24 months between 2007 and 2010. In the cART groups, 21% of patients required a drug change due to side effects and 11% of patients had virological failure (defined as >1,000 HIV RNA copies/mL) after 12 months of cART. About a third of the pregnancies since HIV diagnosis were unintended. The proportion of women in the pre-cART group using modern contraception other than condoms (50%) was similar to women in the general population, but this proportion was only 25% in women initiating cART. Of the women who carried at least one pregnancy to term since having been diagnosed HIV-positive, a third reported to have participated in a prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT, option A) intervention. Many patients were coinfected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (79-92%), human papillomavirus (38-53%), and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with no differences between groups. We applaud the Rwandan government for having strengthened family planning and PMTCT services and for having introduced HPV vaccination in recent years, but additional work is needed to strengthen STI and HPV-related cancer screening and management in the HIV-positive population. © 2015 Brenda Asiimwe-Kateera et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873540075 | Combined 18F-Fluoride and 18F-FDG PET/CT scanning for evaluation of malignancy: Results of an international multicenter trial | Iagaru A., Mittra E., Mosci C., Dick D.W., Sathekge M., Prakash V., Iyer V., Lapa P., Isidoro J., De Lima J.M., Gambhir S.S. | 2013 | Journal of Nuclear Medicine | 54 | 2 | 10.2967/jnumed.112.108803 | Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States; Pretoria University Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Serviço de Medicina Nuclear, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Departments of Radiology, Bioengineering, Materials Science, and Engineering, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Nuclear Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Dr., Room H-0101, Stanford, CA 94305, United States | Iagaru, A., Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Dr., Room H-0101, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Mittra, E., Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States; Mosci, C., Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States; Dick, D.W., Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States; Sathekge, M., Pretoria University Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; Prakash, V., Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Iyer, V., Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Lapa, P., Serviço de Medicina Nuclear, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Isidoro, J., Serviço de Medicina Nuclear, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; De Lima, J.M., Serviço de Medicina Nuclear, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Gambhir, S.S., Departments of Radiology, Bioengineering, Materials Science, and Engineering, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States | 18F-FDG PET/CT is used in a variety of cancers, but because of variable rates of glucose metabolism, not all cancers are reliably identified. 18F- PET/CT allows for the acquisition of highly sensitive and specific images of the skeleton. We prospectively evaluated combined 18F-/18F-FDG as a single PET/CT examination for evaluation of cancer patients and compared it with separate 18F - PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. Methods: One hundred fifteen participants with cancer were prospectively enrolled in an international multicenter trial evaluating 18F- PET/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and combined 18F-/ 18F-FDG PET/CT. The 3 PET/CT scans were performed sequentially within 4 wk of one another for each patient. Results: 18F-/ 18FFDG PET/CT allowed for accurate interpretation of radiotracer uptake outside the skeleton, with findings similar to those of 18F-FDG PET/CT. In 19 participants, skeletal disease was more extensive on 18F- PET/CT and 18F -/18F-FDG PET/CT than on 18F-FDG PET/CT. In another 29 participants, 18F- PET/CT and 18F-/18F-FDG PET/CT showed osseous metastases where 18FFDG PET/CT was negative. The extent of skeletal lesions was similar in 18 participants on all 3 scans. Conclusion: This trial demonstrated that combined 18F-/18F-FDG PET/CT shows promising results when compared with separate 18F- PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT for evaluation of cancer patients. This result opens the possibility for improved patient care and reduction in health-care costs, as will be further evaluated in future trials. Copyright © 2013 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc. | 18F-FDG; 18F-; Cancer; PET/CT | fluorine 18; fluorodeoxyglucose f 18; diagnostic agent; fluorine; glucose; adult; aged; article; bone metastasis; cancer invasion; cancer patient; cancer staging; clinical evaluation; computer assisted emission tomography; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic imaging; diagnostic test accuracy study; dosimetry; female; human; image analysis; major clinical study; male; malignant neoplastic disease; multicenter study; outcome assessment; patient assessment; priority journal; prospective study; radiation dose distribution; bone; bone tumor; clinical trial; computer assisted tomography; image processing; international cooperation; metabolism; metastasis; methodology; middle aged; neoplasm; nuclear medicine; oncology; pilot study; positron emission tomography; reproducibility; scintiscanning; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bone and Bones; Bone Neoplasms; Female; Fluorine Radioisotopes; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Glucose; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; International Cooperation; Male; Medical Oncology; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Nuclear Medicine; Pilot Projects; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Tomography, X-Ray Computed | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-18844369087 | Combined effects of discharge, turbidity, and pesticides on mayfly behavior: Experimental evaluation of spray-drift and runoff scenarios | Dabrowski J.M., Bollen A., Schulz R. | 2005 | Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry | 24 | 6 | 10.1897/04-222R.1 | Freshwater Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute for Environmental Sciences, University Koblenz-Landau, Im Fort 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany; Resource Quality Services, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Private Bag X313, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Dabrowski, J.M., Freshwater Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Resource Quality Services, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Private Bag X313, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Bollen, A., Freshwater Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Schulz, R., Institute for Environmental Sciences, University Koblenz-Landau, Im Fort 7, D-76829, Landau, Germany | The effects of the pyrethroid-insecticide cypermethrin (CYP), increased flow speed (Flow), and increased suspended particles (Part) on drift behavior and activity of mayfly nymphs (Baetis harrisoni) were investigated both individually and in combination in a laboratory stream microcosm. Spray-drift trials were performed by exposing the nymphs to 1 μg/L of CYP. During runoff trials (CYP X Part), contaminated sediment containing 2,000 μg/kg of CYP was introduced to the microcosm at a concentration of 500 mg/L. Both trials were carried out under high-flow (CYP X Flow and CYP X Part X Flow) and low-flow (CYP and CYP X Part) conditions, and for all cases, control experiments were performed. Drift rate, drift density (for any treatments with increased flow), and activity were used as behavioral endpoints. Multifactorial analysis of variance shows that CYP exposure significantly increased the drift, whereas Part and Flow trials significantly decreased the drift (p < 0.05). In addition, activity decreased significantly under high-flow conditions. The CYP X Part and CYP X Flow treatments resulted in increased drift rate and drift density, respectively, whereas Part X Flow and CYP X Part X Flow treatments resulted in decreased drift density. The CYP X Part and CYP X Flow trials had a significant antagonistic, interactive effect on drift rate and drift density, respectively, with measured levels being lower than expected levels. The reduction in bioavailability of CYP in the presence of increased flow and sediment levels suggests that mayflies are more likely to be affected by spray-drift exposure (CYP) than by runoff exposure (CYP X Part X Flow). Results indicate that mayflies reacted actively in response to flow conditions and passively in response to pesticide exposure. © 2005 SETAC. | Drift; Flow; Microcosms; Pesticides; Suspended sediment | Contamination; Environmental protection; Flow patterns; Microorganisms; Sediments; Turbidity; Cypermethrins; High flow conditions; Mayfly nymphs; Multifactorial analysis; Pesticides; cipermethrin; pesticide; runoff; insecticide; analysis of variance; arthropod; article; bioavailability; concentration (parameters); flow rate; microcosm; nonhuman; particle resuspension; priority journal; sediment; solubility; turbidity; water contamination; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Insecticides; Insects; Nymph; Pyrethrins; South Africa; Water Movements; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Baetis; Baetis harrisoni; Ephemeroptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951683403 | Combined impact of sexual risk behaviors for HIV seroconversion among women in Durban, South Africa: Implications for prevention policy and planning | Wand H., Ramjee G. | 2011 | AIDS and Behavior | 15 | 2 | 10.1007/s10461-010-9845-2 | HIV Prevention Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Wand, H.; Ramjee, G., HIV Prevention Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | The objective of this study was to estimate the joint impact of demographic and sexual risk behaviors on HIV acquisition. A total of 2,523 HIV seronegative women were recruited through three community based studies in Durban, South Africa. Point and interval estimates of partial population attributable risk (PAR) were used to quantify the proportion of HIV seroconversions which can be prevented if a combination of risk factors is eliminated from a target population. More than 80% of the observed HIV acquisitions were attributed to five risk factors: lack of cohabitation, frequency of sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), incidence of pregnancy and not being employed/no income. Structural factors such as minimizing migratory patterns by ensuring cohabitation of partners, access to treatment of STIs, income generation and safe sex negotiation skills are likely to play an important role in future prevention strategies. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | HIV incidence; Population attributable risk; South Africa | adult; age; article; female; follow up; health care policy; high risk behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; pregnancy; questionnaire; risk factor; sexual behavior; sexuality; sexually transmitted disease; socioeconomics; South Africa; Adult; Age Factors; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Policy; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Incidence; Pregnancy; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864012285 | Combined spatio-temporal impacts of climate and longline fisheries on the survival of a trans-equatorial marine migrant | Ramos R., Granadeiro J.P., Nevoux M., Mougin J.-L., Dias M.P., Catry P. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0040822 | Eco-Ethology Research Unit, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa; Laboratoire de Zoologie, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France | Ramos, R., Eco-Ethology Research Unit, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Lisboa, Portugal; Granadeiro, J.P., Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Nevoux, M., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa; Mougin, J.-L., Laboratoire de Zoologie, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; Dias, M.P., Eco-Ethology Research Unit, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Lisboa, Portugal; Catry, P., Eco-Ethology Research Unit, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada, Lisboa, Portugal | Predicting the impact of human activities and their derivable consequences, such as global warming or direct wildlife mortality, is increasingly relevant in our changing world. Due to their particular life history traits, long-lived migrants are amongst the most endangered and sensitive group of animals to these harming effects. Our ability to identify and quantify such anthropogenic threats in both breeding and wintering grounds is, therefore, of key importance in the field of conservation biology. Using long-term capture-recapture data (34 years, 4557 individuals) and year-round tracking data (4 years, 100 individuals) of a trans-equatorial migrant, the Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), we investigated the impact of longline fisheries and climatic variables in both breeding and wintering areas on the most important demographic trait of this seabird, i.e. adult survival. Annual adult survival probability was estimated at 0.914±0.022 on average, declining throughout 1978-1999 but recovering during the last decade (2005-2011). Our results suggest that both the incidental bycatch associated with longline fisheries and high sea surface temperatures (indirectly linked to food availability; SST) increased mortality rates during the long breeding season (March-October). Shearwater survival was also negatively affected during the short non-breeding season (December-February) by positive episodes of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Indirect negative effects of climate at both breeding (SST) and wintering grounds (SOI) had a greater impact on survival than longliner activity, and indeed these climatic factors are those which are expected to present more unfavourable trends in the future. Our work underlines the importance of considering both breeding and wintering habitats as well as precise schedules/phenology when assessing the global role of the local impacts on the dynamics of migratory species. © 2012 Ramos et al. | None | adult animal; article; breeding; Calonectris diomedea; climate; El Nino; environmental impact assessment; fishery; food availability; habitat quality; human impact (environment); migrant bird; mortality; nonhuman; sea surface temperature; seabird; survival rate; winter; Animal Migration; Animals; Breeding; Charadriiformes; Climate; Demography; Ecosystem; Fisheries; Geography; Humans; Models, Biological; Portugal; Survival Analysis; Time Factors; Animalia; Calonectris diomedea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904332448 | Combining Ability Analysis of Storage Root Yield and Related Traits in Cassava at the Seedling Evaluation Stage of Breeding | Tumuhimbise R., Shanahan P., Melis R., Kawuki R. | 2014 | Journal of Crop Improvement | 28 | 4 | 10.1080/15427528.2014.923798 | African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; National Crops Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization, Kampala, Uganda | Tumuhimbise, R., African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, National Crops Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization, Kampala, Uganda; Shanahan, P., African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Melis, R., African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Kawuki, R., National Crops Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization, Kampala, Uganda | Selection of genotypes at the seedling evaluation stage of cassava breeding for advancement is largely based on high heritability traits. Moreover, combining ability and family data at this stage are rarely analyzed, leading to a loss of potential genetic information. This study was conducted to estimate the general combining ability (GCA) of nine cassava parents and specific combining ability (SCA) of their crosses for storage root yield (SRY) and related traits, as well as to determine the gene action controlling these traits. Thirty-six full-sib cassava families were developed from a 9 x 9 half-diallel mating design and evaluated in a 6 x 6 triple lattice design. The family mean squares (MS) were significantly different for all traits assessed, suggesting significant differences among families for all traits. The GCA MS were significant for all traits, whereas SCA MS were significant for only storage root number (SRN). Percentage sum of squares attributable to GCA accounted for >50.0% of variability expressed by families in five of the seven traits studied, indicating predominance of additive gene effects in controlling expression of most traits. Parent CT4 was the best general combiner for SRY, SRN, and resistance to cassava brown streak and mosaic diseases, while crosses NASE3 x CT2, CT5 x CT3, and NASE3 x CT4 had desirable SCA effects for SRY. Correlation analysis indicated a possibility of selecting for SRY and quality traits simultaneously. Simultaneous selection of these traits at the seedling generational stage of cassava breeding could reduce the cassava breeding cycle. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | additive gene effects; crosses; Manihot esculenta Crantz; non-additive gene effects; parents | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862024119 | Combining ability, genetic diversity and heterosis in relation to F 1 performance of tropically adapted shrunken (sh2) sweet corn lines | Solomon K.F., Zeppa A., Mulugeta S.D. | 2012 | Plant Breeding | 131 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1439-0523.2012.01965.x | Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, Qld 4370, Australia; Department of Animal Science, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, South Africa | Solomon, K.F., Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, Qld 4370, Australia; Zeppa, A., Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick, Qld 4370, Australia; Mulugeta, S.D., Department of Animal Science, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, South Africa | The objectives of this study were to evaluate the importance of heterosis for agronomic and quality traits in shrunken (sh2) sweet corn, assess the usefulness of combining ability to predict the value of parents and their crosses for further genetic improvement and examine whether genetic divergence can predict heterosis or F 1 performance. Ten genetically diverse shrunken (sh2) sweet corn inbred lines were used to generate 45 F 1s. F 1s and parents were evaluated for agronomic and quality traits across environments. Heterosis was more important for yield-related traits than it was for ear aspects and eating quality. Heterosis for most traits was mostly dependent on dominance genetic effects of parental lines. Parents and F 1per se performance were highly correlated with general combining ability effects and mid-parent values, respectively, for most traits. Hybrid performance for flavour and plant height was significantly but weakly related to simple sequence repeat (SSR)-based genetic distance (GD). Phenotypic distance (PD), estimated from phenotypic traits was correlated with heterosis for total soluble solids, ear length and flavour. © 2012 State of Queensland. | Combining ability; Heterosis; Simple sequence repeats; Sweet corn | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900395921 | Combining auctions and performance-based payments in a forest enrichment field trial in Western Kenya | Khalumba M., Wünscher T., Wunder S., Büdenbender M., Holm-Müller K. | 2014 | Conservation Biology | 28 | 3 | 10.1111/cobi.12278 | Kenyan Forest Service Headquarters, Forest Economic Section, Karura Forest, Off Kiambu Road, P.O. Box 30513-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, 53227, Germany; Center for International Forestry Research, CIFOR, Rua do Russel, 450, sala 601, Glória, CEP 22.210-010, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil; Institute for Food and Resource Economics, University of Bonn, Nussallee 21, D-53115 Bonn, Germany | Khalumba, M., Kenyan Forest Service Headquarters, Forest Economic Section, Karura Forest, Off Kiambu Road, P.O. Box 30513-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Wünscher, T., Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, 53227, Germany; Wunder, S., Center for International Forestry Research, CIFOR, Rua do Russel, 450, sala 601, Glória, CEP 22.210-010, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil; Büdenbender, M., Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, 53227, Germany; Holm-Müller, K., Institute for Food and Resource Economics, University of Bonn, Nussallee 21, D-53115 Bonn, Germany | Cost-effectiveness is an important aspect in the assessment of payments for environmental services (PES) initiatives. In participatory field trials with communities in Western Kenya, we combined procurement auctions for forest enrichment contracts with performance-based payments and compared the outcomes with a baseline scenario currently used by the Kenyan Forest Service. Procurement auctions were the most cost-effective. The competitive nature of the auction reduced contracting expenses (provision costs), and the result-oriented payments provided additional incentives to care for the planted seedlings, resulting in their improved survival rates (service quantity). These gains clearly exceeded increases in transaction costs associated with conducting an auction. The number of income-poor auction participants and winners was disproportionately high and local institutional buy-in was remarkably strong. Our participatory approach may, however, require adaptations when conducted at a larger scale. Although the number of contracts we monitored was limited and prohibited the use of statistical tests, our study is one of the first to reveal the benefits of using auctions for PES in developing countries. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology. | Contracting; Cost-effectiveness; Kakamega; PES; Procurement; Tender | cost-benefit analysis; environmental economics; forest management; forestry policy; statistical analysis; survivorship; transaction cost; Kenya; comparative study; cost benefit analysis; economics; environmental protection; forestry; Kenya; procedures; Conservation of Natural Resources; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Forestry; Kenya | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24944542762 | Combining dendrochronology and matrix modelling in demographic studies: An evaluation for Juniperus procera in Ethiopia | Couralet C., Sass-Klaassen U., Sterck F., Bekele T., Zuidema P.A. | 2005 | Forest Ecology and Management | 216 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.foreco.2005.05.065 | Wageningen University, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, PO Box 342, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Forestry Research Center, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organisation, PO Box 30708, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Plant Ecology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80084, 3508 TB Utrecht, Netherlands; 94 J rue Molière, 93100 Montreuil, France | Couralet, C., Wageningen University, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, PO Box 342, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands, 94 J rue Molière, 93100 Montreuil, France; Sass-Klaassen, U., Wageningen University, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, PO Box 342, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Sterck, F., Wageningen University, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, PO Box 342, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Bekele, T., Forestry Research Center, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organisation, PO Box 30708, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zuidema, P.A., Department of Plant Ecology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80084, 3508 TB Utrecht, Netherlands | Tree demography was analysed by applying dendrochronological techniques and matrix modelling on a static data set of Juniperus procera populations of Ethiopian dry highland forests. Six permanent sample plots were established for an inventory of diameters and 11 stem discs were collected for dendrochronological analysis. J. procera was proved to form concentric annual growth layers in response to seasonal changes in precipitation. Uncertainty analysis for the matrix model revealed its robustness to variations in parameter estimates. The major outcome was that the population growth rate is very sensitive to changes in growth or survival of trees between 10 and 40 cm DBH. For forest management this implies that these intermediate sized individuals should be protected and less used for harvest. This study documents that interesting results can be achieved using a relatively simple approach that can easily be adopted for other areas or with other species. However, the matrix modelling requires more precise knowledge about the trees' fecundity and survival (especially for the smaller individuals) and more consistent inventories. For tree-ring analysis it can be concluded that J. procera from Ethiopia has potential to investigate the relationship between tree growth and precipitation with a high temporal resolution. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Dendrochronology; Dry highland forest; Ethiopia; Juniperus procera; Matrix model; Population dynamics | Growth kinetics; Mathematical models; Matrix algebra; Dendrochronology; Dry highland forest; Matrix model; Population dynamics; Forestry; demography; dendrochronology; population dynamics; tree; Ethiopia; Forests; Growth; Juniperus Procera; Mathematical Models; Matrices; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Juniperus; Juniperus procera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46749110693 | "Coming to town": The impact of urbanicity, cigarette advertising, and network norms on the smoking attitudes of black women in Cape Town, South Africa | Williams C.T., Grier S.A., Marks A.S. | 2008 | Journal of Urban Health | 85 | 4 | 10.1007/s11524-008-9286-7 | School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; American University, Washington, DC, United States; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kogod School of Business, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8044, United States | Williams, C.T., School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Grier, S.A., American University, Washington, DC, United States, Kogod School of Business, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8044, United States; Marks, A.S., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This study was conducted to examine the effect of urban living on smoking attitudes among black African women in South Africa. We examine how urbanicity affects attitudes toward smoking and how it moderates the relationship between both advertising exposure and network norms on black women's smoking attitudes. Respondents were 975 black women currently living in Cape Town townships, some of which were raised in rural villages or small towns. Respondents completed a cross-sectional survey, which included data on smoking attitudes, norms, and exposure to cigarette advertising. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed with smoking attitudes as the response variable, and urbanicity, cigarette advertising exposure, and network smoking norms as primary explanatory variables. Interactions were tested to determine whether urbanicity modified the effect of advertising exposure and network norms on smoking attitudes. Independent effects of urbanicity, exposure to cigarette advertising, and greater smoking prevalence within women's networks were associated with more favorable smoking attitudes. In addition, urbanicity moderated the relationship between network smoking norms and smoking attitudes, but not cigarette advertising exposure and smoking attitudes. Urbanicity, cigarette advertising, and networks play important roles in women's attitudes toward smoking, and potentially, smoking behavior. Overall, our results suggest that strong and creative anti-smoking efforts are needed to combat the potential for a smoking epidemic among an increasingly urbanized population of black women in South Africa and similar emerging markets. Additional research is warranted. © 2008 The New York Academy of Medicine. | Cigarette advertising; Smoking attitudes; South Africa; Urbanicity; Women's health | adolescent; adult; advertizing; article; attitude to health; cigarette smoking; female; human; major clinical study; prevalence; priority journal; smoking habit; social network; South Africa; urban population; urban rural difference; Adolescent; Adult; Advertising as Topic; African Continental Ancestry Group; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Linear Models; Middle Aged; Questionnaires; Smoking; South Africa; Urban Population; Women's Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909590211 | Commodity prices and stock market performance in South Africa | Mongale I.P., Hinaunye Eita J. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 11 | 4 Continued 3 | None | Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa | Mongale, I.P., Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; Hinaunye Eita, J., Department of Economics, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa | As an export based economy, commodity prices and stock market performances are always a course for concern in the South African economy. This paper investigates the effects of the commodity prices and selected macroeconomic variables on stock market performance. The paper uses quarterly time series data and the estimation covers the period 1994 to 2013. Using Engle-Granger two steps econometric technique, the underlying series are tested for univariate characteristics of the variables unit root by employing the Augmented Dickey-Fuller, Phillips-Perron and Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin test statistics. The findings show that an increase in commodity prices is associated with an increase in stock market performance and there is a positive association between stock market and macroeconomic such as money supply and exchange rate in South Africa. © Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Commodity prices; Engle-granger; Macroeconomic variables; South Africa; Stock market | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000232529400007 | Communicating HIV and AIDS, what works? A report on the impact evaluation of Soul City's fourth series | GOLDSTEIN, S,Japhet, G,Scheepers, E,Usdin, S | 2005 | JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION | 10 | 5 | 10.1080/10810730591009853 | University of Witwatersrand | None | This article describes the evaluation of the HIV/AIDS communication aspect of the multi media Soul City, health promotion intervention in South Africa. The intervention consists of a television and radio drama and print material. The evaluation was multifaceted with a before and after national survey and a national qualitative study. M the before and after survey, change it-as measured and then multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the variables associated with the change.
The qualitative study consisted of focus group discussions, which were analysed thematically. The studies shalt, that there are numerous instances of community change and how, the change is mediated at the community level. The studies also describe the change at a number of levels of the described behaviour change model for individuals. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846428069 | Communicating through performance: Izigiyo zawomame as gendered protest texts | Mathonsi N., Gumede M. | 2006 | Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies | 24 | 4 | None | School of IsiZulu Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | Mathonsi, N., School of IsiZulu Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Gumede, M., School of IsiZulu Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | This paper examines the content of Zulu women's izigiyo performed at functions in KwaQwabe, a rural area near Stanger in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. We hypothesise that izigiyo as oral texts are largely gendered responses to issues of heritage, culture, women abuse and domestic violence. The paper explores gender relations in izigiyo in order to establish whether Zulu women have always been silent when it comes to issues of abuse and domestic violence. Izigiyo are, in most cases, metaphoric in nature and are performed by both Zulu men and women (Jousse, 2004). In the midst of the izigiyo expression(s) and performances men and women relay their perceptions, experiences and feelings about the way of life in their families and communities at large. This paper, however, confines itself to the Zulu women's izigiyo performance and does not include those enacted by men. Copyright © 2006 NISC Pty Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912004755 | Communication content from Nigeria national parks and its impact on local responses to conservation initiatives | Ogunjinmi A.A., Onadeko S.A., Inah E.I., Oloyede Osunsina I.O. | 2014 | Sustainability (United States) | 7 | 5 | 10.1089/SUS.2014.9772 | Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Wi | Ogunjinmi, A.A., Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Onadeko, S.A., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Inah, E.I., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Calabar, Cross-River-State, Nigeria; Oloyede Osunsina, I.O., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Appropriate communication content that touches on the reality and experience of local people is an important tool in engendering understanding and support for conservation initiatives. The study discussed in this article focused on the communication content from Nigeria National Parks and its implications for local responses to conservation initiatives. The study was conducted in the regions surrounding seven national parks in Nigeria. The overall governance of the parks lies with Nigeria National Park Service, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment. Data collection was through face-to-face questionnaire administration. The data revealed that the content of the parks' communication with the local communities was frequently focused on illegal activities in the parks and the role of community members in the protection of park resources, government prohibition on using of the resources in the parks, and park laws and regulations. However, less emphasis was placed on alternative resource use and sustainable practices, ecotourism, and local benefits from the existence of the parks. The study highlighted the effects of park management communications on local support for park policies and activities. It was found that conservation agencies in developing countries, Nigeria in particular, require a systematic and holistic communication strategy that takes into account people's needs, concerns, and a sense of integration in management of protected areas to achieve any meaningful success in conservation activities. | None | developing world; environmental economics; governance approach; habitat conservation; holistic approach; national park; resource use; sustainable development; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919694531 | Community-based ecotourism: Its socio-economic impacts at Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana | Eshun G., Tonto J.N.P. | 2014 | Bulletin of Geography | 26 | 26 | 10.2478/bog-2014-0045 | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Culture and Tourism Programme, P.M.B. Kumasi, Ghana; University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, South Africa; University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geography and Rural Department, P.M.B. Kumasi, Ghana | Eshun, G., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Culture and Tourism Programme, P.M.B. Kumasi, Ghana, University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, South Africa; Tonto, J.N.P., University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geography and Rural Department, P.M.B. Kumasi, Ghana | There is a lacuna in literature from Western Africa on how issue of participation influence socio-economic impacts at ecotourism destinations. This paper investigates the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism based on Boabeng- Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Ghana. The paper is based on primary data generated from Boabeng and Fiema communities. Seventy mainly opened-ended questionnaires were administered face-to-face to purposively selected residents from the two communities, alongside, in-depth interviews with the management of the Sanctuary and focus group with purposively selected individuals from Boabeng and Fiema. The study reveals that the residents of the communities face burgeoning challenges such as shrinking livelihood options, inadequate involvement of community in the ecotourism, poor state of the visitor centre, inadequate government support and poor roads. © Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series 2014. | Boabeng-Fiema; community participation; Community-based ecotourism; Ghana; socio-economic impact | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000343943700025 | Community-Based Evaluation of PMTCT Uptake in Nyanza Province, Kenya | John-Stewart, Grace,Kinuthia, John,Kohler, Pamela K.,Laserson, Kayla F.,Mills, Lisa A.,Odhiambo, Frank,Okanda, John,Olilo, George,Voss, Joachim,Zierler, Brenda | 2014 | PLOS ONE | 9 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0110110 | University of Nairobi, University of Washington, University of Washington Seattle, CDC, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, KEMRI, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | "John-Stewart, Grace: University of Washington","John-Stewart, Grace: University of Washington Seattle","Kinuthia, John: University of Nairobi","Kohler, Pamela K.: University of Washington","Kohler, Pamela K.: University of Washington Seattle","Voss, Joachim: University of Washington","Voss, Joachim: University of Washington Seattle","Zierler, Brenda: University of Washington","Zierler, Brenda: University of Washington Seattle", | Introduction: Facility-based assessments of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs may overestimate population coverage. There are few community-based studies that evaluate PMTCT coverage and uptake.
Methods: During 2011, a cross-sectional community survey among women who gave birth in the prior year was performed using the KEMRI-CDC Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Western Kenya. A random sample (n = 405) and a sample of women known to be HIV-positive through previous home-based testing (n = 247) were enrolled. Rates and correlates of uptake of antenatal care (ANC), HIV-testing, and antiretrovirals (ARVs) were determined.
Results: Among 405 women in the random sample, 379 (94%) reported accessing ANC, most of whom (87%) were HIV tested. Uptake of HIV testing was associated with employment, higher socioeconomic status, and partner HIV testing. Among 247 known HIV-positive women, 173 (70%) self-disclosed their HIV status. Among 216 self-reported HIV-positive women (including 43 from the random sample), 82% took PMTCT ARVs, with 54% completing the full antenatal, peripartum, and postpartum course. Maternal ARV use was associated with more ANC visits and having an HIV tested partner. ARV use during delivery was lowest (62%) and associated with facility delivery. Eighty percent of HIV infected women reported having their infant HIV tested, 11% of whom reported their child was HIV infected, 76% uninfected, 6% declined to say, 7% did not recall; 79% of infected children were reportedly receiving HIV care and treatment.
Conclusions: Community-based assessments provide data that complements clinic-based PMTCT evaluations. In this survey, antenatal HIV test uptake was high; most HIV infected women received ARVs, though many women did not self-disclose HIV status to field team. Community-driven strategies that encourage early ANC, partner involvement, and skilled delivery, and provide PMTCT education, may facilitate further reductions in vertical transmission. | ,"ANTENATAL CARE","ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",COUNTRIES,"HIV TRANSMISSION",PREGNANCY,PREVENTION,PROGRAMS,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",TANZANIA,"TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149385986 | Community-based tourism as a sustainable solution to maximise impacts locally? the tsiseb conservancy case, Namibia | Lapeyre R. | 2010 | Development Southern Africa | 27 | 5 | 10.1080/0376835X.2010.522837 | School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Lapeyre, R., School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Based on an in-depth field study in a rural area of Namibia, this article assesses the potential contribution of community-based tourism enterprises (CBTEs) to poverty alleviation and empowerment. It shows that tourism income captured locally improves rural households' livelihoods and generates linkages in the local economy. On the job learning, training sessions and extensive support by non-governmental organisations and donors are further shown to empower rural actors and unlock socioeconomic opportunities for the future. In this context, CBTEs can be characterised as pro-poor initiatives. However, this article provides counter evidence that the sustainability of such community tourism ventures is to be questioned. First, mainstreaming these projects within the competitive tourism commodity chain proves highly challenging and costly; second, communities' institutional and managerial capacity is weak and thus CBTEs' viability is limited; finally, inadequate support by donors and non-governmental organisations fails to tackle challenges faced by community tourism ventures. © 2010 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | Community-based tourism; Global commodity chains; Institutional arrangements; Livelihoods | ecotourism; empowerment; poverty alleviation; rural area; Namibia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903215482 | Community engagement as liberal performance, as critical intellectualism and as praxis | Seedat M. | 2012 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 22 | 4 | 10.1080/14330237.2012.10820560 | Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 1087, Lenasia, 1820, South Africa; Medical Research Council, South Africa | Seedat, M., Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 1087, Lenasia, 1820, South Africa, Medical Research Council, South Africa | This article aims to illustrate that engagement is a dynamic and evolutionary process, moulded by contesting ideological, social actor and contextual forces. For purposes of illustration, I draw on a university-affiliated, participatory enactment of community engagement asacase example. The case illustrates that community engagement may assume a form of action, critical intellectualism and praxis. As action, community engagement is oriented towards performance of liberal democracy. Community engagement, as shaped by the critical intellectualism of the Black Consciousness philosophy, reflects community self-affirmation, autonomy and intellectual independence. Community engagement as praxis may be characterised by reflexivity, vision-making and the building of interpersonal relationships. Community engagement is marked by a dynamic interplay between race, power and counter-hegemonic ideology. Copyright © 2012 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Action; Community engagement; Critical intellectualism; Interpersonal relationship building; Praxis | None | None |
| None | None | Community health workers to improve antenatal care and PMTCT uptake in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A quantitative performance evaluation | Lema I.A., Sando D., Magesa L., Machumi L., Mungure E., Sando M.M., Geldsetzer P., Foster D., Kajoka D., Naburi H., Ekström A.M., Spiegelman D., Li N., Chalamilla G., Fawzi W., Bärnighausen T. | 2014 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 67 | None | None | Familia Salama Trial Unit, Management and Development for Health, Mwai Kibaki Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Global Health and Population, Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (D.S.), Harvard School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; PMTCT Department, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinskavägen, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Wellcome Trust Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa | Lema, I.A., Familia Salama Trial Unit, Management and Development for Health, Mwai Kibaki Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Sando, D., Familia Salama Trial Unit, Management and Development for Health, Mwai Kibaki Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Magesa, L., Familia Salama Trial Unit, Management and Development for Health, Mwai Kibaki Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Machumi, L., Familia Salama Trial Unit, Management and Development for Health, Mwai Kibaki Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mungure, E., Familia Salama Trial Unit, Management and Development for Health, Mwai Kibaki Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Sando, M.M., Familia Salama Trial Unit, Management and Development for Health, Mwai Kibaki Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Geldsetzer, P., Department of Global Health and Population, Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (D.S.), Harvard School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Foster, D., Department of Global Health and Population, Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (D.S.), Harvard School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Kajoka, D., PMTCT Department, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Naburi, H., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ekström, A.M., Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinskavägen, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Spiegelman, D., Department of Global Health and Population, Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (D.S.), Harvard School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Li, N., Department of Global Health and Population, Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (D.S.), Harvard School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Chalamilla, G., Familia Salama Trial Unit, Management and Development for Health, Mwai Kibaki Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Fawzi, W., Department of Global Health and Population, Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (D.S.), Harvard School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Bärnighausen, T., Department of Global Health and Population, Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (D.S.), Harvard School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States, Wellcome Trust Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Mtubatuba, South Africa | Methods: Over a 16-month period, we carried out a quantitative evaluation of the performance of CHW in reaching women early in pregnancy and before they have attended ANC in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Background: Home visits by community health workers (CHW) could be effective in identifying pregnant women in the community before they have presented to the health system. CHW could thus improve the uptake of antenatal care (ANC), HIV testing, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services.Results: As part of the intervention, 213 CHW conducted more than 45,000 home visits to about 43,000 pregnant women. More than 75% of the pregnant women identified through home visits had not yet attended ANC at the time of the first contact with a CHW and about 40% of those who had not yet attended ANC were in the first trimester of pregnancy. Over time, the number of pregnant women the CHW identified each month increased, as did the proportion of women who had not yet attended ANC. The median gestational age of pregnant women contacted for the first time by a CHW decreased steadily and significantly over time (from 21/22 to 16 weeks, P-value for test of trend <0.0001).Conclusions: A large-scale CHW intervention was effective in identifying pregnant women in their homes early in pregnancy and before they had attended ANC. The intervention thus fulfills some of the conditions that are necessary for CHW to improve timely ANC uptake and early HIV testing and PMTCT enrollment in pregnancy. Copyright © 2014 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Antenatal care; Community health workers; Maternal and child health; Performance evaluation; Tanzania | adult; Article; compensation; evaluation study; female; gestational age; government; health auxiliary; health care cost; HIV test; human; organization and management; pregnancy; prenatal care; prevention of mother to child transmission; preventive health service; professional practice; public health; quantitative analysis; Tanzania; child; community care; epidemiology; health auxiliary; HIV Infections; infant; male; newborn; organization and management; patient referral; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; prenatal care; preschool child; prevention and control; professional practice; program evaluation; standards; statistics and numerical data; transmission; vertical transmission; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Community Health Services; Community Health Workers; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; HIV Infections; House Calls; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prenatal Care; Program Evaluation; Referral and Consultation; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846050157 | Community impact of HIV status disclosure through an integrated community home-based care programme | Ncama B., Uys L. | 2006 | African Journal of AIDS Research | 5 | 3 | None | School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | Ncama, B., School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; Uys, L., School of Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa | The integration of HIV-prevention activities into care has received little attention within or outside formal healthcare settings. The contribution of community home-based care services in facilitating disclosure of HIV status and reducing stigma have also not been described. This study examines the community impact of an integrated community home-based care (ICHC) programme on HIV-prevention efforts and disclosure of status. Quantitative data was collected from 363 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and 1 028 members of their micro-communities; of these, 211 and 586, respectively, were in the ICHC programme (thus representing the ICHC-served group) and 152 and 442, respectively, were not in the programme (representing the non-served or control group). The micro-community group served by the ICHC programme reported significantly more positive attitudes towards HIV, better knowledge of HIV, fewer instances of sexually-transmitted infections, a tendency for fewer sexual partners, and less perceived risk of acquiring HIV than the non-served micro-community group. Also, the micro-community served by the programme did not show significantly better uptake of voluntary counselling and testing than did the non-served micro-community. There was no difference in condom-use between the two groups. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Integrated care model; Knowledge/attitudes/behaviour; Sexual behaviour change; Stigmatisation; Voluntary counselling and testing | article; attitude to illness; behavior change; community care; community living; condom; controlled study; data collection method; female; health education; health program; health status; home care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; infection risk; integrated health care system; interpersonal communication; major clinical study; male; patient counseling; quantitative analysis; risk assessment; risk reduction; safe sex; screening test; sexual behavior; sexually transmitted disease; stigma; voluntary program | None |
| WoS | WOS:000315631600006 | Community-level impact of the reproductive health vouchers programme on service utilization in Kenya | Abuya, Timothy,Askew, Ian,Bellows, Ben,Njuki, Rebecca,Obare, Francis,Sunday, Joseph,Warren, Charlotte | 2013 | HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING | 28 | 2 | 10.1093/heapol/czs033 | None | None | This paper examines community-level association between exposure to the reproductive health vouchers programme in Kenya and utilization of services. The data are from a household survey conducted among 2527 women (15-49 years) from voucher and comparable non-voucher sites. Analysis entails cross-tabulations with Chi-square tests and significant tests of proportions as well as estimation of multi-level logit models to predict service utilization by exposure to the programme. The results show that for births occurring after the voucher programme began, women from communities that had been exposed to the programme since 2006 were significantly more likely to have delivered at a health facility and to have received skilled care during delivery compared with those from communities that had not been exposed to the programme at all. There were, however, no significant differences in the timing of first trimester utilization of antenatal care (ANC) and making four or more ANC visits by exposure to the programme. In addition, poor women were significantly less likely to have used safe motherhood services (health facility delivery, skilled delivery care and postnatal care) compared with their non-poor counterparts regardless of exposure to the programme. Nonetheless, a significantly higher proportion of poor women from communities that had been exposed to the programme since 2006 used the services compared with their poor counterparts from communities that had not been exposed to the programme at all. The findings suggest that the programme is associated with increased health facility deliveries and skilled delivery care especially among poor women. However, it has had limited community-level impact on the first trimester timing of antenatal care use and making four or more visits, which remain a challenge despite the high proportion of women in the country that make at least one antenatal care visit during pregnancy. | "Community-level impact",KENYA,"REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH","SERVICE UTILIZATION","voucher programme",ACCESS,AFRICA,CARE,DEMAND-SIDE,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,INEQUALITIES,OF-THE-LITERATURE,PRIVATE-SECTOR | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000288998900005 | Community resource centres in Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma regions in Tanzania: an evaluation of their development needs, usefulness, and the way forward | Charbonneau, DH,Mcharazo, Alli A. S. | 2008 | GLOBAL INFORMATION INEQUALITIES: BRIDGING THE INFORMATION GAP | None | None | None | Muhimbili Univ Hlth & Allied Sci | None | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859762024 | Community-specific evaluation of tool affordances in wild chimpanzees | Gruber T., Muller M.N., Reynolds V., Wrangham R., Zuberbühler K. | 2011 | Scientific Reports | 1 | None | 10.1038/srep00128 | School of Psychology, University St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom; Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda; Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, MSC01-1040, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States; Magdalen College, Oxford University, Oxford, OX1 4AU, United Kingdom; Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Kibale Chimpanzee Project, c/o MUBFS, Fort Portal, Uganda | Gruber, T., School of Psychology, University St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom, Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda; Muller, M.N., Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, MSC01-1040, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States, Kibale Chimpanzee Project, c/o MUBFS, Fort Portal, Uganda; Reynolds, V., Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda, Magdalen College, Oxford University, Oxford, OX1 4AU, United Kingdom; Wrangham, R., Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States, Kibale Chimpanzee Project, c/o MUBFS, Fort Portal, Uganda; Zuberbühler, K., School of Psychology, University St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom, Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda | The notion of animal culture, defined as socially transmitted community-specific behaviour patterns, remains controversial, notably because the definition relies on surface behaviours without addressing underlying cognitive processes. In contrast, human cultures are the product of socially acquired ideas that shape how individuals interact with their environment. We conducted field experiments with two culturally distinct chimpanzee communities in Uganda, which revealed significant differences in how individuals considered the affording parts of an experimentally provided tool to extract honey from a standardised cavity. Firstly, individuals of the two communities found different functional parts of the tool salient, suggesting that they experienced a cultural bias in their cognition. Secondly, when the alternative function was made more salient, chimpanzees were unable to learn it, suggesting that prior cultural background can interfere with new learning. Culture appears to shape how chimpanzees see the world, suggesting that a cognitive component underlies the observed behavioural patterns. | None | animal; article; cognition; comparative study; evaluation; human; learning; Pan troglodytes; psychological aspect; social behavior; tool use; Uganda; Animals; Cognition; Humans; Learning; Pan troglodytes; Social Behavior; Tool Use Behavior; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548438556 | Comorbidity and impact of chronic spinal pain in Nigeria | Gureje O., Akinpelu A.O., Uwakwe R., Udofia O., Wakil A. | 2007 | Spine | 32 | 17 | 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31810768fc | Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; College of Health Sciences, Nnamidi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; College of Health Sciences, University of Calabar, | Gureje, O., Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, PMB 5116, Ibadan, Nigeria; Akinpelu, A.O., Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Uwakwe, R., College of Health Sciences, Nnamidi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria; Udofia, O., College of Health Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Wakil, A., Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria | STUDY DESIGN. A cross-sectional survey of households selected using multistage stratified sampling. OBJECTIVE. This paper investigates the prevalence of chronic spinal pain, its profile of comorbidity, and its impact on role disability in Nigeria. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA. Study was conducted in 21 states representing 57% of the national population. A probability sample (n = 2143) was interviewed. METHODS. Self-reports of chronic spinal pain, other pain conditions, as well as comorbid medical conditions were obtained. Composite International Diagnostic Interview, version 3, was used to evaluate mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Functional role impairment was assessed with questions about days out of role. RESULTS. Chronic spinal pain was present in 16.4% (95% confidence interval, 14.5%-18.5%) of the sample. Prevalence increased with age of respondents, with 1 in 3 persons 60 years of age and older reporting chronic spinal pain. Persons with chronic spinal pain were at elevated risk to have chronic pain at other anatomic sites, to have a range of medical comorbidities, and to have mood and substance use disorders. Even though about one third of the decrement in functional role performance associated with chronic pain condition was attributable to demographics and comorbid conditions, chronic spinal pain was independently associated with significant role impairment. CONCLUSION. Chronic spinal pain is a common problem in the Nigerian community, and persons 60 years of age and older may be at particularly elevated risk. Chronic spinal pain is associated with increased probability of comorbid physical and mental disorders. These comorbid conditions partly but do not fully explain the disability associated with chronic spinal pain, which therefore constitutes a substantial health burden on the society. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Chronic spinal pain; Comorbidity, functional role disability | adult; article; chronic pain; comorbidity; confidence interval; controlled study; demography; disability; female; functional disease; human; major clinical study; male; mood disorder; Nigeria; prevalence; priority journal; risk factor; spinal pain; substance abuse; Adult; Age Factors; Back Pain; Chronic Disease; Comorbidity; Cost of Illness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disability Evaluation; Educational Status; Employment; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mood Disorders; Neck Pain; Nigeria; Odds Ratio; Pain Measurement; Population Surveillance; Prevalence; Recovery of Function; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881303051 | Compaction of metal foam subjected to an impact by a low-density deformable projectile | Karagiozova D., Langdon G.S., Nurick G.N. | 2013 | International Journal of Impact Engineering | 62 | None | 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2013.07.004 | Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Street, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria; Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Karagiozova, D., Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Street, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria, Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Langdon, G.S., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nurick, G.N., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The deformation of a stationary foam block due to an impact by a foam projectile is analysed. Several combinations between the properties and geometry of the projectile and stationary block are used in order to reveal the characteristic features of deformation under the condition of decreasing velocity during the impact event. No details of the cellular geometry are analysed and it is assumed that the foam is a homogeneous material. The dynamic compaction of the foam block and projectile is described by a one-dimensional model. The model is based on the propagation of a strong discontinuity unloading wave when using the actual experimentally derived stress-strain curves for three aluminium based foam: Alporas with 9% relative density and Cymat foams with 9.3% and 21% relative density. Numerical simulations were carried out to verify the proposed model. It is shown that the strain distribution in the foam blocks significantly depends on the material properties and boundary conditions. It is shown that a more distinct boundary between the compacted and undeformed foam can be observed in the projectile while the strains in the stationary block usually decrease gradually with the increase of the distance travelled by the compaction wave from the interaction boundary. It is demonstrated that the proposed approach is capable of predicting the history and final strain distribution in the foam with sufficient accuracy. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Aluminium foam; Compaction wave; Deformable projectile; Impact; Strain distribution | Aluminium foam; Deformable projectile; Dynamic compaction; Homogeneous materials; Impact; One-dimensional model; Strain distributions; Strong discontinuity; Aluminum; Compaction; Deformation; Foams; Metals; Strain; Stress-strain curves; Unloading; Projectiles | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649970133 | Comparative analysis of the early growth performance of indigenous acacia species in revegetating Trojan nickel mine tailings in Zimbabwe | Dafana M.M., Nyakudya I.W., Katsvanga C.A.T., Jimu L. | 2010 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 9 | 8 | None | Department of Environmental Science, Forestry Unit, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe | Dafana, M.M., Department of Environmental Science, Forestry Unit, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Nyakudya, I.W., Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Katsvanga, C.A.T., Department of Environmental Science, Forestry Unit, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Jimu, L., Department of Environmental Science, Forestry Unit, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe | Indigenous acacia species are preferred in mine dump revegetation because of their ability to colonize hostile environments, enhance soil fertility and meet the livelihood and cultural needs of local communities. This study compared early growth performance of three vindigenous Acacia species namely A. gerrardii, A. karroo and A. polyacantha established on Nickel Mine tailings amended with top soil, sewage sludge, and compound fertilizer. Growth performance in height and root collar diameter (RCD) were measured monthly using a meter rule and a veneer caliper respectively and survival was determined at the end of a six-month period. A completely randomized block design with 12 treatments replicated three times was used. Survival and relative growth rates in height and RCD (RGRh and RGRd), were tested for significant differences among treatments through analysis of variance using SPSS for Windows Version 15.0 (2006). Overall, there were no significance differences (P>0.05) in survival among the Acacia species but variation in survival (P>0.05) was observed among amendments. Species growth performance also varied (P > 0.05) among amendment materials and across species. It was concluded all the three pecies can be used in revegetation of nickel mine tailings dumps under similar conditions. | Acacia; Amendments; Growth performance; Indigenous; Nickel tailings; Survival | Acacia; Acacia gerrardii; Acacia karroo; Acacia polyacantha | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877851391 | Comparative analysis of the performance of hydrocarbon refrigerants with R22 in a sub-cooling heat exchanger refrigeration system | Bolaji B.O., Huan Z. | 2012 | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy | 226 | 7 | 10.1177/0957650912454829 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Bolaji, B.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Huan, Z., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | In this study, the performance of some hydrocarbon refrigerants (R290, R600a and R1270) as alternatives to R22 in vapour compression refrigeration system was investigated theoretically employing a sub-cooling heat exchanger. The effects of sub-cooling on the performance of the investigated refrigerants were quantified in terms of relative capacity index. The results obtained showed that the saturated vapour pressure and specific volume of R290 and R1270 are very close to those of R22; therefore, they could be used as substitutes for R22. The condenser duty using R290, R600a and R1270 are better than that of R22 with the highest value obtained using R1270, which shows that they could perform very well as refrigerants in heat pump systems. The coefficient of performances of all the investigated refrigerants were found to be in the range 3.10-3.51. The degree of sub-cooling greatly increased the coefficient of performance and it had positive effects on the refrigerating capacity. The average relative capacity indices obtained for R290, R600a and R1270 were 35.4%, 29.5% and 27.3% higher than that of R22, respectively. Generally, the thermophysical properties of R290 and R1270 matched those of R22 and the two refrigerants exhibited better performance than R22 in sub-cooling heat exchanger refrigeration system. R600a has slightly better performance in terms of lower power per ton of refrigeration and higher coefficient of performance, but its saturation pressure and specific volume deviate significantly from that of R22, which will require major system redesign before it can be employed as R22 substitute. Copyright © IMechE 2012. | Alternative refrigerants; Hydrocarbons; Performance; R22; Sub-cooling | Alternative refrigerant; Coefficient of Performance; Hydrocarbon refrigerants; Performance; R22; Saturated vapour pressure; Subcoolings; Vapour compression refrigeration systems; Heat exchangers; Hydrocarbons; Phase change materials; Refrigeration; Thermodynamic properties; Vapors; Refrigerants | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49649103527 | Comparative assessment of draught performance of the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) and Bunaji work bulls in Zaria, Nigeria | Mohammed A.K., Sackey A.K.B., Tekdek L.B., Gefuo J.O. | 2007 | Journal of Camel Practice and Research | 14 | 2 | None | National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Mohammed, A.K., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Sackey, A.K.B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Tekdek, L.B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Gefuo, J.O., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | The study was carried out to evaluate the draught performance of the dromedary and Bunaji work bulls as draught animals for ridging, ploughing and weeding operations in a sub-humid environment of Nigeria. 4 work dromedaries singly harnessed and 8 Bunaji work bulls yoked in pairs were used for the evaluation. The camel's mean weight was 450 ± 12.8 kg while a pair of bulls weighed 760 ± 15.4 kg. The animals were made to plough, ridge and weed an area of 1500 m 2 of uncultivated flat land. The absolute draught force produced by one dromedary for ridging (0.80 kN), weeding (0.36 kN) and ploughing (0.18 kN) were not significantly different (P>0.05) from that produced by a pair of work bulls (0.79 kN, 0.30 kN, 0.30 kN) for same operations, although the live weight of a pair of work bulls (760 ±15.4 kg) was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of a single dromedary (450 ± 12.8 kg). The bulls ridged 0.23 ha of land per hour (1 ha / 4.4 hours) which was significantly (P<0.01) faster than the camel's 0.18 ha per hour (1 ha / 5.3 hours). It is thus conclusive from this study that, the one humped camel can be efficiently utilised as an alternative draught ruminant in the sub-humid savannah zone of Nigeria. | Bunaji work bulls; Camelus dromedaries; Draught performance; Nigeria | Animalia; Bovidae; Camelus dromedarius | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845447744 | Comparative assessment of yield potentials of improved cowpea breeding lines using performance index and ranking methods | Ajeigbe H.A., Mohammed S.G., Singh B.B. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 04-Mar | None | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kano Station, Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road, Kano, Nigeria; Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria | Ajeigbe, 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, Nigeria | Identification 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 trial | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899447485 | Comparative capacity performance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of commercial AA alkaline primary cells | Ferg E.E., Van Vuuren F. | 2014 | Electrochimica Acta | 128 | None | 10.1016/j.electacta.2013.08.110 | Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Ferg, E.E., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Van Vuuren, F., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Alkaline primary cells are a relatively inexpensive source of portable power and there is still a significant demand for them due to their lower retail costs, good shelf life and good energy densities. There is a range of imported and local brands available in South Africa that can differ in terms of their cost to the consumer and their performance. The study being reported here compared a range of seven different AA alkaline brands in terms of price and performance by discharging them using three different standard tests, namely at constant 250 mA current, motor/toy and photo-flash respectively. The study also used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to observe differences between the different cell brands at different stages of discharge during the different discharge test sequences. The results showed that all cell brands achieved similar discharge capacities for the low-power discharge test of around 1.7 Ah at a constant current of 250 mA with significant differences in their respective purchase prices. However, significantly better discharge capacities of around 1.4 Ah were achieved for the more expensive brands for the photo-flash test when compared to the cheaper brand, where only 0.4 Ah was achieved. Hence, one can get value for money by using cheaper brand cells for typical low-power applications such as digital clocks, while the more expensive brands are recommended for high-power applications. The results of the EIS analysis showed that the internal cell resistance of the cheaper branded cells was relatively higher when compared to the more expensive branded cells. The change in the cheaper cells' internal resistance was also comparatively higher when measured during the various stages of the discharge tests, especially during the photo-flash test. The EIS analysis also showed that certain new cells displayed an unusually high electrode capacitance and resistance when compared to the other cell types. This phenomenon then disappeared once the cells were slightly discharged to 1% of their respective capacities. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | AA alkaline cells, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Capacity performance | Costs; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Spectroscopy; Capacity performance; Constant current; Discharge capacities; Electrode capacitance; High power applications; Internal cell resistance; Internal resistance; Low power application; Testing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555194430 | Comparative cost and performance of light-emitting diode microscopy in HIV-tuberculosis-co-infected patients | Whitelaw A., Peter J., Sohn H., Viljoen D., Theron G., Badri M., Davids V., Pai M., Dheda K. | 2011 | European Respiratory Journal | 38 | 6 | 10.1183/09031936.00023211 | Division of Medical Microbiology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Clinical Research Support Unit, Dept. of Medicine, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Dept. of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Dept. of Infection, University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom | Whitelaw, A., Division of Medical Microbiology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Peter, J., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Sohn, H., Dept. of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Viljoen, D., Division of Medical Microbiology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Theron, G., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Badri, M., Clinical Research Support Unit, Dept. of Medicine, South Africa; Davids, V., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Pai, M., Dept. of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Dheda, K., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Dept. of Infection, University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom | Light-emitting diode (LED) microscopy has recently been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, it is unclear whether LED is as accurate and cost-effective as Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) microscopy or mercury vapour fluorescence microscopy (MVFM) in tuberculosis (TB)-HIV-co-infected subjects. Direct and concentrated sputum smears from TB suspects were evaluated using combinations of LED microscopy, ZN microscopy and MVFM. Median reading time per slide was recorded and a cost analysis performed. Mycobacterial culture served as the reference standard. 647 sputum samples were obtained from 354 patients (88 (29.8%) were HIV-infected and 161 (26%) were culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Although overall sensitivity of LED compared with ZN microscopy or MVFM was similar, sensitivity of all three modalities was lower in HIV-infected patients. In the HIV-infected group, the sensitivity of LED microscopy was higher than ZN microscopy using samples that were not concentrated (46 versus 39%; p=0.25), and better than MVFM using concentrated samples (56 versus 44; p50.5). A similar trend was seen in the CD4 count <200 cells·mL -1 subgroup. Median (interquartile range) reading time was quicker with LED compared with ZN microscopy (1.8 (1.7-1.9) versus 2.5 (2.2-2.7) min; p≤0.001). Average cost per slide read was less for LED microscopy (US$1.63) compared with ZN microscopy (US$2.10). Among HIV-TB-co-infected patients, LED microscopy was cheaper and performed as well as ZN microscopy or MVFM independent of the staining (ZN or auramine O) or processing methods used. | HIV; Light-emitting diode microscopy; Smear microscopy; Tuberculosis | adult; article; bacterium culture; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intermethod comparison; LED microscopy; light emitting diode; major clinical study; male; mercury vapor fluorescence microscopy; microscopy; mixed infection; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; priority journal; sensitivity analysis; sensitivity and specificity; sputum smear; standard; tuberculosis; Ziehl Neelsen microscopy; Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Coinfection; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Humans; Male; Microscopy; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Staining and Labeling; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948698192 | Comparative Economic-Performance Analysis of Production-Sharing Contracts in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria | Echendu J.C., Iledare O.O., Onwuka E.I. | 2015 | SPE Economics and Management | 7 | 4 | None | World Bank African Centre of Excellence (ACE), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Nigeria; Emerald Energy Institute, UNIPORT, United States; World Bank ACE, United States | Echendu, J.C., World Bank African Centre of Excellence (ACE), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Nigeria; Iledare, O.O., Emerald Energy Institute, UNIPORT, United States; Onwuka, E.I., World Bank ACE, United States | The petroleum fiscal system (PFS) is a key determinant of investment decision in the exploration and production (EandP) of oil and gas. It describes the relationship among the host governments, the investors, and community stakeholders with respect to how costs are recovered and profits are shared equitably. A comparative economics of the performance of fiscal regimes becomes imperative because it affects stakeholders in making informed decisions on the oil-and-gas business investments worldwide. This paper evaluates the structure, conduct, and performance of production-sharing contracts in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG). These countries hold approximately 90% of the GOG proved reserves. Economic analysis of the same EandP phases with hypothetical field and cost data under different PFSs are presented and discussed for comparative PFS performance evaluations. Comparison of the effects of front-loaded government take, profit oil split, and taxation show that production-sharing contract fiscal terms and instruments in Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria are relatively competitive among these nations. We found that as the risk in deepwater investment increases with water depth, return on investment rises in Nigeria. Monte Carlo simulation process incorporated to account for risk and uncertainties reveals early discounted payout for investors in these GOG countries with significant degree, ceteris paribus. Copyright © 2015 Society of Petroleum Engineers. | None | Cost benefit analysis; Drilling; Economic analysis; Intelligent systems; Investments; Monte Carlo methods; Petroleum prospecting; Profitability; Taxation; Economic performance; Equatorial Guinea; Exploration and productions; Informed decision; Investment decisions; Key determinants; Production Sharing Contracts; Risk and uncertainty; Economics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942039583 | Comparative effect of local and foreign commercial feeds on the growth performance and survival of Clarias gariepinus juveniles | Mustapha M.K., Akinware B.F., Faseyi C.A., Alade A.A. | 2014 | Journal of Advanced Zoology | 35 | 1 | None | Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Mustapha, M.K., Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Akinware, B.F., Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Faseyi, C.A., Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Alade, A.A., Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed with a local feed and coppens commercial feed were compared along with their proximate compositions and water quality of the cultured tanks. The economics of the feed was also evaluated. Fish fed with coppens showed significant (P<0.05) higher weight increase, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and low food conversion ratio than fish fed with local feed. Significant (P<0.05) higher mortality were recorded in fish fed with the local feed. The growth performance is a reflection of the proximate composition of the feeds with local feed having low crude protein (10.95%), lipid (3.95%) and ash (4.92%) when compared to coppens which had 42% crude protein 12%, lipid 9.5% ash with protein being most significant. Carbohydrate (69.90%) and crude fibre (2.88%) were higher in the local feed than in coppens with an imbalance in carbohydrate and lipid ratio. Mortality was attributed to stress resulting from the poor quality of the feed. Cost of feeding with local feed to a weight gain of 31.67g was | 80, while the cost of feeding with coppens to a weight gain of 148.58g was | 16. Local feed should have all necessary nutrients in appropriate proximate before being sold. | Carbohydrate; Clarias gariepinus; Coppens; Growth; Local feed; Protein; Water quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847110281 | Comparative effects of expository and inquiry instructions on secondary school student's performance in social studies | Iyamu E.O.S., Ukadike J.O. | 2007 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 16 | 2 | None | Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; College of Education, Agbor, Nigeria | Iyamu, E.O.S., Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ukadike, J.O., College of Education, Agbor, Nigeria | This study was motivated by the continuous quest for the improvement of social studies instruction in Nigerian schools. It sought to find out the relative effectiveness of expository and inquiry methods of teaching social studies using a quasi experimental design. It compared the performances of 80 and 85 social studies students taught with expository and inquiry methods respectively. After six weeks of instruction, a 50-item. multiple-choice test with a reliability coefficient of 0.74 was administered on the subjects and the t-test used to analyze their scores. It was found that students taught with inquiry method performed better and also demonstrated higher retention than those taught with expository method. The study therefore recommended large scale use of inquiry method by social studies teachers as against the prevailing predominance of expository methods as a veritable means of achieving the objectives of social studiesin Nigerian schools. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2005. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929271678 | Comparative efficacy evaluation of seven commercial injectable ceftriaxone purchased at Ambo, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, using agar well plate diffusion method | Gunasekaran T., Desta E.D., Seifu M.F., Gelaw B.K., G/Mariam E.T., Ahmed M. | 2015 | Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research | 6 | 2 | 10.1111/jphs.12095 | Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia | Gunasekaran, T., Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; Desta, E.D., Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; Seifu, M.F., Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; Gelaw, B.K., Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; G/Mariam, E.T., Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; Ahmed, M., Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia | Background: Irrational use of this drug leads to emergence of resistant bacteria and also leads to infections that are worse than the original diagnosed ones. Important concern is the uncertainty of administered antibiotics about whether the quality of a generic medicine is equal to brand name drug; if both brand/generic are bioequivalent, then antibiotic selection should be based on the cost of therapy. Methods: The efficacy of seven ceftriaxone brands available at Ambo, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, was evaluated by microwell plate diffusion technique against four different bacteria. Results: All brands of two concentrations were showed sufficient inhibitory activity against four microorganisms, so they should all be considered as bioequivalence. Among all brands tested, B6 showed higher activity against Escherichia coli American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 10536, Staphylococcus aureusATCC29737 and Pseudomonas aeruginosaATCC25619, and B1 showed higher activity against Salmonella typhiATCC06775. Interestingly, the concentration C2 (50μg/ml) of B1-B7 showed equivalent zone of inhibition to that of the standard. Conclusion: We conclude that performance of tested ceftriaxone injectable products were equivalent to the standard. We recommend that the physicians may select the ceftriaxone brand which is low cost in order to reduce the cost of treatment. © 2015 Royal Pharmaceutical Society. | Agar well plate diffusion technique; Comparative antibacterial efficacy; Injectable ceftriaxone | ceftriaxone; agar diffusion; antibacterial activity; antibiotic sensitivity; Article; bioequivalence; comparative effectiveness; concentration response; controlled study; drug determination; Escherichia coli; nonhuman; priority journal; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi; standardization; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866315692 | Comparative Evaluation of Adolescents' Use of Public Libraries in the Nigerian States of Osun and Oyo | Bamise O.F., Oyedapo R.O. | 2012 | Public Library Quarterly | 31 | 3 | 10.1080/01616846.2012.707110 | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Bamise, O.F., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Oyedapo, R.O., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | This study compares the utilization by adolescents age 12-17 of public libraries in Osun and Oyo States in Nigeria. The study utilized interviews and a checklist as data-gathering techniques. Some 414 volunteer adolescent users were selected, with males predominating. Of the respondents, 51.7 percent were in the libraries to read their own books. Of the respondents from Oyo State Public Library, 99 percent were aware of library Internet services compared to only 22 percent from Osun State. Users specified two major problems: no good display of library materials and lack of up-to-date materials on subjects in which students were interested. The authors suggest several policy changes to improve adolescent services in the two libraries. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | adolescent use of libraries; children's services; Nigerian libraries; student use of public libraries; youth services | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879274960 | Comparative evaluation of amino acid composition and volatile organic compounds of selected Nigerian cucurbit seeds | Karaye I.U., Aliero A.A., Muhammad S., Bilbis L.S. | 2012 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 11 | 12 | None | Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Karaye, I.U., Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Aliero, A.A., Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Muhammad, S., Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Bilbis, L.S., Department of Biochemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Amino acid composition and volatile organic compounds (VOCS) of five Nigerian cucurbits namely: Luffa aegyptiaca (Mill.), Citrullus lanatus (Thunb. Matsum), Cucurbita maxima (Duchesne, ex Lam), Cucumis metuliferus (E.Mey. ex Naudin) and Momordica balsamina (L.) were investigated using Amino acid Analyzer and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The proportion of essential amino acids ranged from 22.75- 30.23 g/100 g protein with the highest content in M. balsamina with 30.23 g/100 g protein and the least in C. lanatus with 22.75 g/100 g protein. High content of leucine was found in C. maxima and M. balsamina with 7.04 and 6.11 g /100 g protein respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of thirty-one compounds, the most abundant classes of organic compounds in L. aegyptiaca comprised of esters with 65.17% and Fatty Acids (FA) had 32.62% while hydrocarbons amounted to 29%. In C. lanatus, seven compounds were identified dominated by FA and hydrocarbons with 91.5 and 7.25% respectively. In C. maxima, ten compounds were identified dominated by FA (52.24%) and hydrocarbons (43.46%). In C. metuliferus, FA had 30.74% while aromatic compounds and alcohol had 9.18 and 0.68%, respectively. Among the five seeds studied, the most abundant compounds identified were linoleic acid methyl ester in L. aegyptiaca with 63.72%. Cis-cis linoleic acid is most abundant in M. balsamina (62.03%) totaling the fatty acid portion to 86.41%. These results suggest the potential of the seeds as a source of amino acids and fatty acids that could be useful in food and feed fortification strategies. The unique VOCS could be useful as biomarkers for delimitation of the studied species. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Amino acid; Biomarkers; Cucurbits; Fatty acids; Volatile compounds | alcohol; aromatic compound; essential amino acid; ester derivative; fatty acid; hydrocarbon; leucine; linoleic acid; linoleic acid methyl ester; protein; unclassified drug; volatile organic compound; amino acid analysis; amino acid composition; analyzer; article; comparative study; controlled study; Cucumis metuliferus; Cucurbita maxima; Cucurbitaceae; Luffa aegyptiaca; mass fragmentography; Momordica balsamina; nonhuman; plant seed; protein content; watermelon; Citrullus lanatus; Cucumis metuliferus; Cucurbita maxima; Luffa aegyptiaca; Momordica balsamina | None |
| None | None | Comparative evaluation of amplicor HIV-1 DNA test, version 1.5, by manual and automated dna extraction methods using venous blood and dried blood spots for HIV-1 DNA pcr testing | Nsojo A., Aboud S., Lyamuya E. | 2010 | Tanzania Journal of Health Research | 12 | 4 | None | Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 18, SE-171 82 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden | Nsojo, A., Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Aboud, S., Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 18, SE-171 82 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Lyamuya, E., Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test using venous blood sample has been used for many years in low resource settings for early infant diagnosis of HIV infection in children less than 18 months. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the performance characteristics of Amplicor HIV-1 DNA assay version 1.5 following processing of venous blood and dried blood spot (DBS) samples by Roche manual DNA extraction and automated Roche MagNA Pure LC instrument (MP) for HIV-1 DNA PCR testing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in order to scale up early infant diagnosis of HIV infection in routine practice. Venous blood samples from children under 18 months born to HIV-infected mothers between January and April 2008 were collected. Venous blood was used to prepare cell pellet and DBS samples. DNA extractions by manual procedure and MP were performed each on cell pellet, venous blood and DBS samples and tested by Amplicor HIV-1 DNA assay. Of 325 samples included, 60 (18.5%) were confirmed HIV-infected by manual extraction performed on cell pellets. Sensitivity of the assay following MP processing of venous blood was 95% (95% CI; 86.1-99.0%) and 98.3% (95% CI; 91.1 to 99.9%) for the manual extraction and processing by MP performed on DBS samples. Specificity of the assay with all DNA extraction methods was 99.6% (95% CI; 97.9 to 100%). Performance of the assay with Roche manual extraction and processing by MP on DBS samples compared well with Roche manual extraction performed on cell pellet samples. The choice of DNA extraction method needs to be individualized based on the level of laboratory facility, volume of testing and cost benefit analysis before it is adopted for use. | Dna extraction; Dried blood spot; Human immunodeficiency virus; Polymerase chain reaction; Venous blood | article; blood sampling; controlled study; DNA extraction; dried blood spot; early diagnosis; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; infant; polymerase chain reaction; predictive value; sensitivity and specificity; Tanzania; venous blood | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914149658 | Comparative evaluation of animal manures on soil properties, growth and yield of sweet maize (Zea mays L. saccharata Strut.) | Uwah D.F., Undie U.L., John N.M. | 2014 | Tropical Agriculture | 91 | 4 | None | Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Agronomy, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra Campus, Nigeria; Department of Soil Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Uwah, D.F., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Undie, U.L., Department of Agronomy, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra Campus, Nigeria; John, N.M., Department of Soil Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Alternative sources of plant nutrients have now become imperative especially for vegetable crop production in Nigeria because of the escalating costs of inorganic fertilizers with the attendant environmental and health problems associated with excessive use of these inputs on continuously cropped fields. A two-year field experiment was conducted during the early planting seasons from March to June of 2011 and 2012 on the acidic coastal plain soils at Calabar, to evaluate the combined effects of four rates each (0,5,10 and 15 t/ha) of poultry manure (PM) and goat manure (GM) on soil chemical properties and agronomic performance of sweet maize (Zea mays L. saccharata Strut.). Factorial combinations of the treatments were fitted into a randomized complete block design with three replications. The application of the manures significantly (P ≤ 0.05) raised the soil pH, organic matter content, total N, available P and exchangeable K, Ca and Mg status of the soil. Except for pH, total N, and available P contents, GM had superior responses for all other chemical properties than PM. The 15 t/ha rate of both manures maximized sweet maize growth attributes, total dry matter (TDM) and grain yields and also hastened days to 50% tasselling. On average, the application of 5, 10 and 15 t/ha PM rates, increased TDM by 8.5, 35.1 and 53.9%, whereas the corresponding values for GM were 15.6, 27.8 and 33.2% respectively compared with the unamended control plots. The grain yield increases at 15 t/ha PM and GM were 11.2, 59.8 and 126.9%; and 4.2, 20.0 and 45.8% respectively, above the 10, 5 and 0 t/ha rates of both manures. The growth and yield attributes showed greater responses to PM than GM in terms of the values obtained. The co-application of PM at 15 t/ha and GM at 10 t/ha had the best effects on TDM and grain yield and is thus recommended for sweet maize production in this agro-ecology. © 2014 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Goat manure; Poultry manure; Soil properties; Sweet maize; Yield | Animalia; Capra hircus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881299076 | Comparative evaluation of a two-reagent cold stain method with Ziehl-Nelseen method for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis | Weldu Y., Asrat D., Woldeamanuel Y., Hailesilasie A. | 2013 | BMC Research Notes | 6 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-0500-6-323 | Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara, Ethiopia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Weldu, Y., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara, Ethiopia; Asrat, D., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Woldeamanuel, Y., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Hailesilasie, A., Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Background: Bacteriological examination of sputum is the cornerstone in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in developing world, which is usually done using a Ziehl-Nelseen (ZN) method. However, due to limited laboratory facilities that can satisfy the procedure, applicability of this procedure appears to be adversely affected in field conditions and at peripheral health institutions. Hence, it has become necessary to look for a procedure which can be used as alternative in such conditions.In a cross-sectional study, using convenient sampling technique 362 pulmonary tuberculosis suspected patients who attended at Mekelle University Hospital (MUH) between November 2011 and February 2012 were included. After obtaining an informed consent, spot- morning-spot sputum samples were collected from suspected patients. Then a set of duplicate slides, of which one was allocated to a two-reagent cold method (a method of staining which requires carbol fuchsine as a primary stain and Gabbet's methylene blue both as a decolorizer and counter stain) and the other to the Zeihl-Nelseen method were smeared evenly from representative portion of each specimen using the protocol for duplicate smear preparation. Stained smears were read blindly by two technologists at different occasions. Finally to assure quality, all positive smears and 25% of the negative smears were cross checked by senior experienced examiner. Findings. Overall concordance between the two methods was 99.7% (kappa (κ) = 0.98; 95%, confidence interval 0.93-1.00), and the observed agreement was statistically significant (p<0.001). When evaluated against Ziehl-Nelseen method, sensitivity and specificity of the two-reagent cold staining method were 95.8% (95% confidence interval 93.7-97.9) and 100% respectively. Positive and negative predictive values of the two-reagent cold staining method were respectively 100% and 99.7%. Positive and negative agreements between the two techniques were respectively 97.9% and 99.9%. Conclusion: The two-reagent cold staining method was found to be a suitable alternative to the conventional Ziehl-Nelseen method; it was at least as specific as Ziehl-Neelsen method although somewhat less sensitive. However, large scale multicentric studies need to be performed for further evaluation of this cold staining method. © 2013 Weldu et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | AFB microscopy; Cold stain; Ethiopia; Gabbet's methylene blue; PTB; Zeihl-Neelsen | carbol-fuchsin solution; fuchsine; methylene blue; chemistry; comparative study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic use; human; isolation and purification; microbiology; microscopy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; procedures; sensitivity and specificity; sputum; staining; standards; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Methylene Blue; Microscopy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Rosaniline Dyes; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Staining and Labeling; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931267047 | Comparative evaluation of chemical composition of fermented ground bean flour (Kerstingella geocarpa) cowpea flour (vigna unguiculata) commercial wheat flour (triticum spp.) | Chikwendu, Ndirika J. | 2015 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 14 | 4 | None | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Chikwendu, Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ndirika, J., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The study was conducted to compare the chemical composition of 3 flour samples: fermented ground bean flour, fermented cowpea flour and commercial wheat flour. Commercial wheat flour was purchased from a local market as well as cowpea and ground bean. The samples were cleaned and sorted, soaked in water at room temperature, dehulled, oven dried at 50°C for 12 h, milled into fine flour. The flours were fermented at room temperature for 3 days, oven dried at 50°C for 12 h and finally milled into flours. These flours were subjected to chemical analysis done in triplicates using standard assay. Mean, standard deviation of the samples were calculated and Duncan's multiple test was used to separate the means. The result indicated that the protein content ranged from 14.71 to 25.39%. The wheat flour had the least value (14.71%) while the ground bean flour and cowpea flour had 25.39 and 24.34%, respectively. The vitamin A composition varied from 10.80 to 29.60 mg/100 g. The wheat flour had the least vitamin A value which was significantly different from the other flours (10.80 vs 29.60 and 18.20 mg/100 g) (p<0.05). The iron composition varied. It ranged from 2.51 to 6.80 mg/100 g. The ground bean flour and the highest iron value (6.80 mg/100 g) while the cowpea flour and wheat flour had 2.51 mg and 4.70 mg/100 g. The calcium composition ranged from 166.10-308.46 mg/100 g. The cowpea flour had the highest value which was significantly different from the other flours (308.46 vs 166.10 and 183.25 mg/100 g) (p<0.05).The zinc composition differed. It varied from 8.30-28.05 mg/100 g. The wheat flour had the least value which was significantly different from the other flours at (8.30 vs 25.22 and 28.05 mg/100 g) (p<0.005). The cowpea flour had the highest zinc value (28.05 mg/100 g). Fermented cowpea and ground bean flours showed higher nutrient content mainly in nutrients of public health importance like Vitamin A and iron. These nutritional qualities calls for a greater attention to the underutilized (ground bean) crop. These flours could as well be incorporated into wheat flour to improve the nutritional qualities of confectionaries and bakery products. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Chemical composition; Comparative evaluation; Cowpea; Fermented; Flour; Ground bean; Wheat | calcium; carbohydrate; iodine; iron; magnesium; phosphorus; retinol; riboflavin; thiamine; zinc; Article; ash; bean; chemical analysis; chemical composition; comparative study; cowpea; distillation; fermentation; flour; Kerstingella geocarpa; lipid analysis; moisture; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional value; protein content; protein determination; public health; room temperature; titrimetry; wheat; Triticum; Triticum aestivum; Vigna subterranea; Vigna unguiculata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884536448 | Comparative evaluation of chemical deposition parameters of an induced zn/al-zn and their interfacial characteristic trend on mild steel | Fayomi O.S.I., Popoola A.P.I. | 2013 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 8 | 9 | None | Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, X680, Pretoria, South Africa | Fayomi, O.S.I., Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Popoola, A.P.I., Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, X680, Pretoria, South Africa | A statistical study and matlab evaluation has been made on the deposited Zn/Zn-Al alloy on mild steel. The deposition was performed to obtain a better surface adherent coverage using electroplating technique with developed zinc and aluminum powder particle. SEM/EDX was used to examine the morphological adhension phenomena. The methodology values obtained were processed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) software to compare all electrodeposition variables of the plating treatment values by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Correlation Index with matlab tool. The results obtained from these statistical evaluations indicate positive improved correlations between all the groups of deposition considered in this work. The alloy deposition proved better than the single phase deposition of zinc coating. © 2013 by ESG. | Electorcodeposition; Morphology; Statistical evaluations and mat-lab tool | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866506828 | Comparative evaluation of conventional infiltration models under tropical rainforest (TRF) conditions in south western nigeria | Ehigiator O.A. | 2011 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 6 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.6.65 | Department of Civil Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Ehigiator, O.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Three commonly used expressions for modeling soil-water infiltration were evaluated for a tropical rainforest watershed in southwestern Nigeria under conditions of old, highly weathered soils and high rainfall intensities. The evaluation focused on the suitability of the expressions in assessing the decrease in infiltration opportunities that usually accompany deforestation. The equations were fitted into data spanning nine years obtained from infiltrometer experiments of the type where infiltration and runoff are generated onsite in response to single rainfall intensity without allowing for any modification due to inflow. The analysis revealed that soil-water infiltration into these tropical alfisols is better described by the Kostiakov's model. Effects of duration of cultivation for different years following deforestation of the secondary vegetation were highlighted. © (2011) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Deforestation; Infiltration opportunity; Kostiakov's expression; Phillip's model | Alfisols; Comparative evaluations; Infiltration models; Infiltrometers; Kostiakov's expression; Nigeria; Rainfall intensity; Secondary vegetation; Soil water; Tropical rain forest; Weathered soils; Deforestation; Geologic models; Rain; Soils; Tropics; Infiltration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875021820 | Comparative 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. | 2008 | Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture | 20 | 1 | None | Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo-State, Nigeria; College of Environmental Studies, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Moyin-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, Nigeria | An 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 fertility | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878793878 | Comparative evaluation of different organic fertilizers on the soil fertility, leaf mineral composition and growth of bitter kola seedlings | Moyin-Jesu E.I., Adeofun C.O. | 2008 | Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture | 20 | 1 | None | Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; College of Environmental Studies, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Moyin-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, Nigeria | The 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 fertility | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960421455 | Comparative evaluation of different organic fertilizers on the soil fertility, leaf minerals composition and growth performance of dikanut seedlings (Irvingia gabonnesis L.) | Moyin-Jesu E.I. | 2008 | Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture | 20 | 2 | None | Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Moyin-Jesu, E.I., Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | An experiment was carried out at Akure in the rainforest zone of Nigeria to determine the effectiveness, of ten organic fertilizers on plant growth, soil fertility, and leaf nutrients composition of dikanut seedlings in the nursery. The organic fertilizer treatments were applied at 8t/ha (40g/10kg soil) to each polybag, a reference treatment NPK 15-15-15 compound fertilizer applied at 2g NPK/10kg soil (400kg/ha) and a control treatment (no chemical fertilizer nor manure), arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated four times. The results showed that the organic fertilizers increased the seedlings' growth significantly (P<0.05), leaf and soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, soil pH and O.M of dikanut compared to the control treatment. The oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure increased the plant height, leaf area, stem girth, leaf numbers and root length of dikanut seedlings by 22%, 50%, 33%, 21% and 49% respectively, when compared to the NPK chemical fertilizer treatment. It also increased the leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg of dikanut seedlings by 35%, 37%, 39%, 36% and 65.3% respectively compared to the sole application of poultry manure. Oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure treatment increased the soil pH, O.M, N. P, K, Ca, Mg by 6%, 13%, 19%, 28%, 32%, 33% and 21% respectively compared to the cocoa husk + spent grain treatment. Therefore the, oil palm bunch ash + poultry manure applied at 8t/ha was the most effective treatment in increasing growth, soil and leaf parameters of dikanut seedlings. | Dikanut seedlings; Growth performance; Leaf mineral composition; Organic fertilizers; Soil fertility | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928655062 | Comparative evaluation of dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with woven fabrics from sansevieria (Sansevieria infasciata) fibres and banana (Musa sapientum) fibres [Primerjalna ocena dinamičnih mehanskih lastnosti epoksi kompozit | Rwawiire S., Okello J., Habbi G. | 2014 | Tekstilec | 57 | 4 | 10.14502/Tekstilec2014.57.315-320 | Busitema University Uganda, Department of Textile and Ginning Engineering, P. O. Box 236, Tororo, Busitema, Uganda; Technical University of Liberec, Department of Material Engineering, Studentská2 1, Liberec, Czech Republic | Rwawiire, S., Busitema University Uganda, Department of Textile and Ginning Engineering, P. O. Box 236, Tororo, Busitema, Uganda, Technical University of Liberec, Department of Material Engineering, Studentská2 1, Liberec, Czech Republic; Okello, J., Busitema University Uganda, Department of Textile and Ginning Engineering, P. O. Box 236, Tororo, Busitema, Uganda; Habbi, G., Busitema University Uganda, Department of Textile and Ginning Engineering, P. O. Box 236, Tororo, Busitema, Uganda | Globally, sustainable materials that are environmentally friendly and the path towards sustainable development are needed. Natural plant fibre utilization in various industries has seen a surge, especially in the automotive sector. Natural fibres such as from Sansevieria and banana pseudostem are readily available and have considerable mechanical properties that make them good candidates for reinforcement epoxy resins. The dynamic mechanical properties (DMA) of Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata) and banana pseudostem (Musa sapientum) woven fibre epoxy composites are discussed. The results show that the optimum temperature range of application of the Sansevieria and banana epoxy composites is up to 50 °C The glass transition temperature, Tg, obtained from the curves of mechanical damping factor (tan 6) was 100 °C and 120 °C for Sansevieria and banana fibre epoxy composites, respectively. | Banana fibre; DMA; Epoxy composite; Musa sapientum; Sansevieria trifasciata | Automotive industry; Dynamics; Epoxy resins; Fruits; Glass transition; Mechanical properties; Reinforcement; Weaving; Banana fibres; DMA; Epoxy composite; Musa sapientum; Sansevieria trifasciata; Fibers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919790050 | Comparative evaluation of economic benefits of earthen fish ponds and concrete tanks in aquaculture enterprises in Oyo state, Nigeria [Usporedba procjene ekonomske koristi zemljanih bazena ribnjaka i betonskih spremnika u akvakulturnom poduzetništvu držav | Olaoye O.J., Adegbite D.A., Oluwalana E.O., Vaughan I.O., Odebiyi C.O., Adediji A.P. | 2014 | Ribarstvo, Croatian Journal of Fisheries | 72 | 3 | None | Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. | Olaoye, O.J., Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adegbite, D.A., Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oluwalana, E.O., Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Vaughan, I.O., Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State,, Nigeria; Odebiyi, C.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adediji, A.P., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study focused on the comparative evaluation of economic benefits of earthen fish ponds and concrete tanks in aquaculture enterprises in Ibadan, Oyo state. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured interview schedule, administered through personal interviews and obser- vations to elicit information from 100 fish farmers using purposive and convenience sampling procedure. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive, budgetary and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the mean age, male, married, household size, educated and fish farm- ing experience were 41 years, 83.0%, 87.0%, 5 persons, 96.0% and 8 years, respectively. Earthen fish ponds users earned mean revenue of ₦3,322,189.85 with gross margin of ₦2,188,397.89 while concrete tank users earned ₦2,412,271.08 with gross margin of ₦1,413,299.46. The results showed profitability indices (0.61 and 0.47), Variable Cost ratio (0.35 and 0.30), Benefit Cost Ratio (2.55 and 1.89), Gross ratio (0.40 and 0.54) and Expenses structure ratio (0.13 and 0.23) for both the earthen ponds and concrete fish tanks, respectively. There were significant differences (t = 42.53, p≤0.05) between the profit level of earthen fish ponds and con- crete tanks. Major constraints affecting economic status of the respond- ents were high cost of quality feed, insufficient funds, poaching and poor marketing channel. In conclusion, aquaculture is a more profitable and vi- able business regardless of the culture system. Government should assist the fish farmers by subsidizing feeds cost, granting and monitoring of loan. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture. All rights reserved. | Comparative evaluation; Concrete tanks; Earthen fish ponds; Economic benefits; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956159784 | Comparative evaluation of ectoparasiticide efficacy: Non-inferiority and superiority assessment | Schall R., Luus H.G. | 2011 | Veterinary Parasitology | 178 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.12.028 | Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science (IB75), University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 11186, Bloemfontein 9321, South Africa | Schall, R., Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science (IB75), University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Luus, H.G., ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 11186, Bloemfontein 9321, South Africa | We present a statistical framework for the comparative evaluation of ectoparasiticide efficacy in controlled animal studies. Such a comparative evaluation can have one of two objectives: an assessment of non-inferiority of a test parasiticide to a reference parasiticide, or an assessment of superiority of one treatment over another. We show that the observed efficacy of an ectoparasiticide can be viewed as a point estimate of its conditional " kill" probability. Thus concepts used in the comparative evaluation of human antibiotics, which involve the comparison of cure probabilities, can be applied to the situation of comparing parasiticide efficacy. In particular, we define non-inferiority of a test parasiticide to a reference parasiticide in terms of the " test - reference" difference of their efficacies. We outline the hypothesis testing framework and associated statistical decision rules for declaring either non-inferiority or superiority. Both non-inferiority and superiority can be evaluated statistically using confidence intervals. SAS and R code for data analysis is presented, and the methodology is applied to a data set from a controlled animal study. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Abbott's formula; Ectoparasiticides; Efficacy; Generalized linear model; Non-inferiority trial; Over-dispersion; Superiority trial | antiparasitic agent; article; controlled study; intermethod comparison; mathematical analysis; nonhuman; outcome assessment; probability; statistical analysis; treatment indication; treatment response; Animals; Clinical Trials as Topic; Insecticides; Models, Biological; Models, Statistical; Research Design; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750994051 | Comparative evaluation of EDTA, pyridine and acetic acid for the assessment of available heavy metals from domestic and industrial sludges | Olajire A.A., Bello M.O., Abdul-Hammed M., Olabemiwo O.M. | 2006 | International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology | 3 | 4 | None | Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Olajire, A.A., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Bello, M.O., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Abdul-Hammed, M., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Olabemiwo, O.M., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Various sludge samples from different domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) to evaluate their total and available contents of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd and Zn). The EDTA pyridine and acetic acid single extraction techniques were applied to these samples with the objective of studying the leaching behavior of the metals in different sludges and also to predict their possible mobility when these wastes are disposed on the environment and landfills. In EDTA higher extraction efficiency was observed for major part of the elements studied in the industrial sludges except for Hg and Cd, which were also considerably released from domestic sludges. Acetic acid and pyridine gave a better extraction efficiency for Zn in industrial sludge than EDTA. Moreover, the results of total digestions were compared, for total metal contents, with those obtained using pseudototal digestion procedure and a good correlation (r2 = 0.95) was found between the two methods of digestion. © Autumn 2006, IRSEN, CEERS, IAU. | Domestic sludges; Heavy metals; Industrial sludges; Pseudototal digestion; Total digestion | Cadmium; Extraction; Leaching; Mercury (metal); Metal recovery; Sewage sludge; Sewage treatment; acetic acid; domestic waste; EDTA; extraction; heavy metal; industrial waste; sludge; wastewater | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862826827 | Comparative evaluation of environmental contamination and DNA damage induced by electronic-waste in Nigeria and China | Alabi O.A., Bakare A.A., Xu X., Li B., Zhang Y., Huo X. | 2012 | Science of the Total Environment | 423 | None | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.01.056 | Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan-remo, Ogun State, Nigeria; Cell Biology and Ge | Alabi, O.A., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China, Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan-remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Bakare, A.A., Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Xu, X., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Li, B., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Zhang, Y., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Huo, X., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China | In the last decade, China and Nigeria have been prime destinations for the world's e-waste disposal leading to serious environmental contamination. We carried out a comparative study of the level of contamination using soils and plants from e-waste dumping and processing sites in both countries. Levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analyzed using gas chromatography/spectrophotometry and heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. DNA damage was assayed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using an alkaline comet assay. Soils and plants were highly contaminated with toxic PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, and heavy metals in both countries. Soil samples from China and plant samples from Nigeria were more contaminated. There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of organics and heavy metals in plant samples and the surrounding soils. In human lymphocytes, all tested samples induced significant (p < 0.05) concentration-dependent increases in DNA damage compared with the negative control. These findings suggest that e-waste components/constituents can accumulate, in soil and surrounding vegetation, to toxic and genotoxic levels that could induce adverse health effects in exposed individuals. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Comet assay; DNA damage; Electronic waste; Heavy metals; Organic contaminants | Adverse health effects; Alkaline comet assay; Atomic absorption spectrophotometry; Comet assays; Comparative evaluations; Comparative studies; Concentration-dependent; DNA damage; DNA damages; e-Waste; Electronic waste; Environmental contamination; Genotoxic; Human lymphocytes; Human peripheral blood; Negative control; Nigeria; Organic contaminant; Organics; Plant samples; Polyaromatic hydrocarbons; Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs); Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs); Positive correlations; Soil sample; Surrounding soils; Contamination; DNA; Electronic equipment; Heavy metals; Hydrocarbons; Organic pollutants; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Soils; Waste disposal; Wastes; Soil pollution; chromium; copper; DNA; heavy metal; iron; lead; manganese; nickel; polybrominated diphenyl ether; polychlorinated biphenyl; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; soil organic matter; bioaccumulation; comparative study; DNA; genotoxicity; health impact; heavy metal; organic pollutant; PAH; PBDE; PCB; plant; pollution exposure; soil pollution; waste disposal; article; atomic absorption spectrometry; bioaccumulation; China; comet assay; comparative study; concentration (parameters); controlled study; correlation analysis; DNA damage; dumping; electronic waste; environmental exposure; gas chromatography; genotoxicity; human; human cell; Nigeria; nonhuman; peripheral lymphocyte; phytotoxicity; priority journal; soil analysis; soil pollution; vegetation; waste disposal; China; Comet Assay; DNA Damage; Electronics; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Pollution; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Metals, Heavy; Nigeria; Plants; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Recycling; Soil; Waste Management; China; Nigeria | None |
| None | None | Comparative evaluation of four mosquitoes sampling methods in rice irrigation schemes of lower moshi, northern Tanzania | Kweka E.J., Mahande A.M. | 2009 | Malaria Journal | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-8-149 | Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Mabogini Field Station, Moshi, Tanzania | Kweka, E.J., Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; Mahande, A.M., Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Mabogini Field Station, Moshi, Tanzania | Background. Adult malaria vector sampling is the most important parameter for setting up an intervention and understanding disease dynamics in malaria endemic areas. The intervention will ideally be species-specific according to sampling output. It was the objective of this study to evaluate four sampling techniques, namely human landing catch, pit shelter, indoor resting collection and odour-baited entry trap. Methodology. These four sampling methods were evaluated simultaneously for thirty days during October 2008, a season of low mosquitoes density and malaria transmission. These trapping methods were performed in one village for maximizing homogeneity in mosquito density. The cattle and man used in odour-baited entry trap were rotated between the chambers to avoid bias. Results. A total of 3,074 mosquitoes were collected. Among these 1,780 (57.9%) were Anopheles arabiensis and 1,294 (42.1%) were Culex quinquefasciatus. Each trap sampled different number of mosquitoes, Indoor resting collection collected 335 (10.9%), Odour-baited entry trap-cow 1,404 (45.7%), Odour-baited entry trap-human 378 (12.3%), Pit shelter 562 (18.3%) and HLC 395 (12.8%). General linear model univariate analysis method was used, position of the trapping method had no effect on mosquito density catch (DF = 4, F = 35.596, P = 0.78). Days variation had no effect on the collected density too (DF = 29, F = 4.789, P = 0.09). The sampling techniques had significant impact on the caught mosquito densities (DF = 4, F = 34.636, P < 0.0001). The Wilcoxon pair-wise comparison between mosquitoes collected in human landing catch and pit shelter was significant (Z = -3.849, P < 0.0001), human landing catch versus Indoor resting collection was not significant (Z = -0.502, P = 0.615), human landing catch versus odour-baited entry trap-man was significant (Z = -2.687, P = 0.007), human landing catch versus odour-baited entry trap-cow was significant (Z = -3.127, P = 0.002). Conclusion. Odour-baited traps with different baits and pit shelter have shown high productivity in collecting higher densities of mosquitoes than human landing catch. These abilities are the possibilities of replacing the human landing catch practices for sampling malaria vectors in areas with An. arabiensis as malaria vectors. Further evaluations of these sampling methods need to be investigated is other areas with different species. © 2009 Kweka and Mahande; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | animal trapping; Anopheles; article; controlled study; Culex quinquefasciatus; disease transmission; intermethod comparison; irrigation (agriculture); malaria; malaria control; nonhuman; Tanzania; animal; cattle; comparative study; Culex; disease carrier; environmental monitoring; epidemiology; human; instrumentation; methodology; mosquito; odor; rice; season; Animals; Anopheles; Cattle; Culex; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Insect Vectors; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Odors; Oryza sativa; Sampling Studies; Seasons; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882829963 | Comparative evaluation of growth and carcass traits of indigenous and crossbred (Dorper×Indigenous) Ethiopian Sheep | Tsegay T., Yoseph M., Mengistu U. | 2013 | Small Ruminant Research | 114 | 42403 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.07.003 | Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, PO Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Tsegay, T., Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, PO Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Yoseph, M., Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, PO Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Mengistu, U., Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, PO Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | An experiment was conducted to evaluate growth and carcass traits of indigenous (Blackhead Ogaden [B1] & Hararghe Highland [B2]) and crossbred (Dorper×B1 [B3] & Dorper×B2 [B4]) F1 lambs under different feeding regimens. The feeding regimens constituted feeding hay ad libtum supplemented with 150g/head/day concentrate mix [D1] and hay ad libtum supplemented 350g/head/day concentrate mix [D2]. The experiment was arranged as a 4×2 factorial (4 breeds and 2 levels of nutrition) and laid out completely at random. Hararghe Highland lambs had the highest (P<0.01) TDMI (90.0±1.4), gDM/kgW0.75 compared with B4. Lambs fed D2 had higher TDMI (P<0.0001), TDMI per metabolic body weight (P<0.01) than lambs fed D1. Dorper×Hararghe Highland had greater average daily weight gain (69.4±4.1g), empty body weight, hot (12.9±0.5) and cold carcass weight (12.6±0.5kg) than did both B1 and B2. However, weight loss after chilling was higher (5.7±0.3%) in pure Blackhead Ogaden compared with rest of lamb breeds. This study leads to the conclusion that crossing B2 with Dorper improved feed utilization, growth rate and carcass parameters, but crossing B1 with Dorper provided little benefit since the B1 tend to perform similar to the crosses in some economically important traits. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Carcass characteristics; Crossbred lams; Feed intake; Indigenous; Live weight change | Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897371726 | Comparative 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. | 2014 | Fish and Shellfish Immunology | 38 | 1 | 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.02.014 | Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Abiona, 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, Nigeria | A 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; Titre | agglutinin; animal; chemistry; drug effects; erythrocyte; hemagglutination; hemolymph; physiology; snail; Agglutinins; Animals; Erythrocytes; Hemagglutination; Hemolymph; Snails | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958046459 | Comparative evaluation of maize and soyabeans as energy sources for broiler chickens | Onuh S.O., Ortserga D.D., Okoh J.J. | 2010 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 9 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Health and Production, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, P.M.B. 181, Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria | Onuh, S.O., Department of Animal Health and Production, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, P.M.B. 181, Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria; Ortserga, D.D., Department of Animal Health and Production, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, P.M.B. 181, Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria; Okoh, J.J., Department of Animal Health and Production, Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, P.M.B. 181, Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria | A total of one hundred and thirty-five (135) unsexed broiler chickens of 5 days of age averaging 72.22±1.11 grams were randomly allocated into 3 dietary treatments designated I, II and III such that full-fat soyabean and maize respectively each predominate (weight for weight) in diets on the one hand while each of the two ingredients were in equal proportions on the other hand. The results at the starter phase show that feed intake and weight gain were not adversely affected (p>0.05) by birds fed all diets. However, the diet which contained the highest level of full-fat soyabean supported insignificantly higher weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization. The results also show that efficiency of feed utilization of birds fed all diets were not significantly affected (p>0.05) while feed cost per unit weight gain of the birds fed the diet where soyabean predominated were significantly better (p<0.05) than birds fed other diets. The results at the finishing phase however show that there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in feed intake, weight gain, efficiency of feed utilization and feed cost per unit weight gain among birds fed diets containing either higher levels of maize or soyabeans. It was observed in the present study that bird fed the diet that contained higher levels of maize had insignificantly (p>0.05) better performance characteristics than those fed the diet that contained higher level of soyabeans. On the basis of the results obtained, it may be recommended that either higher levels of maize or full-fat soyabean may be used as energy sources for broiler starter and finishing broiler chickens without any adverse effect on their performance when prices of each feed ingredients do not differ much. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Broilers; Full-fat soyabean; Maize | animal experiment; animal food; article; broiler; chicken; comparative study; controlled study; energy metabolism; energy resource; food analysis; food composition; food intake; food processing; food quality; lipid diet; maize; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional requirement; nutritional value; soybean; weight change; weight gain; Aves; Gallus gallus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865618859 | Comparative 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. | 2010 | Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture | 22 | 1 | None | Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Moyin-Jesu, E.I., Agronomy Department, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | An 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 extract | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897783112 | Comparative evaluation of non-genetic factors affecting milk yield and composition of Red Dane and Jersey cattle in Zimbabwe | Nyamushamba G.B., Halimani T.E., Imbayarwo-Chikosi V.E., Tavirimirwa B. | 2014 | SpringerPlus | 3 | 1 | 10.1186/2193-1801-3-88 | Women's University in Africa, P.O. Box, MP 1222, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Research and Specialist Services, Matopos Research Institute, P Bag k5137 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Nyamushamba, G.B., Women's University in Africa, P.O. Box, MP 1222, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Halimani, T.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Imbayarwo-Chikosi, V.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Tavirimirwa, B., Department of Research and Specialist Services, Matopos Research Institute, P Bag k5137 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | A study was carried out to evaluate non genetic factors affecting milk yield and milk composition in Zimbabwean Red Dane and Jersey cattle cattle. A total of 1004 and 10 986 unedited Red Dane and Jersey 305-day lactation records respectively, were obtained from Livestock Identification Trust (LIT) containing 22 herds (1 Red Dane herd and 21 Jersey herds), with Red Dane calving in the period 2004 to 2009 (giving year of birth from 1998 to 2007) and Jersey cows calving in the period 1996 to 2008 (giving year of birth from 1994 to 2005). The General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2004) version 9.1.3 was used to determine the genetic parameters and environmental factors. Calving interval, month of calving, parity and quadratic effects of age at calving fitted as covariates significantly (P < 0.0001) affected the milk, fat and protein yields. Milk, fat and protein yields obtained increased with an increase in calving interval. There was a linear and quadratic relationship between the production traits and age at calving of the Jersey cattle implying that milk, fat and protein yields increase with age of the animal. It is thus important to preadjust data for these environmental factors when carrying out genetic evaluations of production traits in dairy cattle. © 2014 Nyamushamba et al. | Age at calving; Calving interval; Month of calving; Non-genetic factors | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872202990 | Comparative evaluation of novel African swine fever virus (ASF) antibody detection techniques derived from specific ASF viral genotypes with the OIE internationally prescribed serological tests | Gallardo C., Soler A., Nieto R., Carrascosa A.L., De Mia G.M., Bishop R.P., Martins C., Fasina F.O., Couacy-Hymman E., Heath L., Pelayo V., Martín E., Simón A., Martín R., Okurut A.R., Lekolol I., Okoth E., Arias M. | 2013 | Veterinary Microbiology | 162 | 1 | 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.08.011 | European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain; Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell' Umbria e delle Marche (IZS-UM), 06126 Perugia, Italy; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (FMV-UTL), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; Production Animal Studies Department, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa; Ministère de la Production Animale et des Ressources Halieutiques - LANADA-LCPA, Cote d'Ivoire; ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Transboundary Animal Diseases Programme, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa; Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), PO Box 102, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Wildlife Services, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, PO Box 30027, Nairobi, Kenya | Gallardo, C., European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain; Soler, A., European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain; Nieto, R., European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain; Carrascosa, A.L., Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain; De Mia, G.M., Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell' Umbria e delle Marche (IZS-UM), 06126 Perugia, Italy; Bishop, R.P., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Martins, C., Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (FMV-UTL), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; Fasina, F.O., Production Animal Studies Department, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa; Couacy-Hymman, E., Ministère de la Production Animale et des Ressources Halieutiques - LANADA-LCPA, Cote d'Ivoire; Heath, L., ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Transboundary Animal Diseases Programme, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa; Pelayo, V., European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain; Martín, E., European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain; Simón, A., European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain; Martín, R., European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain; Okurut, A.R., Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), PO Box 102, Entebbe, Uganda; Lekolol, I., Department of Wildlife Services, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, PO Box 30027, Nairobi, Kenya; Okoth, E., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Arias, M., European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (URL) CISA-INIA, Valdeolmos, Madrid 28130, Spain | The presence of antibodies against African swine fever (ASF), a complex fatal notifiable OIE disease of swine, is always indicative of previous infection, since there is no vaccine that is currently used in the field. The early appearance and subsequent long-term persistence of antibodies combined with cost-effectiveness make antibody detection techniques essential in control programmes. Recent reports appear to indicate that the serological tests recommended by the OIE for ASF monitoring are much less effective in East and Southern Africa where viral genetic and antigenic diversity is the greatest. We report herein an extensive analysis including more than 1000 field and experimental infection sera, in which the OIE recommended tests are compared with antigen-specific ELISAs and immuno-peroxidase staining of cells (IPT). The antibody detection results generated using new antigen-specific tests, developed in this study, which are based on production of antigen fractions generated by infection and virus purification from COS-1 cells, showed strong concordance with the OIE tests. We therefore conclude that the lack of success is not attributable to antigenic polymorphism and may be related to the specific characteristics of the local breeds African pigs. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Antibody detection; ASFV; Diagnosis | virus antibody; African swine fever virus; animal cell; antibody detection; antigen specificity; article; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; genotype; immunoperoxidase staining; intermethod comparison; nonhuman; sensitivity and specificity; virus detection; virus purification; Africa, Southern; African Swine Fever; African Swine Fever Virus; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Antigenic Variation; Antigens, Viral; Cell Line; Endemic Diseases; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Genotype; Haplorhini; Swine; African swine fever virus; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875823133 | Comparative evaluation of physicochemical properties of some commercially available brands of metformin Hcl tablets in Lagos, Nigeria | Olusola A.M., Adekoya A.I., Olanrewaju O.J. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 2 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Pharm and Pharm. Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Olusola, A.M., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Adekoya, A.I., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Olanrewaju, O.J., Department of Pharm and Pharm. Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | There are several generics of metformin hydrochloride tablets available within the drug delivery system globally. Availability of numerous brands of Metformin tablets in Nigerian drug market today places health practitioners in a dilemma of generic substitution. The objective of the study was to determine the biopharmaceutical and chemical equivalence of eight brands of Metformin tablets marketed in Nigeria using in vitro tests. The physicochemical equivalence of eight brands of Metformin hydrochloride tablets were assessed through the evaluation of both official and non-official standards such as uniformity of weight, friability, hardness, disintegration, Assay and dissolution rate. All the brands complied with the official specifications for uniformity of weight, disintegration and dissolution tests. Brand B and C had the highest and lowest crushing strength respectively. However, for the friability test, one of the eight brands failed to meet the British pharmacopoeia specification for friability. Seven brands had values within the range specified for assay in the BP while Brand G failed the test. Only brand F, G and H met the BCS biowaiver criteria for very rapidly or rapidly dissolving tablets. Of all the eight brands evaluated in this study, only four brands could be regarded as being biopharmaceutically and chemically equivalent and therefore can be interchanged in the clinical practice. | Biowaver; Dissolution test; Metformin hydrochloride; Physicochemical equivalence; Quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953354473 | Comparative evaluation of predictive models in chromium adsorption | Okparanma R.N., Ayotamuno M.J., Akor A.J., Igoni A.H. | 2009 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 8 | 7 | None | Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Okparanma, R.N., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ayotamuno, M.J., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Akor, A.J., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Igoni, A.H., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | In this study, a comparative evaluation of first- and second-order kinetic models was carried out in order to evolve a better predictive model, as well as determine the limiting phenomenon, in the adsorption of chromium onto powdered activated carbon (PAC) during the tertiary treatment of the flocculation effluent of liquid-phase oil-based drill cuttings (LP-OBDC). The treatment of the LP-OBDC was done by mixing 1g of commercial PAC with 100ml of the flocculation effluent of initial chromium concentration (Co) of 5.01mg/l in a flask using magnetic stirring at 25°C. The residual concentration of chromium in the liquid phase, C (mg/l), was measured after different stirring times of 15, 60, 120, 180 and 1440 minutes. Then, the adsorption q (mg/g) was found for each period. Results show that equilibrium was attained within 60 minutes of contact time and the equilibrium concentration of the chromium (qe) was 3.94mg/g indicating that the PAC was able to adsorb 78.64% of the chromium at initial PAC concentration of 10g/l of effluent. The first-order rate constant, K1 was 9.84 x 10-5min-1 and the second-order rate constant, K2 was 0.3644g/mgmin. Using the first-order kinetics, the value of the equilibrium concentration of the chromium (qe) was deduced as 3.47 mg/g, whereas; the qe deduced with the second-order kinetics was 3.96mg/g. When compared with the value of the qe obtained experimentally (i.e. 3.94mg/g), it shows that experimental data fitted the second-order kinetics relatively better than the first-order kinetics (with R2 = 0.999998), indicating that the second-order kinetic model could be used to predict chromium adsorption in the treatment process. This result also indicates that the limiting phenomenon in the treatment process was more of mechanisms of adsorption than mass transfer resistance. | Activated carbon adsorption; Chromium removal; Kinetic models; Oil-field drill cuttings | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921972829 | Comparative evaluation of reflective and refractive optical concentration systems in tropical climate | El-Ladan A.H., Ruslan M.H., Chan H.Y., Sopian K., Zaidi S.H. | 2014 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 8 | 11 | None | Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Bangi, Selangor, DarulEhsan, Malaysia; Department of Physics, Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria | El-Ladan, A.H., Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Bangi, Selangor, DarulEhsan, Malaysia, Department of Physics, Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria; Ruslan, M.H., Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Bangi, Selangor, DarulEhsan, Malaysia; Chan, H.Y., Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Bangi, Selangor, DarulEhsan, Malaysia; Sopian, K., Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Bangi, Selangor, DarulEhsan, Malaysia; Zaidi, S.H., Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Bangi, Selangor, DarulEhsan, Malaysia | Convergence of global economic inequalities and greenhouse emissions makes it imperative that fossil-fuel dependence be replaced by renewable energy revolution. Sunlight is the only truly free and abundant global energy resource capable of replacing fossil fuels. Historically, thermal and electrical forms of energy have been generated through Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems. A major disadvantage of existing CSP systems lies in their long lead times, large start-up costs and integration with an advanced electricity transmission grid. Research work reported here is focused on evaluation of reflective and refractive optical concentration systems in tropical climate with the aim of developing small scale distributed electricity generation systems linked to micro grids. Evaluation of seven optical concentrators in reflection and refraction modes in tropical Malaysian climate has been carried out. The experimental methodology was based on measurement of temperature at the focal point of the optical systems as a function of time and solar irradiance. Highest temperatures achieved with reflective systems were in 200-300°C range, in contrast, Fresnel-lens based refractive systems approached temperatures in excess of ~1300°C. For the Fresnel lenses investigated, an approximate logarithmic temperature dependence on lens diameter was determined. For the Malaysian climate, sunlight to thermal energy conversion of refractive systems was determined to be significantly superior to reflective systems. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014. | Concentration ratio; Efficiency; Figure of merit; Fresnel lens; Stagnation temperature; Tropics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57749182163 | Comparative evaluation of starches obtained from Dioscorea species as intragranular tablet disintegrant | Okunlola A., Odeku O.A. | 2008 | Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology | 18 | 6 | None | Department of Pharmaceutic and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Okunlola, A., Department of Pharmaceutic and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Odeku, O.A., Department of Pharmaceutic and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Starches form four Dioscorea species namely Dioscorea dumetorum (bitter yam), D. oppositifolia (Chinese yam), D. alata (water yam) and D. rotundata (white yam) have been evaluated as disintegrants in chloroquine phosphate tablet formulations in comparison with official corn starch. The mechanical and drug release properties of the tablets were assessed. Tile results showed that the ranking of the effectiveness of the starches as intragranular disintegrant was water > white > corn > Chinese> bitter. The disintegrant concentration had significant (p < 0.001) effects on the disintegrant efficiency. The four experimental starches compared favorably and in some cases showed better efficiency as intragranular disintegrant than corn starch and could be further developed for use in commercial tablet formulation. | Corn starch; Crushing strength; Dioscorea; Disintegration time; Dissolution time; Friability; Yam | chloroquine; starch; water; article; bitter taste; Chinese; comparative study; controlled study; corn; Discorea alata; Discorea dumetorum; Discorea oppositifolia; Discorea rotundata; drug formulation; drug release; drug solubility; nonhuman; species difference; tablet disintegration; tablet formulation; yam | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924340972 | Comparative evaluation of the acute toxicity and behavioural changes in Clarias gariepinus following exposure to dichlorvos and primextra pesticides | Nwani C.D., Ifo C.T., Ejere V.C., Okoye S.O., Onyeke C.C., Ogbonna S.U., Chijioke A., Oluah S.N. | 2014 | Zoology and Ecology | 24 | 4 | 10.1080/21658005.2014.939822 | Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University o Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology | Nwani, C.D., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University o Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ifo, C.T., Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Ejere, V.C., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University o Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okoye, S.O., Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Onyeke, C.C., Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University o Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ogbonna, S.U., Department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Ebonyi State, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Chijioke, A., Department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Ebonyi State, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Oluah, S.N., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University o Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria | Dichlorvos is an organophosphate pesticide used for the control of pests in crops and stored products, while primextra is a commercial herbicide formulation generally used in agriculture for weed control. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the acute toxicity of dichlorvos and primextra pesticides and assess their effects on mortality and behavioural changes of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. The 24, 48, 72 and 96 h LC50 of dichlorvos were 6.06, 4.96, 1.65 and 1.29 mgl-1, while those of primextra were 9.34, 6.50, 5.41 and 4.67 mgl-1, respectively. The safe levels estimated by different methods varied from 1.29 × 10-1 to 1.29×10-5mgl-1 in dichlorvos and from 4.67 × 10-1 to 4.67 × 10-5mgl-1 in primextra. Behavioural changes, such as hyperactivity, gulping of air, skin discoloration, loss of balance, convulsion, erratic swimming and mucous secretions, were observed in fish exposed to both pesticides. Our study indicated that dichlorvos (96 h LC50 = 1.29 mg l-1) was more toxic to C. gariepinus compared with primextra (96 h LC50 = 4.67 mg l -1). The use of these pesticides in both terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic environments should be subject to strict control and monitoring to prevent potential ecotoxicological hazards to aquatic lives. © 2014 Nature Research Centre. | Aquatic environment; Clarias gariepinus; Dichlorvos; Pollution; Primextra; Toxicity test | Clarias gariepinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71349083537 | Comparative evaluation of the antibacterial activities of the essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis L. obtained by hydrodistillation and solvent free microwave extraction methods | Okoh O.O., Sadimenko A.P., Afolayan A.J. | 2010 | Food Chemistry | 120 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.09.084 | Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Okoh, O.O., Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Sadimenko, A.P., Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is used as a food flavouring agent, and well known medicinally for its powerful antimutagenic, antibacterial and chemopreventive properties. Essential oils were obtained from this plant by hydrodistillation (HD) and solvent free microwave extraction (SFME). GC-MS analyses of the oils revealed the presence of 24 and 21 compounds in the essential oils obtained through HD and SFME, respectively. The total yield of the volatile fractions obtained through HD and SFME was 0.31% and 0.39%, respectively. Higher amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes such as borneol, camphor, terpene-4-ol, linalool, α-terpeneol (28.6%) were present in the oil of SFME in comparison with HD (26.98%). However, HD oil contained more monoterpene hydrocarbons such as α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, myrcene, α-phellanderene, 1,8-cineole, trans β-ocimene, γ-terpenene, and cis sabinene hydrate (32.95%) than SFME extracted oil (25.77%). The essential oils obtained using the two methods of extraction were active against all the bacteria tested at a concentration of 10 mg ml-1. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for all the susceptible bacteria ranged between 0.23 mg ml-1 and 7.5 mg ml-1.. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antimicrobial activity; Essential oil; Hydrodistillation; Rosmarinus officinalis; Solvent free microwave extraction | 1 methyl 2,4 nitrophenylbenzimid; 1,5 diphenyl 2h 1,2,4 triazoline; 2 methoxy 3,8 dioxocephalotax 1 ene; alpha phellanderene; behenic acid; beta pinene; borneol; bornyl acetate; camphene; camphor; caryophyllene; caryophyllene oxide; cineole; essential oil; humulene; jasmone; linalool; myrcene; myrtenol; ocimene; pentasiloxane; phthalic acid; phthalic acid derivative; pinene; sabinene; sesquiterpene derivative; terpene 4 ol; terpene derivative; terpinene; unclassified drug; verbinone; antibacterial activity; article; chemical composition; controlled study; distillation; gas chromatography; intermethod comparison; mass spectrometry; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; rosemary; solvent extraction; Dryobalanops; Lamiaceae; Rosmarinus officinalis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-54949098904 | Comparative evaluation of the binding properties of two species of khaya gum polymer in a paracetamol tablet formulation | Adenuga Y.A., Odeku O.A., Adegboye T.A., Itiola O.A. | 2008 | Pharmaceutical Development and Technology | 13 | 6 | 10.1080/10837450802179338 | Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adenuga, Y.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Odeku, O.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adegboye, T.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Itiola, O.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | A study was made of the comparative effects of polymers obtained from two species of khaya tree - Khaya senegalensis and Khaya grandifoliola - as binding agents in a paracetamol tablet formulation. The mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using the tensile strength (T), brittle fracture index (BFI) and friability (F) of the tablets while the drug release properties of the tablets were assessed using disintegration and dissolution times. The tensile strength, disintegration and the dissolution times of tablets increased with the increase in binder concentration while F and BFI decreased. K. senegalensis gum produced tablets with stronger mechanical properties with less tendency to laminate, and longer disintegration and dissolution times than K. grandifoliola gum. The results suggest that the polymer gum from K. senegalensis will be more appropriate as a binding agent than the gum from K. grandifoliola when higher mechanical strength and slower release profiles of tablets are desired. Copyright © Informa UK, Ltd. | Binding agent; Drug release properties; Khaya grandifoliola; Khaya gum polymer; Khaya senegalensis; Mechanical properties; Tablets | adhesive agent; Khaya gum polymer; paracetamol; polymer; unclassified drug; article; brittle fracture index; comparative study; concentration response; correlation analysis; drug formulation; drug release; drug screening; drug solubility; Khaya grandifoliola; Khaya senegalensis; parameter; priority journal; tablet; tablet disintegration; tablet disintegration time; tablet friability; tablet property; tensile strength; tree; viscosity; Acetaminophen; Algorithms; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Excipients; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lactose; Meliaceae; Plant Gums; Starch; Tablets; Tensile Strength; Viscosity; Water | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926982783 | Comparative evaluation of the disintegrant properties of rice husk cellulose, corn starch and Avicel® in metronidazole tablet formulation | Uwaezuoke O.J., Bamiro O.A., Ngwuluka N.C., Ajalla O.T., Okinbaloye A.O. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 4 | 12 | 10.7324/JAPS.2014.41219 | Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-iwoye, Ogun state, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, | Uwaezuoke, O.J., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-iwoye, Ogun state, Nigeria; Bamiro, O.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-iwoye, Ogun state, Nigeria; Ngwuluka, N.C., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Ajalla, O.T., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Okinbaloye, A.O., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-iwoye, Ogun state, Nigeria | Cellulose is a polysaccharide that has been employed in pharmaceutical applications over the years. However, the quest for waste management and an alternative to imported raw materials for locally manufactured drug products necessitated this study. This study was undertaken to explore the application of cellulose extracted from waste, rice husk as a disintegrant in the formulation of metronidazole tablets for immediate release. Cellulose was extracted from rice husk and characterized. Thereafter, a comparative characterization of the attributes of the tablets formulated was undertaken using Corn Starch, microcrystalline cellulose and rice husk as disintegrants. The granules were characterized for flow properties and tablets were evaluated for crushing strength, friability, disintegration and in vitro drug release. The tablets formulated with rice husk cellulose were found to be bioequivalent to those of corn starch which is a standard in comparative studies of disintegrants. Hence, rice husk cellulose is an alternative excipient to explore as a pharmaceutical excipient for limited resource economies. © 2014 Onyinye Jennifer Uwaezuoke et al. | Immediate release tablets; Metronidazole; Polymer; Polysaccharide; Rice husk cellulose disintegrant | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953492925 | Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of 2 and 3D visualizations in students' understanding of structures of organic molecules | Oke O.K., Alam G.M. | 2010 | International Journal of Physical Sciences | 5 | 5 | None | Department of Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Oke, O.K., Department of Science and Technical Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Alam, G.M., Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Adopting quantitative approach using test as a key instrument, this study investigated the relative effectiveness of 2 and 3D visualizations on students' performance in the study of organic molecules, structures and nomenclature. The instrument was administered before and after treating two experimental groups with 2 and 3D supplemental learning software following a conventional teaching. The control group was made to interact with textbooks at the times the experimental groups were in the computer laboratory viewing the CD-ROMs. The study was conducted at a College in Lagos. The College had 205 chemistry students and of 205, 40% were randomly selected as the study sample. They were in turn randomly assigned to the three groups. Findings show that due to cultural and economical prejudice and long heritage of traditional teaching, assessment and learning system in place, many students are familiar with traditional system and they also feel comfortable with it. This is why the performance of the group making use of 2D visualization significantly better than the other group making use of 3D visualization. However, scores of students in both experimental groups were close which is higher than control group. Moreover, it is evident that the use of 2 and 3D visualizations enhanced performance in organic chemistry and thus one supplements other. Considering these, the simultaneous use of the two visualizations in the teaching and learning of organic molecules and structures based on closeness of the mean scores of the two experimental groups is suggested considering that 3D might prove more enhancing if students get used to it. © 2010 Academic Journals. | 2; 3D visualizations; Effectiveness; Organic molecules; Structures and nomenclature | None | None |
| None | None | Comparative evaluation of the Ifakara tent trap-B, the standardized resting boxes and the human landing catch for sampling malaria vectors and other mosquitoes in urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Sikulu M., Govella N.J., Ogoma S.B., Mpangile J., Kambi S.H., Kannady K., Chaki P.C., Mukabana W.R., Killeen G.F. | 2009 | Malaria Journal | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-8-197 | Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, GPO Nairobi, Kenya; Ifakara Health Institute, Coordination Office, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni A, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Durham University, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Dar Es Salaam City Council, Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government, Tanzania; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Group, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom | Sikulu, M., Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, GPO Nairobi, Kenya; Govella, N.J., Ifakara Health Institute, Coordination Office, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni A, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Durham University, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Ogoma, S.B., Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, GPO Nairobi, Kenya; Mpangile, J., Ifakara Health Institute, Coordination Office, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni A, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam City Council, Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government, Tanzania; Kambi, S.H., Ifakara Health Institute, Coordination Office, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni A, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam City Council, Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government, Tanzania; Kannady, K., Dar Es Salaam City Council, Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government, Tanzania; Chaki, P.C., Ifakara Health Institute, Coordination Office, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni A, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Durham University, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Mukabana, W.R., Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, GPO Nairobi, Kenya; Killeen, G.F., Ifakara Health Institute, Coordination Office, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni A, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Durham University, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Group, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom | Background. Frequent, sensitive and accurate sampling of Anopheles mosquitoes is a prerequisite for effective management of malaria vector control programmes. The most reliable existing means to measure mosquito density is the human landing catch (HLC). However, the HLC technique raises major ethical concerns because of the necessity to expose humans to vectors of malaria and a variety of other pathogens. Furthermore, it is a very arduous undertaking that requires intense supervision, which is severely limiting in terms of affordability and sustainability. Methods. A community-based, mosquito sampling protocol, using the Ifakara tent trap-B (ITT-B) and standardized resting boxes (SRB), was developed and evaluated in terms of the number and sample composition of mosquitoes caught by each, compared to rigorously controlled HLC. Mosquitoes were collected once and three times every week by the HLC and the alternative methods, respectively, in the same time and location. Results. Overall, the three traps caught 44,848 mosquitoes. The ITT-B, HLC and SRB caught 168, 143 and 46 Anopheles gambiae s.l. as well as 26,315, 13,258 and 4,791 Culex species respectively. The ITT-B was three- and five-times cheaper than the HLC per mosquito caught for An. gambiae and Cx. Species, respectively. Significant correlations between the numbers caught by HLC and ITT-B were observed for both An. gambiae s.l. (P < 0.001) and Cx. species (P = 0.003). Correlation between the catches with HLC and SRB were observed for Cx. species (P < 0.001) but not An. gambiae s.l. (P = 0.195), presumably because of the low density of the latter. Neither ITT-B nor SRB exhibited any obvious density dependence for sampling the two species. Conclusion. SRBs exhibited poor sensitivity for both mosquito taxa and are not recommended in this setting. However, this protocol is affordable and effective for routine use of the ITT-B under programmatic conditions. Nevertheless, it is recommended that the trap and the protocol be evaluated further at full programmatic scales to establish effectiveness under fully representative conditions of routine practice. © 2009 Sikulu et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | Anopheles gambiae; article; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; Culex; human; intermethod comparison; malaria; nonhuman; parasite control; parasite vector; Tanzania; animal; Anopheles gambiae; classification; comparative study; Culex; evaluation; female; instrumentation; mosquito; population density; sensitivity and specificity; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Culex; Female; Humans; Mosquito Control; Population Density; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877289297 | Comparative evaluation of the leakage current and aging performance of htv sr insulators of different creepage lengths when energized by ac, dc+ or dc-in a severe marine environment | Elombo A.I., Holtzhausen J.P., Vermeulen H.J., Pieterse P.J., Vosloo W. | 2013 | IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation | 20 | 2 | 10.1109/TDEI.2013.6508743 | NamPower, Windhoek, Namibia; University of Stellenbosch, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7000, Saudi Arabia; Eskom, Cape Town, South Africa | Elombo, A.I., NamPower, Windhoek, Namibia; Holtzhausen, J.P., University of Stellenbosch, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7000, Saudi Arabia; Vermeulen, H.J., University of Stellenbosch, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7000, Saudi Arabia; Pieterse, P.J., University of Stellenbosch, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7000, Saudi Arabia; Vosloo, W., Eskom, Cape Town, South Africa | This paper compares the performance of HTV (high temperature vulcanized) silicone rubber power line insulators under AC and both polarities DC when subjected to natural pollution. The investigation was conducted at Koeberg Pollution Test Station (KIPTS) which is situated near Cape Town and is known for its severe coastal pollution and high humidity during the night. High rainfall is experienced during winter. Five insulators of different creepage lengths and of the same manufacture were energized by each voltage type, while being exposed to the environment for 310 days. The leakage current data of all insulators were logged, together with the weather data. Pollution levels were measured on a regular basis, using the ESDD (equivalent salt deposit density) method and directional dust deposit gauges (DDDG). High leakage current levels were recorded in summer due to the high pollution levels and high humidity. During winter, in contrast, lower levels of leakage current were recorded, confirming the washing effect of the winter rain. The leakage current levels for the silicone rubber insulators were of a similar order of magnitude for AC and positive DC, but lower for negative DC. Electrical discharge activities on the insulators were recorded at night and surface erosion was monitored at set intervals. A polarity effect relating to pollution performance and aging was confirmed on DC energized insulators. © 1994-2012 IEEE. | Dielectric materials; insulator contamination; insulators; pollution; testing; transmission lines | Aging performance; Coastal pollution; Comparative evaluations; Electrical discharges; Equivalent salt deposit density; High temperature; Insulator contamination; Silicone rubber insulators; Deposits; Dielectric materials; Electric discharges; Electric insulators; Electric lines; Marine pollution; Pollution; Rain; Salt deposits; Silicones; Testing; Leakage currents | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349191053 | Comparative evaluation of the microbial community in biological processes treating industrial and domestic wastewaters | Degenaar A.P., Ismail A., Bux F. | 2008 | Journal of Applied Microbiology | 104 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03563.x | Centre for Water and Wastewater Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Centre for Water and Wastewater Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa | Degenaar, A.P., Centre for Water and Wastewater Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Ismail, A., Centre for Water and Wastewater Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Bux, F., Centre for Water and Wastewater Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, Centre for Water and Wastewater Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa | Aims: Comparison of the microbial composition and process performance between laboratory scale processes treating domestic and vegetable oil wastewaters. Methods and Results: Two laboratory scale modified Ludzack-Ettinger processes were operated under similar operating conditions. One process was fed domestic wastewater and the other an industrial wastewater, vegetable oil effluent. Nitrogen removal capacities of the processes were similar. The industrial process exhibited a lower COD removal capacity and oxygen utilization rate, although a greater mixed liquor volatile suspended solids concentration was observed in the industrial process. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes EUBmix, ALF1b, BET42a, GAM42a and HGC69a revealed that 81% and 72% of total cells stained with 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) within the domestic and industrial processes respectively bound to EUBmix. This indicated a slightly lower Eubacterial population within the industrial process. The alpha-proteobacteria was the dominant community in the industrial process (31% of EUBmix), while the beta-proteobacteria dominated the domestic process (33% of EUBmix). Conclusions: The findings served to establish a difference in the microbial population between the processes. Therefore, the class alpha-proteobacteria could play a primary role in the degradation of vegetable oil effluent. Significance and Impact of the Study: This research will aid in process design and retrofitting of biological processes treating vegetable oil effluent. © 2007 The Authors. | Alpha-proteobacteria; Beta-proteobacteria; FISH; Vegetable oil effluent treatment | 4',6 diamidino 2 phenylindole; nitrogen; vegetable oil; biodegradation; chemical oxygen demand; comparative study; domestic waste; hybridization; industrial waste; microbial community; vegetable oil; waste treatment; wastewater; Alphaproteobacteria; article; Betaproteobacteria; bioprocess; chemical oxygen demand; comparative study; domestic waste; effluent; fluorescence in situ hybridization; immunocytochemistry; industrial waste; liquid; microbial community; microbial population dynamics; nonhuman; oxygen consumption; waste water management; Alphaproteobacteria; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Betaproteobacteria; Humans; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Industrial Waste; Plant Oils; Proteobacteria; Sewage; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Alphaproteobacteria; Bacteria (microorganisms); Betaproteobacteria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925456280 | Comparative evaluation of the mineral profile and other selected components of onion and garlic | Akinwande B.A., Olatunde S.J. | 2015 | International Food Research Journal | 22 | 1 | None | Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Akinwande, B.A., Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Olatunde, S.J., Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Mineral profile and some selected components of three cultivars of onion (Allium cepa L.) (Dan Zaria, red creole and white creole) bulb were compared with garlic (Allium sativum L.) clove. This was pertinent to establish their potentials in ensuring adequate nutrition and food security. Simultaneous multi-element analysis was done by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Selected components determined were pyruvic acid, total soluble solids (TSS), ash content, moisture content, vitamin C and pH. The most abundant quantity minerals in the Allium species are potassium (14291.17-17297.88 mg/Kg), phosphorus (2491.04-4777.88 mg/Kg) and calcium (694.41-1824.29 mg/Kg). Garlic had highest amount of phosphorus and zinc (4777.88 and 66.08 mg/Kg, respectively) with least contents of calcium, magnesium, iron and aluminium. Garlic had significantly (p<0.05) higher contents of pyruvic acid, ash and TSS contents than onion cultivars, with increase of 88%, 130% and 104% more than the highest obtained in onion cultivars. Except for moisture and vitamin C contents, highest value (with significant difference) of all the selected components was obtained in garlic. Onion cultivar (red creole) with least content of pyruvic acid and highest content of TSS would be preferred for culinary purpose. The comprehensive mineral profile of garlic and onion samples obtained in this work is an information that could sensitize people on their need for more consumption. This can be a good opportunity to enhance micronutrient supply of the diet of low income earners which form majority of the society. | Garlic; Mineral contents; Onion cultivars; Pyruvic acid; Total soluble solids | Allium; Allium cepa; Allium sativum; Syzygium aromaticum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891378371 | Comparative evaluation of the nutritional and sensory quality of major commercial whole-wheat breads in Nigerian market | Ndife J., Obiegbunna J., Ajayi S. | 2013 | Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology | 5 | 12 | None | Department of Food Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Tech., Nnamdi Azikiwe University of Tech, Awka, Nigeria | Ndife, J., Department of Food Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria; Obiegbunna, J., Department of Food Science and Tech., Nnamdi Azikiwe University of Tech, Awka, Nigeria; Ajayi, S., Department of Food Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria | The study examined the nutritional, microbial and sensory profile of regularly consumed commercial whole wheat breads in Nigeria in order to offer an insight into the overall quality of these foods. Four major local brands of commercial whole wheat breads (samples A, B, C and D) were evaluated. The normal white bread (sample E) served as control. Results of the physical properties obtained, showed that the white bread (sample E) had higher values for bread volume (2850 cm3), specific volume (4.38 cm3/g), hydration capacity (4.50%) and compressibility (45%) than the whole wheat breads. No trace of bromate was found in all the bread samples. The proximate analyses for the whole wheat bread showed the moisture content to range from (30.64-38.74%), fat (3.5-5.0%), Fibre (2.5-3.5%) higher than in white bread (26.40, 3.0 and 1.20% respectively). While the whole wheat breads had lower levels of protein (5.25-6.48%), carbohydrate (45.74-51.25%) and energy (249-258 Kcal) when compared to white bread of 9.00, 59.40% and 301 Kcal, respectively. The ash and mineral contents of the whole wheat breads were higher than that of white bread. While the viable microbial counts for the whole wheat breads (1.0×102-1.5×102) were lower than in the white bread (3.1×102). Generally, the bread samples were within the regulatory specifications and the whole wheat breads were nutritionally superior to the white bread while the white bread had better overall sensory preference than the whole wheat breads. © 2013 Maxwell Scientific Organization. | Bread; Chemical composition; Mineral; Sensory quality; Whole wheat | Bread; Chemical compositions; Comparative evaluations; Hydration capacity; Sensory preferences; Sensory qualities; Whole wheat; Whole-wheat breads; Chemistry; Food technology; Minerals; Food products | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846357832 | Comparative evaluation of the nutritive and functional attributes of some traditional Nigerian snacks and oil seed cakes | Aletor O., Ojelabi A. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 1 | None | Department of Chemistry, The Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Aletor, O., Department of Chemistry, The Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Ojelabi, A., Department of Chemistry, The Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | The proximate composition, the content of nutritionally valuable minerals and functional properties of some traditional Nigerian snacks: peanut ball (Kulikuli), maize-groundnut ball (Donkwa) and melon ball (Robo) were analyzed along with some oilseed cakes: groundnut cake (GNC), palm kernel cake (PKC) and soya bean cake (SBC). On the average the samples contained 31.7 g/100 g DM crude protein (range, 25.2-34.3 g/ 100 g DM); 20.6 g/100g DM crude fat (range, 9.2-29.6 g/100g DM); 8.0 g/ 100g DM crude fibre(range, 2.5-22.4g/100g DM) and ash 10.5 g/100g (range, 2.0-20 g/100g DM) The protein content of the snacks were generally similar to those of the oilseed cakes, while the fat content of the snacks were much higher. The crude fibre content was least in kulikuli while PKC had the highest value. The ash content of the snacks were generally much higher than those of the oilseed cakes. The gross energy ranged between 310.8 kcal/100 g in PKC to 559.2 kcal/100 g in kulikuli. Ca, Mg, P, K and Na were the most abundant minerals in both the snacks and oilseed cakes, while the Zn, Cu and Mn were the least abundant. The snacks were particularly much higher in their Na content. Among the functional attributes, the water absorption capacity (WAC) ranged from 70 to 220% in the traditional snacks, and from 200 to 260 % in the oilseed cakes. Foaming absorption capacity (FAC), varied from 128 to 147% in the snacks while it varied from 184 to 221% in the oilseed cakes. The least gelation concentration of Kulikuli, Robo and palm kernel cake were identical. Fat emulsion capacity and emulsion stability were also similar in all the products. All the samples had varying solubilities with change in pH. The proteins generally had multiple maxima and minima in their solubilities. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Nigerian snacks; Oilseed cakes; Palm kernel cake | calcium; copper; fat; magnesium; manganese; phosphorus; potassium; protein; sodium; zinc; article; ash; calorie; concentration (parameters); controlled study; dietary fiber; emulsion; fat content; food composition; gelation; lipid metabolism; maize; melon; Nigeria; nutritional value; peanut; pH measurement; protein content; solubility; soybean; water absorption; Arachis hypogaea; Cucumis; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956610269 | Comparative evaluation of the performance of an improved solar-biomass hybrid dryer | Okoroigwe E.C., Ndu E.C., Okoroigwe F.C. | 2015 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 26 | 4 | None | National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nige | Okoroigwe, E.C., National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ndu, E.C., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okoroigwe, F.C., Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | A solar biomass hybrid dryer intially designed with a front pass flat plate solar air heater and a biomass heating stove was redesigned, reconstructed in order to minimize the excessive convective heat losses and its performance re-evaluated. Due to poor design and contruction of the biomass heating and solar collector sections, the efficiency of the initial design was low. It is believed that the drying efficiency of the dryer could be enhanced if a back pass solar collector and a biomass heating stove incorporated with a gas to gas heat exchanger to ensure that the hot air reaching the samples is clean, smokeless and ash free, substitute for the original solar collector and biomass unit respectively in the improved version. The system's drying performance was tested on both no load and full capacity load under different meteorological conditions within Nsukka (Lat. 7°N) for two weeks. The testing results showed that the incorporation of a new back pass solar collector and the heat exchanger enhanced the trays temperatures on no load test. Similarly, the efficiency of the dryer based on solar, biomass and solarbiomass heating in drying of fresh okra, fresh groundnut and fresh cassava chips increased from 5.19-16.04%, 0.23-3.34% and 1.636-8.96% respectively over the initial construction. This shows that the dryer can help improve the post-harvest processing and storage quality of farm produce by drying if further optimized. | Biomass hybrid dryer; Drying efficiency; Drying rate; Post-harvest processing; Solar | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650907952 | Comparative evaluation of the roche cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 version 2 test using the TaqMan 48 analyzer and the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 assay | Van Rensburg E.J., Tait K., Watt A., Schall R. | 2011 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 49 | 1 | 10.1128/JCM.01285-10 | Quintiles Global Central Laboratories, Alba Campus, Rosebank, Livingston EH54 7EG, United Kingdom; Assay Development Laboratory, Quintiles Global Central Laboratories, Livingston, United Kingdom; Quintiles Biostatistics and University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Van Rensburg, E.J., Quintiles Global Central Laboratories, Alba Campus, Rosebank, Livingston EH54 7EG, United Kingdom; Tait, K., Assay Development Laboratory, Quintiles Global Central Laboratories, Livingston, United Kingdom; Watt, A., Assay Development Laboratory, Quintiles Global Central Laboratories, Livingston, United Kingdom; Schall, R., Quintiles Biostatistics and University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Acceptable precision was achieved in a comparison study of the Abbott RealTime (RT) and Roche CAP/ CTM-48 V2 HIV-1 assays, but viral load quantification was under- and overestimated, respectively, compared to the 2nd HIV-1 WHO International Standard. The same quantification patterns were observed for patient cohorts from Africa and the United States. Copyright © 2011, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | Africa; analyzer; article; cohort analysis; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; intermethod comparison; international standard unit; priority journal; quantitative analysis; United States; virus detection; virus load; world health organization; Africa; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; United States; Viral Load; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874853623 | Comparative evaluation of the Rose Bengal plate test, standard tube agglutination test and complement fixation test for the diagnosis of human brucellosis | Yohannesw M., Gill J.P.S., Ghatak S., Singh D.K., Tolosa T. | 2012 | OIE Revue Scientifique et Technique | 31 | 3 | None | School of Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Veterinary Public Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, PIN 141004, Ludhiana, India; Division of Public Health, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, 243 122, Izatanagar, India | Yohannesw, M., School of Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Gill, J.P.S., Department of Veterinary Public Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, PIN 141004, Ludhiana, India; Ghatak, S., Department of Veterinary Public Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, PIN 141004, Ludhiana, India; Singh, D.K., Division of Public Health, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, 243 122, Izatanagar, India; Tolosa, T., School of Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | In this study, 241 serum samples from individuals exposed to brucellosis were subjected to the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT); the titre was estimated by standard tube agglutination test (STAT), with positive > 80 IU/ml. Randomly selected sera (n = 81) were analysed by complement fixation test (CFT): titre > 1:4 was considered positive. Of 241 sera subjected to RBPT and STAT, 177 were negative in both tests; 5 samples tested negative by RBPT but positive by STAT. None was positive by RBPT and negative by STAT. Of 81 sera subjected to CFT, 23 (28.4%) were positive. Both RBPT and CFT found 18 samples positive; 5 samples were positive by CFT and negative by RBPT. Comparison of STAT with CFT showed 13 samples positive by STAT but negative by CFT, and 4 positive by CFT but negative by STAT. The sensitivity and specificity of STAT were 82.6% and 77.6%, respectively, with CFT as gold standard. No test is perfect, and the clinical history coupled with a combination of two or more tests will reduce diagnostic errors. | Comparative evaluation; Complement fixation test; Human brucellosis; Rose Bengal plate test; Standard tube agglutination test | bacterium antibody; diagnostic agent; fluorescent dye; rose bengal; agglutination test; article; blood; Brucella; brucellosis; comparative study; complement fixation test; cross-sectional study; evaluation study; human; immunology; sensitivity and specificity; standard; Agglutination Tests; Antibodies, Bacterial; Brucella; Brucellosis; Complement Fixation Tests; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Rose Bengal; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| None | None | Comparative evaluation of the Sticky-Resting-Box-Trap, the standardised resting-bucket-trap and indoor aspiration for sampling malaria vectors | Kreppel K.S., Johnson P.C.D., Govella N.J., Pombi M., Maliti D., Ferguson H.M. | 2015 | Parasites and Vectors | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13071-015-1066-0 | Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma Sapienza, Rome, Italy | Kreppel, K.S., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Johnson, P.C.D., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Govella, N.J., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Pombi, M., Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma Sapienza, Rome, Italy; Maliti, D., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Ferguson, H.M., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom | Background: Understanding mosquito resting behaviour is important for the control of vector-borne diseases, but this remains a challenge because of the paucity of efficient sampling tools. We evaluated two novel sampling methods in the field: the Sticky Resting Box (SRB) and the Resting Bucket trap (RBu) to test their efficiency for sampling malaria vectors resting outdoors and inside houses in rural Tanzania. The performance of RBu and SRB was compared outdoors, while indoors SRB were compared with the Back Pack Aspiration method (BP). Trapping was conducted within 4 villages in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania over 14 nights. On each night, the performance for collecting Anopheles vectors and Culicinae was compared in 4 households by SRB and RBu outdoors and by SRB or fixed-time Back Pack aspirator in 2 of the 4 focal households indoors. Findings: A total of 619 Anopheles gambiae s.l., 224 Anopheles funestus s.l. and 1737 Culicinae mosquitoes were captured. The mean abundance of An. arabiensis and An. funestus s.l. collected with SRB traps inside and outdoors was significantly lower than with BP or RBu. The SRB however, outperformed BP aspiration for collection of Culicinae indoors. Conclusions: Of the methods trialled indoors (BP and SRB), BP was the most effective, whilst outdoors RBu performed much better than SRB. However, as SRB can passively sample mosquitoes over a week they could provide an alternative to the RBu where daily monitoring is not possible. © 2015 Kreppel et al. | Anopheles arabiensis; Ecology; Exophily; Malaria vector; Resting behaviour; Resting traps; Sticky trap | Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; Article; controlled study; Culicinae; indoor aspiration; intermethod comparison; mosquito; nonhuman; population abundance; resting bucket trap; rural area; sampling; Sticky Resting Box Trap; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855467309 | Comparative evaluation of tree lucerne (chamaecytisus palmensis) over conventional protein supplements in supporting growth of yearling horro lambs | Kitaw G., Dejene M., Kehaliw A., Assefa G. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 1 | None | Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kitaw, G., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dejene, M., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kehaliw, A., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Assefa, G., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | A feeding trial was conducted for 90 days on yearling Horro lambs with a mean body weight of 18.5±0.05kg (mean ±SD) to investigate the effect of supplementation of conventional oil seed cakes and the comparative advantage they have over a fodder legume (Chamaecytisus palmensis) commonly known as Tagasaste supplementation. Six experimental sheep per treatment were arranged in completely randomized design to receive dietary treatments formulated to the nearest iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric in order to achieve a daily growth rate of 100g. In addition to being fed to an ad libitum natural pasture hay the sheep were supplemented with a concentrate mix composed of 180g noug seed (Guizotia abyssinica) cake + 180g wheat bran (NC), 180g linseed cake + 180g wheat bran (LC), 160g cotton seed cake + 200g wheat bran (CS), 250g Tagasaste leaf on dry matter bases + 150g wheat bran (TL) while the control group (CTL) was allowed to graze 8 hours a day according to the farmer's practice with out supplementation. Supplementation with cotton seed meal followed by linseed cake has substantially improved feed dry matter and nutrient intake (P<0.05), and significantly (P<0.05) promoted daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiencies. For almost all measured parameters in general no appreciable differences (P>0.05) in terms of sheep performance were observed among experimental sheep receiving noug cake meal and Tagasaste forage leaf signifying the need to capture the opportunity to replace conventional and most widely used purchased protein supplement with cost effective on-farm grown multi-purpose forage legume under Ethiopian condition. Even though, part of the work related to the carcass quality deserves special attention in the up-coming future research work the data set from the current study favors the use of the protein supplements in the order of CS, LC, TL, NC, respectively. | Forage legumes; Iso-caloric; Iso-nitrogenous; Natural pasture hay; Nutrient intake; Oil seed cakes; Tagasaste; Wheat bran | Animalia; Chamaecystis palmensis; Chamaecytisus palmensis; Gossypium hirsutum; Guizotia abyssinica; Medicago sativa; Ovis aries; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650134975 | Comparative evaluation of two nigerian local chicken ecotypes and their crosses for growth traits | Momoh O.M., Nwosu C.C., Adeyinka I.A. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello Universi | Momoh, O.M., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Nwosu, C.C., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Adeyinka, I.A., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | The Nigerian local chickens were grouped on the basis of body size and body weight into Heavy Ecotype (HE) and Light Ecotype (LE). Comparative evaluation of growth traits; Body Weight (BWT), Body Weight Gain (BWG) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) at 4-weekly intervals (from 0-20 weeks) of HE, LE and their F1 crosses; HE × LE - Main Cross (MCX) and LE × HE - Reciprocal Cross (RCX) were carried out. The total of 214, 142, 190 and 185 day-old chicks of HE, LE, MCX and RCX, respectively were used for the study. The chicks in all the genetic groups were raised on deep litter pens from 0-20 weeks using standard management procedures. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that the HE differed (p<0.05) from the LE in BWT (0-20 weeks). Crossing the HE with LE appeared to have closed the gap between HE and LE in BWT as there were no significant differences (p>0.05) between the BWT of HE and the crossbred groups as from 8-20 weeks of age. The crossbred groups quickly overcame the initial set backs resulting from maternal/sire-dam interaction effects and grew significantly heavier than the straight bred heavy and light ecotypes during the period, 12-20 weeks of age. FCR showed highly significant (p<0.001) difference among the genetic groups which indicates differences in maintenance requirements. On the whole, results of FCR showed that the local chickens are less efficient in feed utilization. © Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Heavy ecotype; Light ecotype; Local chickens; Main cross; Reciprocal cross | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875892886 | Comparative evaluation of warfarin utilisation in two primary healthcare clinics in the Cape Town area | Njovane X.W., Fasinu P.S., Rosenkranz B. | 2013 | Cardiovascular Journal of Africa | 24 | 2 | 10.5830/CVJA-2012-072 | Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Njovane, X.W., Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Fasinu, P.S., Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Rosenkranz, B., Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Although warfarin remains the anticoagulant drug of choice in a wide range of patients, its narrow therapeutic window makes patients susceptible to a high risk of bleeding complications or failure to prevent clotting. This has necessitated therapeutic monitoring in warfarinised patients. Factors that could be responsible for the fluctuating responses to warfarin vary from pharmacogenetic to concomitant morbidity, diet and medication. In order to assess the quality of management of warfarin treatment in a local primary-care setting, the current study evaluated warfarin utilisation and monitoring records in two hospitals with different patient groups. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken in the specialised warfarin clinics at Wesfleur and Gugulethu hospitals (Western Cape, South Africa) covering all warfarin-related therapy records over a 12-month period. Data extracted from the patients' folders included age, gender, race, weight, address, concurrent chronic illnesses, treatment and medication, indication for warfarin and INR history. Results: A total of 119 patients' folders were analysed. Attendance at the clinics reflects the demographics and racial distribution of the host location of the hospitals. While all the patients were maintained above the minimum international normalised ratio (INR) value of 2, about 50% had at least one record of INR above the cut-off value of 3.5. However, over a third of the patients (32.2%) had at least one record of INR greater than 3.5 in Gugulethu Hospital, compared to over half (58.3%) in Wesfleur Hospital. In total, atrial fibrillation was the most common indication for warfarinisation while hypertension was the most common concurrent chronic condition in warfarinised patients. All patients who received quinolone antibiotics had INR values above the cut-off point of 3.5 within the same month of the initiation of antibiotic therapy, suggesting drug-induced warfarin potentiation. Other co-medications, including beta-lactam antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anti-ulcer drugs appeared to alter warfarin responses as measured by recorded INR values. Conclusion: The study found inter-individual variability in the response to warfarin therapy, which cut across racial classifications. It also confirms the possible influence of concomitant morbidity on patient response to anticoagulant therapy. | Anticoagulant; Drug monitoring; International normalised ratio; Warfarin; Warfarinisation | antiulcer agent; beta lactam antibiotic; nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent; quinoline derived antiinfective agent; warfarin; adult; age; antibiotic therapy; arthritis; article; comorbidity; comparative study; diabetes mellitus; drug indication; drug utilization; female; gender; heart atrium fibrillation; hospital; human; hypertension; international normalized ratio; major clinical study; male; obstructive airway disease; peptic ulcer; primary health care; race; retrospective study; weight; Adult; Anticoagulants; Chi-Square Distribution; Comorbidity; Drug Interactions; Drug Monitoring; Drug Utilization; Drug Utilization Review; Female; Humans; International Normalized Ratio; Male; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Physician's Practice Patterns; Polypharmacy; Primary Health Care; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Treatment Outcome; Warfarin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949126110 | Comparative evaluation of wound healing effects of ocimum gratissimum, vernonia amygdaline and zingiber officinalis extracts on incision wound model in rats | Eyo J.E., Uzoibiam B.O., Ogbanya K.C., Nnaji T.O. | 2014 | Pharmacologyonline | 3 | None | None | Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | Eyo, J.E., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Uzoibiam, B.O., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Ogbanya, K.C., Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Nnaji, T.O., Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | Wound healing effects of Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdaline and Zingiber officinalis extracts were investigated using incisional wound model in rats. Twenty five (25) male Wistar albino rats, weighing between 100-150 grams were used for the study. They were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group A received the extract of Zingiber officinalis whereas groups B and C received the extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina, respectively. Group D served as positive control and received hydrogen peroxide and group E served as negative control and received normal saline. Wound healing indices such as wound contraction, re-epithelialization and whooping (fluid exudation) were subjectively and grossly studied. Area of wound contraction was observed to be time dependent regardless of the extract in both groups. In all extracts, wound contraction improved with duration of exposure to extract, being least at day 2 and highest at day 18. Similar results were obtained for both the positive and negative control using hydrogen peroxide and normal saline. The extracts enhanced wound contraction with more percentage area of wound contraction occurring for the group of animals treated with V. amygdalina than for the other extracts. Ranging of extracts wound healing effect were noted to be thus V. amygdalina > O. gratissimum > Z. officinalis. Although, animals treated with V. amygdalina showed greater healing than other animals of the positive and negative control but it showed no significant difference (p<0.05) when analyzed statistically. Wound epithelialization occurred on the average of two weeks independent of the groups or the extract used. The data from the experiment showed that there was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean days of epithelialization for all the five groups. Animals treated with Vernonia amygdalina had lesser day of wound epithelialization in comparison to animals treated with other extracts but yet showed no significant difference (p<0.05) when analyzed statistically. Exudation was mostly observed in the untreated wounds. The observation in the course of the experiment shows that whooping occurred in early stage of the wound for some extracts. Animals treated with plant extracts of Z. officinalis, O. Gratissimum, V. amygdalina and even hydrogen peroxide showed significant difference (p<0.05) in exudation when compared to animals treated with normal saline. However, Vernonia amygdaline proved more efficacious than any other extract for the treatment of all the phases of wound healing because it has the highest percentage area of wound contraction in almost all the days post-wounding. © 2015, SILAE (Italo-Latin American Society of Ethnomedicine). All rights reserved. | Incisional wound; Plant extracts; Rats; Wound healing | None | None |
| None | None | Comparative field evaluation of combinations of long-lasting insecticide treated nets and indoor residual spraying, relative to either method alone, for malaria prevention in an area where the main vector is Anopheles arabiensis | Okumu F.O., Mbeyela E., Lingamba G., Moore J., Ntamatungiro A.J., Kavishe D.R., Kenward M.G., Turner E., Lorenz L.M., Moore S.J. | 2013 | Parasites and Vectors | 6 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-3305-6-46 | Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Okumu, F.O., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Mbeyela, E., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Lingamba, G., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Moore, J., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Ntamatungiro, A.J., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Kavishe, D.R., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Kenward, M.G., Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Turner, E., Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Lorenz, L.M., Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Moore, S.J., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are commonly used together in the same households to improve malaria control despite inconsistent evidence on whether such combinations actually offer better protection than nets alone or IRS alone. Methods. Comparative tests were conducted using experimental huts fitted with LLINs, untreated nets, IRS plus untreated nets, or combinations of LLINs and IRS, in an area where Anopheles arabiensis is the predominant malaria vector species. Three LLIN types, Olyset®, PermaNet 2.0® and Icon Life® nets and three IRS treatments, pirimiphos-methyl, DDT, and lambda cyhalothrin, were used singly or in combinations. We compared, number of mosquitoes entering huts, proportion and number killed, proportions prevented from blood-feeding, time when mosquitoes exited the huts, and proportions caught exiting. The tests were done for four months in dry season and another six months in wet season, each time using new intact nets. Results: All the net types, used with or without IRS, prevented >99% of indoor mosquito bites. Adding PermaNet 2.0® and Icon Life®, but not Olyset® nets into huts with any IRS increased mortality of malaria vectors relative to IRS alone. However, of all IRS treatments, only pirimiphos-methyl significantly increased vector mortality relative to LLINs alone, though this increase was modest. Overall, median mortality of An. arabiensis caught in huts with any of the treatments did not exceed 29%. No treatment reduced entry of the vectors into huts, except for marginal reductions due to PermaNet 2.0® nets and DDT. More than 95% of all mosquitoes were caught in exit traps rather than inside huts. Conclusions: Where the main malaria vector is An. arabiensis, adding IRS into houses with intact pyrethroid LLINs does not enhance house-hold level protection except where the IRS employs non-pyrethroid insecticides such as pirimiphos-methyl, which can confer modest enhancements. In contrast, adding intact bednets onto IRS enhances protection by preventing mosquito blood-feeding (even if the nets are non-insecticidal) and by slightly increasing mosquito mortality (in case of LLINs). The primary mode of action of intact LLINs against An. arabiensis is clearly bite prevention rather than insecticidal activity. Therefore, where resources are limited, priority should be to ensure that everyone at risk consistently uses LLINs and that the nets are regularly replaced before being excessively torn. Measures that maximize bite prevention (e.g. proper net sizes to effectively cover sleeping spaces, stronger net fibres that resist tears and burns and net use practices that preserve net longevity), should be emphasized. © 2013 Okumu et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | chlorphenotane; cyhalothrin; insecticide; phosphorothioic acid derivative; pirimophosmethyl; unclassified drug; aerosol; chlorphenotane; insecticide; nitrile; phosphorothioic acid derivative; pirimiphos methyl; pyrethroid; adult; Anopheles arabiensis; article; bed net; clinical effectiveness; clinical evaluation; comparative effectiveness; controlled study; Culex pipiens; Culex quinquefasciatus; gene amplification; human; human experiment; insect bite; malaria; malaria control; male; mortality; pesticide spraying; protection; treatment duration; adolescent; aerosol; animal; Anopheles; comparative study; drug effects; housing; insecticide resistance; mosquito; physiology; procedures; Tanzania; time; transmission; young adult; Anopheles arabiensis; Adolescent; Adult; Aerosols; Animals; Anopheles; DDT; Housing; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insecticide Resistance; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Malaria; Male; Mosquito Control; Nitriles; Organothiophosphorus Compounds; Pyrethrins; Tanzania; Time Factors; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57749181538 | Comparative field evaluation of two rapid immunochromatographic tests for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) | Michel A.L., Simões M. | 2009 | Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology | 127 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.09.025 | Bacteriology Section, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag x05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; UTAD (Universidade de Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro) and ACD (Associacao Ciencia para o Desenvolviment, Portugal | Michel, A.L., Bacteriology Section, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag x05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Simões, M., UTAD (Universidade de Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro) and ACD (Associacao Ciencia para o Desenvolviment, Portugal | Panels of sera from African buffalo with confirmed bovine tuberculosis and from known uninfected controls were used to evaluate the performance of two commercial rapid chromatographic immunoassays (A and B) for the detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium bovis. The sensitivity was 33% and 23%, respectively, while the specificity was determined at 90% and 94%, respectively. Overall the performance of both diagnostic tests under field conditions was not found sufficiently high to support their use in bovine tuberculosis management and control strategies in South African game reserves. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | African buffalo; Bovine tuberculosis; Immunodiagnosis; Rapid test | animal experiment; animal model; article; buffalo; controlled study; diagnostic test; immunoassay; Mycobacterium bovis; nonhuman; sensitivity and specificity; serodiagnosis; Syncerus caffer; tuberculosis; Animals; Animals, Wild; Antibodies, Bacterial; Buffaloes; Case-Control Studies; Immunoassay; Mycobacterium bovis; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Tuberculosis; Bovinae; Mycobacterium bovis; Syncerus caffer | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884953969 | Comparative functionality evaluation of co-precipitate of Zea mays and Oryza sativum starch in paracetamol tablets | Onyishi Ikechukwu V., Chime Salome A. | 2013 | International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research | 22 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria | Onyishi Ikechukwu, V., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria; Chime Salome, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria | This work evaluated paracetamol tablets formulated using binder-disintegrant co-precipitate made from Zea mays (corn) and Oryza sativum (rice) starch. The co-precipitate were prepared using a concentration ratio of 1:1 of the Zea mays and Oryza sativum starch in a 1:3 volume ratio of starch to acetone. Granules of starch co-precipitate as binder (10 % w/w) and disintegrant at 5, 7.5, 10, 12 and 15 % w/w concentrations formulated by wet granulation were compared with that of Ac-di-sol, a super disintegrant. The basic micromeretic properties of the granules and physicochemical properties of the various tablet batches were evaluated to show the functionality of the starch co-precipitate as a binder and disintegrant in comparison to a super disintegrant Ac-di-sol. The results indicate that all batches of paracetamol granules exhibited good and acceptable flowability. All the paracetamol tablets formulated complied with BP specifications for the disintegration time of normal release tablets. The tablets hardness ranged from 5.97 ± 1.26 to 6.66 ± 1.28 kgf for batches A1 and A3 tablets formulated with 5 and 10 %w/w of starch co-precipitate, while the reference tablets exhibited hardness of 7.46 ± 1.74 kgf, significantly different from the test tablets (p < 0.05). Results of tablets friability showed that all the paracetamol tablets passed the friability test. Also, the tablets batches showed good release properties with T100 % range between 15-25 minutes in all the batches. The starch co-precipitate exhibited good properties as binder and disintegrant, in paracetamol tablets, and compared favourably with the super disintegrant- Ac-di-sol. | Coprecipitation; Oryza sativum; Paracetamol; Starch; Zea mays | acetone; croscarmellose sodium; disintegrating agent; lactose; magnesium stearate; paracetamol; starch; angle of repose; article; bulk density; concentration (parameters); drug dosage form comparison; drug granulation; drug release; drug screening; flow kinetics; flow rate; Hausner ratio; maize; physical chemistry; precipitation; rice; tablet compression; tablet disintegration time; tablet formulation; tablet friability; tablet hardness | None |
| None | None | Comparative growth and livability performance of exotic, indigenous chickens and their crosses in Tanzania | Munisi W.G., Katule A.M., Mbaga S.H. | 2015 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 27 | 4 | None | Tanzania Livestock Research Institute - Mpwapwa, P.O.Box 202 Dodoma, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3014, Morogoro, Tanzania | Munisi, W.G., Tanzania Livestock Research Institute - Mpwapwa, P.O.Box 202 Dodoma, Tanzania; Katule, A.M., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3014, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mbaga, S.H., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3014, Morogoro, Tanzania | A study was conducted in central Tanzania to compare growth performance and livability of two exotic stocks namely Broiler (B) and Black Australorp (A), and two indigenous chickens sourced from warm (W) and cool(C) ecological zones and their crossbreds. The four parental stocks were used in 4x4 diallel crossing to produce 16 genetic stocks totaling 1256 experimental chicks. Birds were fed on nutritionally balanced diets to meet their requirements as per age and physiological stage. Variables studied were livability from day old to 48 weeks of age and body weights at day old, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. The data on growth traits were recorded on individual bird basis and analyzed using the General Linear Models procedure of SAS (2003), while frequency procedure of SAS (2003) was used for livability analysis. Results revealed that genetic stocks differed in body weight at various ages. The broiler genetic stock (BB) was the heaviest at all ages. Among the indigenous ecotypes, the genetic stock from cool ecological zone (CC) was heavier than that from warm ecological zone (WW). However, at 12 weeks of age, the cross between the indigenous chickens from warm ecological zone and broiler (WB) in female birds as well as the cross between the broiler and indigenous chickens from the warm ecological zone (BW) in male birds had body weights which were close to that of straight broiler stocks (BB). The mean body weights of 12 weeks of age of the crosses ranged from 625g in the cross between indigenous chickens from the warm ecological zone and the indigenous chickens from the cool ecological zone (WC) to 1537g in the cross between the warm ecological zone and the broiler stocks (WB) for female birds. Similarly at 12 weeks of age, the mean body weights for male birds ranged from 894g in the cross between the indigenous chickens from the warm ecological zone and Black Australorp (WA) to 1833g in the cross between the broiler and indigenous chickens from the warm ecological zone (BW). Livability also differed significantly (p< 0.001) among genetic stocks in favor of the cross between Black Australorp and broiler (AB) females and its reciprocal (BA). The survival rate for female birds ranged from 32.3% in the indigenous chickens from the warm ecological zone (WW) to 72.3% in the cross between the broiler and the Black Australorp stocks (BA).The additive genetic contribution from the broiler stocks (BB) was higher than those of other stocks with respect to body weights. It is concluded that if is aimed at improving body weight and overall survival rate, then both broiler and Black Australorp crosses would offer the best option under moderate input production conditions. © 2015, Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved. | Additive breed effects; Body weight; Diallel crossing; Dual purpose chickens; Genetic stock; Heterosis; Reciprocal effects; Synthetic breeding | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| None | None | Comparative growth performance of different Australian provenances and local land races of Grevillea robusta at Lushoto and Ubiri in the West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania | Madadi L.M., Mathias S.C., Mugasha W.A., Nshubemuki L., Mwihomeke S.T. | 2009 | Southern Forests | 71 | 3 | 10.2989/SF.2009.71.3.4.916 | Lushoto Silviculture Research Centre, Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, PO Box 95, Lushoto, Tanzania; Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, PO Box 1854, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Forestry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Madadi, L.M., Lushoto Silviculture Research Centre, Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, PO Box 95, Lushoto, Tanzania; Mathias, S.C., Lushoto Silviculture Research Centre, Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, PO Box 95, Lushoto, Tanzania; Mugasha, W.A., Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, PO Box 1854, Morogoro, Tanzania; Nshubemuki, L., Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, PO Box 1854, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mwihomeke, S.T., Department of Forestry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Growth of seven Grevillea robusta provenances from its natural habitat in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, Australia, and five local land races were studied at two trial sites established in November 1998 at Lushoto and Ubiri in the West Usambara Mountains (WUM), North East Tanzania. The aim of the study was to compare the performance of natural provenances and progenies within provenances with local land races for subsequent management as seed production stands. Trees were assessed for survival, height, diameter at breast height, stem straightness, mean annual increment, branching, coppicing and flowering characteristics at 66 months. The experiment was a complete randomised block design, replicated three times in a 4 × 3 blocks design. The analysis of variance was done using SAS® software and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test. Results indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) for stem straightness between the Australian provenances and land races at the Lushoto site. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found for survival and the growth characteristics between the provenances and land races. The study provided indication for an opportunity to improve the species stem quality and consequent proportion of utilisable timber, whilst increasing the genetic base through introduction of some Australian provenances for planting in the highland areas of the WUM. Promising seed sources were recommended for pilot plantings while continuing with further observation to confirm the best-adapted provenances and land races for implementation in the WUM and similar agroecological zones. The study further recommended for establishment of multiplication stands from promising seed sources using at least 30 mother trees. © NISC Pty Ltd. | Genetic variation; Grevillea robusta; Growth characteristics; Seed sources; Survival | Grevillea robusta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924785382 | Comparative growth performance of male monosex and mixed sex nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus l.) reared in earthen ponds | Githukia C.M., Ogello E.O., Kembenya E.M., Achieng A.O., Obiero K.O., Munguti J.M. | 2015 | Ribarstvo, Croatian Journal of Fisheries | 73 | 1 | 10.14798/73.1.788 | Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kegati Aquaculture Research Station, P.O Box 3259, Kisii, Kenya; University of Eldoret, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Sangoro Aquaculture Research station, P.O Box 136, Pap-Onditi, Kenya; Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Center, P.O. Box 451, Sagana, Kenya | Githukia, C.M., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kegati Aquaculture Research Station, P.O Box 3259, Kisii, Kenya; Ogello, E.O., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kegati Aquaculture Research Station, P.O Box 3259, Kisii, Kenya; Kembenya, E.M., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kegati Aquaculture Research Station, P.O Box 3259, Kisii, Kenya; Achieng, A.O., University of Eldoret, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Obiero, K.O., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Sangoro Aquaculture Research station, P.O Box 136, Pap-Onditi, Kenya; Munguti, J.M., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Center, P.O. Box 451, Sagana, Kenya | Comparative growth performance of male monosex and mixed sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was conducted in six earthen ponds each measuring 150 m2 at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kegati Aquaculture Research Station. Male monosex and mixed sex of O. niloticus juveniles at an average weight of 12.2 ± 0.02 g and average length of 7.6 ± 0.02 cm were collected from nursery production ponds. The male monosex juveniles were obtained by feeding newly hatched juveniles with feed dosed with 17 α methyl testosterone hormone for a period of one month. Stocking was at 3 juvenile m-2 and feeding was carried out using 28% crude protein diet twice daily for six months at 4% body weight. Selected water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and total ammonia nitrogen) were measured weekly in situ, while sampling for weight and length measurements was conducted on a monthly basis for a period of six months. Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Condition Factor (CF), and survival rate (%) were measured at the end of six months. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). At the end of six months, the average weight of male monosex and mixed sex fishes were 200.8 ± 0.81 g (mean ± SE) and 123.4 ± 0.76 g respectively while the average length of male monosex and mixed sex were 22.4 ± 0.21 cm and 18.6 ± 0.23 cm respectively. The male monosex O. niloticus achieved significantly increased final weight and length, SGR, FCR and CF than the mixed sex O. niloticus (p < 0.05). However, both male monosex and mixed sex fish recorded similar survival rates (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean water quality parameters in male monosex and mixed sex ponds (p > 0.05). The male monosex fish performed better because most energy was spent on muscle and tissue development while the mixed sex fish spent most energy on reproduction activities at the expense of muscle and tissue development. Further studies should be done in other culture systems such as liner ponds, tanks, cages and raceways. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture. All rights reserved. | Growth performance; Male monosex; Mixed sex; Nile tilapia | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903195977 | Comparative impacts over 5 years of artemisinin-based combination therapies on Plasmodium falciparum polymorphisms that modulate drug sensitivity in Ugandan children | Conrad M.D., LeClair N., Arinaitwe E., Wanzira H., Kakuru A., Bigira V., Muhindo M., Kamya M.R., Tappero J.W., Greenhouse B., Dorsey G., Rosenthal P.J. | 2014 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 210 | 3 | 10.1093/infdis/jiu141 | Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States | Conrad, M.D., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; LeClair, N., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Arinaitwe, E., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Wanzira, H., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Kakuru, A., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Bigira, V., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Muhindo, M., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Kamya, M.R., Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Tappero, J.W., Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Greenhouse, B., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Dorsey, G., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Rosenthal, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States | Background. Artemisinin-based combination therapies, including artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), are recommended to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Sensitivities to components of AL and DP are impacted by polymorphisms in pfmdr1 and pfcrt. We monitored changes in prevalences of polymorphisms in Tororo, Uganda, from 2008 to 2012. Methods. Polymorphic loci in pfmdr1 and pfcrt were characterized in samples from 312 children randomized to AL or DP for each episode of uncomplicated malaria (50 samples per arm for each 3-month interval) utilizing a fluorescent microsphere assay. Treatment outcomes and impacts of prior therapies were also characterized. Results. Prevalence increased significantly over time for pfmdr1 N86 (AL: odds ratio [OR], 2.08 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.83-2.38]; DP: 1.41 [95% CI, 1.25-1.57]), pfmdr1 D1246 (AL: 1.46 [95% CI, 1.29-1.64]; DP: 1.36 [95% CI, 1.23-1.50]), and pfcrt K76 (AL: 3.37 [95% CI, 1.85-6.16]; DP: 5.84 [95% CI, 1.94-17.53], and decreased for pfmdr1 Y184 (AL: 0.78 [95% CI, .70-.86]; DP: 0.84 [95% CI, .76-1.50]); changes were consistently greater in the AL arm. Recent AL treatment selected for pfmdr1 N86, D1246, and 184F in subsequent episodes; DP selected for the opposite alleles. Conclusions. Genotypes with decreased sensitivity to AL components increased over time. This increase was greater in children receiving AL, suggesting that the choice of treatment regimen can profoundly influence parasite genetics and drug sensitivity. © The Author 2014. | Artemether-lumefantrine; Dihydroartemisinin- piperaquine; Pfcrt; Pfmdr1; Plasmodium falciparum | artemether plus benflumetol; dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine; allele; article; child; clinical trial; comparative effectiveness; copy number variation; drug efficacy; drug sensitivity; ethnic group; female; gene; gene frequency; gene locus; genetic identification; genetic polymorphism; genotype; human; longitudinal study; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; Pfcrt gene; pfmdr1 gene; Plasmodium falciparum; prevalence; priority journal; treatment outcome; Ugandan; artemether-lumefantrine; dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine; pfcrt; pfmdr1; Plasmodium falciparum; Alleles; Artemisinins; Child, Preschool; Drug Resistance; Female; Humans; Infant; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Plasmodium falciparum; Polymorphism, Genetic; Uganda | CDC, National Institutes of Health; DDCF, National Institutes of Health; AI075045, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI089674, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855452891 | Comparative indices for the evaluation of the effectiveness of intercropping systems in yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | Abakura J.B., Gungula D.T., Sajo A.A. | 2010 | Discovery and Innovation | 21 | 04-Mar | None | Department of Vocational Education, Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY), Nigeria; Department of Crop Production and Horticulture FUTY, Nigeria | Abakura, 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), Nigeria | Field 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; Yola | Arachis hypogaea; Glycine max; Yola; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45849151072 | Comparative in vitro evaluation of mixtures of Panicum maximum cv Ntchisi with stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis), Lablab (Lablab purpureus), Centro (Centrosema pubescens) and Histrix (Aeschynomene histrix) | Ajayi F.T., Babayemi O.J. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 6 | None | Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ajayi, F.T., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria; Babayemi, O.J., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME), short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and degradation constants of Panicum maximum and legume mixtures and Panicum maximum intercrop with legumes were estimated from in vitro gas production parameters. Crude protein (CP) content ranged from 7.63 to 23.29%, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) ranged from 50.66 to 64.28%, Ether extract ranged from 2.73 to 9.24% and the ash content values ranged from 6.78 to 12.66%. Phenol content varied from 1.47 - 1.76 %, Tannin value ranged from 1.05 - 1.38 %, Saponin content ranged from 1.38 - 1.72 %, Phytate content ranged from 2.17 - 2.31 % and Oxalate content ranged from 1.54 - 1.73 %. Potential gas production, b from the insoluble fraction of the legumes ranged from 22.38 to 28.46 ml/g DM, the value for the mixtures ranged from 14.55 to 22.10 ml/g DM. The b fraction of the grass in legume intercrop ranged from 20.45 to 24.50.ml/g DM. Increased gas production was observed in the mixtures and intercrop than sole grass. Methane production was higher in legumes than the mixtures. ME, OMD and SCFA values were in the order of mixtures > legumes > sole grass. Grass in legume intercrop had higher ME, OMD, SCFA than sole grass. This study revealed that grass in legume intercrop and grass/legume mixtures have greater benefit in animal nutrition than grass only. | Gas production; Grass; Intercrop; Mixtures; Panicum maximum | Aeschynomene histrix; Animalia; Centrosema pubescens; Lablab; Lablab purpureus; Panicum maximum; Stylosanthes guianensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149404628 | Comparative in vivo evaluation of the trypanocidal activities of aqueous leaf, stem-bark and root extracts of Khaya senegalensis on Trypanosoma evansi | Adeiza A.A., Mohammed A., Mamman M. | 2010 | Journal of Medicinal Plants Research | 4 | 17 | None | Animal Health and Husbandry Department, College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P. M. B. 2134, Mando Road, Kaduna, Nigeria; Animal Production Technology Department, College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello Univer | Adeiza, A.A., Animal Health and Husbandry Department, College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P. M. B. 2134, Mando Road, Kaduna, Nigeria; Mohammed, A., Animal Production Technology Department, College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P. M. B. 2134, Mando Road, Kaduna, Nigeria; Mamman, M., National Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, Surame Road, Kaduna, Nigeria | The effects of three different parts of Khaya senegalensis, commonly used in the traditional treatment of diseases in Northern Nigeria was examined in Trypanosoma evansi infected rats. At a dose of 120 mg/ml body weight for 3 consecutive days, the aqueous stem bark extract completely suppressed parasite establishment. The dose cured the experimentally infected rats in 9 days. The aqueous leaf extract showed a weak trypanocidal activity while the stem bark extract showed the most activity that is dose dependent. The results suggested that traditional use of K. senegalensis extracts has a pharmacological basis. © 2010 Academic Journals. | In vivo; Khaya senegalensis; Parasitaemia; Trypanocidal activity; Trypanosoma evansi | alkaloid; antiprotozoal agent; carbohydrate; cardiac glycoside; diminazene aceturate; flavanoid; Khaya senegalensis extract; plant extract; samorenil; saponin; sugar; tannin derivative; terpene; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; antiprotozoal activity; article; bark; chemical composition; comparative study; controlled study; drug dose comparison; drug efficacy; drug screening; female; Khaya senegalensis; male; nonhuman; phytochemistry; plant; plant leaf; plant root; plant stem; rat; surra; treatment duration; treatment response; Trypanosoma evansi; Khaya senegalensis; Rattus; Trypanosoma evansi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890198153 | Comparative lung function performance of stroke survivors and age-matched and sex-matched controls | Ezeugwu V.E., Olaogun M., Mbada C.E., Adedoyin R. | 2013 | Physiotherapy Research International | 18 | 4 | 10.1002/pri.1547 | University of Abuja Teaching Hospital - Physiotherapy, Phase 3 Gwagwalada, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, 900001, Nigeria; Obafemi Awolowo University - Medical Rehabilitation, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria | Ezeugwu, V.E., University of Abuja Teaching Hospital - Physiotherapy, Phase 3 Gwagwalada, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, 900001, Nigeria; Olaogun, M., Obafemi Awolowo University - Medical Rehabilitation, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria; Mbada, C.E., Obafemi Awolowo University - Medical Rehabilitation, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria; Adedoyin, R., Obafemi Awolowo University - Medical Rehabilitation, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria | Background and Purpose: Reduced endurance and excessive fatigue in stroke survivors (SS) during exercise may be linked to impairment of lung function and breathing mechanics, but little is known about lung function of SS. The purpose of this study is to determine lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow [PEF]) and influence of anthropometrics on lung function in SS compared with healthy controls (CG). Methods: In this case-control, cross-sectional study, we recruited 70 participants (42 males, 28 females), comprising 35 SS and 35 CG (range 34-73years). Anthropometrics were measured using standard instruments and procedure. Chest excursion was measured at the axilla, xiphoid and lower costal levels. Lung function indices were measured using a micro-computerized spirometer. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Results/Findings: Compared with the CG, the SS had significantly lower values for FEV1 (1.99±0.66 vs. 2.36±0.45L, p=0.004), FVC (2.55±0.70 vs. 2.90±0.54L, p=0.014), PEF (3.88±1.38 vs. 5.24±1.30Lsecond-1, p=0.001) and chest excursion (3.0±0.71 vs. 3.5±0.91 cm, p=0.018). Correlations between chest excursion, FEV1, FVC and PEF were not significant (p>0.05). Discussion: The weakness of respiratory muscles associated with stroke may have contributed to decreases in lung function observed. There was a significant reduction in chest excursion of SS compared with CG. Chest excursion has been used as an indicator of respiratory muscle function because the range of motion of the thorax serves the respiration. Movements of the thorax influence the content of the thorax cavity, leading to alterations in lung volumes. Implications for Physiotherapy Practice: Stroke survivors have lower lung function when compared with CG; this has implications for clinicians in stroke rehabilitation, underscoring the importance for inclusion of interventions to improve lung function. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Lung function; Spirometry; Stroke survivors | adult; aged; article; breathing mechanics; case control study; cerebrovascular accident; cross-sectional study; forced expiratory volume; human; lung; lung function; lung function test; male; middle aged; pathophysiology; peak expiratory flow; physiology; spirometry; stroke survivors; survivor; thoracic cavity; vital capacity; lung function; spirometry; stroke survivors; Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Respiratory Function Tests; Respiratory Mechanics; Stroke; Survivors; Thoracic Cavity; Vital Capacity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856624708 | Comparative MIC evaluation of a generic ceftriaxone by broth microdilution on clinically relevant isolates from an academic hospital complex in South Africa | Lowman W., Aithma N., Coetzee J.F., Dusè A.G., Mer M. | 2012 | South African Medical Journal | 102 | 2 | None | Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand; and Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa; Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Lowman, W., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand; and Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Aithma, N., Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa; Coetzee, J.F., Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa; Dusè, A.G., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand; and Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mer, M., Department of Medicine, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | We evaluated the in vitro microbiological efficacy of a generic ceftriaxone product against several clinically significant organisms collected from sterile sites. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each was determined simultaneously with the reference and the generic ceftriaxone product. Comparative analysis of MICs between the two products for each isolate was performed using both categorical (interpretive) agreement and essential (actual MIC value) agreement. A total of 260 isolates were tested. Overall, there was categorical agreement of 98.9% and essential agreement of 95.8%. The categorical agreement for all isolates (96.7 - 100%) accorded with international standards, as no very major errors were seen and the major error rate was less than 3%. Of the 90 isolates of E. coli (40), Klebsiella spp. (40) and Salmonella spp. (10), 87.6% had an MIC less than or equal to 0.12 mg/l. The generic ceftriaxone product showed equivalent efficacy by MIC determination to the reference formulation. Ceftriaxone remains a viable and useful antimicrobial agent against a variety of clinically relevant organisms in our setting. | None | ceftriaxone; extended spectrum beta lactamase; alpha hemolytic Streptococcus; antibiotic sensitivity; article; bacterium isolate; broth dilution; comparative study; drug efficacy; Enterobacteriaceae; Escherichia coli; Haemophilus influenzae; Klebsiella; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; phenotype; Salmonella; South Africa; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptococcus pyogenes; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Ceftriaxone; Citrobacter; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Escherichia coli; Haemophilus influenzae; Humans; Klebsiella; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Staphylococcus aureus; Viridans Streptococci | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84895777446 | Comparative morphophysiological evaluation of the testis of adult wistar Rats fed low protein-energy diet and dosed with aqueous extracts of cuscuta Australis | Ozegbe P.C., Omirinde J.O. | 2012 | Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences | 27 | 2 | None | Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ozegbe, P.C., Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Omirinde, J.O., Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Cuscuta australis (C. australis) seed and stem are historically used by the local population as dietary supplement for the management of infertility. This study, therefore, evaluated the effect of orally administered aqueous extracts of C. australis seed and stem, 300mg/kg body weight/day for seven days, on the testis of the adult Wistar rat fed either low or normal protein-energy diets. The control group received water. The relative weight of the testis was non-significantly increased (p>0.05) in the Low Protein-energy diet-Water-treated (LPWA), Low Protein-energy diet-Seed-treated (LPSE) and Normal Protein-energy diet-Seed-treated (NPSE) groups relative to the Normal Protein-energy diet-Water-treated (NPWA). The weight of the testis was also non-significantly increased (p>0.05) in the Low Protein-energy diet-Stem-treated (LPST), but decreased in the Normal Protein-energy diet-Stem-treated (NPST), relative to LPWA and NPWA. Heights of germinal epithelium were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the LPWA, LPSE and LPST relative to the NPWA, NPSE and NPST. Diet significantly influenced (p<0.001) the effect of stem extract on the height of germinal epithelium. The NPSE, LPSE, NPST, LPST and LPWA showed significantly decreased (p<0.001) plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) relative to NPWA. The LPWA, LPSE and NPST also showed significantly decreased (p<0.001) levels of testosterone relative to NPWA and LPST. Diet significantly influenced (p<0.001) the effect of seed on the level of LH. Seed-diet interactions significantly affected the levels of FSH (p<0.001) and LH (p<0.05), but not testosterone. Diet significantly influenced (p<0.001) the effects of stem extract on the levels of FSH, LH and testosterone. Stem-diet interactions significantly affected (p<0.001) the levels of FSH, LH and testosterone. Our data suggest that the aqueous extract of C. australis stem is more potent than the seed extract and that dietary protein-energy intake may influence the efficacy of orally administered aqueous extracts of C. australis. © Physiological Society of Nigeria. | Cuscuta australis; Follicle stimulating hormone; Plasma luteinizing hormone; Protein-energy malnutrition; Testis; Testosterone | plant extract; plant extract; animal; article; comparative study; Cuscuta; drug effect; drug screening; male; male infertility; medicinal plant; plant seed; plant stem; protein calorie malnutrition; protein restriction; randomization; rat; testis; Wistar rat; complication; drug effects; Infertility, Male; protein calorie malnutrition; testis; Animals; Cuscuta; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Infertility, Male; Male; Plant Extracts; Plant Stems; Plants, Medicinal; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Seeds; Testis; Animals; Cuscuta; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Infertility, Male; Male; Plant Extracts; Plant Stems; Plants, Medicinal; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Seeds; Testis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952820483 | Comparative, nutritive and physico-chemical evaluation of cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaf protein concentrate and fish meal | Aletor O. | 2010 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 8 | 2 | None | Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | Aletor, O., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | Leaf protein concentrate (LPC) from cassava (Manihot esculenta) and fish meal were analysed and compared for their proximate chemical composition, gross energy, mineral constituents and functional properties. Also their amino acid profile and in vitro multi-enzyme protein digestibility were determined. The cassava LPC contained on the average (g/100 g DM) 41.7 crude protein (CP), 6.3 ether extract (EE), 0.5 crude fibre (CF) and 8.1 ash while the fish meal contained 65.7, 9.6, 0.5 and 14.9 g/100 g DM, CP, EE, CF and ash, respectively. The CP, EE and ash content of fish meal were generally higher than those of the LPC while the gross energy was higher in the latter than in the former. Among the major minerals Na, K, Mg and Zn were generally higher in the LPC while Ca, P and Fe were more abundant in the fish meal. Higher variation in concentration were generally observed in the major minerals as indicated by the high coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 56 to 133%. The mean value for water absorption capacity (WAC), emulsion capacity (EC) and emulsion stability (ES) in cassava LPC (158.0, 55.4 and 56.9%, respectively) were similar to those of fish meal (200.0, 47.9 and 47.7%, respectively). The fat absorption capacity, foaming capacity and foaming stability of cassava LPC were generally lower than those of fish meal as indicated by the very high CV (%) ranging from 115 to 136%. Protein solubilities of the two protein concentrates were generally higher in both the acid and alkaline media. Amino acids scores, with egg as reference, for fish meal were generally higher than for LPC while the in vitro multi-enzyme protein digestibility indicates that the cassava LPC was more digestible (86.3%) than the fish meal (74.9%). | Amino acid profile; Functional properties; Gross energy; in vitro multi-enzyme protein digestibility; Mineral constituents; Proximate chemical composition | amino acid; calcium; enzyme; ether derivative; fat; iron; magnesium; phosphorus; potassium; sodium; vegetable protein; water; zinc; article; ash; cassava; comparative study; digestion; egg; emulsion; energy; fiber; fish; foaming; in vitro study; lipid absorption; meal; nutritional value; physical chemistry; scoring system; solubility; water absorption; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45749157640 | Comparative performance and haematological indices of finishing broilers fed Palm kernel cake, Bambara offal and Rice husk as partial replacement for maize | Ugwu S.O.C., Onyimonyi A.E., Ozonoh C.I. | 2008 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 7 | 3 | 10.3923/ijps.2008.299.303 | Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ugwu, S.O.C., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Onyimonyi, A.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ozonoh, C.I., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ninety six unsexed four weeks old Anak broilers were used to compare the performance of finishing broilers fed Palm kernel cake, Bambara offal and Rice husk as partial replacement for maize. The ninety-six broilers were divided into four groups and fed diets containing either 40 percent Maize (T1) as control or 20 percent Palm kernel cake (T2), 20 percent Bambara offal (T3) and 20 percent Rice husk (T4). Each group was replicated thrice with 8 birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feed and water were provided ad libitum for the 28 days the trial lasted. Results showed that the effect of treatments on final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg gain were significant (P < 0.05). Average daily gain of 0.075kg observed in birds on T2 was significantly different (P < 0.05) from values of 0.065Kg, 0.066kg and 0.067kg recorded for birds on the control, T3 and T4 diets respectively. Also, the same group (T2) had superior feed cost per kg gain of • 118.60 which differed significantly (P < 0.05) from • 135.59 and • 154.40 observed for birds on the control and T4 diets respectively. Haematological investigation revealed that the same birds on T2 had significantly higher values (P < 0.05) of red blood cell, haemoglobin, packed cell volume and eosinophils. Results of this study showed that 20 percent PKC can effectively replace maize in diets of finishing broilers with better performance and economic returns. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Anak broilers; Bambara offal; Maize; Palm kernel cake; Rice husk | Aves; Bambara; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904077609 | Comparative performance of aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase rapid diagnostic tests in Plasmodium vivax detection | Wang J., Dzakah E.E., Kang K., Ni C., Tang S., Wang J. | 2014 | Malaria Journal | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-13-272 | School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China | Wang, J., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China; Dzakah, E.E., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China; Kang, K., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China, National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China; Ni, C., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China; Tang, S., National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China; Wang, J., National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China | Background: Misdiagnosis of malaria by commercial rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is a major cause of concern in the diagnosis of malaria. This retrospective study was aimed at assessing the relative performance of four RDTs with emphasis on the detection of two Plasmodium vivax antigens: aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Methods. Three commercially available Plasmodium LDH or aldolase antigen detection kits (One Step Malaria P.f/P.v, ParaHit Total ver. 1.0, SD Bioline Malaria) and an anti-P. vivax aldolase-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) pair 1C3-12 F10 were evaluated with P. vivax positive as well as non-P. vivax samples and healthy samples using blood smear examination as standard. Each test was read according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results: MAb 1C3-12 F10 pair targeting P. vivax-specific aldolase exhibited very good specificity and sensitivity of 100 and 97.4%, respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100 and 99.5%, respectively, were also observed. The anti-P. vivax LDH in the One-Step Malaria P.f/P.v test showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 93.5, 98.0, 88.9 and 98.8%, respectively. ParaHit Total ver. 1.0 targeting the pan-aldolase antigen showed sensitivity, specificity of 97.4 and 99.6%, respectively. PPV and NPV were both 99.5%. SD Bioline had sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 93.5, 100, 100 and 98.8%, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity of all four RDTs were acceptable, especially for the aldolase detection tests. Five (6.5%) of the P. vivax-positive samples (n = 77) that were confirmed by microscopic examination as well as the two aldolase detection RDTs (mAb 1C3-12 F10 and ParaHit Total ver.1.0) were undetected by the two LDH detection RDTs (One Step Malaria P.f/P.v and SD Bioline). Similarly, two positive samples (2.6%) that were positively confirmed by the LDH detection RDTs were also undetected by the aldolase detection test kits. Conclusion: Aldolase and LDH antigens perform differently in different P. vivax samples; hence there is a high risk of misdiagnosis when monoclonal antibodies are used against only one particular antigen in the test. A combination of both aldolase and LDH in RDTs for the rapid diagnosis of P. vivax will enhance the sensitivity of the assay and reduce misdiagnosis. © 2014 Dzakah et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Aldolase; Antigen; Malaria; Misdiagnosis; Plasmodium vivax | fructose bisphosphate aldolase; lactate dehydrogenase; monoclonal antibody; monoclonal antibody 1C3 12 F10; unclassified drug; fructose bisphosphate aldolase; lactate dehydrogenase; monoclonal antibody; parasite antigen; protozoon antibody; antigen detection; article; blood smear; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; malaria rapid test; microscopy; nonhuman; parasite identification; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium malariae; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium vivax malaria; predictive value; retrospective study; sensitivity and specificity; blood; comparative study; diagnostic test; diagnostic use; evaluation study; hospital information system; immunoassay; Malaria, Vivax; procedures; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Protozoan; Antigens, Protozoan; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase; Humans; Immunoassay; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Malaria, Vivax; Point-of-Care Systems; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-30644462350 | Comparative performance of a UASB reactor and an anaerobic packed-bed reactor when treating potato waste leachate | Parawira W., Murto M., Zvauya R., Mattiasson B. | 2006 | Renewable Energy | 31 | 6 | 10.1016/j.renene.2005.05.013 | Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Parawira, W., Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden, Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Murto, M., Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; Zvauya, R., Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mattiasson, B., Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden | The results presented in this paper are from studies on a laboratory-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and an anaerobic packed-bed (APB) reactor treating potato leachate at increasing organic loading rates from 1.5 to 7.0 g COD/1/day. The hydraulic retention times ranged from 13.2 to 2.8 days for both reactors during the 100 days of the experiment. The maximum organic loading rates possible in the laboratory-scale UASB and APB reactors for stable operation were approximately 6.1 and 4.7 g COD/l day, respectively. The COD removal efficiencies of both reactors were greater than 90% based on the total COD of the effluent. The methane yield increased with increasing organic loading rate up to 0.23 l CH4/g CODdegraded in the UASB reactor and 0.161 CH4/g CODdegraded in the APB reactor. The UASB could be run at a higher organic loading rate than the APB reactor and achieved a higher methane yield. Signs of reactor instability were decreasing partial alkalinity and pH and increasing amounts of volatile fatty acids. The study demonstrated the suitability of the UASB and a packed-bed reactor for treating leachate from potato waste. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Anaerobic digestion; Anaerobic packed-bed; Biogas; Leachate; Methane yield; Potato waste; UASB | Alkalinity; Anaerobic digestion; Biogas; Effluent treatment; Hydraulics; Leachate treatment; Methane; Packed beds; pH effects; Anaerobic packed-bed; Methane yield; Potato waste; UASB; Chemical reactors; biogas; waste treatment; Alkalinity; Biogas; Chemical Reactors; Effluent Treatment; Hydraulics; Leaching; Methane; Solanum tuberosum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79551554890 | Comparative performance of broiler fed diets containing raw and processed Mucuna seed meal | Tuleun C.D., Offia B., Yaakugh I.D.I. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 11 | 10.3923/ijps.2010.1056.1062 | Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Tuleun, C.D., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Offia, B., Department of Animal Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Yaakugh, I.D.I., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | The effects of raw and local processing methods on the nutritive value of Mucuna utilis seeds fed in diets to broiler performance were investigated. The processing methods were: seeds were soaked for 24 h in plain water, cooking of 24-h pre-soaked seeds for 60 min and cooking in a solution of potash (kanwa, trona) for 60 min. Five experimental diets were formulated such that diet 1 contained no mucuna (control), while raw, soaked, pre-soaked and cooked and cooked-in-potash mucuna seed meal were included at 20% dietary levels respectively. One hundred and fifty (150) One-week old (Anak, 2000) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the experimental diets in a completely randomized design. There were 3 replicates of the 5 treatments and 10 birds per replicate. 22% Crude Protein (CP) diets were fed during the starter phase and 20%CP diets during the finisher phase. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the 8-week trial period. At the end of the feeding trial, 3 birds were selected from replicates and slaughtered for carcass and blood evaluation. The different processing methods caused percentage reductions in Crude Protein (CP) and ether extract but increased the gross energy and ash content of the seeds. Cooking of pre-soaked beans and cooking in potash solution significantly (p<0.05) reduced most of the antinutrient factor contents of the seeds. During the starter phase, average fed intake and feed conversion efficiency f birds on cooked mucuna seed diets were similar to the control group. At the finisher phase better performance in terms of weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, protein efficiency ratio were significantly (p<0.05) achieved with a 25% reduction in cost of feed per kilogram gain in the group fed seeds cooked for 60 minutes diet. Birds on cooked mucuna seed diets had comparable dressing percentage, empty gizzard, liver, pancreas spleen and lungs weights with the birds fed the control diet. The packed cell volume, haemoglobin and white blood cell count values of the birds on the cooked mucuna diets were significantly similar to the control group. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Cooking; Hematological values; Mucuna seeds; Performance of broiler chickens | Aves; Gallus gallus; Mucuna; Trona | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951678075 | Comparative performance of direct seeding and transplanting green maize under farmer management in small scale irrigation: A case study of Zanyokwe, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Fanadzo M., Chiduza C., Mnkeni P.N.S. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 7 | None | Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Fanadzo, M., Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Chiduza, C., Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Mnkeni, P.N.S., Department of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | An on-farm experiment was conducted at Zanyokwe irrigation scheme (ZIS) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa (SA) to evaluate comparative performance of direct seeded and transplanted green maize under farmer management. Results indicated that the mean labour requirements for establishment were 212 h ha-1 with transplanting and 1.9 h ha-1 with direct seeding. Crop stand significantly increased from 48 to 97% when maize was transplanted rather than directly seeded. Variable costs were R5 462 and R1 896 ha-1 for transplanted and directly seeded maize, respectively. The corresponding net benefits were R15 005 and R6 232 ha-1, respectively. All farmers were in favour of transplanting, citing bigger cobs, early maturity and the absence of bird damage with transplanted maize, and this was supported by results of statistical analysis. A follow-up survey conducted during the subsequent summer growing season indicated that of the six farmers, only one continued with transplanting. The results suggest that although transplanting might be a better alternative to direct seeding for the study area, the technology is unlikely to succeed unless the labour intensiveness of manual transplanting can be solved. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Adoption; Crop stand; Direct seeding; Economics; Farmer management; Green maize; Transplanting | Aves; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878764362 | Comparative performance of early-maturing maize cultivars developed in three eras under drought stress and well-watered environments in West Africa | Badu-Apraku B., Oyekunle M., Menkir A., Obeng-Antwi K., Yallou C.G., Usman I.S., Alidu H. | 2013 | Crop Science | 53 | 4 | 10.2135/cropsci2012.11.0640 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd., Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Rd., Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; CRI-CSIR, Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; INRAB, Cotonou, Benin; IAR, Amadu Bello Univ., Samaru, Nigeria; SARI-CSIR, Box 52, Tamale, Ghana | Badu-Apraku, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd., Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Rd., Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Oyekunle, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd., Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Rd., Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd., Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Rd., Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Obeng-Antwi, K., CRI-CSIR, Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Yallou, C.G., INRAB, Cotonou, Benin; Usman, I.S., IAR, Amadu Bello Univ., Samaru, Nigeria; Alidu, H., SARI-CSIR, Box 52, Tamale, Ghana | Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple crop in West Africa and has the potential to mitigate the food insecurity in the subregion. However, maize grain yield is severely constrained by drought. A study was conducted at 13 locations in West Africa for 2 yr to determine genetic gains in yield of cultivars developed during three eras, 1988 to 2000 (first-generation cultivars), 2001 to 2006 (second-generation cultivars), and 2007 to 2010 (third-generation cultivars) under drought and optimal conditions. Under drought, yield ranged from 1346 kg ha-1 for first-generation cultivars to 1613 kg ha-1 for third-generation cultivars with a genetic gain of 1.1% yr-1. Under optimal conditions, yield gain ranged from 3363 kg ha-1 for first-generation cultivars to 3956 kg ha-1 for third-generation cultivars with genetic gain of 1.3%. The average rate of increase in yield was 14 and 40 kg ha-1 yr-1 under drought and optimum conditions. Genetic gains in yield from first- to third-generation cultivars under drought was associated with improved plant aspect and husk cover, whereas under optimum conditions it was associated with plant and ear aspects, increased ears per plant, plant and ear heights, and improved husk cover. Cultivars TZE-W DT C2 STR, DTE-W STR Syn C1, DT-W STR Synthetic, 2009 DTE-W STR Syn, and EV DT-W 2008 STR were high yielding and stable across drought environments. Substantial progress has been made in breeding for drought tolerance during the last three decades. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861311153 | Comparative performance of HbA1c 6.5% for FPG >7.0 vs 2hr PG>11.1 criteria for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes | Adamu A.N. | 2011 | African Health Sciences | 11 | 3 | None | Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Adamu, A.N., Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Background: International expert committee on the use of HbA1c to diagnose diabetes mellitus in 2009 and World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011 has advocated the use of HbA1c to diagnose diabetes mellitus. Objective: To determine and compare the relationship between the new cut off value of HbA1c with established criteria. Methods: Thirty-one hypertensive subjects attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital were recruited for HbA1c and standard oral glucose tolerance test. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and two-hour plasma glucose (2hrpp) value of e"126mg/dl and >200mg/dl were used as standard respectively for diagnosis of diabetes. The HbA1c of e"6.5% was used to diagnose diabetes. The performance and correlation of HbA1c with FPG and 2hrpp were calculated and results were compared. Results: Mean age of the subjects was 53.97±6.27years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), efficiency and correlation of FPG is 50%, 68%, 27%, 85%, 64% and 0.5 respectively while the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, efficiency and correlation of 2hrpp is 73.91%, 62.5%,85%, 41.66%, 70.97% and 0.73% respectively. There was a significant difference between FPG and 2hrpp interms of sensitivity, PPV and NPV. Conclusion: The results of HbA1c with 2hrpp has better correlation, sensitivity, and PPV compared to HbA1c with FPG. | 2-hour post-prandial glucose; Diabetes diagnosis; Fasting plasma glucoe; HbA1c | glucose; hemoglobin A1c; glycosylated hemoglobin; hemoglobin A1c protein, human; adult; article; clinical article; comparative study; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; diet restriction; female; glucose blood level; human; hypertension; male; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; oral glucose tolerance test; predictive value; sensitivity and specificity; standard; university hospital; blood; cross-sectional study; glucose blood level; glucose tolerance test; middle aged; reference value; Blood Glucose; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Glucose Tolerance Test; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864947140 | Comparative performance of irrigated and rainfed agriculture in Ethiopia | Tilahun H., Teklu E., Michael M., Fitsum H., Awulachew S.B. | 2011 | World Applied Sciences Journal | 14 | 2 | None | Melkasa Agricultural Research Centre, P.O. Box: 436, Nazareth, Ethiopia; International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Freie University of Berlin, Malteserstr, 74-100, Haus H, Raum H-152, 12249, Berlin, Germany | Tilahun, H., Melkasa Agricultural Research Centre, P.O. Box: 436, Nazareth, Ethiopia; Teklu, E., International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Michael, M., Freie University of Berlin, Malteserstr, 74-100, Haus H, Raum H-152, 12249, Berlin, Germany; Fitsum, H., International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Awulachew, S.B., International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box: 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | With its an estimated human population of 85 million which increases annually at about 2.7 per cent, Ethiopia is the second most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) only after Nigeria. Agriculture contributes about 45% and 85% to the GDP and the export earnings, respectively. However, agriculture largely depends on the highly variable rainfall. Accentuated with the rampant land degradation, the seasonal and annual variation in rainfall severely impedes agricultural productivity. In the face of soaring global food prices, importing agricultural products is becoming more challenging. This entails a substantial increase in water and land productivity through investment in both rainfed and irrigated agriculture. Irrigation projects often require huge financial and capital investment. As a result, rain fed agriculture may continue to play a major role in the near future, especially in areas with sufficient rainfall. Therefore, prioritization and resources allocation to the rainfed and irrigated agriculture should ensure the efficient use of the limited resources. This study compared the efficiency of the small-scale irrigation (SSI) and the large-scale irrigated agricultural schemes in different river basins against the rain fed system. The study indicated that irrigated agriculture is more efficient both in terms of water use and economics regardless of the typology or the basins considered. The large-scale schemes are more efficient than the small-scale ones. This may be attributed to the use of other complementary crop management technologies such as fertilizers and the use of improved crop varieties. Although rainfed agriculture remains important for a long period to come, gradual transformation to irrigation particularly to large-scale schemes may lead to efficient use of resources for economic development. © IDOSI Publications, 2011. | Large-scale irrigation; River basins; Small-scale irrigation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954826741 | Comparative performance of light trap types, lunar influence and sandfly abundance in Baringo district, Kenya | Kasili S., Ngumbi P.M., Koka H., Ngere F.G., Kioko E., Odemba N., Kutima H.L. | 2010 | Journal of Vector Borne Diseases | 47 | 2 | None | Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Zoology, Nairobi, Kenya | Kasili, S., Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Ngumbi, P.M., Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Koka, H., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Ngere, F.G., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Kioko, E., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Odemba, N., US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Kutima, H.L., Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Zoology, Nairobi, Kenya | [No abstract available] | None | animal trapping; arthropod community; article; controlled study; female; insect society; intermethod comparison; Kenya; moon; nonhuman; Phlebotomus; Phlebotomus duboscqi; phlebotomus martini; photoactivation; Psychodidae; Sergentomyia schwetzi; species distribution; species diversity; species identification; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Female; Kenya; Light; Male; Moon; Psychodidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857256302 | Comparative performance of OM-OFDM in broadband systems | Dhuness K., Maharaj B.T. | 2012 | Electronics Letters | 48 | 2 | 10.1049/el.2011.2005 | University of Pretoria, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Dhuness, K., University of Pretoria, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Maharaj, B.T., University of Pretoria, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | A method called offset modulation (OM-OFDM) is proposed to control the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of an OFDM signal. This reported work demonstrates the significant modulation, structural and performance differences between an OM-OFDM and CE-OFDM method. The OM-OFDM method in addition is able to accurately control the PAPR of a transmission for a targeted BER, which is currently not possible with CE-OFDM. By using a power performance decision metric (D), the OM-OFDM method is shown to offer a 34 and 3.44dB net power performance gain (at a BER of 10 -4) when compared to a CE-OFDM and traditional OFDM transmission for frequency selective fading channel conditions, respectively. © 2012 The Institution of Engineering and Technology. | None | Broadband systems; Frequency-selective fading channels; OFDM signal; OFDM transmission; Offset modulation; Peak to average power ratio; Power performance; Electronics engineering; Technology; Frequency selective fading | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53749100085 | Comparative performance of the limited information techniques in a two-equation structural model | Adepoju A.A. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 20 | 1 | None | Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adepoju, A.A., Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The samples with which we deal in practice are rather small, seldom exceeding 80 observations and frequently much smaller. Thus, it is of great interest to inquire into the properties of estimators for the typical sample sizes encountered in practice. The performances of three simultaneous estimation methods using a model consisting of a mixture of an identified and over identified equations with correlated error terms are compared. The results of the Monte Carlo study revealed that the Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS) and the Limited Information Maximum Likelihood (LIML) estimates are similar and in most cases identical in respect of the just-identified equation. The Total Absolute Biases (TAB) of 2SLS and LIML revealed asymptotic behavior under (upper triangular matrix), P1, while those of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) exhibited no such behavior. For both upper and lower triangular matrices (P1 and P2), 2SLS estimates showed asymptotic behavior in the middle interval. The OLS is the only stable estimator with a stable behavior of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) as its estimates increase (decrease) consistently for equation 1 (equation 2) for P1 (for P2). © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Estimator; Identification; Monte Carlo; Mutual correlation; Random deviates | None | None |
| None | None | Comparative performance of the Mbita trap, CDC light trap and the human landing catch in the sampling of Anopheles arabiensis, An. funestus and culicine species in a rice irrigation in western Kenya | Mathenge E.M., Misiani G.O., Oulo D.O., Irungu L.W., Ndegwa P.N., Smith T.A., Killeen G.F., Knols B.G.J. | 2005 | Malaria Journal | 4 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-4-7 | Intl. Ctr. Insect Physiol. and Ecol., Mbita Point Res. and Training Centre, Mbita Point, Kenya; Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Dept. of Pub. Hlth. and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Ifakara Hlth. R. and D. Centre, Ifakara, Tanzania; Entomology Unit, International Aatomic Energy Agency, Seibersdorf, Austria | Mathenge, E.M., Intl. Ctr. Insect Physiol. and Ecol., Mbita Point Res. and Training Centre, Mbita Point, Kenya, Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Misiani, G.O., Intl. Ctr. Insect Physiol. and Ecol., Mbita Point Res. and Training Centre, Mbita Point, Kenya; Oulo, D.O., Intl. Ctr. Insect Physiol. and Ecol., Mbita Point Res. and Training Centre, Mbita Point, Kenya; Irungu, L.W., Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Ndegwa, P.N., Department of Zoology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Smith, T.A., Dept. of Pub. Hlth. and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Killeen, G.F., Dept. of Pub. Hlth. and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland, Ifakara Hlth. R. and D. Centre, Ifakara, Tanzania; Knols, B.G.J., Entomology Unit, International Aatomic Energy Agency, Seibersdorf, Austria | Background: Mosquitoes sampling is an important component in malaria control. However, most of the methods used have several shortcomings and hence there is a need to develop and calibrate new methods. The Mbita trap for capturing host-seeking mosquitoes was recently developed and successfully tested in Kenya. However, the Mbita trap is less effective at catching outdoor-biting Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis in Madagascar and, thus, there is need to further evaluate this trap in diverse epidemiological settings. This study reports a field evaluation of the Mbita trap in a rice irrigation scheme in Kenya. Methods: The mosquito sampling efficiency of the Mbita trap was compared to that of the CDC light trap and the human landing catch in western Kenya. Data was analysed by Bayesian regression of linear and non-linear models. Results: The Mbita trap caught about 17%, 60%, and 20% of the number of An. arabiensis, An. funestus, and culicine species caught in the human landing collections respectively. There was consistency in sampling proportionality between the Mbita trap and the human landing catch for both An. arabiensis and the culicine species. For An. funestus, the Mbita trap portrayed some density-dependent sampling efficiency that suggested lowered sampling efficiency of human landing catch at low densities. The CDC light trap caught about 60%, 120%, and 552% of the number of An. arabiensis, An. funestus, and culicine species caught in the human landing collections respectively. There was consistency in the sampling proportionality between the CDC light trap and the human landing catch for both An. arabiensis and An. funestus, whereas for the culicines, there was no simple relationship between the two methods. Conclusions: The Mbita trap is less sensitive than either the human landing catch or the CDC light trap. However, for a given investment of time and money, it is likely to catch more mosquitoes over a longer (and hence more representative) period. This trap can therefore be recommended for use by community members for passive mosquito surveillance. Nonetheless, there is still a need to develop new sampling methods for some epidemiological settings. The human landing catch should be maintained as the standard reference method for use in calibrating new methods for sampling the human biting population of mosquitoes. © 2005 Mathenge et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | Anopheles; article; Bayes theorem; cdc light trap; comparative study; controlled study; data analysis; disease control; human landing catch; irrigation (agriculture); Kenya; malaria control; mbita trap; mosquito; nonhuman; nonlinear system; sampling; statistical model; Animals; Anopheles; Culicidae; Female; Humans; Insect Control; Insect Vectors; Kenya; Malaria; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Population Surveillance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951092096 | Comparative performance of the REGA subtyping tool version 2 versus version 1 | Abecasis A.B., Wang Y., Libin P., Imbrechts S., de Oliveira T., Camacho R.J., Vandamme Anne-Mieke A.-M. | 2010 | Infection, Genetics and Evolution | 10 | 3 | 10.1016/j.meegid.2009.09.020 | Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium; Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Portugal; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Laboratory of Virology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Portugal | Abecasis, A.B., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium, Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Portugal; Wang, Y., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium; Libin, P., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium; Imbrechts, S., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium; de Oliveira, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Camacho, R.J., Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Portugal, Laboratory of Virology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Portugal; Vandamme Anne-Mieke, A.-M., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium | The REGA HIV-1 subtyping tool is a phylogenetic-based method for subtyping HIV-1 genomic sequences that was published in 2005. The subtyping tool combines phylogenetic approaches with recombination detection methods. Recently, version 2 was released (http://www.bioafrica.net/rega-genotype/html/index.html) as an improvement of version 1. Version 2 implements a Decision-Tree-based algorithm that was not implemented in version 1. We wanted to compare the two versions on a large sequence dataset to assess the improvements of version 2 and to verify whether features lost during updating the tool needed to be recovered. We analysed the results of the two versions in the genotyping of 4676 HIV-1 pol sequences. We compared those results to a manual approach, used in previous studies. Our results show that version 2 has an overall better sensitivity but especially for the detection of subtypes A, B, D, F, G and CRF14_BG and CRF06_CPX. For the other subtypes, no significant differences were observed in the sensitivity of versions 1 and 2. The overall increase in sensitivity was however accompanied by a decrease in the specificity for the detection of subtype B. This is the main limitation of version 2. However, while the number of false negatives decreased by 53 samples, the number of false positives increased only by 5 samples from version 1 to 2. The performance of the REGA HIV-1 subtyping tool was considerably improved from one version to the other. Our results are very valuable and allow us to make suggestions for further improvement of the tool for a version 3 release. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. | HIV-1; Subtyping | algorithm; article; controlled study; decision tree; false negative result; false positive result; gene sequence; genotype; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; phylogeny; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; structural gene; virus typing; Algorithms; Automatic Data Processing; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Genetic Variation; Genome, Viral; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Pattern Recognition, Automated; Phylogeny; pol Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Recombination, Genetic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053905827 | Comparative performance of tomato cultivars cultivated in two hydroponic production systems | Maboko M.M., Du Plooy C.P., Bertling I. | 2011 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 28 | 2 | None | Agricultural Research Council, Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X 293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Horticultural Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa | Maboko, M.M., Agricultural Research Council, Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X 293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa, Horticultural Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa; Du Plooy, C.P., Agricultural Research Council, Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X 293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Bertling, I., Horticultural Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa | Cultivar selection for different hydroponic production systems is an important management decision, potentially impacting the tomato grower's profitability. Knowledge on the performance of tomato cultivars, in specific hydroponic systems (open-bag and closed system) under South African conditions, is still very limited. The performance of four cultivars was evaluated in an open and a closed hydroponic (gravel-film technique) system. The commonly grown cultivars evaluated in each of the two hydroponic systems were 'FA593', 'Malory', 'Miramar' and 'FiveOFive'. For each experiment a randomized complete block design was used with four replicates. Total, marketable and unmarketable yields, as well as internal fruit quality characteristics (total soluble solids (̊Brix) and pH) were determined. Although no significant differences in total yield could be established - neither in the open nor in the closed hydroponic system - differences in marketable yield were observed. 'Miramar' and 'FiveOFive' produced the highest marketable yield in the closed system; the high unmarketable yield of 'FA593' and 'Malory' in the closed hydroponic system could be attributed to the high number of cracked fruit due to their inherent larger fruit size. There were no significant differences in ̊Brix between cultivars in the closed system. Cultivar 'FiveOFive', 'FA593' and 'Miramar' produced higher marketable yields than cultivar 'Malory' when grown in the open-bag system. 'Malory' and 'FA593' produced the highest number of fruit exhibiting fruit cracking in the open bag system. In the open system, only cultivar 'Malory' had a higher ̊Brix than 'Miramar' and 'FiveOFive'. The most promising cultivars for local hydroponic tomato production, with regard to yield and quality, were identified as 'Miramar' and 'FiveOFive', with 'FA593' performing equally in the open system only. Further studies need to be undertaken on economical comparison of the two production systems. | Closed hydroponic system; Fruit cracking; Marketable yield; Open hydroponic system | agricultural market; agricultural research; comparative study; crop production; crop yield; cultivar; cultivation; decision making; experimental design; fruit; fruit production; hydroponics; nutritive value; performance assessment; profitability; South Africa; Lycopersicon esculentum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857968967 | Comparative performance of two commercial egg strains, the indigenous chickens and their random bred progenies | Ogbu C.C., Udeh I., Nwakpu P.C. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria | Ogbu, C.C., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Udeh, I., Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria; Nwakpu, P.C., Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria | The performance of two commercial egg type chickens, the indigenous chickens, and their random bred progenies in body weight (BWT), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), body weight at first egg (BWFE), weight of first egg (WTFE) and age at sexual maturity (ASM) were compared. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of within strain mating on the performance traits and to compare the cost of raising parents and progenies to point of lay. Results indicate significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in all the traits studied in the progenies. Percentages of inbreeding depression (ID %) were significant (p ≤ 0.05) for BWG1 in strains 1, 2 and 3 at tcal 3.57, 9.37 and 10.00, respectively; BWG2 in strains 1 and 3 at tcal 3.42 and 10.44, respectively; BWG3 in strains 1 and 2 at tcal 12.80 and 16.46, respectively; FCR1 and FCR2 at tcal -3.89 and -5.50, respectively in strain 1, -7.41 and -7.68, respectively in strain 2, and -4.93 and -9.12, respectively in strain 3. Ttab, 0.95 for error df6 for all values was 2.447. These changes resulted in decreases in feed efficiency, reduced BWFE and WTFE, later age at sexual maturity and increase in cost of production to point of lay of the progenies. There was greater loss of performance in progenies of the commercial hybrids than for those of the local strain. Therefore, exotic commercial hybrid chickens should not be used as breeders for the production of replacement day-old chicks for commercial egg production. | Additive gene effect; Dominance; Epistasis; Heterozygosity; Hybrid; Inbreeding depression | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922480936 | Comparative performance of urinary lipoarabinomannan assays and Xpert MTB/RIF in HIV-infected individuals | Shah M., Ssengooba W., Armstrong D., Nakiyingi L., Holshouser M., Ellner J.J., Joloba M., Manabe Y.C., Dorman S.E. | 2014 | AIDS | 28 | 9 | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000264 | Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1503 East Jefferson St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Boston Medical Center, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States | Shah, M., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1503 East Jefferson St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Ssengooba, W., Department of Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Armstrong, D., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1503 East Jefferson St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Nakiyingi, L., Department of Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Holshouser, M., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1503 East Jefferson St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Ellner, J.J., Boston Medical Center, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Joloba, M., Department of Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Manabe, Y.C., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1503 East Jefferson St, Baltimore, MD, United States, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Dorman, S.E., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1503 East Jefferson St, Baltimore, MD, United States | Background: Xpert MTB/RIF ('Xpert') and urinary lipoarabinomannan (LAM) assays offer rapid tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, but have suboptimal sensitivity when used individually in HIV-positive patients. The yield of these tests used in combination for the diagnosis of active TB among HIV-infected TB suspects is unknown. Design: Study of comparative diagnostic accuracy nested into a prospective study of HIV-infected individuals with signs and/or symptoms of TB in Uganda. Methods: Xpert testing of archived sputum was conducted for culture-confirmed TB cases and TB suspects in whom a diagnosis of TB was excluded. Additional testing included sputum smear microscopy, sputum culture (solid and liquid media), mycobacterial blood culture, and urinary testing for LAM using a lateral flow test ('LF-LAM') and an enzyme-linked immunosorbance assay ('ELISA-LAM'). Results: Among 103 participants with culture-confirmed TB, sensitivity of Xpert was 76% (95% confidence interval, CI 0.66-0.84), and was superior to that of LF-LAM (49%, 95% CI 0.39-0.59, P<0.001). Specificity was greater than 97% for both tests among 105 individuals without TB. The combination of smear microscopy and LF-LAM identified 67% (95% CI 0.57-0.76) of culture-confirmed TB cases and approached sensitivity of Xpert testing alone (P=0.15). The sensitivity of the combination of Xpert and LF-LAM was 85% (88/103 95% CI 0.77-0.92), which was superior to either test alone (P<0.05) and approached sensitivity of sputum liquid culture testing (94%, 95% CI 0.88-0.98, P=0.17). Conclusion: Sputum Xpert and urinary LAM assays were complementary for the diagnosis of active TB in HIV-infected patients, and sensitivity of the combination of these tests was superior to that of either test alone. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Diagnostics; HIV; Lipoarabinomannan; Tuberculosis; Xpert MTB/RIF | lipoarabinomannan; lipoarabinomannan; lipopolysaccharide; adult; Article; blood culture; CD4 lymphocyte count; comparative effectiveness; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; fluorescence microscopy; hospital patient; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; immunosuppressive treatment; lipid analysis; major clinical study; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; outpatient; priority journal; prospective study; sensitivity analysis; sensitivity and specificity; sputum analysis; sputum culture; sputum cytodiagnosis; sputum smear; tuberculosis; tuberculosis rapid test; Uganda; urinalysis; urinary lateral flow lipoarabinomannan assay; comparative study; complication; evaluation study; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoaffinity chromatography; microbiology; molecular diagnosis; procedures; saliva; tuberculosis; urine; Adult; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunochromatography; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Prospective Studies; Saliva; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tuberculosis; Uganda | NIAID, NIAID, National Institutes of Health; NIH, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892388989 | Comparative performance of volatility models for oil price | Salisu A.A., Fasanya I.O. | 2012 | International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy | 2 | 3 | None | Department of Economics and Centre for Econometrics and Allied Research (CEAR), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria | Salisu, A.A., Department of Economics and Centre for Econometrics and Allied Research (CEAR), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Fasanya, I.O., Department of Economics, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria | In this paper, we compare the performance of volatility models for oil price using daily returns of WTI. The innovations of this paper are in two folds: (i) we analyse the oil price across three sub samples namely period before, during and after the global financial crisis, (ii) we also analyse the comparative performance of both symmetric and asymmetric volatility models for the oil price. We find that oil price was most volatile during the global financial crises compared to other sub samples. Based on the appropriate model selection criteria, the asymmetric GARCH models appear superior to the symmetric ones in dealing with oil price volatility. This finding indicates evidence of leverage effects in the oil market and ignoring these effects in oil price modelling will lead to serious biases and misleading results. | Crude oil price; Global financial crisis; Volatility modelling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749415376 | Comparative performances of Holstein-Friesian cows under smallholder and large scale farmers' management in Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia | Tolla N., Vijchulata P., Chairatanayuth P., Swsdiphanich S. | 2006 | Kasetsart Journal - Natural Science | 40 | 1 | None | Adami 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, Thailand | Tolla, 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, Thailand | A 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; Productivity | Animalia; Bos taurus; Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79251638802 | Comparative ports performance efficiency measurement in developing nations: A matching framework analysis (M FA) approach | Ogunsiji A.S., Ogunsiji O.O. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 18 | 4 | None | Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Heriot - Watt University Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Ogunsiji, A.S., Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Ogunsiji, O.O., Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Heriot - Watt University Edinburgh, United Kingdom | This paper acknowledges the significance of ports operation as the driver of engine of growth in developing nations. It also accepted logistics as the formidable influencer of ports "Core Competence" and its management as the roadmap involved in the efficient and effective configuration of two important flows (product and information) which often facilitates distribution. The paper explored the problems bedeviling the various efficiency measurement techniques of performance at the ports. It identified the matching framework analysis as the appropriate method for measuring performance efficiency at the Nigeria ports cognizant of disproportionate problems attendant to the simple operations there. The application of MFA, matched the identifiable problems to the three major configuration of environment, structure and strategy over a period six years (2001-2006) therefore make ground breaking recommendations that could plummet the driving capability of the port for economic growth and development. | Configuration; Environment; Infrastructural-rejuvenation; Matching framework; Occupancy berth rate; Strategy; Structure | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865989309 | Comparative production performance of two exotic chicken breeds under two different feed regimes in three agro-ecologies of central Oromia, Ethiopia - A step forward for distribution or contract rearing of day old exotic chicks under rural setting | Reta D., Negussie D., Alemu Y. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 9 | None | Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, National Poultry Research Section, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; USAID, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Reta, D., Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Negussie, D., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, National Poultry Research Section, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Alemu, Y., USAID, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Comparative evaluation on the performance and mortality of two chicken breeds (RIR versus Fayoumi) in response to two different feed regimes (formulated versus non- formulated) was made in 3 agro-ecologies in villages of central Oromia State. The sites were Adama and Boset District representing lowland, Tiya Distrcit was mid-altitude and Wonchi District was highland. Four participant farmers per District were selected from the four study Districts. Each farmer received 35 Fayoumi and 30 RIR to feed on formulated ration while 35 Fayoumi and 30 RIR to feed on non-formulated ration. The chicks were vaccinated against Newcastle disease at day-old and then regularly and grown using the hay box brooder as heater until 8 weeks. Mortality and feed supply, intake, refusal and body weight data were collected daily. Daily feed intake varied significantly between the two breeds. However, there was no variation in daily intake due to the type of diet offered. Weekly feed intake was significantly (P<0.01) affected by type of breed. Weekly feed intake, however, was not affected whether birds were offered a formulated or non-formulated ration. Both breed and type of diet offered had highly significant (P<0.001) effects on growth rate. The RIR chickens showed faster rate of growth compared to the Fayoumi. On the other hand, both of the breeds feeding on the formulated ration had superior growth performance compared to those on non-formulated ration. Daily weight gain was also affected by breed X diet interaction. Although both breeds showed improved growth performance when offered formulated ration, the difference was significantly higher only for the RIR chickens. There were highly significant (P<0.001) variations in weight change as a result of breed and type of diet offered. The interaction between breed and diet was also found to be significant (P<0.05). Compared to the RIR, despite slight increases in weight, growth performance of the Fayoumi didn't increase significantly as a result of feeding on formulated ration. It is concluded that day-old exotic chickens could be transferred to rural villages with some management packages with better survival rate and production performance. | Management packages; Mortality; Technology transfer | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921958716 | Comparative quality evaluation of roasted cashew nut kernel: Effect of roasting methods | Kosoko S.B., Oluwole O.B., Daramola A.O., Adepoju M.A., Oyelakin A.J., Tugbobo-amisu A.O., Alagbe G.O., Elemo G.N. | 2014 | Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology | 6 | 12 | None | Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Department of Production, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial | Kosoko, S.B., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Oluwole, O.B., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Daramola, A.O., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Adepoju, M.A., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Oyelakin, A.J., Department of Production, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Tugbobo-amisu, A.O., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Alagbe, G.O., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria; Elemo, G.N., Department of Food Technology, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria, Department of Production, Analytical Services and Laboratory Management, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria | This study was conducted to determine the effect of two roasting methods on the chemical, microbial as well as the sensory qualities of cashew nut kernels. Raw cashew nut was processed to obtain the plain cashew kernels and was divided into two portions which were subjected to different roasting treatments using conventionalair oven and halogen oven at a temperature of 200°C for 40 min, respectively. Proximate analysis showed that the conventional-oven roasted cashew kernel had higher moisture content, protein and crude fiber values of 4.68%±0.18, 18.34±0.94 and 2.11±0.08, respectively than the roasted sample using halogen-oven. In halogen-oven roasted kernel, the fat, carbohydrate, fatty acid and metabolizeable energy contents were higher (45.62±0.98, 2.53±0.08, 30.04±0.95, 39.23±0.85 and 2480.04±21.00, respectively). The mineral analysis indicated that the halogen-oven roasted kernels had higher values except in the case of Magnesium (Mg), which was higher in the conventional-oven roasted cashew nuts. The microbial assessment of the cashew kernels showed that halogen-oven cashew roasted kernel had a reduced value in all the microbiological analysis carried out with the exception of staphylococcus count. However, E. coli was not present in any of the cashew kernel samples. Based on the sensory rating, halogen-oven roasted cashew kernel had the highest overall acceptability sensory rating. It was observed that chemical parameters of fat, fatty acid and metabolizable energy show positive correlation at both (p<0.01) and (p<0.05) for the sensory attributes of color, taste, crispiness, flavor and overall acceptability while the chemical parameters of moisture content protein and crude fibre showed a negative correlation for all the sensory attributes. The results of this study indicated that halogen-oven will be better option for producing nutritious and wholesome roasted cashew nut kernels with acceptable sensory qualities. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014. | Cashew nut kernel; Chemical; Conventional-oven; Halogen oven; Microbial; Sensory | Chemical analysis; Chemicals; Escherichia coli; Fatty acids; Moisture; Moisture determination; Ovens; Proteins; Quality control; Cashew nut; Conventional ovens; Metabolizable energies; Microbial; Microbiological analysis; Overall acceptability; Positive correlations; Sensory; Calcination; Anacardium occidentale; Staphylococcus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924390372 | Comparative reevaluation of FASP and enhanced FASP methods by LC - MS/MS | Nel A.J.M., Garnett S., Blackburn J.M., Soares N.C. | 2015 | Journal of Proteome Research | 14 | 3 | 10.1021/pr501266c | Division of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Nel, A.J.M., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa; Garnett, S., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa; Blackburn, J.M., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa; Soares, N.C., Division of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Filter-aided sample preparation is a proteomic technique for the preparation and on column proteolysis of proteins. Recently an enhanced FASP protocol was developed that uses deoxycholic acid (DCA) and that reportedly enhances trypsin proteolysis, resulting in increases cytosolic and membrane protein representation. FASP and eFASP were re-evaluated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole mass filter Orbitrap analyzer (Q Exactive). Although there was no difference in trypsin activity, 14 099 and 13 414 peptides, describing 1723 and 1793 protein groups, from Escherichia coli K12 were identified using FASP and eFASP, respectively. Characterization of the physicochemical properties of identified peptides showed no significant differences other than eFASP extracting slightly more basic peptides. At the protein level, both methods extracted essentially the same number of hydrophobic transmembrane helix-containing proteins as well as proteins associated with the cytoplasm or the cytoplasmic and outer membranes. By employing state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS shot gun proteomics, our results indicate that FASP and eFASP showed no significant differences at the protein level. However, because of the slight differences in selectivity at the physicochemical level of peptides, these methods can be seen to be somewhat complementary for analyses of complex peptide mixtures. © 2015 American Chemical Society. | deoxycholic acid; eFASP; enhanced FASP; Escherichia coli K12; FASP; filtered-aided sample preparation; physicochemical; Q exactive | acetic acid ethyl ester; deoxycholic acid; formic acid; membrane protein; periplasmic protein; trypsin; analyzer; Article; cell membrane; cytoplasm; Escherichia coli K 12; filter aided sample preparation; hydrophobicity; intermethod comparison; mass spectrometer; nonhuman; outer membrane; physical chemistry; priority journal; protein analysis; protein degradation; proteomics; quadrupole mass spectrometry; ultra performance liquid chromatography; Escherichia coli | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-19544379146 | Comparative reliability evaluation of lateritic soils as hydraulic barriers | Afolayan J.O., Nwaiwu C.M., Osinubi K.J. | 2005 | Geotechnical and Geological Engineering | 23 | 5 | 10.1007/s10706-004-1199-y | Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600004 Borno State, Nigeria | Afolayan, J.O., Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Nwaiwu, C.M., Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600004 Borno State, Nigeria; Osinubi, K.J., Department of Civil Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | A numerical investigation to determine the existence or otherwise of congruence between laboratory-based and field-based models for predicting hydraulic conductivity of compacted clay liners has been conducted. The comparisons here are based on values of the reliability index estimated with the use of the two models for cases when hydraulic conductivity is assumed to be normally and lognormally distributed. The laboratory reduced Proctor and modified Proctor compactive efforts were assumed to correspond to the lowest and highest compactor weights (165 kN and 338 kN for sheepsfoot rollers only from literature) respectively. The standard Proctor compactive effort was assumed to correspond to the mean compactor weight of 261.4 kN. Reliability estimates from the laboratory-based model were consistently higher than the corresponding values from the field-based model for each of the variables common to the two models. As laboratory samples usually involve small samples which are often unrepresentative of field situations, it is considered that reliability levels estimated with the use of the field-based model provide more realistic assessment of compacted lateritic soils as hydraulic barriers. Compactor weight of 300 kN and above may be needed for effective compaction of lateritic soil liners. Reliability-based designs of lateritic soil liners should incorporate appropriate probability distribution types for variables in the field-based model. © Springer 2005. | Compactor weights; Congruence of laboratory and field models; Hydraulic conductivity; Laboratory compactive efforts; Lateritic soil liners; Reliability index | Clay; Compaction; Hydraulic conductivity; Mathematical models; Parabolic antennas; Probability distributions; Clay liners; Hydraulic barriers; Lateritic soils; Soil liners; Soils; geotechnical engineering | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867687853 | Comparative reproductive and growth performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and its hybrid induced with synthetic hormone and pituitary land of Clarias gariepinus | Ndimele P.E., Owodeinde F.G. | 2012 | Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences | 12 | 3 | 10.4194/1303-2712-v12_3_09 | Lagos State University, Faculty of Science, Department of Fisheries, Environmental Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | Ndimele, P.E., Lagos State University, Faculty of Science, Department of Fisheries, Environmental Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Owodeinde, F.G., Lagos State University, Faculty of Science, Department of Fisheries, Environmental Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | A study was conducted to determine the comparative reproductive, growth performances and nutrient utilization of Clarias gariepinus and its hybrid "heteroclarias" using ovaprim and pituitary extract of male and female C. gariepinus. The experimental broodstocks consisted of 6 female C. gariepinus (2 each were induced separately with ovaprim, male pituitary of C. gariepinus and female pituitary of C. gariepinus), 3 male C. gariepinus and 3 male Heterobranchus bidorsalis. 2 female C. gariepinus induced with synthetic hormone were crossed separately with male C. gariepinus and male H. bidorsalis. A similar crossing was done for the other two sets of female C. gariepinus induced with male and female pituitary glands. The result shows that there was significant difference (P<0.05) among the treatments in all the reproductive performance, growth and nutrient utilization parameters. The highest percentage fertilization (88.44±5.74%), feed intake (27.48±7.08g), protein intake (15.39±3.96g), feed conversion ratio (1.21±0.12) and protein efficiency ratio (1.68±0.19) were recorded in pure line C. gariepinus induced with ovaprim. Pure breed C. gariepinus also had the highest values in all the reproductive performance and growth parameters. This study has shown that C. gariepinus induced with synthetic hormone (ovaprim) produce offspring with better qualities than those induced with pituitary. © Published by Central Fisheries Research Institute (CFRI) Trabzon, Turkey. | Catfish; Growth parameters; Nutrient utilization; Ovaprim; Pituitary extract | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051509837 | Comparative reproductive performance of Horro (Zebu) with Horro x Friesian and Horro x Jersey females in sub humid environments of Bako | Kebede G., Kebede M., Midexa T., Eshetu S. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 8 | None | Bako Agricultural Research Center, P. O.Box 3, Bako, Ethiopia | Kebede, G., Bako Agricultural Research Center, P. O.Box 3, Bako, Ethiopia; Kebede, M., Bako Agricultural Research Center, P. O.Box 3, Bako, Ethiopia; Midexa, T., Bako Agricultural Research Center, P. O.Box 3, Bako, Ethiopia; Eshetu, S., Bako Agricultural Research Center, P. O.Box 3, Bako, Ethiopia | Reproductive traits of Horro and their crosses with Friesian and Jersey females were compared. Two thousand nine hundred thirty three, 282 and 280 data of Horro, Horro-Friesian and Horro-Jersey cows; 1804 and 1691 data for dry and wet seasons; 1716 and 1755 data of breeding by bull and artificial insemination respectively were used in the study. Horro cows had mean intervals from calving to first heat of 72.4 days (range 15-253) and from calving to conception 119.2 days (range 57-317). Similarly Horro x Friesian cows had mean intervals from calving to first heat of 77.8 days (range 17-247) and from calving to conception 123 days (range 66-277). Horro X Jersey cows had mean intervals from calving to first heat of 66.3 days (range 16-216) and from calving to conception 108.6 days (range 43-285). No significant differences were found between the breeds in the number of services per conception, gestation length and days to conception. However Horro X Jersey crosses had the shortest interval to first heat and days open and required less number of services per conception than the other breeds. Calving to first service interval did not vary among breeds. The influence of season of calving on the number of services per conception and days open was significant (p<0.05). Significant differences (p<0.05) were also found between the two breeding types, artificial insemination and bull, in the number of services per conception. The number of services per conception for cows served by bull and artificial insemination were 1.76 and 2.09 respectively. | Crossbred cows; Reproductive traits; Zebu cows | Bos indicus; Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934289768 | Comparative studies on growth and evaluation of some harvested parts of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) plants | Chukwurah N.F., Eze S.C., Aruah C.B., Onyeonagu C.C., Onyeke C.C. | 2015 | Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences | 25 | 3 | None | National Biotechnology Development Agency, Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Chukwurah, N.F., National Biotechnology Development Agency, Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria; Eze, S.C., Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Aruah, C.B., National Biotechnology Development Agency, Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria; Onyeonagu, C.C., Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Onyeke, C.C., Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | A study was conducted to compare the growth and evaluation of some harvested parts of fluted pumpkin plants. Two field experiments in two planting seasons (2009 and 2010) were used for the study. A total of 500 plants in each planting season were studied at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The results showed that the male fluted pumpkin partitioned large number of their photosyntates in tendril production and subsequently slow growth and low fresh yield while, the female partitioned greater part of their photosyntates in leave production, faster growth and higher fresh yield. The total number of tendrils harvested from males during the first (2009) and second (2010) planting seasons were 261.5 and 251.6 respectively while the total number of tendrils harvested from the females during the first and second planting seasons were 78.2 and 73.1 respectively. On the contrary, number of leaves per plant was harvested from the male less than female plants, while 597.0 and 590.8 leaves per plant were harvested from the male plants during the first and second planting seasons, respectively while 712.9 and 742.3 leaves per plant were harvested from the female counterpart during the first and second planting seasons respectively. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the male and female plants with respect to both number of leaves and tendrils per plant. More vines were also harvested from the female gender than the males. © 2015, Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum. All right reserved. | Photosynthates; Telfairiaoccidentalis; Vegetative growth; Yield evaluation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650711819 | Comparative study of the effect of depth and season on the performance of the reverse-side absorber-plate shallow solar pond in the Nsukka climate | Njoku H.O., Ekechukwu O.V., Odukwe A.O. | 2009 | International Journal of Sustainable Energy | 28 | 4 | 10.1080/14786450903194510 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; National Universities Commission, Abuja, Nigeria | Njoku, H.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ekechukwu, O.V., National Universities Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Odukwe, A.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The 'reverse-side absorber-plate shallow solar pond' (RASSP), consisting of a semi-cylindrical reflector attached to the exposed base of a conventional shallow solar pond, has been conceived in two variants, viz., one with double glass covers and the other with insulation over the top. The thermal performances of these RASSPs have also been studied analytically to determine the effect of depth variation and time of the year on the maximum water temperatures and overall daily efficiencies they are able to attain. The results of the study, here presented, show that attainable water temperatures decrease while overall daily efficiencies increase as pond depth increases. And that, for a fixed pond depth, the daily peak water temperatures attainable are strongly dependent on the time of the year, while overall daily efficiencies are not. For all seasons and depths, the RASSP with double glass covers is predicted to consistently deliver higher water temperatures but lower overall daily efficiencies compared to the RASSP with top insulation. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Cylindrical reflector; Reverse absorber-plate collector; Shallow solar pond; Solar pond; Solar water heater; Thermal analysis | Comparative studies; Cylindrical reflectors; Depth variation; Glass covers; Plate collectors; Shallow solar ponds; Thermal analysis; Thermal Performance; Water temperatures; Glass; Heating equipment; Lakes; Reflection; Solar heating; Solar ponds; Solar water heaters; Temperature; Thermoanalysis; Solar absorbers; comparative study; insulation; temperature effect; water temperature | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58849114080 | Comparative study of the impact of past pregnancy outcome on future fertility | Orji E.O. | 2008 | Singapore Medical Journal | 49 | 12 | None | Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Osun, Nigeria | Orji, E.O., Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Osun, Nigeria | Introduction: The impact of previous pregnancy outcome on future fertility in Nigeria has not been appreciated, hence the continued neglect of the adoption of safe motherhood measures in this subregion. The objective of this study was to compare the past pregnancy outcomes among fertile and infertile patients in a Nigerian population. Methods: An institutional-based comparative case-controlled study of past pregnancy outcomes among infertile and fertile women was conducted. The data was managed using Epi-Info and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: 708 patients consisting of 472 pregnant women (fertile) and 236 infertile women were investigated. Infertile women were at a significant risk of having an adverse pregnancy outcome, such as induced abortion (p-value is 0.0001), postabortal sepsis (p-value is 0.0001), postpartum infection (p-value is 0.001), manual removal of the placenta (p-value is 0.0005) and prolonged unsupervised labour (p-value 0.0001), compared to pregnant fertile women. Logistic regression analysis of variables at 95 percent confidence intervals showed that the adjusted odds ratio for prolonged labour, prolonged rupture of membranes, postabortal sepsis and postpartum infection still remained significant. Conclusion: Previous mismanaged pregnancies impacted negatively on future fertility. Efforts should be directed towards the prevention of unplanned pregnancies. Motherhood must be made safer in planned pregnancies by prevention of complications, and aggressive and prompt treatment of any complication if and when it occurs. | Fertility; Future fertility; Mismanaged pregnancy; Past pregnancy outcome; Pregnancy outcome | article; comparative study; controlled study; female; female fertility; female infertility; hospital based case control study; human; induced abortion; labor; major clinical study; manual placental delivery; membrane rupture; Nigeria; pregnancy outcome; pregnant woman; puerperal infection; sepsis; Abortion, Criminal; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Nigeria; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922418256 | Comparative study on the impact of copper sulphate and copper nitrate on the detoxification mechanisms in typha latifolia | Lyubenova L., Bipuah H., Belford E., Michalke B., Winkler B., Schröder P. | 2015 | Environmental Science and Pollution Research | 22 | 1 | 10.1007/s11356-014-3402-x | Department of Environmental Seienees, Researeh Unit Mierobe-Plant Interaetions, German Researeh Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum Münehen, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Theoretieal and Applied Biology, College of Seienee, Kwame Nkrumah University of Seienee and Teehnology, Kumasi, Ghana; German Researeh Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Eeologieal Chemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum Münehen, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Environmental Seienees, Researeh Unit Environmental Simulation, German Researeh Center for Environmental Health,Helmholtz Zentrum Münehen, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Germany | Lyubenova, L., Department of Environmental Seienees, Researeh Unit Mierobe-Plant Interaetions, German Researeh Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum Münehen, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Germany; Bipuah, H., Department of Theoretieal and Applied Biology, College of Seienee, Kwame Nkrumah University of Seienee and Teehnology, Kumasi, Ghana; Belford, E., Department of Theoretieal and Applied Biology, College of Seienee, Kwame Nkrumah University of Seienee and Teehnology, Kumasi, Ghana; Michalke, B., German Researeh Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Eeologieal Chemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum Münehen, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Germany; Winkler, B., Department of Environmental Seienees, Researeh Unit Environmental Simulation, German Researeh Center for Environmental Health,Helmholtz Zentrum Münehen, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Germany; Schröder, P., Department of Environmental Seienees, Researeh Unit Mierobe-Plant Interaetions, German Researeh Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum Münehen, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Germany | The present study focused on cupric sulphate and cupric nitrate uptake in Typha latifolia and the impact of these copper species on the plant's detoxification capacity. When the plants were exposed to 10, 50 and 100 (oMcupric sulphate or cupric nitrate, copper accumulation in T. latifolia roots and shoots increased with rising concentration of the salts. Shoot to root ratios differed significantly depending on the form of copper supplementation, e.g. if it was added as cupric (II) sulphate or cupric (II) nitrate. After incubation with 100 \iM of cupric sulphate, up to 450 mg Cu/kg fresh weight (FW) was accumulated, whereas the same concentration of cupric nitrate resulted in accumulation of 580 mg/kg FW. Furthermore, significant differences in the activity of some antioxidative enzymes in Typha roots compared to the shoots, which are essential in the plant's reaction to cope with metal stress, were observed. The activity of peroxidase (POX) in roots was increased at intermediate concentrations (10 and 50 |oM) of CuSO<inf>4</inf>, whereas it was inhibited at the same Cu(NO<inf>3</inf>)<inf>2</inf> concentrations. Ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) increased their enzyme activity intensely, which may be an indication for copper toxicity in T latifolia plants. Besides, fluorodifen conjugation by glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) was increased up to. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014. | Antioxidative enzymes; Cupric nitrate; Cupric sulphate; Typha latifolia | concentration (composition); copper compound; detoxification; enzyme activity; monocotyledon; nitrate; reaction kinetics; sulfate; toxicity; Typha; Typha latifolia | FA0995, DAAD, German Academic Exchange Service |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946962360 | Comparative validation of five quantitative rapid test kits for the analysis of salt iodine content: Laboratory performance, user-and field-friendliness | Rohner F., Kangambèga M.O., Khan N., Kargougou R., Garnier D., Sanou I., Ouaro B.D., Petry N., Wirth J.P., Jooste P. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0138530 | GroundWork LLC, Crans-près-Céligny, Switzerland; Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Micronutrient Initiative, Ottawa, Canada; UNICEF, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Direction de la Nutrition, Ministère de Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Iodine Global Network South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Rohner, F., GroundWork LLC, Crans-près-Céligny, Switzerland; Kangambèga, M.O., Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Khan, N., Micronutrient Initiative, Ottawa, Canada; Kargougou, R., UNICEF, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Garnier, D., UNICEF, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Sanou, I., Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Ouaro, B.D., Direction de la Nutrition, Ministère de Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Petry, N., GroundWork LLC, Crans-près-Céligny, Switzerland; Wirth, J.P., GroundWork LLC, Crans-près-Céligny, Switzerland; Jooste, P., Iodine Global Network South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa, Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Background Iodine deficiency has important health and development consequences and the introduction of iodized salt as national programs has been a great public health success in the past decades. To render national salt iodization programs sustainable and ensure adequate iodization levels, simple methods to quantitatively assess whether salt is adequately iodized are required. Several methods claim to be simple and reliable, and are available on the market or are in development. Objective This work has validated the currently available quantitative rapid test kits (quantRTK) in a comparative manner for both their laboratory performance and ease of use in field settings. Methods Laboratory performance parameters (linearity, detection and quantification limit, intra-and inter-assay imprecision) were conducted on 5 quantRTK. We assessed inter-operator imprecision using salt of different quality along with the comparison of 59 salt samples from across the globe; measurements were made both in a laboratory and a field setting by technicians and non-technicians. Results from the quantRTK were compared against iodometric titration for validity. An 'ease-of-use' rating system was developed to identify the most suitable quantRTK for a given task. Results Most of the devices showed acceptable laboratory performance, but for some of the devices, use by non-technicians revealed poorer performance when working in a routine manner. Of the quantRTK tested, the iCheck1 and I-Reader1 showed most consistent performance and ease of use, and a newly developed paper-based method (saltPAD) holds promise if further developed. Conclusions User-and field-friendly devices are now available and the most appropriate quantRTK can be selected depending on the number of samples and the budget available. © 2015 Rohner et al. | None | formic acid; iodine; potassium iodate; potassium iodide; sodium chloride; analytic method; Article; clinical effectiveness; comparative study; controlled study; function test kit; iodination; iodine deficiency; laboratory test; limit of detection; limit of quantitation; portable equipment; quantitative analysis; rapid test; rapid test kit; validation study | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908498374 | Comparing a paper based monitoring and evaluation system to a mHealth system to support the national community health worker programme, South Africa: An evaluation | Neupane S., Odendaal W., Friedman I., Jassat W., Schneider H., Doherty T. | 2014 | BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1472-6947-14-69 | School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Seed Trust, Durban, South Africa; Health Systems Trust, Durban, South Africa | Neupane, S., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Odendaal, W., Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Friedman, I., Seed Trust, Durban, South Africa; Jassat, W., Health Systems Trust, Durban, South Africa; Schneider, H., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Doherty, T., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: In an attempt to address a complex disease burden, including improving progress towards MDGs 4 and 5, South Africa recently introduced a re-engineered Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy, which has led to the development of a national community health worker (CHW) programme. The present study explored the development of a cell phone-based and paper-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system to support the work of the CHWs.Methods. One sub-district in the North West province was identified for the evaluation. One outreach team comprising ten CHWs maintained both the paper forms and mHealth system to record household data on community-based services. A comparative analysis was done to calculate the correspondence between the paper and phone records. A focus group discussion was conducted with the CHWs. Clinical referrals, data accuracy and supervised visits were compared and analysed for the paper and phone systems.Results: Compared to the mHealth system where data accuracy was assured, 40% of the CHWs showed a consistently high level (>90% correspondence) of data transfer accuracy on paper. Overall, there was an improvement over time, and by the fifth month, all CHWs achieved a correspondence of 90% or above between phone and paper data. The most common error that occurred was summing the total number of visits and/or activities across the five household activity indicators. Few supervised home visits were recorded in either system and there was no evidence of the team leader following up on the automatic notifications received on their cell phones.Conclusions: The evaluation emphasizes the need for regular supervision for both systems and rigorous and ongoing assessments of data quality for the paper system. Formalization of a mHealth M&E system for PHC outreach teams delivering community based services could offer greater accuracy of M&E and enhance supervision systems for CHWs. © 2014Neupane et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Community based services; Community health workers; mHealth; Monitoring and evaluation | comparative study; evaluation study; health auxiliary; human; medical record; public health; South Africa; standards; telemedicine; Community Health Workers; Humans; Medical Records; National Health Programs; South Africa; Telemedicine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904573626 | Comparing determinants of alien bird impacts across two continents: Implications for risk assessment and management | Evans T., Kumschick S., Dyer E., Blackburn T. | 2014 | Ecology and Evolution | 4 | 14 | 10.1002/ece3.1144 | Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom; Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; King Saud University, Riyadh, 1145, Saudi Arabia; Environment Institute, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia | Evans, T., Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Kumschick, S., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Dyer, E., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom, Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Blackburn, T., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom, King Saud University, Riyadh, 1145, Saudi Arabia, Environment Institute, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia | Invasive alien species can have serious adverse impacts on both the environment and the economy. Being able to predict the impacts of an alien species could assist in preventing or reducing these impacts. This study aimed to establish whether there are any life history traits consistently correlated with the impacts of alien birds across two continents, Europe and Australia, as a first step toward identifying life history traits that may have the potential to be adopted as predictors of alien bird impacts. A recently established impact scoring system was used in combination with a literature review to allocate impact scores to alien bird species with self-sustaining populations in Australia. These scores were then tested for correlation with a series of life history traits. The results were compared to data from a previous study in Europe, undertaken using the same methodology, in order to establish whether there are any life history traits consistently correlated with impact across both continents. Habitat generalism was the only life history trait found to be consistently correlated with impact in both Europe and Australia. This trait shows promise as a potential predictor of alien bird impacts. The results support the findings of previous studies in this field, and could be used to inform decisions regarding the prevention and management of future invasions. © 2014 The Authors. | Alien birds; Biological invasion; Habitat generalism; Impact prediction; Life history traits; Risk assessment | None | SNSF, Swiss National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878951146 | Comparing farmers' perception of soil fertility change with soil properties and crop performance in beseku, ethiopia | Karltun E., Lemenih M., Tolera M. | 2013 | Land Degradation and Development | 24 | 3 | 10.1002/ldr.1118 | Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box7001, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashamane, Ethiopia | Karltun, E., Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box7001, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; Lemenih, M., Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashamane, Ethiopia; Tolera, M., Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashamane, Ethiopia | Farmers' perceptions of soil fertility change were compared with observations on soil quality changes and crop performance in soils from a chronosequence representing a range of soil ages since conversion from forest to cropland (0 to 57years). A majority of the farmers, 92 per cent, had observed a decline in soil fertility on their land. Farmers use crop yield, indicator plants, soil softness and soil colour to judge soil fertility. They identified 11 plants that they used to indicate high soil fertility and four plants that they used to indicate low soil fertility. There was a strong correlation (r=0·96) between soil organic matter content (loss on ignition) and farmers' ranking of soil fertility based on colour and softness of soil samples from the chronosequence. The biotest experiment with maize showed an exponential decline in biomass production along the chronosequence, confirming the results of farmers' soil fertility ranking. In the biotest, total soil N predicted produced biomass well (r2=0·95), whereas the relationship with soil available P (Olsen) was less obvious. Among the eight analysed plant nutrients in the maize leaves, N content was found to correlate best with biomass production (r2=0·94). We conclude (i) that there is good agreement between farmers' knowledge and scientific indicators of soil fertility and (ii) that the major reason for declining soil fertility in Beseku is the decrease in N mineralization over time. Interventions should focus on supporting farmers to implement a diversified nutrient management strategy that can maintain or increase long-term productivity of the soil. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Biotest; Chronosequence; Ethiopia; Farmers' perception; Nitrogen; Plant indicators; Soil fertility indicators | Biotest; Chronosequences; Ethiopia; Farmers' perceptions; Soil fertility; Biomass; Crops; Nitrogen; Nutrients; Plants (botany); Soils; biomass; chronosequence; comparative study; crop performance; crop yield; farmers attitude; farmers knowledge; maize; perception; soil fertility; soil nitrogen; soil organic matter; Ethiopia; Zea mays | SWE2004-295, Sida-Sarec |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929655475 | Comparing impacts of alien plants and animals in Europe using a standard scoring system | Kumschick S., Bacher S., Evans T., Markova´ Z., Pergl J., Pysˇek P., Vaes-Petignat S., van der Veer G., Vila` M., Nentwig W. | 2015 | Journal of Applied Ecology | 52 | 3 | 10.1111/1365-2664.12427 | Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Unit Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Muse´e 10, Fribourg, Switzerland; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom; Institute of Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Pru˚honice, Czech Republic; Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicˇna´ 7, Praha 2, Czech Republic; Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, Bern, Switzerland; Estacio´n Biolo´gica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Ame´rico Vespucio, s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain | Kumschick, S., Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Bacher, S., Unit Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Muse´e 10, Fribourg, Switzerland; Evans, T., Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom; Markova´, Z., Institute of Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Pru˚honice, Czech Republic, Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicˇna´ 7, Praha 2, Czech Republic; Pergl, J., Institute of Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Pru˚honice, Czech Republic; Pysˇek, P., Institute of Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Pru˚honice, Czech Republic, Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicˇna´ 7, Praha 2, Czech Republic; Vaes-Petignat, S., Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, Bern, Switzerland; van der Veer, G., Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, Bern, Switzerland; Vila`, M., Estacio´n Biolo´gica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Ame´rico Vespucio, s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain; Nentwig, W., Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, Bern, Switzerland | Alien species can change the recipient environment in various ways, and some of them cause considerable damage. Understanding such impacts is crucial to direct management actions. This study addresses the following questions: Is it possible to quantify impact across higher taxa in a comparative manner? Do impacts differ between taxonomic groups? How are environmental and socio-economic impacts related? Can impacts be predicted based on those in other regions? To address these questions, we reviewed literature describing the impacts of 300 species from five major taxonomic groups: mammals, birds, fish, terrestrial arthropods and plants. To make very diverse impact measures comparable, we used the semi-quantitative generic impact scoring system (GISS) which describes environmental and socio-economic impacts using twelve categories. In each category, scores range from zero (no impact known or detectable) to five (the highest possible impact). Using the same scoring system for taxa as diverse as invertebrates, vertebrates and plants, we found that overall, alien mammals in Europe have the highest impact, while fish have the lowest. Terrestrial arthropods were found to have the lowest environmental impact, while fish had relatively low socio-economic impact. Overall, the magnitude of environmental and socio-economic impacts of individual alien species is highly correlated. However, at the species level, major deviations are found. For mammals and birds, the impacts in invaded ranges outside of Europe are broadly similar to those recorded for alien species within Europe, indicating that a consideration of the known impacts of a species in other regions can be generally useful when predicting the impacts of an alien species. However, it should be noted that this pattern is not consistent across all mammal and bird orders, and thus, such information should be considered with caution. Synthesis and applications. Comparing the impacts of alien species across taxa is necessary for prioritizing management efforts and effective allocation of resources. By applying the generic impact scoring system (GISS) to five major taxonomic groups, we provide the basis for a semi-quantitative cross-taxa listing process (e.g. 'black lists' or 100-worst-lists). If more data are collated from different geographical regions and habitats using standard GISS protocols, risk assessments for alien species based on rigorous measures of impact could be improved by taking into account local variation, and context dependence of impacts. This would also allow studies at lower taxonomic levels, and within-taxon analyses of functional groups and guilds. Comparing the impacts of alien species across taxa is necessary for prioritizing management efforts and effective allocation of resources. By applying the generic impact scoring system (GISS) to five major taxonomic groups, we provide the basis for a semi-quantitative cross-taxa listing process (e.g. 'black lists' or 100-worst-lists). If more data are collated from different geographical regions and habitats using standard GISS protocols, risk assessments for alien species based on rigorous measures of impact could be improved by taking into account local variation, and context dependence of impacts. This would also allow studies at lower taxonomic levels, and within-taxon analyses of functional groups and guilds. © 2015 British Ecological Society. | Arthropod; Biological invasions; Environmental impact; Generic impact scoring system; Management prioritization; Non-native species; Policy; Risk assessment; Socio-economic impact; Vertebrate | biological invasion; bird; comparative study; environmental impact; habitat fragmentation; introduced species; mammal; risk assessment; socioeconomic impact; Europe; Animalia; Arthropoda; Aves; Invertebrata; Mammalia; Vertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858827980 | Comparing levels of use of project plans and performance of traditional contract and design-build construction projects in Nigeria | Idoro G. | 2012 | Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology | 10 | 1 | 10.1108/17260531211211863 | Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria | Idoro, G., Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria | Purpose: The prominent role of traditional contract and design-build methods in the procurement of projects and the importance of planning in the success of the projects prompt this study. The study evaluates the levels of use of project documents and their influence on the outcome of projects procured by the two methods. The purpose of this paper is to assist stakeholders in comparing the documents prepared and the performance of projects procured by traditional contract and design-build methods. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a questionnaire survey approach to achieve its purpose. A field survey of 84 projects made up of 42 traditional contract projects and 42 design-build projects selected by purposive sampling was conducted. Three categories of variables namely: procurement method, project planning and project outcome were used. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires and analysed to derive and compare the levels of use of selected project plans, levels of project inception, design, tendering, construction and overall planning in projects procured by traditional contract and design-build methods using percentage, mean and t-test. Findings: The results reveal that the levels of project stage and overall planning in projects procured by the two methods investigated are the same. However, the levels of use of specific plans and project outcome in the two categories of projects are significantly different. The study considers the difference in the levels of use of project plans to be responsible for the lower delivery time and cost of projects procured by traditional contract method and higher quality standards in projects procured by design-build method. Originality/value: The paper has revealed the level of efforts put into the planning of projects procured by traditional contract and design-build methods and their influence on the performance of the projects. The results will make project stakeholders aware of how to improve their efforts, thereby improving the outcome of the projects. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Construction industry; Contracts; Document management; Nigeria; Procurement management; Project management; Project performance; Project planning | Document management; Nigeria; Procurement management; Project performance; Project planning; Construction industry; Contracts; Information services; Project management; Surveys; Model buildings | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951641138 | Comparing modelled predictions of neonatal mortality impacts using list with observed results of community-based intervention trials in South Asia | Friberg I.K., Bhutta Z.A., Darmstadt G.L., Bang A., Cousens S., Baqui A.H., Kumar V., Walker N., Lawn J.E. | 2010 | International Journal of Epidemiology | 39 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1093/ije/dyq017 | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Divsion of Women and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; SEARCH (Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health), Gadchiroli, India; London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom; Saving Newborn Livesm, Save the Children, South Africa; Family Health Division, Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States | Friberg, I.K., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Bhutta, Z.A., Divsion of Women and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; Darmstadt, G.L., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States, Family Health Division, Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Bang, A., SEARCH (Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health), Gadchiroli, India; Cousens, S., London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom; Baqui, A.H., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Kumar, V., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Walker, N., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Lawn, J.E., Saving Newborn Livesm, Save the Children, South Africa | Background: There is an increasing body of evidence from trials suggesting that major reductions in neonatal mortality are possible through community-based interventions. Since these trials involve packages of varying content, determining how much of the observed mortality reduction is due to specific interventions is problematic. The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) is designed to facilitate programmatic prioritization by modelling mortality reductions related to increasing coverage of specific interventions which may be combined into packages. Methods: To assess the validity of LiST outputs, we compared predictions generated by LiST with observed neonatal mortality reductions in trials of packages which met inclusion criteria but were not used as evidence inputs for LiST. Results: Four trials, all from South Asia, met the inclusion criteria. The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) predicted by LiST matched the observed rate very closely in two effectiveness-type trials. LiST predicted NMR reduction was close (absolute difference <5/1000 live births) in a third study. The NMR at the end of the fourth study (Shivgarh, India) was overestimated by 39% or 16/1000 live births. Conclusions: These results suggest that LiST is a reasonably reliable tool for use by policymakers to prioritize interventions to reduce neonatal deaths, at least in South Asia and where empirical data are unavailable. Reasons for the underestimated reduction in one trial likely include the inability of LiST to model all effective interventions. © The Author 2010; all rights reserved. | Bangladesh; Child survival; India; Lives saved tool; Modelling; Neonatal mortality; Pakistan | child mortality; comparative study; data set; empirical analysis; health policy; neonate; numerical model; policy making; prediction; prioritization; survival; antibiotic therapy; article; cause of death; clinical effectiveness; community care; comparative study; death; disease surveillance; emergency care; home care; human; immunization; live birth; meningitis; newborn care; newborn infection; newborn mortality; newborn sepsis; newborn tetanus; obstetric procedure; overall survival; perinatal asphyxia; perinatal period; pneumonia; predictive value; premature labor; priority journal; resuscitation; South Asia; statistical model; The Lives Saved Tool; Asia; developing country; female; health care delivery; health care quality; infant mortality; male; newborn; newborn disease; prediction and forecasting; statistics; theoretical model; treatment outcome; South Asia; Asia; Community Health Services; Delivery of Health Care; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Male; Models, Theoretical; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Predictive Value of Tests; Program Evaluation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864567452 | Comparing occupational health and safety (OHS) management efforts and performance of nigerian construction contractors | Idoro G.I. | 2011 | Journal of Construction in Developing Countries | 16 | 2 | None | Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Idoro, G.I., Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | The study compares the management efforts and performance of construction contractors in Nigeria with regard to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). The purpose of the study is to help all categories of construction contractors in Nigeria to improve their management efforts related to OHS. Toward this end, a field survey was conducted with a sample of forty contractors selected via purposive sampling. The scope of operations of the contractors was designated as multinational, national, regional or local. Six OHS management parameters and seven OHS performance parameters were used, and data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using mean and analysis of variance. The results reveal that contractors' OHS-related management efforts are not correlated with the scope of their operations. The OHS performance of the contractors remains the same in terms of six performance indicators but differs in terms of the rate of accidents per worker. The study results also reveal that the accident and injury rates in the Nigerian construction industry are high. Thus, the results reveal the challenges facing Nigerian contractors and other stakeholders working to improve the OHS performance of the industry. The findings indicate the need for effective risk management and regulation and control of OHS in the Nigerian construction industry. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011. | Multinational Contractors; National Contractors; Nigeria; OHS Management Efforts; OHS Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901400302 | Comparing orthogonal force and unidirectional strain component processing for tool condition monitoring | Freyer B.H., Heyns P.S., Theron N.J. | 2014 | Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing | 25 | 3 | 10.1007/s10845-012-0698-6 | Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Freyer, B.H., Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Heyns, P.S., Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Theron, N.J., Dynamic Systems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa | Signal processing using orthogonal cutting force components for tool condition monitoring has established itself in literature. In the application of single axis strain sensors however a linear combination of cutting force components has to be processed in order to monitor tool wear. This situation may arise when a single axis piezoelectric actuator is simultaneously used as an actuator and a sensor, e.g. its vibration control feedback signal exploited for monitoring purposes. The current paper therefore compares processing of a linear combination of cutting force components to the reference case of processing orthogonal components. Reconstruction of the dynamic force acting at the tool tip from signals obtained during measurements using a strain gauge instrumented tool holder in a turning process is described. An application of this dynamic force signal was simulated on a filter-model of that tool holder that would carry a self-sensing actuator. For comparison of the orthogonal and unidirectional force component tool wear monitoring strategies the same time-delay neural network structure has been applied. Wear-sensitive features are determined by wavelet packet analysis to provide information for tool wear estimation. The probability of a difference less than 5 percentage points between the flank wear estimation errors of above mentioned two processing strategies is at least 95 %. This suggests the viability of simultaneous monitoring and control by using a self-sensing actuator. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Neural network; Self-sensing actuator; Structure dynamic modelling; Tool wear-monitoring; Wavelet packet analysis | Computer simulation; Cutting; Neural networks; Piezoelectric actuators; Sensors; Signal processing; Orthogonal components; Self-sensing actuators; Simultaneous monitoring; Structure dynamics; Time delay neural networks; Tool condition monitoring; Tool wear estimations; Wavelet Packet Analysis; Wear of materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894187929 | Comparing performance of MLP and RBF neural network models for predicting South Africa's energy consumption | Oludolapo O.A., Jimoh A.A., Kholopane P.A. | 2012 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 23 | 3 | None | Department of Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Oludolapo, O.A., Department of Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Jimoh, A.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Kholopane, P.A., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | In view of the close association between energy and economic growth, South Africa's aspirations for higher growth, more energy is required; formulating a long-term economic development plan and implementing an energy strategy for a country /industry necessitates establishing the correct relationship between energy and the economy. As insufficient energy or a lack thereof is reported to be a major cause of social and economic poverty, it is very important to select a model to forecast the consumption of energy reasonably accurately. This study presents techniques based on the development of multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) of artificial neural network (ANN) models, for calculating the energy consumption of South Africa's industrial sector between 1993 and 2000. The approach examines the energy consumption in relation to the gross domestic product. The results indicate a strong agreement between model predictions and observed values, since the mean absolute percentage error is below 5%. When performance indices are compared, the RBF based model is a more accurate predictor than the MLP model. | Energy consumption; Gross domestic product; Multilayer perceptron; Radial basis function | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883391145 | Comparing the Performance of Cluster Random Sampling and Integrated Threshold Mapping for Targeting Trachoma Control, Using Computer Simulation | Smith J.L., Sturrock H.J.W., Olives C., Solomon A.W., Brooker S.J. | 2013 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 7 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002389 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases Research, London, United Kingdom; Global Health Group, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | Smith, J.L., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases Research, London, United Kingdom; Sturrock, H.J.W., Global Health Group, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Olives, C., University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Solomon, A.W., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases Research, London, United Kingdom; Brooker, S.J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases Research, London, United Kingdom, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | Background:Implementation of trachoma control strategies requires reliable district-level estimates of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), generally collected using the recommended gold-standard cluster randomized surveys (CRS). Integrated Threshold Mapping (ITM) has been proposed as an integrated and cost-effective means of rapidly surveying trachoma in order to classify districts according to treatment thresholds. ITM differs from CRS in a number of important ways, including the use of a school-based sampling platform for children aged 1-9 and a different age distribution of participants. This study uses computerised sampling simulations to compare the performance of these survey designs and evaluate the impact of varying key parameters.Methodology/Principal Findings:Realistic pseudo gold standard data for 100 districts were generated that maintained the relative risk of disease between important sub-groups and incorporated empirical estimates of disease clustering at the household, village and district level. To simulate the different sampling approaches, 20 clusters were selected from each district, with individuals sampled according to the protocol for ITM and CRS. Results showed that ITM generally under-estimated the true prevalence of TF over a range of epidemiological settings and introduced more district misclassification according to treatment thresholds than did CRS. However, the extent of underestimation and resulting misclassification was found to be dependent on three main factors: (i) the district prevalence of TF; (ii) the relative risk of TF between enrolled and non-enrolled children within clusters; and (iii) the enrollment rate in schools.Conclusions/Significance:Although in some contexts the two methodologies may be equivalent, ITM can introduce a bias-dependent shift as prevalence of TF increases, resulting in a greater risk of misclassification around treatment thresholds. In addition to strengthening the evidence base around choice of trachoma survey methodologies, this study illustrates the use of a simulated approach in addressing operational research questions for trachoma but also other NTDs. © 2013 Smith et al. | None | azithromycin; article; classification; cluster random sampling; computer simulation; disease control; endemic disease; health survey; human; Integrated Threshold Mapping; prevalence; receiver operating characteristic; risk factor; sample size; sampling; sensitivity analysis; trachoma | B&MGF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; 098045, Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943573717 | Comparing the performance of different meta-heuristics for unweighted parallel machine scheduling | Adamu M.O., Adewumi A. | 2015 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 26 | 2 | None | Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos, Nigeria; School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Adamu, M.O., Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Adewumi, A., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | This article considers the due window scheduling problem to minimise the number of early and tardy jobs on identical parallel machines. This problem is known to be NP complete and thus finding an optimal solution is unlikely. Three meta-heuristics and their hybrids are proposed and extensive computational experiments are conducted. The purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of these meta-heuristics and their hybrids and to determine the best among them. Detailed comparative tests have also been conducted to analyse the different heuristics with the simulated annealing hybrid giving the best result. © 2015, South African Institute of Industrial Engineering. All rights reserved. | None | Business machines; Simulated annealing; Comparative tests; Computational experiment; Identical parallel machines; Meta heuristics; NP Complete; Optimal solutions; Parallel machine scheduling; Tardy jobs; Scheduling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862839070 | Comparing the planning and performance of direct labour and design-bid-build construction projects in Nigeria | Idoro G.I. | 2012 | Journal of Civil Engineering and Management | 18 | 2 | 10.3846/13923730.2012.671283 | Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Idoro, G.I., Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | This study compares the levels of planning and the outcome of projects procured by direct labour and traditional contract procurement options. For this comparison, a survey of 130 projects was carried out. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using percentage, mean and t-test. The study discovers that whereas the levels of conception and overall planning done in projects procured by the two options are the same, the levels of design and construction planning done in DBB and DL projects differ. The study also discovers that the time-overruns of projects procured by the two methods differ but their cost-overruns are the same. The study concludes that projects procured by DBB and DL options differ in planning and time-overrun and suggests improved planning at the design stage when DL option is adopted and improved planning at the construction stage when DBB option is adopted. Copyright © 2012 Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) Press Technika. | Design-bid-build; Direct labour; Nigeria; Project planning and project performance | Construction projects; Construction stages; Cost-overruns; Design and construction; Design stage; Design-bid-build; Direct labour; Nigeria; Project performance; Construction industry; Surveys; Design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955655391 | Comparing the results from various performance models of IEEE 802.11g DCF | Kritzinger P.S., Msiska H., Mundangepfupfu T., Pileggi P., Symington A. | 2010 | Computer Networks | 54 | 10 | 10.1016/j.comnet.2010.01.003 | Data Network Architectures Group, Computer Science Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Computing Laboratory, Oxford University, England, United Kingdom | Kritzinger, P.S., Data Network Architectures Group, Computer Science Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Msiska, H., Data Network Architectures Group, Computer Science Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Mundangepfupfu, T., Data Network Architectures Group, Computer Science Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Pileggi, P., Data Network Architectures Group, Computer Science Department, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Symington, A., Computing Laboratory, Oxford University, England, United Kingdom | IEEE 802.11 DCF is the most widely-used CSMA/CA access control mechanism. Recent analytic performance models for DCF have received acclaim for both their simplicity and reported accuracy. Most of these models share the assumptions of full single-hop connectivity among all stations, that DCF back-off may be modeled as a Markov process and that the network is saturated with traffic. In order to verify the accuracy of existing analytic models we developed a discrete-event simulator to record the performance of the DCF protocol and ensure that every detail of the standard is represented. Simultaneously we set up a hardware test bed to measure the same performance metrics in an environment that makes none of the simplifying assumptions of either the analytic models or the simulation. In the test bed, as in the simulator, we used the same physical parameter settings prescribed by the standard. As is the case for the analytic models we used, we subjected the simulator and the test bed to the same saturated workload for both basic and RTS/CTS access modes. Finally, we also implemented a non-saturating Markov Modulated Arrival Process (MMAP) workload model for our simulator to test the performance of DCF subject to more realistic internet traffic conditions. We describe both the simulator and the test bed in some detail in order to testify to the accuracy and detail of our results. The results show that the analytic models are mostly pessimistic for small numbers of nodes and optimistic for larger numbers of nodes. The performance measurements from the test bed, in turn, indicate that the simulation results are similarly optimistic when large numbers of nodes are concerned. Since the test bed uses an error-prone wireless channel, this latter result is, in principle, not surprising. The rate of deterioration in the actual performance is however something that is not widely known and is much more rapid than analytic models would suggest. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Distributed coordination function (DCF); IEEE 802.11; Medium access control (MAC); Simulation modelling; Wireless test bed; WLAN | Distributed coordination functions; IEEE 802.11s; Medium access control (MAC); Simulation modelling; Wireless test beds; WLAN; Equipment testing; Internet protocols; Markov processes; Security systems; Simulators; Standards; Telecommunication networks; Test facilities; Wireless local area networks (WLAN); Medium access control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69149110158 | Comparing three-dimensional volume-rendered CT images with fibreoptic tracheobronchoscopy in the evaluation of airway compression caused by tuberculous lymphadenopathy in children | Du Plessis J., Goussard P., Andronikou S., Gie R., George R. | 2009 | Pediatric Radiology | 39 | 7 | 10.1007/s00247-009-1262-1 | Department of Radiology, University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Radiology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa | Du Plessis, J., Department of Radiology, University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Goussard, P., Department of Paediatrics, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Andronikou, S., Department of Radiology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Anzio Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Gie, R., Department of Paediatrics, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; George, R., Department of Radiology, University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Background: Lymphobronchial tuberculosis (TB) causes airway compression in 38% of patients. The airway obstruction is conventionally assessed with fibreoptic tracheobronchoscopy (FTB). Multidetector-row spiral computed tomography (MDCT) with three-dimensional volume rendering (3-D VR) has significantly improved the imaging of the airways. No previous studies have assessed the accuracy of 3-D VR in determining the degree of airway compression in children due to TB lymphadenopathy. Objective: To compare 3-D VR CT to FTB for the assessment of airway compression due to TB lymphadenopathy in children. Materials and methods: Included in the study were 26 children presenting with symptoms of airway compression caused by pulmonary TB. MDCT of the chest and FTB were performed in all patients. Retrospective 3-D VR reconstruction of the major airways was performed from the original CT raw data and used to evaluate the tracheobronchial tree for site and degree of airway compression and then compared to the FTB findings. FTB was used as the reference standard Results: By FTB 87 sites of airway compression were identified. Using the 3-D VR technique, 138 sites of airway compression were identified, of which 78 (90%) matched with the sites identified by FTB. The sensitivity and specificity of 3-D VR when compared with that of FTB was 92% and 85%, respectively. In four patients (15%), severe narrowing of the bronchus intermedius made FTB evaluation of the right middle and right lower lobe bronchi impossible. VR demonstrated significant distal obstruction in three of these four patients Conclusion: 3-D VR demonstrates a very good correlation with FTB in determining airway compression caused by TB lymphadenopathy in children. In combination with FTB, 3-D VR adds confidence to the bronchoscopy findings and complements FTB by adding additional information on the status of the airway distal to severe obstructions unreachable by FTB. © 2009 Springer-Verlag. | Chest; Children; CT; Tuberculosis | prednisone; tuberculostatic agent; airway dynamics; airway obstruction; article; bronchoscopy; child; clinical article; compression; cone beam computed tomography; controlled study; female; fiberoptic bronchoscopy; human; infant; lung tuberculosis; male; multidetector computed tomography; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; preschool child; priority journal; school child; sensitivity and specificity; standard; three dimensional imaging; tuberculous lymphadenitis; airway obstruction; algorithm; bronchoscopy; comparative study; computer assisted diagnosis; computer assisted tomography; evaluation; fiber optics; image quality; laryngoscopy; methodology; reproducibility; tuberculous lymphadenitis; Airway Obstruction; Algorithms; Bronchoscopy; Fiber Optic Technology; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Laryngoscopy; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747817988 | Comparing trophic flows and fishing impacts of a NW Mediterranean ecosystem with coastal upwelling systems by means of standardized models and indicators | Coll M., Shannon L.J., Moloney C.L., Palomera I., Tudela S. | 2006 | Ecological Modelling | 198 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2006.04.009 | Institute of Marine Science (CMIMA-CSIC), Passeig Maritim la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Marine and Coastal Management, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay 8012 Cape Town, South Africa; Marine Biology Research Institute, Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701 Cape Town, South Africa; WWF Mediterranean Programme Office, Canuda 37, 08002 Barcelona, Spain | Coll, M., Institute of Marine Science (CMIMA-CSIC), Passeig Maritim la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Shannon, L.J., Marine and Coastal Management, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay 8012 Cape Town, South Africa; Moloney, C.L., Marine Biology Research Institute, Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701 Cape Town, South Africa; Palomera, I., Institute of Marine Science (CMIMA-CSIC), Passeig Maritim la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Tudela, S., WWF Mediterranean Programme Office, Canuda 37, 08002 Barcelona, Spain | The NW Mediterranean has a number of structural features in common with upwelling ecosystems. Therefore, an ecological model representing a NW Mediterranean exploited ecosystem was standardized and compared with four previously standardized models from coastal upwelling ecosystems: the Northern and Southern Humboldt (Chile and Peru upwelling systems) and the Northern and Southern Benguela (Namibia and South Africa upwelling systems). Results from biomasses, flows and trophic levels indicated important differences between ecosystems, mainly caused by differences in primary production, which was smallest in the NW Mediterranean Sea. However, principal component analysis (PCA) of biomasses and flows suggested a similar pattern between the NW Mediterranean and the South African systems due to the inclusion of an important fraction of the continental shelf in both ecological models representing these areas. At the same time, diets of commercial species from the NW Mediterranean were more similar to Benguela than Humboldt species. However, the relatively heavy fishing pressure in the NW Mediterranean ecosystem was highlighted relative to its primary production, and was evident from the large catches and small primary production, largest flows from TL 1 required to sustain the fishery (%PPR), the low trophic level of the catch (TLc), high exploitation rates (F/Z), largest values in the trophic spectra portraying catch: biomass ratio, the FIB index and the demersal: total catch ration. Comparisons of %PPR, the trophic level of the community (TLco), the biomass of consumers and F/Z ratios seemed to capture the ecosystem effects of fishing: large in the NW Mediterranean, Namibia and Peru upwelling systems. Small pelagic fish were the most important component of the fisheries in the NW Mediterranean and Peruvian systems. However, the smaller production and biomass ratios from the NW Mediterranean could be an indirect indicator of intense fishing pressure on small pelagic fish, also in line with results from consumption of small pelagic fish by the fishery, F/Z ratios and trophic spectra. Moreover, similarities between the NW Mediterranean and Namibian systems were found, mainly related to the demersal: total catch ratios, the FIB index, the relevance of gelatinous zooplankton in the consumption of production and the importance of pelagic-demersal coupling, in remarkable contrast to the other ecosystems. These similarities should be interpreted in terms of dynamic trajectories that the Namibian system has shown due to the collapse of its pelagic ecosystem, partly due to fishing intensity, and the signs that the NW Mediterranean could follow suit in the future. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Ecological modelling; Ecosystem indicators; Fishing impact; Mediterranean; Trophic flows; Upwelling ecosystems | Biodiversity; Biomass; Ecology; Environmental impact; Mathematical models; Principal component analysis; Ecological modeling; Ecosystem indicators; Fishing impact; Trophic flows; Upwelling ecosystems; Ecosystems; biomass; coastal zone; commercial species; comparative study; diet; ecological modeling; fishing; oceanic circulation; pelagic fish; principal component analysis; trophic level; upwelling; Africa; Atlantic Ocean; Benguela Current; Chile; Humboldt Current; Mediterranean Sea; Mediterranean Sea (Northwest); Namibia; Pacific Ocean; Peru; South Africa; South America; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922482346 | Comparison of analytical and clinical performances of the digene HC2 HPV DNA assay and the INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping assay for detecting high-risk HPV infection and cervical neoplasia among HIV-positive African women | Ngou J., Gilham C., Omar T., Goumbri-Lompo O., Doutre S., Michelow P., Kelly H., Didelot M.-N., Chikandiwa A., Sawadogo B., Delany-Moretlwe S., Meda N., Costes V., Mayaud P., Segondy M. | 2015 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 68 | 2 | 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000428 | INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Departments of Clinical Research, Non Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; University Hospital, Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ngou, J., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Gilham, C., Departments of Clinical Research, Non Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Omar, T., Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Goumbri-Lompo, O., University Hospital, Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Doutre, S., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Michelow, P., Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kelly, H., Departments of Clinical Research, Non Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Didelot, M.-N., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Chikandiwa, A., Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sawadogo, B., University Hospital, Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Delany-Moretlwe, S., Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meda, N., University Hospital, Centre of International Research for Health, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Costes, V., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France; Mayaud, P., Departments of Clinical Research, Non Communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Segondy, M., INSERM, Department of Biology and Pathology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France | To compare the Hybrid Capture 2 human papillomaviruses (HPV) DNA assay (HC2) and the INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra assay (INNO-LiPA) for cervical cancer screening in HIV-1-infected African women. DESIGN:: The tests were compared for agreement in detecting high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) and performance to detect squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), by cytology, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, by histology, in cervical samples from 1224 women in Burkina Faso (N = 604) and South Africa (N = 620). RESULTS:: When considering the 13 hr-HPV types detected by HC2, 634 (51.8%) and 849 (69.4%) samples were positive by HC2 and INNO-LiPA, respectively. Agreement between assays was 73.9% [adjusted kappa coefficient value, 0.44 (95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 0.53)]. Agreement improved with analysis restricted to women with high-grade cervical lesions [adjusted kappa coefficient value, 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.74 to 0.91)]. The prevalence of hr-HPV, as determined by HC2 and INNO-LiPA, was 34.5% and 54.5%, respectively, in samples with normal cytology, 48.0% and 68.0%, respectively, in samples with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 51.8% and 75.2%, respectively, in samples with low-grade SIL, and 86.3% and 89.8%, respectively, in samples with high-grade SIL/atypical squamous cells that cannot exclude HSIL. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of histological high-grade lesions (CIN2+) were 88.8%, 55.2%, 24.7% and 96.7%, and 92.5%, 35.1%, 19.1% and 96.6% for HC2 and INNO-LiPA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:: HC2 has lower analytical sensitivity but higher specificity than INNO-LiPA for diagnosing high-grade lesions; the 2 tests presented a comparable clinical sensitivity. HC2 might be suitable for cervical cancer screening in HIV-1-infected African women, but its use in resource-limited settings merits to be further evaluated in comparison with other prevention strategies. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. | cervical lesions; HIV-1; HPV; Hybrid Capture 2; INNO-LiPA HPV | virus DNA; adult; African; Article; assay; clinical practice; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; genotype; high risk population; histology; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; nonhuman; papillomavirus infection; prevalence; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; sexually transmitted disease; uterine cervix cancer; uterine cervix carcinoma in situ; uterine cervix cytology; virus carcinogenesis; virus detection; Wart virus; Burkina Faso; classification; comparative study; complication; early diagnosis; evaluation study; genetics; genotyping technique; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; isolation and purification; middle aged; Papilloma virus; Papillomavirus Infections; procedures; South Africa; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; virology; Adult; Burkina Faso; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Genotype; Genotyping Techniques; HIV Infections; Humans; Middle Aged; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930402354 | Comparison of artificial neural network and response surface methodology performance on fermentation parameters optimization of bioconversion of cashew apple juice to gluconic acid | Osunkanmibi O.B., Owolabi T.O., Betiku E. | 2015 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 11 | 3 | 10.1515/ijfe-2015-0072 | Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Osunkanmibi, O.B., Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Owolabi, T.O., Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Betiku, E., Biochemical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | The study examined the impact and interactions of cashew apple juice (CAJ) concentration, pH, NaNO<inf>3</inf> concentration, inoculum size and time on gluconic acid (GA) production in a central composite design (CCD). The fermentation process and parameters involved were modeled and optimized using artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM). The ANN model established the optimum levels as CAJ of 250 g/l, pH of 4.21, NaNO<inf>3</inf> of 1.51 g/l, inoculum size of 2.87% volume and time of 24.41 h with an actual GA of 249.99 g/l. The optimum levels predicted by RSM model for the five independent variables were CAJ of 249 g/l, pH of 4.6, NaNO<inf>3</inf> of 2.29 g/l, inoculum size of 3.95% volume, and time of 38.9 h with an actual GA of 246.34 g/l. The ANN model was superior to the RSM model in predicting GA production. The study demonstrated that CAJ could serve as the sole carbon source for GA production. © 2015 by De Gruyter 2015. | Cashew apple juice; fermentation; fungi; gluconic acid; modeling; optimization | Carbon; Fruit juices; Fruits; Fungi; Models; Neural networks; Optimization; Surface properties; Cashew apple juice; Central composite designs; Fermentation process; Gluconic acids; Independent variables; Parameters optimization; Response surface methodology; Sole carbon source; Fermentation; Anacardium occidentale; Fungi; Malus x domestica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907573597 | Comparison of Biotinylated Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies in an Evaluation of a Direct Rapid Immunohistochemical Test for the Routine Diagnosis of Rabies in Southern Africa | Coetzer A., Sabeta C.T., Markotter W., Rupprecht C.E., Nel L.H. | 2014 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 8 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003189 | Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Rabies Division, Gauteng, South Africa; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis | Coetzer, A., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa; Sabeta, C.T., Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Rabies Division, Gauteng, South Africa; Markotter, W., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa; Rupprecht, C.E., Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis; Nel, L.H., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa | The major etiological agent of rabies, rabies virus (RABV), accounts for tens of thousands of human deaths per annum. The majority of these deaths are associated with rabies cycles in dogs in resource-limited countries of Africa and Asia. Although routine rabies diagnosis plays an integral role in disease surveillance and management, the application of the currently recommended direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test in countries on the African and Asian continents remains quite limited. A novel diagnostic assay, the direct rapid immunohistochemical test (dRIT), has been reported to have a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity equal to that of the DFA test while offering advantages in cost, time and interpretation. Prior studies used the dRIT utilized monoclonal antibody (MAb) cocktails. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a biotinylated polyclonal antibody (PAb) preparation, applied in the dRIT protocol, would yield equal or improved results compared to the use of dRIT with MAbs. We also wanted to compare the PAb dRIT with the DFA test, utilizing the same PAb preparation with a fluorescent label. The PAb dRIT had a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100%, which was shown to be marginally higher than the diagnostic efficacy observed for the PAb DFA test. The classical dRIT, relying on two-biotinylated MAbs, was applied to the same panel of samples and a reduced diagnostic sensitivity (83.50% and 90.78% respectively) was observed. Antigenic typing of the false negative samples indicated all of these to be mongoose RABV variants. Our results provided evidence that a dRIT with alternative antibody preparations, conjugated to a biotin moiety, has a diagnostic efficacy equal to that of a DFA relying on the same antibody and that the antibody preparation should be optimized for virus variants specific to the geographical area of focus. © 2014 Coetzer et al. | None | monoclonal antibody; polyclonal antibody; virus RNA; biotin; diagnostic kit; monoclonal antibody; virus antibody; animal tissue; Article; biotinylation; cat; cattle; central nervous system; data analysis; diagnostic test accuracy study; dog; false positive result; fluorescent antibody technique; fox; human; human tissue; immunohistochemistry; immunoreactivity; jackal; mongoose; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; phylogeny; rabies; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; Africa; animal; animal disease; bovine; cat disease; cattle disease; chemistry; comparative study; diagnostic kit; dog disease; immunology; isolation and purification; nervous tissue; procedures; rabies; Rabies virus; veterinary; virology; Africa, Southern; Animal Diseases; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Viral; Biotin; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; Nerve Tissue; Rabies; Rabies virus; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49249101708 | Comparison of body weight gain performance and carcass characteristics of the two Ethiopian cattle breeds under natural pasture grazing management | Negash M., Lemma T., Dadi H., Feyera T., Woldu T., Alemu T., Shilima B. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 8 | None | Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia | Negash, M., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Lemma, T., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Dadi, H., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Feyera, T., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Woldu, T., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Alemu, T., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia; Shilima, B., Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 35, Ziway, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to see the effect of breed and age on the body weight gain and carcass traits of Borana and Kereyu breed kept under natural pasture grazing management at Adami Tulu Agricultural research center. A total of 32 Borana and 32 Kereyu breed bulls of four age categories from each breed were used for the experiment. The parameters showed an increasing trend across age groups for Borana breed. The highest average daily weight gain were registered at the older age (4, 6, 8 years) respectively and the lowest at younger age (2 years). Fat thickness and dressing percentage of Borana breed was high, however statistically it is not significant (p>0.05). Borana breed managed under similar condition deposited significantly higher (p<0.05) internal fat. Similarly hot carcass and rib eye area were also recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed between the two breeds among different age groups of bulls with regard to average total body weight gain (ATG) and average daily body weight gain (ADG). Leg total and accumulation of muscle on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana than Kereyu breed, but leg bone and fat did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Loin total and accumulation of muscle on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed, but Loin bone and fat did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Rack total, bone and accumulation of muscle on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed, but fat did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Breast and Shank total, bone and accumulation of fat on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed, but muscle did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Shoulder and neck total, muscle and accumulation of fat on it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Borana breed, but bone did not significantly (p>0.05) vary. Primal cut proportions, total fat and muscle did not significantly (p>0.05) vary between the two breeds but the total bone was different between the two breeds. Generally Borana breed was preferred for good carcass yield than Kereyu breed in natural grazing management. | Age; Borana; Carcass trait; Kereyu; Range performance; Type | Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874697837 | Comparison of economic impact of alternative constraint control measures in indigenous chicken production in Nyanza province, Kenya | Olwande P.O., Ogara W.O., Bebora L.C., Okuthe S.O. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 2 | None | Government of the Republic of Kenya, Ministry of Livestock Development, Department of Veterinary Services, P.O. Box 258-40222, Rachuonyo South District, Oyugis, Kenya; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PHPT department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; FAO-E CTAD, Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, eastern Africa, FAO, P.O. Box 25599-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Olwande, P.O., Government of the Republic of Kenya, Ministry of Livestock Development, Department of Veterinary Services, P.O. Box 258-40222, Rachuonyo South District, Oyugis, Kenya; Ogara, W.O., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PHPT department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Bebora, L.C., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology department, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya; Okuthe, S.O., FAO-E CTAD, Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, eastern Africa, FAO, P.O. Box 25599-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | This study compared the costs and benefits of six alternative control measures on the indigenous chicken productivity constraints with an aim of identifying the most desirable mitigation measure; for improved productivity of the birds. The study was conducted in Migwa and Kagak villages in Kasipul division of Rachuonyo South district. The study first used rapid rural appraisal (RRA) tools as described by Chamber (1994); to prioritize the constraints limiting indigenous chicken production in the study area. A twelve month set of controlled intervention trials in 80 study households, were designed into six intervention and one control groups, was later carried out to test for effects of the mitigation measures on the prioritized constraints that were: diseases (Newcastle, Gumboro and fowl pox), predations (in chicks) and inadequate nutrition, in order of importance, respectively. Productivity parameters and rates that included clutch sizes and numbers, flock sizes and structures, mortality, hatchability and chick survival rates were monitored during the entire study period. The data was obtained by actual measurement, on spot observation, interview of household members directly responsible for the care of the indigenous chickens, community group discussions, post mortem examination on sick and fresh dead birds and laboratory sample analysis (from sick and dead birds). Benefits and costs analysis technique was then applied to identify the most desirable mitigation measures by comparing the net present values (NPVs) of the six alternative intervention approaches. The study identified integrated intervention, which included concurrent control, by vaccinations, of important indigenous chicken diseases (Newcastle, Gumboro and fowl pox), prevention of predations (especially in chicks by confinement) and improvement of the birds' nutrition by consistently providing maize grains and chicken left over supplementations; as the most appropriate and sustainable technology, for the improvement of productivity of the indigenous chickens. | Chick confinement; Grain supplementations; Indigenous chicken vaccinations | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924286466 | Comparison of effective population size, rate and level of inbreeding and its potential impact on village chicken populations of Southern Africa | Zulu S.G., Muchadeyi F.C., Dzomba E.F. | 2015 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 14 | 1 | None | Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, South Africa | Zulu, S.G., Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Muchadeyi, F.C., Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Dzomba, E.F., Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | The term village chicken best describes the scavenging chickens because of the effect of the village socio-economic and biophysical environment on the production and health status of the chicken. These chickens are predominantly farmed in African villages by small holder farmers. The purpose of this study was to compare rates and levels of inbreeding in village (free range) chickens in Southern Africa. In addition the study sought to investigate the major economic traits that could be negatively affected by inbreeding. The study was carried out in 2007 and 2009 by sampling households in five agro-ecological zones (AEZ) in Zimbabwe and three farming regions in South Africa. Data was captured in the form of surveys conducted using pre-tested questionnaires and included farmer socio-demographic information and household chicken flock sizes and composition. Data was also captured on traits that chicken farmers target when selecting or culling the flocks by ranking traits in order of importance, one being most important and eight being the least important. Three parameters i.e. effective population size (Ne), rate of inbreeding (AF) and the level of inbreeding (F) were estimated using different mathematical formulas. Statistical analysis of the effect of agro-ecological zone and country on each of the three parameters was done using Generalized Linear Models procedure in SAS. Results showed that Limpopo province of South Africa and AEZ III of Zimbabwe had highest and lowest Ne, respectively. Consequently, Limpopo and AEZ III had the lowest and the highest AF respectively. Both effective population size and rate of inbreeding varied significantly (p<0.05) between farming regions/agro ecological zones within countries. It was observed that chicken body size, reproductive performance, mothering ability and health were ranked high while body conformation and morphological traits (plumage color and comb shape) were ranked the least important traits for choosing animals for breeding and for culling chickens from the flock. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Effective population size; Farming region; Inbreeding; Village chicken | Animalia; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859597483 | Comparison of egg production performance and egg quality traits of pearl and black strains of guinea fowl in a humid rain-forest zone of Nigeria | Obike O.M., Oke U.K., Azu K.E. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 7 | 10.3923/ijps.2011.547.551 | Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Abia State, Nigeria | Obike, O.M., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Abia State, Nigeria; Oke, U.K., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Abia State, Nigeria; Azu, K.E., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Abia State, Nigeria | Data on 272 eggs collected from Pearl (175 eggs) and Black (97 eggs) adult guinea fowl strains were analyzed to determine the egg production performance and egg quality characteristics of the birds. Data generated were analyzed using Student's t-test. The external egg quality traits measured were egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, shell thickness and egg shape index. Internal egg quality traits studied include egg mass, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, albumen weight, albumen height and albumen diameter and albumen index. The production performance traits measured were egg number and Hen-Day Production (HDP). In addition, weekly body weight of the hens was also recorded. Egg number was significantly (p<0.05) different between the two strains. The mean values were 22.71±0.30 and 12.84±0.29, respectively for Pearl and Black. Although there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between HDP of the two strains, the Black strain had higher HDP in all the weeks except in weeks 1, 5 and 6. Among the internal traits, albumen diameter differed significantly (p<0.05) between Pearl and Black with mean values of 61.27±2.02 mm and 66.97±1.20 mm, respectively. Effect of strain was not observed for all the other egg traits measured. However, the significant difference (p<0.05) observed for egg number and albumen diameter between the strains suggests at least some degree of genetic dissimilarity, which implies that the strains could be used to improve egg production and egg quality characteristics of guinea fowl in the study region. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Albumen diameter; Egg number; Egg quality traits; Guinea fowl; Strain | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907341132 | Comparison of environmental performance for different waste management scenarios in East Africa: The case of Kampala City, Uganda | Oyoo R., Leemans R., Mol A.P.J. | 2014 | Habitat International | 44 | None | 10.1016/j.habitatint.2014.07.012 | National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Quality Assurance Department, Old Portbell Road, P. O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; Environmental Systems Analysis group/Environmental Policy group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands | Oyoo, R., National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Quality Assurance Department, Old Portbell Road, P. O. Box 7053, Kampala, Uganda; Leemans, R., Environmental Systems Analysis group/Environmental Policy group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mol, A.P.J., Environmental Systems Analysis group/Environmental Policy group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, Netherlands | Poor waste flows management in East African cities has become an environmental and public health concerns to the city authorities and the general public. We assessed the environmental impacts of waste recycling in Kampala City, for four designed waste management scenarios, namely: (1) Scenario S1 representing the current status quo, (2) Scenario S2 maximizing landfill, (3) Scenario S3 combining composting, resource recovery, landfill and sewerage, and (4) Scenario S4 integrating anaerobic digestion, resource recovery, landfill and sewerage. These scenarios are quantitatively assessed for environmental impacts of global warming, acidification, nutrient enrichment, photochemical ozone formation, water pollution and resource conservation. Sensitivity analyses are performed on the robustness for the ranking of the scenarios. Scenario S4 integrating anaerobic digestion, resource recovery, landfill and sewerage performs best for all environmental impact categories. Sensitivity analysis shows that this assessment result is robust. Therefore, integrating waste recycling into the formal waste management system for Kampala would considerably reduce the environmental impacts of waste flows. Also, considering the similarities in municipal solid waste compositions, sanitation systems and settlement patterns among the large cities in East Africa, assimilating waste recycling into the formal waste management systems for these cities would results in minimal environmental impacts for their waste flows. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Composting; Emissions; Human excreta; Municipal solid waste; Scenario analysis and life cycle analysis | anoxic conditions; composting; emission; environmental impact assessment; landfill; life cycle analysis; municipal solid waste; recycling; sensitivity analysis; waste management; sanitation; Kampala; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548220000 | Comparison of field, greenhouse, and detached-leaf evaluations of soybean germplasm for resistance to Phakopsora pachyrhizi | Twizeyimana M., Ojiambo P.S., Ikotun T., Paul C., Hartman G.L., Bandyopadhyay R. | 2007 | Plant Disease | 91 | 9 | 10.1094/PDIS-91-9-1161 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biolo | Twizeyimana, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ojiambo, P.S., IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ikotun, T., Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan; Paul, C., Crop Sciences Department, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Hartman, G.L., National Soybean Research Center, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Bandyopadhyay, R., IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria | Fourteen soybean accessions and breeding lines were evaluated for resistance to soybean rust caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi. Evaluations were conducted in replicated experiments in growth chambers using detached leaves and under greenhouse and field conditions. In growth-chamber experiments, inoculation of detached leaves with 1 × 106 spores/ml resulted in a significantly (P < 0.0001) higher total number of pustules and spores per unit leaf area than inoculations with lower spore concentrations. Amending agar medium with plant hormones significantly (P < 0.0001) aided retention of green leaf color in detached leaves. Leaf pieces on a medium containing kinetin at 10 mg/liter had 5% chlorosis at 18 days after plating compared with leaf pieces on media amended with all other plant hormones, which had higher levels of chlorosis. Leaf age significantly affected number of pustules (P = 0.0146) and number of spores per pustule (P = 0.0088), and 3- to 4-week-old leaves had a higher number of pustules and number of spores per pustule compared with leaves that were either 1 to 2 or 5 to 6 weeks old. In detached-leaf and greenhouse screening, plants were evaluated for days to lesion appearance, days to pustule formation, days to pustule eruption, lesion number, lesion diameter, lesion type, number of pustules, and spores per pustule in 1-cm2 leaf area. Plants also were evaluated for diseased leaf area (in greenhouse and field screening) and sporulation (in field screening) at growth stage R6. There were significant (P < 0.0001) differences among genotypes in their response to P. pachyrhizi infection in the detached-leaf, greenhouse, and field evaluations. Accessions PI 594538A, PI 417089A, and UG-5 had very low levels of disease compared with the susceptible checks and all other genotypes. Detached-leaf, greenhouse, and field results were comparable, and there were significant correlations between detached-leaf and greenhouse (absolute r = 0.79; P < 0.0001) and between detached-leaf and field resistance (absolute r = 0.83; P < 0.0001) across genotypes. The overall results show the utility of detached-leaf assay for screening soybean for rust resistance. | Disease resistance | Fungus attack; Greenhouse effect; Plants (botany); Seed; Disease resistance; Growth chambers; Phakopsora pachyrhizi; Soybean rust; Diseases; Bacteria (microorganisms); Fungi; Glycine max; Phakopsora pachyrhizi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896693226 | Comparison of HI and optical redshifts of galaxies - The impact of redshift uncertainties on spectral line stacking | Maddox N., Hess K.M., Blyth S.-L., Jarvis M.J. | 2013 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 433 | 3 | 10.1093/mnras/stt934 | Astrophysics, Cosmology and Gravity Centre (ACGC), Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Oxford Astrophysics, Denys Wilkinson Building, University of Oxford, Kehle Rd, Oxford OX1 3RH, United Kingdom; Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | Maddox, N., Astrophysics, Cosmology and Gravity Centre (ACGC), Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Hess, K.M., Astrophysics, Cosmology and Gravity Centre (ACGC), Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Blyth, S.-L., Astrophysics, Cosmology and Gravity Centre (ACGC), Astronomy Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Jarvis, M.J., Oxford Astrophysics, Denys Wilkinson Building, University of Oxford, Kehle Rd, Oxford OX1 3RH, United Kingdom, Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | Accurate optical redshifts will be critical for spectral co-adding techniques used to extract detections from below the noise level in ongoing and upcoming surveys for neutral hydrogen (HI), which will extend our current understanding of gas reservoirs in galaxies to lower column densities and higher redshifts. We have used existing, high-quality optical and radio data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA survey to investigate the relationship between redshifts derived from optical spectroscopy and HI spectral line observations. We find that the two redshift measurements agree well, with a negligible systematic-offset and a small distribution width. Employing simple simulations, we determine how the width of an ideal stacked HI profile depends on these redshift offsets, as well as larger redshift errors more appropriate for high-redshift galaxy surveys. The width of the stacked profile is dominated by the width distribution of the input individual profiles when the redshift errors are less than the median width of the input profiles, and only when the redshift errors become large, ∼ 150 km s-1, do they significantly affect the width of the stacked profile. This redshift accuracy can be achieved with moderate-resolution optical spectra. We provide guidelines for the number of spectra required for stacking to reach a specified mass sensitivity, given telescope and survey parameters, which will be useful for planning optical spectroscopy observing campaigns to supplement the radio data.© 2013 The Authors. | Galaxies: Distances and redshifts; Radio lines: galaxies; Surveys | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881556553 | Comparison of laboratory and field bioassays of laboratory-reared Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) quality and field performance | Carpenter J.E., Blomefield T., Hight S.D. | 2013 | Journal of Applied Entomology | 137 | 8 | 10.1111/jen.12039 | Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Tifton, GA, United States; Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch, South Africa; USDA-ARS-CMAVE Center for Biological Control, FAMU, Tallahassee, FL, United States | Carpenter, J.E., Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Tifton, GA, United States; Blomefield, T., Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Hight, S.D., USDA-ARS-CMAVE Center for Biological Control, FAMU, Tallahassee, FL, United States | Maximum production and fitness of insect species that are mass-reared for biological control programmes such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) have benefitted from the employment of quality control and quality management. With a growing interest in the use of SIT as a tactic for the suppression/eradication of key lepidopteran pests, such as the codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), there is a parallel interest in inexpensive bioassays that can accurately detect differences in insect quality and monitor insect field performance. In this study, we examined laboratory (mating and flight ability) bioassays and field (field cage and open field release) bioassays simultaneously to discern the ability of the different bioassays to predict quality and field performance of codling moths produced in a commercial mass-rearing facility. Moth quality was degraded by different levels of radiation during the sterilization procedure. Both the laboratory flight bioassay and the field cage bioassay successfully detected quality and performance differences that were relevant to moth performance in the field. However, the study data suggest that the field cage bioassay was a better predictor of the daily performance of males that had been released in the orchard than the laboratory flight bioassay. Conversely, data suggest that the controlled climatic conditions of the laboratory allowed the flight cylinder bioassay to be more sensitive in detecting daily fluctuations in the quality of moths caused by factors within the mass-rearing facility. Therefore, both laboratory and field bioassays may be required to provide feedback on quality and performance of mass-reared moths in a SIT programme. Copyright © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH1378 September 2013 10.1111/jen.12039 Original Contribution ORIGINAL ARTICLES © 2013 Blackwell Verlag, GmbH. | Codling moth; Flight ability; Quality control; Sterile insect technique | bioassay; biological control; entomology; fighting; fitness; integrated pest management; laboratory method; moth; orchard; quality control; rearing; sterile release method; Cydia pomonella; Hexapoda; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880922843 | Comparison of MR and fluoroscopic mucous fistulography in the pre-operative evaluation of infants with anorectal malformation: A pilot study | Alves J.C.G., Sidler D., Lotz J.W., Pitcher R.D. | 2013 | Pediatric Radiology | 43 | 8 | 10.1007/s00247-013-2653-x | Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zyl Avenue, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Department of Surgical Sciences, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa | Alves, J.C.G., Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zyl Avenue, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Sidler, D., Department of Surgical Sciences, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Lotz, J.W., Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zyl Avenue, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Pitcher, R.D., Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zyl Avenue, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7700, South Africa | Background: Anorectal malformations are often associated with rectal pouch fistulas. Surgical correction requires accurate evaluation of the presence and position of such fistulas. Fluoroscopy is currently the chosen modality for the detection of fistulas. The role of MRI is unexplored. Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of MR versus fluoroscopic fistulography in the pre-operative evaluation of infants with anorectal malformation. Materials and methods: We conducted a pilot study of infants requiring defunctioning colostomy for initial management of anorectal malformation. Dynamic sagittal steady-state free-precession MRI of the pelvis was acquired during introduction of saline into the mucous fistulas. Findings were compared among MR fistulography, fluoroscopic fistulography and intraoperative inspection. Results: Eight children were included. Median age at fistulography was 15 weeks, inter-quartile range 13-20 weeks; all were boys. There was full agreement among MR fistulography, fluoroscopic fistulography and surgical findings. Conclusion: The pilot data suggest that MR fistulography is promising in the pre-operative evaluation of children with anorectal malformation. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Anorectal malformation; Child; Fluoroscopic fistulography; MR fistulography; Preoperative evaluation | anorectal malformation; article; clinical article; colostomy; comparative effectiveness; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic imaging; diagnostic test accuracy study; fistulography; fluoroscopy; human; infant; intermethod comparison; male; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; nuclear magnetic resonance scanner; pilot study; preoperative evaluation; priority journal; prospective study; urethra fistula; Anus, Imperforate; Female; Humans; Infant; Intestinal Mucosa; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Pilot Projects; Preoperative Care; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20644465197 | Comparison of osmopriming and seed coating with calcium salts for green bean performance under field conditions. I. Cotyledonal cracking | Mazibuko T.G., Modi A.T. | 2005 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 22 | 1 | None | School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Crop Science Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 01, Scottville 3209, South Africa | Mazibuko, T.G., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Crop Science Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 01, Scottville 3209, South Africa; Modi, A.T., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Crop Science Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 01, Scottville 3209, South Africa | Cotyledonal cracking is a physiological disorder, which appears as one or a few transverse fissures across legume seed cotyledons early during seed germination or seedling emergence. The fissures hinder translocation of nutrients to the developing seedling and cause stunted seedling growth and low yield. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of calcium, applied as a seed coat or priming osmoticum, on cotyledonal cracking in green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under field conditions. Seeds of six green bean cultivars ('Imbali', 'Elangeni', 'Tongati', 'Sodwana', 'Tokai' and 'Outeniqua') were primed or coated with CaSO4, CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 solutions (1, 10, 50, 100 and 1000 mM). Control seeds were not primed or coated. Dried (∼ 10% moisture content on fresh mass basis) seeds were planted in the field at three sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A significant reduction in cotyledonal cracking occurred in response to increased calcium molarity, however, no effect of the anions of the calcium salts was observed. Coated seeds performed significantly better than primed seeds with respect to reduction of cotyledonal cracking. Cultivars differed significantly in their sensitivity to cotyledonal cracking. Hence, across all sites, cultivar response to calcium treatments was also correlated to the extent of cotyledonal cracking. There were no significant differences between sites with respect to cotyledonal cracking or calcium effects. This study provided evidence that cotyledonal cracking on green beans can be alleviated by seed calcium treatment. | Calcium; Coating; Green bean; Priming; Seeds | seedling emergence; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Phaseolus vulgaris | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20644441793 | Comparison of osmopriming and seed coating with calcium salts for green bean performance under field conditions. II. Stand establishment, chlorophyll fluorescence and yield | Mazibuko T.G., Modi A.T. | 2005 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 22 | 1 | None | School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Crop Science Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Mazibuko, T.G., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Crop Science Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Modi, A.T., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Crop Science Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Seed coating is commonly used to supply fungicides and micronutrients to enhance seed quality. The primary reason for using mineral elements in seed priming is to regulate water absorption. Osmopriming and seed coating were compared for their effect on crop stand establishment, seedling chlorophyll fluorescence and seed yield in six green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars ('Imbali', 'Sodwana', 'Elangeni', 'Tongati', 'Tokai' and 'Outeniqua'). Three calcium salts (CaSO4, CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2) at five molarities (1, 10, 50, 100 and 1000 mM) were also compared as constituents of the priming solutions and seed coatings. Control seeds were not primed or coated. Osmopriming and seed coating improved crop stand establishment, reduced seedling stress as determined by chlorophyll fluorescence, and resulted in increased seed yield. However, seed coating was a better seed enhancement technique than osmopriming, regardless of calcium salt used. Both stand establishment and reduction of seedling stress were better with CaSO4 compared to CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 seed coating, which did not significantly differ. Crop yield, however, showed an equal response to CaSO4 and Ca(NO3)2), which was better than the response to CaCl2- Significant differences between cultivars were observed. However, no clear evidence was found to suggest that cultivar differences were not merely genotype related. It is suggested that the molarity of calcium salts in osmopriming and seed coating should not exceed 50 mM. | Calcium; Coating; Green bean; Osmopriming; Seed; Stand establishment | fungicide; seedling emergence; Phaseolus vulgaris | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80155182064 | Comparison of permeable friction course mixtures fabricated using asphalt rubber and performance-grade asphalt binders | Alvarez A.E., Fernandez E.M., Epps Martin A., Reyes O.J., Simate G.S., Walubita L.F. | 2012 | Construction and Building Materials | 28 | 1 | 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.08.085 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia; Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Civil Engineering, Nueva Granada Military University, Bogotá D.C., Colombia; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; TTI, Texas A and M University System, College Station, TX 77843, United States | Alvarez, A.E., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia; Fernandez, E.M., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia; Epps Martin, A., Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Reyes, O.J., Department of Civil Engineering, Nueva Granada Military University, Bogotá D.C., Colombia; Simate, G.S., Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Walubita, L.F., TTI, Texas A and M University System, College Station, TX 77843, United States | Permeable friction course mixtures (PFC) are special hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures that are designed to improve motorist safety and reduce traffic noise (i.e., tire-pavement noise). In terms of pavement structural design and construction, PFC mixtures are typically used as the surfacing course layer where in addition to improving the skid resistance, also serve as the surface drainage layer. This paper compares PFC mixtures designed and fabricated using performance grade (PG) and asphalt rubber (AR) asphalt-binders (or asphalts). The experimental design included assessment of total air voids (AV) content, durability, drainability, stone-on-stone contact, and internal structure of the PFC mixtures fabricated using both AR and PG asphalts; denoted herein as AR-PFC and PG-PFC mixtures, respectively. The analysis conducted provided evidence of differences between AR-PFC and PG-PFC mixtures that suggest the need for differentiation and refinement of the existing specifications to consider these mixtures as independent materials. Future research should, therefore, focus on defining particular specifications for mix design and control for AR-PFC and PG-PFC mixtures. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Asphalt rubber (AR); Hot mix asphalt (HMA); Mix design; Performance grade (PG); Permeable friction course mixture (PFC) | Asphalt rubber (AR); Hot mix asphalt (HMA); Mix designs; Performance grade; Permeable friction course; Asphalt; Binders; Curricula; Fabrication; Friction; Noise pollution; Pavements; Rubber; Skid resistance; Specifications; Structural design; Tribology; Mixtures | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-32544437153 | Comparison of phenotypic and molecular distances to predict heterosis and F1 performance in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) | Teklewold A., Becker H.C. | 2006 | Theoretical and Applied Genetics | 112 | 4 | 10.1007/s00122-005-0180-3 | Holetta Research Centre, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Georg-August University, Von-Siebold Str-8, 37075 Gottingen, Germany | Teklewold, A., Holetta Research Centre, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Georg-August University, Von-Siebold Str-8, 37075 Gottingen, Germany; Becker, H.C., Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Georg-August University, Von-Siebold Str-8, 37075 Gottingen, Germany | Predicting heterosis and F1 performance from the parental generation could largely enhance the efficiency of breeding hybrid or synthetic cultivars. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between parental distances estimated from phenotypic traits or molecular markers with heterosis, F1 performance and general combining ability (GCA) in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata). Nine inbred lines representing seven different geographic regions of Ethiopia were crossed in half-diallel. The nine parents along with their 36 F1s were evaluated in a replicated field trail at three locations in Ethiopia. Distances among the parents were calculated from 14 phenotypic traits (Euclidean distance, ED) and 182 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers (Jaccard's distances, JD), and correlated with heterosis, F1 performance and GCA sum of parents (GCAsum). The correlation between phenotypic and molecular distances was low (r = 0.34, P ≤ 0.05). Parents with low molecular distance also had low phenotypic distance, but parents with high molecular distance had either high, intermediate or low phenotypic distance. Phenotypic distance was highly significantly correlated with mid-parent heterosis (r = 0.53), F1 performance (r = 0.61) and GCA (r = 0.79) for seed yield. Phenotypic distance was also positively correlated with (1) heterosis, F1 performance and GCA for plant height and seeds plant-1, (2) heterosis for number of pods plant-1, and (3) F1 performance for 1,000 seed weight. Molecular distance was correlated with GCAsum (r = 0.36, P ≤ 0.05) but not significantly with heterosis and F1 performance for seed yield. For each parent a mean distance was calculated by averaging the distances to the eight other parents. Likewise, mean heterosis was estimated by averaging the heterosis obtained when each parent is crossed with the other eight. For seed yield, both mean ED and JD were significantly correlated with GCA (r = 0.90, P ≤ 0.01 for ED and r = 0.68, P ≤ 0.05 for JD) and mean heterosis (r = 0.79, P ≤ 0.05 for ED and r = 0.77, P ≤ 0.05 for JD). In conclusion, parental distances estimated from phenotypic traits better predicted heterosis, F1 performance and GCA than distances estimated from RAPD markers. © Springer-Verlag 2005. | None | Distance measurement; Genetic engineering; General combining ability (GCA); Molecular distances; Phenotypic distance; Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD); Crops; article; Brassica; comparative study; cross breeding; genetic marker; genetics; growth, development and aging; heterosis; phenotype; phylogeny; quantitative trait; random amplified polymorphic DNA; Brassica; Crosses, Genetic; Genetic Markers; Hybrid Vigor; Phenotype; Phylogeny; Quantitative Trait, Heritable; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; Farm Crops; Genetic Engineering; Heterosis; Nucleic Acids; Phenotypes; Seeds; Brassica; Brassica carinata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899474205 | Comparison of same day diagnostic tools including Gene Xpert and unstimulated IFN-γ for the evaluation of pleural tuberculosis: A prospective cohort study | Meldau R., Peter J., Theron G., Calligaro G., Allwood B., Symons G., Khalfey H., Ntombenhle G., Govender U., Binder A., van Zyl-Smit R., Dheda K. | 2014 | BMC Pulmonary Medicine | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2466-14-58 | Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Meldau, R., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Peter, J., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Theron, G., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Calligaro, G., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Allwood, B., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Symons, G., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Khalfey, H., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Ntombenhle, G., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Govender, U., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Binder, A., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; van Zyl-Smit, R., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Dheda, K., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: The accuracy of currently available same-day diagnostic tools (smear microscopy and conventional nucleic acid amplification tests) for pleural tuberculosis (TB) is sub-optimal. Newer technologies may offer improved detection.Methods: Smear-microscopy, adenosine deaminase (ADA), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and Xpert MTB/RIF [using an unprocessed (1 ml) and centrifuged (~20 ml) sample] test accuracy was evaluated in pleural fluid from 103 consecutive patients with suspected pleural TB. Culture for M.tuberculosis and/or histopathology (pleural biopsy) served as the reference standard. Patients were followed prospectively to determine their diagnostic categorisation.Results: Of 93 evaluable participants, 40 had definite-TB (reference positive), 5 probable-TB (not definite but treated for TB) and 48 non-TB (culture and histology negative, and not treated for TB). Xpert MTB/RIF sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) was 22.5% (12.4 - 37.6) and 98% (89.2 - 99.7), respectively, and centrifugation did not improve sensitivity (23.7%). The Xpert MTB/RIF internal positive control showed no evidence of inhibition. Biomarker specific sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPVs were: ADA (48.85 IU/L; rule-in cut-point) 55.3% (39.8 - 69.9), 95.2% (83.9 - 98.7), 91.4 (73.4 - 95.4), 69.7% (56.7 - 80.1); ADA (30 IU/L; clinically used cut-point) 79% (63.7 - 89), 92.7% (80.6 - 97.5), 91.0 (73.4 - 95.4), 82.7% (69.3 - 90.1); and IFN-γ (107.7 pg/ml; rule-in cut-point) 92.5% (80.2 - 97.5), 95.9% (86.1 - 98.9), 94.9% (83.2 - 98.6), 93.9% (83.5 - 97.9), respectively (IFN-γ sensitivity and NPV better than Xpert [p < 0.05] and rule-in ADA [p < 0.05]).Conclusion: The usefulness of Xpert MTB/RIF to diagnose pleural TB is limited by its poor sensitivity. IFN-γ is an excellent rule-in test and, compared to ADA, has significantly better sensitivity and rule-out value in a TB-endemic setting. © 2014 Meldau et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Adenosine deaminase; Diagnosis; Interferon gamma; Pleural fluid; Tuberculosis; Xpert MTB/RIF | adenosine deaminase; biological marker; gamma interferon; rifampicin; tuberculostatic agent; adult; article; bacterium culture; centrifugation; cohort analysis; colony forming unit; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; drug resistant tuberculosis; female; histopathology; human; human tissue; intermethod comparison; liquid culture; major clinical study; male; microscopy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nucleic acid amplification; pleura biopsy; pleura effusion; pleura fluid; predictive value; prospective study; real time polymerase chain reaction; sensitivity and specificity; smear; smear microscopy; South Africa; tuberculous pleurisy; xpert mtb rif; Adult; Body Fluids; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Male; Middle Aged; Pleural Effusion; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Pleural | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951882926 | Comparison of sire evaluation methods in Holstein Friesian in the central highlands of Ethiopia | Haile A., Joshi B.K., Ayalew W., Tegegne A., Singh A., Chakravarty A.K. | 2010 | Indian Journal of Animal Sciences | 80 | 12 | None | National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India; ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; NBGAR, Karnal 132 001, India; NARI, India; Division of Dairy Cattle Breeding, India | Haile, A., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India, ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Joshi, B.K., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India, NBGAR, Karnal 132 001, India; Ayalew, W., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India, NARI, India; Tegegne, A., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India; Singh, A., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India, Division of Dairy Cattle Breeding, India; Chakravarty, A.K., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India, Division of Dairy Cattle Breeding, India | First lactation records (387) of Friesian-Boran crossbred cows, daughters of 37 Holstein Friesian (HF) sires were analyzed. Holstein Friesian sires were evaluated based on breeding values estimated considering first lactation 305- days milk yield of their progeny using 4 sire evaluation methods, viz. contemporary comparison (CC), least squares method (LS), best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and derivative free restricted maximum likelihood (DFREML). The effectiveness of the methods was judged using various criteria, viz. error variance, coefficient of determination, coefficient of variation and rank correlation. The highest (1781.1 kg) and lowest (1766.78 kg) average breeding values were obtained by CC and DFREML methods, respectively. DFREML had the smallest (197061 kg2) error variance andhighest (60%) R2 value and was adjudged as the most efficient and accurate method compared with others. The CV values computed by different methods were similar indicating lack of meaningful variation amongst the methods as far as stability is concerned. The rank correlations between the ranks of HF sires evaluated by different methods were high (greater than 0.93), indicating that ranking of sires using any of these methods could yield similar order. The implication of the result is that, based on availability and computational suitability of the method, one can use any of the methods in sire evaluation under the Ethiopian condition. | Breeding value; Ethiopia; Holstein friesian; Sire evaluation methods | Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846467223 | Comparison of the direct enzyme assay method with the membrane filtration technique in the quantification and monitoring of microbial indicator organisms - Seasonal variations in the activities of coliforms and E. coli, temperature and pH | Wutor V.C., Togo C.A., Pletschke B.I. | 2007 | Water SA | 33 | 1 | None | Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Wutor, V.C., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Togo, C.A., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Pletschke, B.I., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | The aim of this project was to monitor variations and relationships between coliform and E. coli counts, the activities of their marker enzymes GAL and GUD, and temperature and pH over a period of 12 months in river samples obtained from the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Several polluted water samples were collected for direct coliform β-D-galactosidase (B-GAL) and Escherichia coli β-D-glucuronidase (B-GUD) assays and the membrane filtration technique. While all the samples showed enzyme activities, not all exhibited growth on CM1046 media. Variation in B-GAL activity (40%) was observed between November (highest activity month) and May (lowest activity month). The highest and lowest B-GUD activities were observed in the months of September and May/June, respectively. The sensitivity of the spectrophotometric assay method was indicated by a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 coliform forming unit (CFU)/100 mℓ and 2 CFU/100 mℓ for coliforms and E. coli, respectively. There was a significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation between E. coli counts and GUD activity (R2 = 0.8909). A correlation of R2 = 0.9151 was also observed between total coliforms and B-GAL activity, even though the CFUs were not evenly distributed. Direct enzyme assays were also shown to be more sensitive than the membrane filtration (MF) technique. | Chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG); Chlorophenol red (CPR); Coliforms; E. coli; p-nitrophenyl (PNP); p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucuronide (PNPG) | Correlation methods; Enzymes; Escherichia coli; Filtration; pH effects; Chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG); Chlorophenol red (CPR); P-nitrophenyl (PNP); p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucuronide (PNPG); Biomarkers; Biomarkers; Correlation methods; Enzymes; Escherichia coli; Filtration; pH effects; bacterium; bioassay; bioindicator; comparative study; enzyme activity; monitoring; river pollution; seasonal variation; Africa; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Escherichia coli | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53649085404 | Comparison of the performance, carcass characteristics and haematological parameters of broiler chicks reared in cage and floor | Sogunle O.M., Egbeyale L.T., Bajomo T.T., Bamigboje O.V., Fanimo A.O. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 11 | 3 | 10.3923/pjbs.2008.480.483 | Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Sogunle, O.M., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Egbeyale, L.T., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Bajomo, T.T., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Bamigboje, O.V., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Fanimo, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This study was conducted to determine the effect of housing systems on the performance, carcass characteristics and the haematology of 150 four-week old Anak titan strains of broiler chicks in a completely randomized design. The birds were allocated randomly into two treatment (cage and floor) groups of three replications containing 25 birds per replicate. They were maintained for a period of 4 weeks and data were collected on; final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed:gain and mortality. At the 56th week, carcass yield, cut-up parts and organs weights as well as some parameters were measured. The results showed that feed intake and feed:gain were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the cage system. Dressing percentage and breast weight were higher (p<0.05) in the floor housing system while drumstick and lung weight were higher in the cage system. No significant (p>0.05) difference was obtained in the haematology. It was then concluded that an improvement in the floor system could result into a better performance and an increased carcass yield. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Anak titan chicks; Carcass yield; Haematology; Housing systems | animal; animal husbandry; article; chicken; comparative study; hematology; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Chickens; Hematology; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83455224710 | Comparison of the performance, haematology and serum chemistry of Weaner pigs fed palm kernel cake with and without enzyme supplementation | Oluwafemi R.A., Akpodiete O.J. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 10 | None | College of Agriculture, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state, Nigeria; Dept. of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria | Oluwafemi, R.A., College of Agriculture, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state, Nigeria; Akpodiete, O.J., Dept. of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria | The effects of Palm kernel Cake with or without enzyme supplementation on the performance, haematology and serum chemistry of weaner pigs were compared in a study, which lasted for eighty four days. Thirty weaner pigs of the Large White x Duroc crossbreed with average initial live weight range of 10.5 to 14kg allotted into five groups were used. Five experimental diets in which Palm Kernel cake was used as replacement for maize were formulated as follows: Diet 1 (control) had 0% PKC and no enzyme inclusion, Diet 2 had 40% PKC and with enzyme, Diet 3 had 40% PKC and without enzyme, Diet 4 had 60% PKC with enzyme while Diet 5 had 60% PKC without enzyme. The animals were randomly assigned to the dietary treatments in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The enzyme - Hemicel® was mixed with the PKC portion at the rate of 600g/ton before incorporation into the diets. Performance characteristics measured include: average daily gains (kg), average daily feed intake (kg), feed cost/gain (N), haematological and serological characteristics among others. The results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in average daily gain (ADG), average total weight gain (ATWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The Red Blood Cell (RBC) of weaner pigs in treatment 4 (60%PKC + Enzyme) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the others while the mean haemoglobin (Hb) values were significantly (P<0.05) different among the treatment means. The Serum levels of Albumin and the Urea of the experimental animals were not affected by the experimental diets but the total protein was highest (P<0.05) for weaners in treatment 3 (40% PKC without enzyme) than those fed the remaining dietary treatments. There was however no deleterious effect of the dietary treatments on the experimental animals throughout the study period. Therefore up to 60% inclusion level of palm kernel cake with or without enzyme supplementation could be used as replacement for maize in weaner pig's ration. | Enzyme; Haematology; Palm kernel cake; Serum chemistry; Weaner pigs | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872834665 | Comparison of the performance of synthetic maize varieties created based on either genetic distance or general combining ability of the parents | Narro L.A., Duran J.F., George M.L.C., Arcos A.L., Osorio K.V., Warburton M.L. | 2012 | Maydica | 57 | 1 | None | International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)-Colombia, c/o CIAT, Apdo Aereo 67-13, Cali, Colombia; Biometrics Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Project Management Unit, Internat | Narro, L.A., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)-Colombia, c/o CIAT, Apdo Aereo 67-13, Cali, Colombia; Duran, J.F., Biometrics Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; George, M.L.C., Project Management Unit, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Apdo Postal 6-641, 06600 Mexico, DF, Mexico; Arcos, A.L., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)-Colombia, c/o CIAT, Apdo Aereo 67-13, Cali, Colombia; Osorio, K.V., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)-Colombia, c/o CIAT, Apdo Aereo 67-13, Cali, Colombia; Warburton, M.L., USDA-ARS Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit, PO Box 9555, MS 39762, United States | Synthetics varieties are grown by farmers and used by breeders to select new inbred lines. In countries unable to market hybrids, use of synthetics leads to yield improvements over landraces. Synthetics are derived from intercrossing inbred lines known to possess high general combining ability (GCA) as measured via crossing with testers and phenotyping for yield in multiple environments. Genetic similarity (GS) between lines measured by molecular markers may efficiently estimate GCA. Although the prediction of specific combining ability (SCA) of lines via GS has not been successful, it may have potential to predict the suitability of lines to form a synthetic variety. As this has not been reported, the objective of this research was to compare the performance of four synthetic maize varieties developed using GS calculated between parents using SSR markers with the performance of synthetics developed using GCA based on yield. Synthetics were phenotyped for yield and other agronomic traits in replicated field trials in several environments. The two synthetics formed based on low GS (0.34 and 0.33) performed better than all other synthetics in yield and most agronomic traits. The synthetics formed based on high GS (0.77 and 0.53), performed worst for nearly all traits. The GCA-based synthetics were generally intermediate for all traits. Response of synthetics to environmental variation and efficiencies gained via use of molecular markers in synthetic formation is discussed. | General combining ability (GCA); Genetic similarity (GS); Maize; Synthetic varieties | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38949152696 | Comparison of three staining methods for the morphological evaluation of human spermatozoa | Henkel R., Schreiber G., Sturmhoefel A., Hipler U.-C., Zermann D.H., Menkveld R. | 2008 | Fertility and Sterility | 89 | 2 | 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.03.027 | Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Dermatology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Department of Urology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa | Henkel, R., Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Schreiber, G., Department of Dermatology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Sturmhoefel, A., Department of Urology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Hipler, U.-C., Department of Dermatology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Zermann, D.H., Department of Urology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Menkveld, R., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa | Objective: To compare different staining methods to evaluate human sperm morphology. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Patients at the Departments of Dermatology and Urology, University of Jena, Germany. Patient(s): A total of 94 randomly collected patients attending the andrological outpatient clinics of the Departments of Dermatology and Urology, University of Jena, Germany. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Statistical comparison of resultant standard morphological parameters (mean percentages) after staining according to Papanicolaou and Shorr methods and with Testsimplets® prestained slides. Result(s): All morphological parameters investigated (percent normal morphology, percent head, midpiece, and flagellar abnormalities) correlated statistically significantly positively, however with markedly lower correlation coefficients for the Testsimplets®results. As compared with the mean Papanicolaou (4.78% ± 2.54%) and Shorr staining (4.75% ± 2.64%) results, a statistically significantly lower percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was determined after using the Testsimplets® slides (3.89% ± 2.53%). In general, the mean values of all parameters differed for all comparisons with the Testsimplets® slides and especially for the percentage of flagellar defects but not between the Papanicolaou and the Shorr staining results. Conclusion(s): The results show an extensive agreement between the Papanicolaou- and Shorr-stained smears, whereas Testsimplets® staining exhibited statistically significant deviations. Because the correct evaluation of sperm morphology is of essence within the scope of assisted reproduction and in andrological diagnostics, the use of rapid staining methods cannot be recommended. © 2008 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. | Human sperm; morphology; Papanicolaou; rapid staining methods; Shorr | article; cell structure; controlled study; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; priority journal; spermatozoon; spermatozoon count; staining; structure analysis; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Staining and Labeling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59449110080 | Comparison of T-SPOT. TB assay and tuberculin skin test for the evaluation of young children at high risk for tuberculosis in a community setting | Nicol M.P., Davies M.-A., Wood K., Hatherill M., Workman L., Hawkridge A., Eley B., Wilkinson K.A., Wilkinson R.J., Hanekom W.A., Beatty D., Hussey G. | 2009 | Pediatrics | 123 | 1 | 10.1542/peds.2008-0611 | School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Cape Town, South Africa; National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom; Division of Medicine, Wright Fleming Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa | Nicol, M.P., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa; Davies, M.-A., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa; Wood, K., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Hatherill, M., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Cape Town, South Africa; Workman, L., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Cape Town, South Africa; Hawkridge, A., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Cape Town, South Africa; Eley, B., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Wilkinson, K.A., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom; Wilkinson, R.J., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom, Division of Medicine, Wright Fleming Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Hanekom, W.A., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Cape Town, South Africa; Beatty, D., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Hussey, G., School of Child and Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Cape Town, South Africa | OBJECTIVE. We wished to compare the sensitivity of an enzyme-linked immunospot assay (T-SPOT.TB; Oxford Immunotec, Oxford, United Kingdom) and the tuberculin skin test for the detection of tuberculosis infection in very young children being evaluated for active tuberculosis in a rural community setting. METHODS. Children with a history of exposure to tuberculosis and children presenting to a local clinic or hospital with symptoms suggesting tuberculosis were admitted to a dedicated case verification ward. T-SPOT. TB testing was performed, and children were evaluated with a clinical examination, a tuberculin skin test, chest radiographs, and cultures of induced sputum and gastric lavage specimens. The diagnosis was determined by using a clinical algorithm. RESULTS. A total of 243 children (median age: 18 months) were recruited, of whom 214 (88%) had interpretable T-SPOT.TB results. Children ≥12 months of age were more likely than younger children to have positive T-SPOT. TB results, whereas tuberculin skin test results were unaffected by age. The sensitivity of the T-SPOT. TB was no better than that of the tuberculin skin test for culture-confirmed tuberculosis (50% and 80%, respectively) and was poorer for the combined group of culture-confirmed and clinically probable tuberculosis (40% and 52%, respectively). For the 50 children clinically categorized as not having tuberculosis, the specificity of both the T-SPOT.TB and the tuberculin skin test was 84%. CONCLUSIONS. For young children presenting in a community setting after exposure to tuberculosis or with symptoms suggesting tuberculosis, T-SPOT. TB cannot be used to exclude active disease. The sensitivity of this assay may be impaired for very young children. Copyright © 2009 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. | Children; Enzyme-linked immunospot assay; Mantoux test; T-SPOT.TB; Tuberculosis | gamma interferon; article; child; childhood disease; clinical examination; controlled study; enzyme linked immunospot assay; female; human; human tissue; infant; infection risk; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; preschool child; priority journal; rural population; sensitivity and specificity; sputum culture; stomach lavage; symptom; thorax radiography; tuberculin test; tuberculosis; virus detection; age; comparative study; demography; diagnostic test; enzyme immunoassay; evaluation; isolation and purification; metabolism; methodology; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; risk factor; standard; tuberculosis; Age Factors; Child, Preschool; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Female; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Infant; Male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744482828 | Comparison of yield performance and profitability in hybrid yam varieties cultivated under staked and unstaked production systems | Agbaje G.O., Adegbite A.A. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 2 | None | Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, PMB 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Agbaje, G.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, PMB 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adegbite, A.A., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, PMB 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | The use of stakes in yam production poses environmental hazards due to its effect on rapid deforestation of the forest ecology. The practice is cumbersome, labour intensive and it is a major cost input that makes yam production expensive and less profitable. To discourage this practice, fourteen hybrid lines and four local cultivars of white Guinea yam varieties were screened (2002-2004) for yield performance under staked and unstaked production practices. The experiment was carried out in the rain forest research substation of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, located in Orin-Ekiti. The results showed that seven of the the eight hybrid varieties evaluated in 2002 except TDr 89/02565 showed no significant yield difference between staked and unstaked practice. In 2003 and 2004, 87-89% of the eighteen lines/cultivars evaluated gave similar yields (P<0.05) under staked and unstaked practice including TDr 89/02565. The highest tuber yields in both staking and non-staking systems were obtained from varieties TDr 89/02665 and TDr 89/02565. For TDr 89/02665, yields were not significantly different between staked and unstaked in all the years of trial. Economic analysis showed that the local cultivars, N010, 93-31 and 93-2, whether staked or unstaked, gave negative returns while hybrid varieties TDr 89/02665 and TDr 89/02565 gave the highest net returns of over $2,000 per hectare. The benefit to cost ratio was >1.0 in 2002 and 2004 in TDr 89/02665 and TDr 89/02565 while other varieties had <1.0 in all the three years of the trial. This indicated that the highest yielding varieties gave highest net returns under staked and unstaked systems. The results suggest that breeding for increased tuber yield potential in yam is essential for profitable yam production under unstaked production system. | Benefit to cost ratio; Dioscorea rotundata Poir; Economic analysis; Tuber yield | Dioscorea alata; Dioscorea rotundata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916231059 | Compensation management and motivation: Cooking utensils for organisational performance | Adeoye A.O., Elegunde A.F. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 27 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p88 | Department of Business Administration, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | Adeoye, A.O., Department of Business Administration, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Elegunde, A.F., Department of Business Administration, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria | The achievement of organisational performance is essential for sustainability and continuous existence of the organisation. Obviously, this is a function of employees that are well remunerated and motivated, thus, it is contingent that compensation management and employees motivation should be aligned with the vision, mission and objectives of the organisation. In doing this, the attainment of organisational performance becomes an easy task and it will also reduce the antecedent negative impact of absenteeism, labour turnover, industrial unrest and non-commitment attitude of the employees. Efficient and adequate compensation management and employees motivation will improve organisational productivity and image of the organisation. In order to attract, hire and retain skilful employees that will ensure the achievement of organisational performance, it is therefore; recommended that there should be a periodical review of compensation package. It is against the backdrop of the import of compensation and motivation as cooking utensils for organisational performance that this addressed. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Compensation management; Employees; Motivation; Organisation; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940924110 | Competition, corporate governance and corporate performance: Substitutes or complements? Empirical evidence from Nigeria | Obembe O.B., Soetan R.O. | 2015 | African Journal of Economic and Management Studies | 6 | 3 | 10.1108/AJEMS-02-2012-0007 | Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Obembe, O.B., Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Soetan, R.O., Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of interactive effect of competition and corporate governance on productivity growth of firms in Nigeria. Studies that have considered this issue were mainly from developed countries possessing strong institutions as against those of developing countries like Nigeria. Moreover, studies from Nigeria have focused exclusively on corporate governance and firm performance. The interaction effect of competition on corporate governance is yet to be addressed in the context of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts the dynamic panel data analysis approach suggested by Arellano and Bond for productivity growth analysis. Data on 76 non-financial firms for 11 years beginning from 1997 were extracted from the financial statements of companies collected from the Nigerian Stock Exchange and subsequently analysed using General Methods of Moments (GMM). Findings – The results show that competition had a positive impact on productivity growth, however, its interaction effect with corporate governance had a substitute but not significant impact on productivity growth. When competition was interacted with an alternative corporate governance mechanism – bank – a positive and significant impact was, however, observed which shows that competition and bank loans are complementary in stimulating productivity growth of firms in Nigeria. Research limitations/implications – The study could not be carried out beyond year 2007 owing to the exit of some firms after 2007 which could have reduced the sample size drastically. The findings emanating from this study suggests that government should focus much more on implementing competitive policies and bother less on writing corporate governance codes. Practical implications – The results demonstrate that corporate governance had no significant impact on productivity growth even when it was interacted with competition. However, competition on its own had a significant impact on productivity which means that Nigeria should concentrate more on building a competitive private sector, and in this regard, government should try and pursue policies that will foster competition and eliminate monopolistic tendencies. Once, there is effective competition, the corporate governance may be strengthened. However, the interactive effect of competition and bank loans was found with a positive and significant impact which indicates that banks as alternate corporate governance mechanism can only be effective if competition is strong. This goes to show that the financial sector may not be able to effectively and positively impact the real sector in Nigeria if the prevailing level of competition is low. In such a situation finance may not be channelled to projects that have long-run implications on sustainable growth and development. Social implications – Socially, if the environment for competition is not fostered in Nigeria, the country may face an uphill task in combating the problem of poverty through a private sector-led solution. Hence, there is a need for government to begin to formulate comprehensive competition policies that will ensure that resources are optimally utilized in Nigeria. Originality/value – In the context of Nigeria, this study is novel, the use of productivity growth as against firm financial performance is unique for Nigeria while the use of GMM method of analysis helps in reducing the effect of endogeneity inherent in corporate governance and performance of firms in Nigeria. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Competition; Corporate governance; GMM; Interaction effect; Nigeria; Productivity growth | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651457165 | Competitive advantage: Mediator of intellectual capital and performance | Kamukama N., Ahiauzu A., Ntayi J.M. | 2011 | Journal of Intellectual Capital | 12 | 1 | 10.1108/14691931111097953 | Department 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, Uganda | Kamukama, 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, Uganda | Purpose: 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; Uganda | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892578494 | Competitive forces influencing business performance of bicycle Taxis in Kisumu City, Kenya | Kokwaro P.L., Ajowi J.O., Kokwaro E.A. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n2p719 | Box 30-40100, Kisumu, Kenya; School of Education, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, University of Science and Technology, Kenya; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, University of Science and Technology, Box 210 - 40601, Bondo, Kenya | Kokwaro, P.L., Box 30-40100, Kisumu, Kenya; Ajowi, J.O., School of Education, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, University of Science and Technology, Kenya; Kokwaro, E.A., Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, University of Science and Technology, Box 210 - 40601, Bondo, Kenya | Whether domestically or globally, transport is the movement of people, goods and services from one place to another. It enables trade between people and organizations. Globally, transport is the key necessity for specialization. Domestically, not only is Kenya connected by various categories of transport infrastructure but even by different modes, each competing with the other to get the better of the market. In Kisumu City, for example, there is fierce business competition among minivans, locally known as matatus, rick - shaws, referred to in Kenya as tuk-tuks, motor cycles and bicycle taxis. Started in 1960s in Busia County along the Kenya/Uganda border, the bicycle taxis are significantly affected by the current business competition. Before this study commenced, a preliminary survey in April, 2011 indicated that the number of bicycle taxis in Kisumu City had dropped by 61%. Whereas the decline had been variously attributed to the threat of substitutes, new entrants, consumer bargaining power, supplier bargaining power and rivalry among the current competitors, it was not clear which factors influenced the decline and to what extent. Neither had there been any study done to establish the cause of the decline. This study intended to determine competitive forces influencing the business performance of bicycle taxis in Kisumu City. The study used Porter's Five Forces Framework, which analyses industry competition. Also, this study used cross sectional survey design to analyze and discover occurrences, since the researcher's intention was to describe events without manipulating variables. The study population was 632 bicycle taxi riders, 28 of whom came from the lake Market cluster, 90 in the stage market, 26 in Varsity plaza area and 77 in the Oile/Coca Cola square cluster. There were 99 in A-Z Anvi Emporium Cluster, 188 from Kibuye market cluster and 124 from Kondele cluster. A sample of 90 was obtained for analyzing bicycle taxi-riders in Kisumu City. Primary data was obtained through the administration of structured and semi structured questionnaires of the sample of 90 taxi-riders. Secondary data was obtained from journals, publications and from records of the Municipal Council of Kisumu. Quantitative data was analyzed using Chi square and Percentage techniques. The key findings of this study was that 60.97% of bicycle taxi riders in Kisumu City considered substitutes as the main competitive threat. The next most important competitive forces influencing business performance were new entrants at 57.31%, customer bargaining power at 52.43% and rivalry among current competitors at 42.68% respectively. The significance of this study is that it adds towards knowledge about the relevance of Porter's Five Forces Framework to small-scale business industries in developing countries like Kenya. Stakeholders in public transport, like the Government and researchers with an interest to improve public transport would also find this study useful. This study concludes that substitute public transport services are the major competitive threat to bicycle taxis in Kisumu City. | Business performance; Kisumu City; Public transport | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649118525 | Competitive strategy, environmental characteristics and performance in African emerging economies: Lessons from firms in Ghana | Acquaah M., Adjei M.C., Mensa-Bonsu I.F. | 2008 | Journal of African Business | 9 | 1 | 10.1080/15228910802052732 | Bryan 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, Ghana | Acquaah, 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, Ghana | This 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 performance | corporate strategy; economic policy; implementation process; industrial competition; industrial performance; industrial structure; manufacturing; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892518869 | Complexities and challenges of academic programme self-evaluation: A case of two department | Selesho J.M. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p175 | Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Selesho, J.M., Vaal University Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Recently institutional self-evaluation has become an important management tool implemeted by universities in improving the quality of academic programmes. Compared to earlier decades, not only employers are demanding quality from universities but the goverment is also putting pressure for accountability and improvement. This study is monitoring the use of selfevaluation as a management tool to improve the quality of teaching and learning at undegraduate level. The study did use the documental analyses as data gathering instrument from the two schools selected in a university. The findings revealed that the two case study schools have a mixed quality management porcess with regard to Teaching and Learning approach. The findings did provide the study with an alignment of teaching and learning together with assessment. The study did reveal that quality assessment can only be achieved once quality teaching and learning has taken place. There were a number of lesson learnt in the study for instances linking of teaching, learning and assessment was an eye opener since this takes the quality of teaching and its efficiency and its effectiveness. | Assessment; Institutional self-evaluation; Teaching and learning; Undergraduate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902593551 | Complex tactile performance in low visibility: The effect of nitrogen narcosis | van Wijk C.H., Meintjes W.A.J. | 2014 | Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine | 44 | 2 | None | Division of Community Health, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | van Wijk, C.H., Division of Community Health, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Meintjes, W.A.J., Division of Community Health, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Background: In a task-environment where visibility has deteriorated, individuals rely heavily on tactile performance (perception and manipulation) to complete complex tasks. When this happens under hyperbaric conditions, factors like nitrogen narcosis could influence a person's ability to successfully complete such tasks. Objective: To examine the effect of nitrogen narcosis on a complex neuropsychological task measuring tactile performance at a pressure of 608 kPa (6 atm abs), in the absence of visual access to the task. Methods: In a prospective cross-over study, 139 commercial divers were tested in a dry chamber at 101.3 kPa and 608 kPa. They completed the Tupperware Neuropsychological Task (TNT) of tactile performance without visual access to the task, and completed questionnaires to provide psychological and biographical data, which included trait anxiety and transient mood states, as well as formal qualifications and technical proficiency. Results: A significant decrement (9.5%, P < 0.001) in performance on the TNT at depth was found, irrespective of the sequence of testing. Generally, neither the psychological nor biographical variables showed any significant effect on tactile performance. Tactile performance on the surface was a good indicator of performance at depth. Conclusion: These findings have practical implications for professional diving where conditions of low visibility during deeper diving occur. Recommendations are made towards managing potential impairments in tactile performance, such as pre-dive practical learning ('rehearsal') as an aid to successful completion of tasks. | Deep diving; Diving research; Nitrogen narcosis; Performance; Psychology | deep diving; diving research; Nitrogen narcosis; performance; psychology; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Analysis of Variance; Atmospheric Pressure; Cross-Over Studies; Diving; Educational Status; Feedback, Sensory; Female; Humans; Inert Gas Narcosis; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Prospective Studies; Seawater; Sensory Deprivation; Task Performance and Analysis; Touch; Touch Perception; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897498406 | Composite nanofibers prepared from metallic iron nanoparticles and polyaniline: High performance for water treatment applications | Bhaumik M., Choi H.J., McCrindle R.I., Maity A. | 2014 | Journal of Colloid and Interface Science | 425 | None | 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.03.031 | Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 402-751, South Korea; Smart Polymers Group, Polymers and Composites, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | Bhaumik, M., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Choi, H.J., Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 402-751, South Korea; McCrindle, R.I., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Maity, A., Smart Polymers Group, Polymers and Composites, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | Presented here is a simple preparation of metallic iron nanoparticles, supported on polyaniline nanofibers at room temperature. The preparation is based on polymerization of interconnected nanofibers by rapid mixing of the aniline monomer with Fe(III) chloride as the oxidant, followed by reductive deposition of Fe0 nanoparticles, using the polymerization by-products as the Fe precursor. The morphology and other physico-chemical properties of the resulting composite were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating-sample magnetometry. The composite fibers were 80-150nm in diameter and exhibited the expected ferromagnetic behavior. The composite rapidly and efficiently removed As(V), Cr(VI), and also Congo red dye, from aqueous solutions suggesting their usefulness for removal of toxic materials from wastewater. The composite fibers have high capacity for toxin removal: 42.37mg/g of As(V), 434.78mg/g of Cr(VI), and 243.9mg/g of Congo red. The fibers are easily recovered from fluids by exploiting their ferromagnetic properties. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Adsorption; Arsenic(V); Chromium(VI); Composites; Congo red; Isotherm; Kinetics; Nanofibers; Polyaniline | Adsorption; Azo dyes; Chlorine compounds; Chromium compounds; Composite materials; Enzyme kinetics; Ferromagnetic materials; Ferromagnetism; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Isotherms; Nanoparticles; Photoelectrons; Polyaniline; Polymerization; Toxic materials; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Arsenic (v); Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method; Congo red; Ferromagnetic behaviors; Ferromagnetic properties; Physicochemical property; Scanning and transmission electron microscopy; Vibrating sample magnetometry; Nanofibers; aniline; arsenic; chromium; congo red; ferrous chloride; iron; monomer; nanofiber; nanoparticle; oxygen; polyaniline; adsorption; aqueous solution; article; decolorization; infrared spectroscopy; isoelectric point; magnetometry; moisture; oxidation; pH; physical chemistry; polymerization; priority journal; reaction time; room temperature; scanning electron microscopy; surface property; transmission electron microscopy; water treatment; X ray diffraction; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Adsorption; Azo Compounds; Chlorine Compounds; Chromium Compounds; Dyes; Fourier Analysis; Infrared Spectroscopy; Isotherms; Magnetic Materials; Photoelectrons; Polymerization; Transmission Electron Microscopy; X Ray Diffraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865133699 | Compositional analysis of an impact polypropylene copolymer by fast scanning DSC and FTIR of TREF-SEC cross-fractions | Cheruthazhekatt S., Pijpers T.F.J., Harding G.W., Mathot V.B.F., Pasch H. | 2012 | Macromolecules | 45 | 15 | 10.1021/ma3008702 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands; Polymer Chemistry and Materials, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium | Cheruthazhekatt, S., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Pijpers, T.F.J., SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands, Polymer Chemistry and Materials, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Harding, G.W., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Mathot, V.B.F., SciTe, Ridder Vosstraat 6, 6162 AX Geleen, Netherlands, Polymer Chemistry and Materials, Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium; Pasch, H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa | For the first time, the complex composition of a two-reactor-produced impact polypropylene copolymer (IPC) has been fully revealed by advanced thermal analysis, using the combination of fast scanning DSC (HPer DSC, flash DSC, and solution DSC) with SEC fractionation subsequent to TREF fractionation. The dual TREF-SEC separation provided fractions of a few micro- or nanograms that were used to correlate the molecular structure of the polymer chains and their thermal properties (melting and crystallization behavior of the different macromolecules under a variety of different conditions). The SEC fractions were collected using the LC transform interface and subjected to FTIR and fast scanning DSC analysis. The SEC curves showed mono-, bi-, and multimodal molar mass distributions. The SEC fractions collected were analyzed by HPer DSC at 50 °C/min by which the thermal properties of the fractions could be established and salient details revealed. The findings were confirmed by structural information that was obtained using FTIR measurements. These results confirmed that even after TREF fractions were obtained they were complex regarding molar mass and chemical composition. By applying HPer DSC at scan rates of 5-200 °C/min and flash DSC at scan rates of 10-1000 °C/s, the metastability of one of the fractions was studied in detail. The high molar mass part of the material appeared to be constituted of both highly isotactic PP and low to medium propylene content ethylene copolymers (EPC). The medium molar mass part consisted of high to medium isotactic PP and of low propylene content EPC. The low molar mass part did not show ethylene crystallinity; only propylene crystallinity of medium to low isotacticity was found. DSC measurements of TREF-SEC cross-fractions at high scan rates in p-xylene successfully connected reversely to the slow scan rate in TREF elution, if corrected for recrystallization. All EPC's show only ethylene-type crystallization. The wealth of information obtainable from these method combinations promises to be extremely useful for a better understanding of the melting and crystallization processes of such complex materials. The ability to run DSC experiments at very high scan rates is an important prerequisite to understanding the melting and crystallization behavior under conditions that are very close to melt processing of these key commodity polymers. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Chemical compositions; Complex compositions; Complex materials; Compositional analysis; Crystallinities; DSC measurements; Ethylene copolymer; Fast scanning; FTIR; FTIR measurements; Impact polypropylene copolymer; Isotacticities; Isotactics; Melt processing; Melting and crystallization; Metastabilities; Molar mass distribution; Multi-modal; Nanograms; P-xylene; Scan rates; Structural information; Structure of the polymers; Wealth of information; Copolymers; Ethylene; Melting; Polymers; Propylene; Scanning; Thermoanalysis; Thermodynamic properties; Thermoplastics; Xylene; Polypropylenes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873365599 | Compositional dependence of the performance of bulk hetrojunction solar cells based on PTOPT and PCBM | Abera N., Tessema G. | 2013 | Canadian Journal of Physics | 91 | 1 | 10.1139/cjp-2012-0340 | Department of Physics, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; School of Chemisty and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Abera, N., Department of Physics, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tessema, G., School of Chemisty and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | The compositional dependence of the performance of the blends of [3-(4-octylphenol)-2,2′-bithiophene] (PTOPT) and 6,6-phenyl-C61-butric acid methyl ester (PCBM) sandwiched between ITO/PEDOT:PSS and Al was studied. The observed dark current-voltage curves showed that the current (J) is space charge limited except at low voltages (V). The best power conversion efficiency (η) and short circuit current (JSC) were found at 72% PCBM loading. Moreover, we have observed significant reduction on the fill factor with increasing PCBM concentration due to high recombination of charge carriers. The impedances across the electrodes were discussed based on low frequency impedance analyzer measurements. © 2013 Published by NRC Research Press. | None | Bithiophenes; Compositional dependence; Dark current-voltage; Fill factor; Low voltages; Low-frequency impedance; Methyl esters; Power conversion efficiencies; Space-charge limited; Physics; Conversion efficiency | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744472203 | Compositional evaluation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) varieties grown in Nigeria | Olaleke A.M., Olorunfemi O., Akintayo T.E. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P. M. B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Departmet of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Olaleke, A.M., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P. M. B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Olorunfemi, O., Departmet of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Akintayo, T.E., Departmet of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Dehulled samples of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and two scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) varieties were studied for nutritional evaluation with respect to proximate, mineral and amino acid composition. The samples contained crude protein in the range of 75.3- 526.1 g kg-1 DM with cream coat scarlet runner beans having the highest and cream coat moderate cowpea the lowest value. The crude fat varied with values ranging from 21.3±0.0 g kg-1 in white coat small cowpea to 75.3±0.1 g kg-1 in white coat scarlet runner bean. Proximate composition ranges were: moisture content 4.0-18.0, crude fibre 24.0-440, ash 36.1- 46.1 and carbohydrate (by difference) 301.1-828.3 g kg-1 DM. The most abundant minerals were Ca (594.2-664.3 g kg-1), Mg (546.1-677.1 g kg-1) and K (357.5-404.8 g kg-1). Generally the two legume varieties were found to be good sources of essential minerals while Co, Pb, Cd and Cr were not detected. The levels of Na/K and Ca/P ratios were desirable compared with the recommended values. The amino acid analysis revealed that all the samples contained nutritionally useful quantities of most of the essential amino acids with total essential amino acid (TEAA) (with His) ranging from 43.79 to 48.31%. The first limiting amino acid was Lys (0.51-0.59) and calculated isoeletric point (ρl) ranged between 5.49 and 5.58. | Amino acids; Cowpea; Mineral content; Proximate analysis; Scarlet runner beans | Phaseolus (angiosperm); Phaseolus coccineus; Vigna unguiculata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847643731 | Compositional evaluation of some dry season shrub and tree foliages in a transitionally vegetated zone of Nigeria | Ikhimioya I., Bamikole M.A., Omoregie A.U., Ikhatua U.J. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 3 | None | Department of Animal Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Crop Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Ikhimioya, I., Department of Animal Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Bamikole, M.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Omoregie, A.U., Department of Crop Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Ikhatua, U.J., Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The proximate composition, cell wall and mineral contents, and the levels of some anti-nutrients were assessed in the foliages of Afzelia africana, Bambusa vulgaris, Chromolaena odorata, Mangifera indica and Newbouldia laevis. DM content ranged from 26.80% in Chromolaena odorata to 50.82% in Bambusa vulgaris. The leaves were generally high in CP which ranged from 15.13% in Mangifera indica to 29.85% in Afzelia africana. Gross energy in the foliages varied from 2.50 Kcal/g to 4.09 Kcal/g respectively in Mangifera indica and N. laevis. The highest value of NDF (54.38%) was recorded in Chromolaena odorata while Mangifera indica had the least value (42.40%). Mineral content analysis revealed that Afzelia africana contained the least content of Ca (0.31%) while Chromolaena odorata had the highest (1.52%). Chromolaena odorata also recorded the highest P content (0.39%) and the least was in Mangifera indica (0.20%). Sodium content varied from 0.39% in Chromolaena odorata to 0.14% in Afzelia africana. The lowest content of Cu (5.26ppm) was recorded in Newbouldia laevis while the highest value of 91.76ppm was from Chromolaena odorata. The concentration of Zn varied from 46.60ppm in Bambusa vulgaris to 277.88ppm in Chromolaena odorata. Among the anti-nutrient contents examined, the haemaglutinnin value was least in Chromolaena odorata(9.72mg/g) and highest in Newbouldia laevis(20.84mg/g). Phytic acid varied from 0.45% in Afzelia africana to 4.88% in Mangifera indica, while tannin content ranged between 0.17% in Afzelia africana and 3.51% in Mangifera indica. The implication of the results is that, based on the observed nutritional compositions and ready availability of the foliages, especially in the dry season when the quality of available grasses drops, they showed promise of being adequate for the supplementation of ruminants' diets. | Anti-nutrient; Cell wall; Foliages; Mineral; Nigeria; Proximate composition; Transitional vegetation zone | Afzelia africana; Bambusa; Bambusa vulgaris; Bovidae; Chromolaena; Chromolaena odorata; Mangifera indica; Newbouldia laevis; Poaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845452200 | Compost maturity evaluation and its significance to agriculture | Iwegbue C.M.A., Egun A.C., Emuh F.N., Isirimah N.O. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 9 | 15 | 10.3923/pjbs.2006.2933.2944 | Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Agric. Education Unit, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Department of Crop/Soil Science, Delta State University, Anwai Asaba, Nigeria; Institute of Pollution Studies, Rivers State U | Iwegbue, C.M.A., Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria; Egun, A.C., Agric. Education Unit, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Emuh, F.N., Department of Crop/Soil Science, Delta State University, Anwai Asaba, Nigeria; Isirimah, N.O., Institute of Pollution Studies, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | One of the main obstacles to the successful utilization of compost in agriculture is the lack of reliable quality criteria and understanding the transformation of organic matter, which take place throughout the whole process. Proper evaluation of composts maturity essential for establishment of such criteria. Because of the diversity of origin of composts. It is impossible to use a single method to evaluate compost maturity. It is best done by a combination of methods. A good index of compost maturity should have an overall trend describable by a monotonic function. Methods for evaluating composts maturity can be categorized into (1) chemical analysis (C/N, CEC and nitrification) (2) physical analysis (odour and temperature) (3) spectroscopic analysis (FTIR and 13C-NMR) (4) plant bioassay (germination and plant growth) (5) chromatographic analysis (sephadex fractionation) (6) degree of humification (HI, DH and HR) (7) microbial analysis (respiration). These tests vary in precision, simplicity, costs, duration and approach. Plant bioassays are considered the most direct test for compost maturity since it shows the effect of compost maturity on plant growth and other maturity tests are correlated with plant growth performance. Spectroscopic methods, sephadex fractionation and degree of humification give an insight to the feasibility of starting material to be transformed, the level of humification and the quality of the humic fraction and the efficiency of a given composting process. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Degree of humification; Humic acid evolution index; Maturity index; Phytotoxicity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954399107 | Comprehensive Community Initiative: Evaluation of a transformation system in Mhakwe community in Zimbabwe | Tirivanhu P., Matondi P.B., Groenewald I. | 2015 | Development Southern Africa | 32 | 6 | 10.1080/0376835X.2015.1063983 | Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension, University of Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Ruzivo Trust, 28 Greendale Drive, Harare, Zimbabwe | Tirivanhu, P., Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension, University of Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Matondi, P.B., Ruzivo Trust, 28 Greendale Drive, Harare, Zimbabwe; Groenewald, I., Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and Extension, University of Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | This article explores community perceptions on implementation and impacts of the Mhakwe Comprehensive Community Initiative (CCI) in Mhakwe Ward, Zimbabwe. A mixed-methods research methodology was adopted. Qualitative data were collected from action research, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a random cluster sample, and were analysed using SPSS and Stata with binomial logistic regression to determine factors significantly affecting selected variables and the chi-square test for independence to determine association between variables. Thematic reviews were utilised to analyse qualitative data. Community perceptions on issues affecting multi-stakeholder collaborations, ownership, and control, internal and external enabling factors were explored. The article concludes that leadership development, strengthening family institutions, enhancing ownership and building capacity of local institutions to coordinate such initiatives are fundamental building blocks for CCIs. This article recommends CCIs as a practical framework for empowering marginalised communities. © 2015 Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC). | Comprehensive Community Initiative; Mhakwe; Mixed-methods research; Perceptions; Zimbabwe | capacity building; community development; empowerment; local participation; perception; research method; stakeholder; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650117375 | Comprehensive evaluation of kraft pulp properties from fast-growing woods | Qu A., Ao Y., Yan J., Fang G. | 2010 | Tappi Journal | 9 | 6 | None | Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, South Africa; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China; College of Water Conservation and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Naming, China; Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Nanjing, China | Qu, A., Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, South Africa, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China; Ao, Y., College of Water Conservation and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Naming, China; Yan, J., College of Water Conservation and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Naming, China; Fang, G., Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Nanjing, China | To develop new wood cellulose resources and fast-growing pulpwood plantation fiber sources, it is very important to evaluate their pulping properties. A comprehensive multi-index pulping-suitability evaluation model is investigated in this paper by considering four fast-growing wood species. First, a new evaluation-index system for kraft pulp was developed based on traditional evaluation-index systems. Then, the membership degree of every index was analyzed to obtain a fuzzy matrix. The proportional contribution of each parameter to the main pulping properties could then be determined. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation model of kraft pulp properties was developed. The model is reliable compared with traditional assessment methods. The results confirmed the feasibility and rationality of developing new wood cellulose resources and fast-growing pulpwood plantations using fuzzy comprehensive evaluations. Application: A comprehensive multi-index kraft pulping suitability evaluation model was successfully developed in this study. This model provides an objective reflection of kraft pulp quality. The result confirms the feasibility and rationality of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. | None | Comprehensive evaluation; Comprehensive evaluation model; Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation; Fuzzy matrix; Index systems; Kraft pulping; Membership degrees; Multi-index; Plantation fibers; Pulp properties; Pulp qualities; Pulping properties; Suitability evaluation; Traditional assessment; Cellulose; Fuzzy set theory; Kraft process; Timber; Kraft pulp; Cellulose; Forests; Kraft Pulping | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875499176 | Comprehensive high temperature two-dimensional liquid chromatography combined with high temperature gradient chromatography-infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of impact polypropylene copolymers | Cheruthazhekatt S., Harding G.W., Pasch H. | 2013 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1286 | None | 10.1016/j.chroma.2013.02.052 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Sasol Polymers, Midland Factory, Bergius Street, Sasolburg 321, South Africa | Cheruthazhekatt, S., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Harding, G.W., Sasol Polymers, Midland Factory, Bergius Street, Sasolburg 321, South Africa; Pasch, H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa | Impact polypropylene copolymers (IPC) are extremely complex materials that can only be effectively analysed by multidimensional analytical approaches. IPC consists of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) as the major phase, ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymers of various compositions and small amounts of polyethylene. The molecular heterogeneity of two IPC samples having different ethylene contents was studied by using a novel cross-fractionation technique, developed from a combination of various analytical separation methods into an effective characterisation tool for complex polyolefins. The initial step involves the fractionation of the sample into EP rubber, EP segmented copolymer, and iPP, by preparative temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF). The resulting fractions are still distributed with regards to chemical composition and molar mass. The separation with respect to these parameters is conducted by comprehensive HT 2D-LC. This is the first time that the individual components in all TREF fractions of an IPC are separated and analysed mutidimensionally, by both SEC-FTIR, high-temperature (HT) HPLC-FTIR, and HT 2D-LC. Molar mass analysis of the chemically homogeneous fractions from HT HPLC is accomplished by HT SEC in the second dimension of HT 2D-LC. The chemical composition of all species is determined by coupling FTIR spectroscopy to HT HPLC via an LC-transform interface. This novel approach reveals the capability of this hyphenated technique to determine the exact chemical composition of the individual components in the complex TREF fractions of IPCs. The HT HPLC-FTIR results confirm the separation mechanism in the given chromatographic system using a 1-decanol to TCB solvent gradient and a Hypercarb stationary phase. The components of differing chemical composition are separated according to the nature and length of the propylene/ethylene segments, with their arrangement in the chains strongly affecting their adsorption/desorption on the stationary phase. FTIR analysis provides information on the ethylene and propylene contents of the fractions as well as on the ethylene and propylene crystallinities. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | High temperature two-dimensional chromatography (HT 2D-LC); HPLC-FTIR analysis; Impact polypropylene copolymer; TREF, HT-HPLC | High temperature gradient; HPLC-FTIR; Impact polypropylene copolymer; Isotactic poly(propylene) (iPP); Temperature-rising elution; TREF, HT-HPLC; Two-dimensional chromatography; Two-dimensional liquid chromatography; Copolymers; Ethylene; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Fractionation; Liquid chromatography; Propylene; Two dimensional; Polypropylenes; copolymer; decanol; ethylene; ethylene propylene; polyethylene; polyolefin; polypropylene; rubber; solvent; unclassified drug; adsorption; article; chemical composition; chemical parameters; chemical procedures; desorption; high performance liquid chromatography; high temperature gradient chromatography infrared spectroscopy; high temperature two dimensional liquid chromatography; infrared spectroscopy; liquid chromatography; molecular weight; priority journal; temperature rising elution fractionation; Chromatography, Gel; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Ethylenes; Hot Temperature; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Polypropylenes; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897589973 | Compressive strength evaluation of mortarless interlocking masonry | Pave R., Uzoegbo Fims H.C. | 2013 | Masonry International | 26 | 3 | None | Department of Structural Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Pave, R., Department of Structural Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Uzoegbo Fims, H.C., Department of Structural Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | The compression strength testing procedure for masonry units with unsupported projections is not well documented and can be quite complex. Most laboratories use cores taken from the samples for compression testing. This paper is based on the development of alternative testing methods for dry-stack (mortarless) interlocking masonry units and walling systems. The blocks rely mainly on the interlocking keys for stability and were made of compressed soil-cement extruded under a pressure of about 10N/mm2. The blocks are developed, marketed and certified for use in construction in South Africa by AGREMENT SA [1]. The product has achieved reasonable commercial success in parts of Africa, Asia and South America mainly due to its simplicity, savings in mortar and speed of construction compared to conventional masonry. In order to establish suitable test methods, axial compression tests were conducted on full scale block units using platens that match the complex surface configuration of the units and in-service load paths. Cubes were also cored from the masonry units and tested as control samples. The results show that the method of testing and the moisture content are important factors in the strength of the masonry units. Provisions on conventional masonry walling are used for comparison. The test results were used to develop an empirical model for the prediction of the load capacity of the dry-stack interlocking block units. | Compressive strength; Dry-stack masonry; Interlocking blocks; Wall panels | None | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872975061 | Computational analysis of the performance of ozone-friendly R22 alternative refrigerants in vapour compression air-Conditioning systems | Bolaji B.O., Huan Z. | 2012 | Environment Protection Engineering | 38 | 4 | 10.5277/EPE120404 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Bolaji, B.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Huan, Z., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Performance of two ozone-friendly refrigerants (R410A and R419A) was investigated theoretically using computational thermodynamic analysis. The results obtained showed that the performance of R410A was very close to that of R22 in all the operating conditions. Both R22 and R410A performed better than R419A in terms of their COP and refrigerating effect. Compared with R22, the average COP and refrigerating effect of R419A are lower by 13.78 and 33.96%, respectively. Generally, R410A refrigerant has approximately the same performance with R22, therefore, it is considered as a good drop-in substitute for R22 in vapour compression air-conditioning system. | None | Airconditioning systems; Alternative refrigerant; Computational analysis; Computational thermodynamic analysis; Operating condition; Refrigerating effects; Air conditioning; Ozone; Refrigeration; Vapors; Refrigerants | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920903920 | Computational analysis of the radial mechanical performance of PLLA coronary artery stents | Pauck R.G., Reddy B.D. | 2015 | Medical Engineering and Physics | 37 | 1 | 10.1016/j.medengphy.2014.09.014 | 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 | Pauck, 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 Africa | Stents 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; Stent | Biomaterials; 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 Strength | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929400224 | Computational evaluation of the effect of structural parameters of 3-flouro thiophene and 3-thiophene malonic acid on corrosion inhibition efficiency of mild steel in acidic media | Usman B., Maarof H., Abdallah H.H., Aziz M. | 2015 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 10 | 4 | None | Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia; Advanced Membrane Technology Centre, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia; Department of P | Usman, B., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Bayero University, Kano. P. M. B, Kano, Nigeria; Maarof, H., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia; Abdallah, H.H., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia, Department of Chemistry, Education College, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq; Aziz, M., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia, Advanced Membrane Technology Centre, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia | The effect of the substituent's, halide and carboxylic group on thiophene compounds, namely 3-flourothiophene (3FT) and 3-thiophene malonic acid (3TMA) on the corrosion inhibition efficiency of mild steel in acidic media has been predicted using quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model and quantum chemical calculation. The results from QSAR model show that 3TMA exhibit higher corrosion inhibition efficiency of 85.3 and 91.7%, which may be due to the increase in length of the malonic acid then 3FT which tends to exhibit higher electron withdrawing ability as a result of the fluorine substitution and hence lower corrosion inhibition efficiency of 40.6 and 42.1% respectively. Similarly the molecular structure of the compounds was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculation with 6-311G++(d,p) basis set. Quantum chemical parameters were calculated, the results show that QSAR model can be used to predict the corrosion inhibition performance of a compound prior to experimental. © 2015 The Authors. | 3-Flourothiophene; 3-Thiophene malonic acid; Corrosion inhibition; DFT; QSAR | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859771305 | Computational models for predicting cooling tower fill performance in cross-counterflow configuration | Reuter H.C.R., Kröger D.G. | 2012 | Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications | 4 | 2 | 10.1115/1.4006028 | Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Reuter, H.C.R., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Kröger, D.G., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | In cooling towers packed with trickle or splash fills, which have anisotropic flow resistance, the air flow through the fill is oblique or in cross-counterflow to the water flow, particularly at the cooling tower inlet when the fill loss coefficient is small or when the fill hangs down into the air inlet region. This results in that the fill Merkel number or transfer characteristic for cross-counter flow is between that of purely counter- and crossflow fills. When using CFD to model natural draught wet-cooling tower performance for isotropic fill resistance, two- or three-dimensional models are therefore required to determine fill performance. In this paper, the governing fundamental partial differential equations are derived in cylindrical and Cartesian coordinates to determine the cooling water temperature, water evaporation rate, air temperature, and air humidity ratio in two-dimensional cross-counterflow fills for both saturated and supersaturated air. To solve these equations, a relation is proposed to determine Merkel numbers for oblique air flows by linear interpolation and extrapolation of purely cross- and counterflow Merkel numbers in terms of the air flow angle. This model is compared to analytical Merkel numbers obtained for different air flow angles using a single drop trajectory model. A linear upwind computational model and an Eulerian FLUENT® model are developed to evaluate fill performance characteristics from test data and to model fill performance in cooling towers, respectively. The results of these two models are compared and verified with a FLUENT Euler-Lagrange model, showing minor deviations. © 2012 American Society of Mechanical Engineers. | CFD; Cooling tower; Fill; Merkel number; Modeling; Packing; Performance | Air flow; Air humidity ratio; Air temperature; Anisotropic flows; Cartesian coordinate; Computational model; Cooling water temperature; Counterflow; Cross flows; Euler-lagrange models; Eulerian; Fill; Fill resistance; Linear Interpolation; Loss coefficients; Merkel number; Performance; Performance characteristics; Single drops; Supersaturated air; Test data; Three-dimensional model; Trajectory models; Transfer characteristics; Water evaporation; Water flows; Wet cooling tower; Air; Computational fluid dynamics; Computational methods; Cooling; Cooling towers; Inlet flow; Models; Packing; Partial differential equations; Towers; Three dimensional | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875024637 | Computed tomography evaluation of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia in an african population | Ogbole G.I., Akinmoladun V.I. | 2012 | Oral Surgery | 5 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1752-248X.2012.01161.x | Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogbole, G.I., Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Akinmoladun, V.I., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Aim: Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous tumour of bones commonly involving the craniofacial region.Computedtomography(CT) imaging study of the disease is useful for evaluation and treatment planning. However, few studieshaveevaluated patient series inanAfrican setting. Material and methods: A total of 14 patients with complete medical records and CT images were included in this study. All patients were non-syndromic fibrous dysplasia involving only the craniofacial region. None had skin pigmentation or other evidence of endocrine problems. Data analysis was essentially on clinical and CT appearances of the lesions. Results: Facial swelling was the chief complaint in 79% of patients. Two patients were incidentally discovered after cranial CT scanning for head injury and stroke. The average number of bones involved was 5.4 per patient. Involvement of more than one craniofacial bone occurred in 78% of patients. The maxilla was involved in eight patients (57.14%), the ethmoidal, orbital and frontal bones were the most commonly jointly involved bones (64.3%). CT images appeared sclerotic or homogenous in 36%, ground glass or heterogeneous in 71% and cystic in 7%. Conclusion: CT features of craniofacial dysplasia in patients of African descent are similar to that seen in other racial groups. Our findings further suggest that craniofacial fibrous dysplasia can hardly be described as monostotic. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S. | Computed tomography; Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia African population; Imaging | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856284354 | Computer-based science simulations, guided-discovery and students performance in chemistry | Udo M.E., Etiubon R.U. | 2011 | Modern Applied Science | 5 | 6 | 10.5539/mas.v5n6p211 | Department of Science Education, Univeristy of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | Udo, M.E., Department of Science Education, Univeristy of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria; Etiubon, R.U., Department of Science Education, Univeristy of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria | This study investigated the relative effectiveness of computer-based science simulations on students' achievement in chemistry at the secondary school level when compared with guided-discovery and the traditional expository teaching methods. The study used non- randomized pre-test - post-test control group design. The study sample was 89 Senior Secondary II (SSII) chemistry students drawn from Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa lbom State, Nigeria. Criterion sampling technique was used for sampling. Two hypotheses were tested. The instrument used in collecting data was a researcher-developed 25-item 4-option multiple choice test - the Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) - designed to measure students' achievement in the area of chemical combination. The test had a reliability index of 0.72 determined using test-retest approach. The results of data analysis using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) showed that students taught by computer-based science simulations performed significantly better than those taught using the traditional expository method, (mean diff = 4.34; sig. = 032), but had comparable performance with those taught with guided-discovery approach (mean diff = 85; sig = 869). That is, computer based simulation method is as effective as guided-discovery, but significantly better than the traditional expository method; and that gender is not a strong determinant of students' performance in chemistry. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that chemistry teachers should adopt computer-based simulation technique in teaching chemistry concepts in view of its high facilitative effect on students' performance. | Computer-based science simulations; Expository method; Guided-discovery; Students achievement | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649247964 | Computer efficacy, use and phobia: Contributions to Nigerian undergraduates' academic performance in a computer graphics course | Agbatogun A.O., Banjo B.O. | 2010 | Meridian | 13 | 1 | None | University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; University of Lagos, Nigeria; Instructional Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria; University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria | Agbatogun, A.O., University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Instructional Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria; Banjo, B.O., University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria | This study investigated the extent to which computer efficacy, computer use, and computer phobia predicted the level of students' academic performance in a Computer Graphics course. One hundred eighty-nine undergraduates of the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, served as the sample for this study. The study sample responded to four instruments: Computer Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), Computer Use Scale (CUS), Computer Phobia Scale (CPS) and Computer Performance Test (CPT). Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Multiple Regression and Analysis of Variance statistical tools were used to investigate the predictive capacity of the independent on the dependent variables. The findings revealed the three independent variables, when taken together, were effective in predicting students' academic performance in a Computer Graphics course. Meanwhile, each of the variables also contributed to the prediction of students' academic performance in a Computer Graphics course with computer use making the highest and a significant contribution to the prediction of the outcome measure (students' academic performance in a Computer Graphics course). On the basis of these findings, it was suggested higher education institutions in developing countries should make a major paradigm shift from the traditional instructional environment to promoting paperless classrooms and facilitate students' intense use of computer technologies by making assignments and projects writing, seminar presentations, display of course outlines and reference materials, and academic enquiries more computer-oriented. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952616146 | Computerised information systems: Comparison of relative impacts on planned project duration within a multi-project environment | Govender S., Steyn H. | 2008 | South African Journal of Industrial Engineering | 19 | 1 | None | Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Govender, S., Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Steyn, H., Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa | As more organisations acquire project management computerised information systems (CIS) to ensure the efficient scheduling of projects, there is increasing interest in the extent to which various CIS contribute to a reduction in planned project duration. However, there seems to be no empirical research that suggests that CIS have a positive impact on planned duration or how relative impacts could vary when different CIS are implemented. This paper reports on experimental research that evaluates and draws comparisons between the relative impacts of three CIS on planned project delivery within a specific, real, multi-project environment, and investigates the reasons for such variations. | None | Efficient scheduling; Empirical research; Experimental research; Multi-project environment; Project delivery; Project duration; Relative impact; Information systems; Project management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957106815 | Computerized condition monitoring of a diesel engine through air inlet filter analysis | Ogbonnaya E.A., Ugwu H.U., Johnson K.T., Johnson C.A.N., Orji C.U. | 2010 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/jeasci.2010.201.205 | Department of Marine Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUA), Umuahia, Nigeria; Department of Marine Engineering, Niger D | Ogbonnaya, E.A., Department of Marine Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Ugwu, H.U., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUA), Umuahia, Nigeria; Johnson, K.T., Department of Marine Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Johnson, C.A.N., Department of Marine Engineering, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Orji, C.U., Department of Marine Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The diesel engine consists of several components which enhance its proactive monitoring. One of these components is the turbocharger unit (compressor and turbine). It was found from this research that the effective and efficient performance of the unit depends mainly on the effectiveness of the air intake filter. The test engine used was an MTU 12V 396 TC 32 diesel engine. This research used computerized condition monitoring to avert failure, unplanned downtime and schedule maintenance, thus increasing the useful life of the engine. Component modeling was adopted as the best means of actualizing this aim. It was carried out for the air intake filter. A software code named "Top A" written in qbasic programming language was developed. The data obtained showed that the intake air differential pressure across the filter decreased at the range of 0.5 bar. The results revealed that the model developed is capable of predicting any blockage the air intake filter may experience. It was found that the measured pressure drop across the filter remained at 0.85 bar for a long time. This means that the performance of the filter was optimum at this pressure. Condition based maintenance philosophy is therefore recommended to be used to increase its reliability and flexibilityof the entire engine. © Medwell Journals, 2010. | Air inlet/intake filter; Computerized condition monitoring; Downtime; Maintenance; Nigeria; Turbocharger unit | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37849000474 | Computer simulations and models for the performance characteristics of spectrally equivalent X-ray beams in medical diagnostic radiology | Okunade A.A. | 2007 | Journal of Medical Physics | 32 | 4 | None | Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, 220005, Ile-Ife Osun, Nigeria | Okunade, A.A., Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, 220005, Ile-Ife Osun, Nigeria | In order to achieve uniformity in radiological imaging, it is recommended that the concept of equivalence in shape (quality) and size (quantity) of clinical X-ray beams should be used for carrying out the comparative evaluation of image and patient dose. When used under the same irradiation geometry, X-ray beams that are strictly or relatively equivalent in terms of shape and size will produce identical or relatively identical image quality and patient dose. Simple mathematical models and software program EQSPECT.FOR were developed for the comparative evaluation of the performance characteristics in terms of contrast (C), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and figure-of-merit (FOM = CNR 2 /DOSE) for spectrally equivalent beams transmitted through filter materials referred to as conventional and k-edged. At the same value of operating potential (kVp), results show that spectrally equivalent beam transmitted through conventional filter with higher atomic number ( Z -value) in comparison with that transmitted through conventional filter with lower Z -value resulted in the same value of C and FOM. However, in comparison with the spectrally equivalent beam transmitted through filter of lower Z -value, the beam through filter of higher Z -value produced higher value of CNR and DOSE at equal tube loading (mAs) and kVp. Under the condition of equivalence of spectrum, at scaled (or reduced) tube loading and same kVp, filter materials of higher Z -values can produce the same values of C, CNR, DOSE and FOM as filter materials of lower Z -value. Unlike the case of comparison of spectrally equivalent beam transmitted through one conventional filter and that through another conventional filter, it is not possible to derive simple mathematical formulations for the relative performance of spectrally equivalent beam transmitted through a given conventional filter material and that through k-edge filter material. | Contrast; Elemental filters; Medical diagnostic radiology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051611450 | Conceptions and practices in teaching and learning: Implications for the evaluation of teaching quality | Zerihun Z., Beishuizen J., van Willem O.S. | 2011 | Quality in Higher Education | 17 | 2 | 10.1080/13538322.2011.582793 | Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Center for Educational Training, Assessment and Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Zerihun, Z., Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Beishuizen, J., Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; van Willem, O.S., Center for Educational Training, Assessment and Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | This study was conducted in two public universities in Ethiopia to assess the impact of conceptions of teaching and learning on the evaluation of teaching quality. Students' and teachers' approaches to teaching and learning and their conceptions of the meaning of teaching have been examined. Results indicated that both teachers and students predominantly perceive teaching as transmitting knowledge and assessment as recall of factual knowledge. For the students, the mean values for teaching as transmitting knowledge and assessment as recall of facts were significantly correlated. The experiences and conceptions of both teachers and students reflect a teacher-focused approach to teaching and learning. The teaching evaluation questionnaire also reflects teacher performance as indicator of effectiveness. Improving the measure should be considered as a means of changing teachers' and students' conceptions of teaching and learning. © 2011 Taylor & Francis. | Feedback from students; Feedback to students; Higher education; Quality; Teaching and learning conceptions; Teaching evaluation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856647364 | Conceptual and procedural approaches to mathematics in the engineering curriculum: Student conceptions and performance | Engelbrecht J., Bergsten C., Kågesten A. | 2012 | Journal of Engineering Education | 101 | 1 | None | University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden | Engelbrecht, J., University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Bergsten, C., Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden; Kågesten, A., Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden | BACKGROUND Demands by engineering faculties of mathematics departments have traditionally been for teaching computational skills while also expecting analytic and creative knowledge-based skills. We report on a project between two institutions, one in South Africa and one in Sweden, that investigated whether the emphasis in undergraduate mathematics courses for engineering students would benefit from being more conceptually oriented than the traditional more procedurally oriented way of teaching. PURPOSE (HYPOTHESIS) We focus on how second-year engineering students respond to the conceptual-procedural distinction, comparing performance and confidence between Swedish and South African groups of students in answering conceptual and procedural mathematics problems. We also compare these students' conceptions on the role of conceptual and procedural mathematics problems within and outside their mathematics studies. DESIGN/METHOD An instrument consisting of procedural and conceptual items as well as items on student opinions on the roles of the different types of knowledge in their studies was conducted with groups of second-year engineering students at two universities, one in each country. RESULTS Although differences between the two countries are small, Swedish students see procedural items to be more common in their mathematics studies while the South African students find both conceptual and procedural items common; the latter group see the conceptually oriented items as more common in their studies outside the mathematics courses. CONCLUSIONS Students view mathematics as procedural. Conceptual mathematics is seen as relevant outside mathematics. The use of mathematics in other subjects within engineering education can be experienced differently by students from different institutions, indicating that the same type of education can handle the application of mathematics in different ways in different institutions. © 2012 ASEE. | Conceptual and procedural thinking; Confidence; Mathematics | Computational skills; Conceptual and procedural thinking; Confidence; Engineering curriculum; Engineering faculty; Mathematics course; South Africa; Undergraduate mathematics course; Engineering education; Knowledge based systems; Mathematical techniques; Societies and institutions; Students | None |
| WoS | WOS:000313561800010 | Conceptual Framework for Development of Comprehensive e-Health Evaluation Tool | Durrani, Hammad,Khoja, Shariq,Piryani, Usha,Sajwani, Afroz,Scott, Richard E. | 2013 | TELEMEDICINE AND E-HEALTH | 19 | 1 | 10.1089/tmj.2012.0073 | Aga 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,SERVICES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879762775 | Conceptualising the effectiveness of impact assessment processes | Chanchitpricha C., Bond A. | 2013 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 43 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2013.05.006 | School of Environmental Health, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Maung District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Unit for Environmental Sciences, Management School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North West University, Potchefstroom campus, Internal Box 375, South Africa | Chanchitpricha, C., School of Environmental Health, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Maung District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand; Bond, A., School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom, Unit for Environmental Sciences, Management School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North West University, Potchefstroom campus, Internal Box 375, South Africa | This paper aims at conceptualising the effectiveness of impact assessment processes through the development of a literature-based framework of criteria to measure impact assessment effectiveness. Four categories of effectiveness were established: procedural, substantive, transactive and normative, each containing a number of criteria; no studies have previously brought together all four of these categories into such a comprehensive, criteria-based framework and undertaken systematic evaluation of practice. The criteria can be mapped within a cycle/or cycles of evaluation, based on the 'logic model', at the stages of input, process, output and outcome to enable the identification of connections between the criteria across the categories of effectiveness. This framework is considered to have potential application in measuring the effectiveness of many impact assessment processes, including strategic environmental assessment (SEA), environmental impact assessment (EIA), social impact assessment (SIA) and health impact assessment (HIA). © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Impact assessment tools; Logic model; Normative effectiveness; Procedural effectiveness; Substantive effectiveness; Transactive effectiveness | Impact assessment tools; Logic models; Normative effectiveness; Procedural effectiveness; Substantive effectiveness; Transactive effectiveness; Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; environmental impact assessment; identification method; numerical model; social change; strategic environmental assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924569405 | Conceptualizing the impacts of dual practice on the retention of public sector specialists - evidence from South Africa | Ashmore J., Gilson L. | 2015 | Human Resources for Health | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1478-4491-13-3 | University of Cape Town, Observatory, Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth Annex, Medical Campus, Cape Town, South Africa; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health and Development, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | Ashmore, J., University of Cape Town, Observatory, Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth Annex, Medical Campus, Cape Town, South Africa; Gilson, L., University of Cape Town, Observatory, Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Falmouth Annex, Medical Campus, Cape Town, South Africa, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health and Development, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | Background: 'Dual practice', or multiple job holding, generally involves public sector-based health workers taking additional work in the private sector. This form of the practice is purported to help retain public health care workers in low and middle-income countries' public sectors through additional wage incentives. There has been little conceptual or empirical development of the relationship between dual practice and retention. Methods: This article helps begin to fill this gap, drawing on empirical evidence from a qualitative study focusing on South African specialists. Fifty-one repeat, in-depth interviews were carried out with 28 doctors (predominantly specialists) with more than one job, in one public and one private urban hospital. Results: Findings suggest dual practice can impact both positively and negatively on specialists' intention to stay in the public sector. This is through multiple conceptual channels including those previously identified in the literature such as dual practice acting as a 'stepping stone' to private practice by reducing migration costs. Dual practice can also lead specialists to re-evaluate how they compare public and private jobs, and to overworking which can expedite decisions on whether to stay in the public sector or leave. Numerous respondents undertook dual practice without official permission. Conclusions: The idea that dual practice helps retain public specialists in South Africa may be overstated. Yet banning the practice may be ineffective, given many undertake it without permission in any case. Regulation should be better enforced to ensure dual practice is not abused. The conceptual framework developed in this article could form a basis for further qualitative and quantitative inquiry. © 2015 Ashmore and Gilson. | Health worker distribution; Loyalty; Migration; Multiple job holding; Public private mix; Retention | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868582364 | Concomitant herbal medicine and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) use among HIV patients in Western Uganda: A cross-sectional analysis of magnitude and patterns of use, associated factors and impact on ART adherence | Lubinga S.J., Kintu A., Atuhaire J., Asiimwe S. | 2012 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 24 | 11 | 10.1080/09540121.2011.648600 | Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Clinical Trials Unit, Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Bushenyi, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States | Lubinga, S.J., Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Kintu, A., Clinical Trials Unit, Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Bushenyi, Uganda; Atuhaire, J., Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Asiimwe, S., Clinical Trials Unit, Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Bushenyi, Uganda, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Paul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States | Use of herbal medicines among patients receiving Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) remains by far an uncharacterised phenomenon in Africa and Uganda specifically. We evaluated the use of herbal medicines among patients on ART at the HIV clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), examined factors associated with their concomitant use and their impact on ART adherence. This was a cross-sectional study among 334 systematically sampled patients receiving ART at the HIV clinic of MRRH from February to April 2010. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, perceptions of quality of care received, self-perceived health status, information on ART received, herbal medicines use and ART adherence. Study outcomes were concomitant herbal medicine and ART use, and ART adherence. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were conducted using Stata10.0. Close to half, 155 (46.4%) reported concomitant herbal medicines and ART use, with 133 (39.8%) using herbal medicines at least once daily. Most (71.6%) used herbal medicines to treat HIV-related symptoms. A majority (92.3%) reported that the doctors were unaware of their use of herbal medicines, 68.5% citing its minimal importance to the attending physician. Most frequently used herbs were Aloe vera (25%) and Vernonia amygdalina (21%). Time since start of ART (OR 1.14 95% CI: 1.01-1.28, for each one year increase), number of ART side effects reported (≥3 vs.≤1, OR 2.20 95% CI 1.13-4.26) and self-perceived health status (Good vs. Poor, OR 0.31 95% CI 0.12-0.79) were independently associated with concomitant herbal medicine and ART use. Concomitant herbal medicine and ART use was not associated with poor ART adherence (OR 0.85 95% CI 0.47-1.53). There is widespread concomitant herbal medicines and ART use among our patients, with no association to poor ART adherence. Patients appear to use these therapies to complement as opposed to substituting ART. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | adherence; Antiretroviral Therapy; herbal medicine; Uganda | adolescent; adult; adverse drug reaction; Aloe vera; antiretroviral therapy; antiviral therapy; article; cross-sectional study; educational status; employment status; female; follow up; Gymnanthemum amygdalinum; health status; herbal medicine; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; income; major clinical study; male; marriage; patient compliance; priority journal; religion; treatment duration; Uganda; wellbeing; Adolescent; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disclosure; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Medication Adherence; Medicine, African Traditional; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient Compliance; Physician-Patient Relations; Phytotherapy; Prevalence; Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors; Tertiary Care Centers; Uganda; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907705263 | Condition monitoring of medium voltage electrical cables by means of partial discharge measurements | Van Jaarsveldt H., Gouws R. | 2014 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 105 | 4 | None | School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, North-West University, Private bag X6001, Post-point 288, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Van Jaarsveldt, H., School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, North-West University, Private bag X6001, Post-point 288, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Gouws, R., School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, North-West University, Private bag X6001, Post-point 288, Potchefstroom, South Africa | The purpose of this paper is to discuss condition monitoring (CM) of medium voltage electrical cables by means of partial discharge (PD) measurements. Electrical cables are exposed to a variety of operational and environmental stressors. The stressors will lead to the degradation of the cable's insulation material and ultimately to cable failure. The premature failure of cables can cause blackouts and will have a significant effect on the safety of such a network. It is therefore crucial to constantly monitor the condition of electrical cables. The first part of this paper is focussed on fundamental theory concepts regarding CM of electrical cables as well as PD. The derivation of mathematical models for the simulation of PD is also discussed. The simulation of discharge activity is due to a single void within the insulation material of medium voltage cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables. The simulations were performed in the MATLAB® Simulink® environment, in order to investigate the effects of a variety of parameters on the characteristics of the PD signal. A nonintrusive CM technique was designed for the detection of PD activity within cables. The CM technique was used to measure and analyse practical PD data. Two MATLAB® programs were designed to analyse the PD data in both the time-domain and frequency-domain. © 2014, South African Institute of Electrical Engineers. All rights reserved. | Condition monitoring (CM); Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation; MATLAB® Simulink®; Partial discharge (PD); Time- and frequency domain | Crosslinked polyethylene; Electrical cables; Frequency domains; Medium voltage; Partial discharge measurements; Simulink | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953666872 | Confidence versus performance as an indicator of the presence of alternative conceptions and inadequate problem-solving skills in mechanics | Potgieter M., Malatje E., Gaigher E., Venter E. | 2010 | International Journal of Science Education | 32 | 11 | 10.1080/09500690903100265 | Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Education, South Africa; Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Potgieter, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Malatje, E., Department of Education, South Africa; Gaigher, E., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Venter, E., Centre for Evaluation and Assessment, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This study investigated the use of performance-confidence relationships to signal the presence of alternative conceptions and inadequate problem-solving skills in mechanics. A group of 33 students entering physics at a South African university participated in the project. The test instrument consisted of 20 items derived from existing standardised tests from literature, each of which was followed by a self-reported measure of confidence of students in the correctness of their answers. Data collected for this study included students' responses to multiple-choice questions and open-ended explanations for their chosen answers. Fixed response physics and confidence data were logarithmically transformed according to the Rasch model to linear measures of performance and confidence. The free response explanations were carefully analysed for accuracy of conceptual understanding. Comparison of these results with raw score data and transformed measures of performance and confidence allowed a re-evaluation of the model developed by Hasan, Bagayoko, and Kelley in 1999 for the detection of alternative conceptions in mechanics. Application of this model to raw score data leads to inaccurate conclusions. However, application of the Hasan hypothesis to transformed measures of performance and confidence resulted in the accurate identification of items plagued by alternative conceptions. This approach also holds promise for the differentiation between over-confidence due to alternative conceptions or due to inadequate problem-solving skills. It could become a valuable tool for instructional design in mechanics. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Alternative conceptions; Confidence; Mechanics; Performance; Rasch model | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000268170600001 | Conflicting priorities: evaluation of an intervention to improve nurse-parent relationships on a Tanzanian paediatric ward | Chandler, Clare I. R.,Manongi, Rachel N.,Mwangi, Rose,Nasuwa, Fortunata R.,Poulsen, Anja,Reyburn, Hugh | 2009 | HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH | 7 | None | 10.1186/1478-4491-7-50 | University of Copenhagen, University of London, Kilimanjaro Christian Med Ctr | "Chandler, Clare I. R.: University of London", | Background: Patient, or parent/guardian, satisfaction with health care provision is important to health outcomes. Poor relationships with health workers, particularly with nursing staff, have been reported to reduce satisfaction with care in Africa. Participatory research approaches such as the Health Workers for Change initiative have been successful in improving provider-client relationships in various developing country settings, but have not yet been reported in the complex environment of hospital wards. We evaluated the HWC approach for improving the relationship between nurses and parents on a paediatric ward in a busy regional hospital in Tanzania.
Methods: The intervention consisted of six workshops, attended by 29 of 31 trained nurses and nurse attendants working on the paediatric ward. Parental satisfaction with nursing care was measured with 288 parents before and six weeks after the workshops, by means of an adapted Picker questionnaire. Two focus-group discussions were held with the workshop participants six months after the intervention.
Results: During the workshops, nurses demonstrated awareness of poor relationships between themselves and mothers. To tackle this, they proposed measures including weekly meetings to solve problems, maintain respect and increase cooperation, and representation to administrative forces to request better working conditions such as equipment, salaries and staff numbers. The results of the parent satisfaction questionnaire showed some improvement in responsiveness of nurses to client needs, but overall the mean percentage of parents reporting each of 20 problems was not statistically significantly different after the intervention, compared to before it (38.9% versus 41.2%). Post-workshop focus-group discussions with nursing staff suggested that nurses felt more empathic towards mothers and perceived an improvement in the relationship, but that this was hindered by persisting problems in their working environment, including poor relationships with other staff and a lack of response from hospital administration to their needs.
Conclusion: The intended outcome of the intervention was not met. The priorities of the intervention - to improve nurse-parent relationships - did not match the priorities of the nursing staff. Development of awareness and empathy was not enough to provide care that was satisfactory to clients in the context of working conditions that were unsatisfactory to nurses. | ,CARE,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,"HEALTH WORKERS","MATERNITY SERVICES",MOTIVATION,QUALITY,QUESTIONNAIRE,SATISFACTION | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300690500018 | Conflict-sensitive impact assessment | Esteves, AM,Kapelus, Paul,Richards, Emily,Sherwin, Hope,Vanclay, F | 2011 | NEW DIRECTIONS IN SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ADVANCES | None | None | None | University of Witwatersrand, African Inst Corp Citizenship, AICC, Buyani Trust, ClimateCare Trust, Natl Human Rights Commiss, Oxfam, Synergy Global Consulting, World Econ Forum | None | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547785112 | Confronting HIV/AIDS in a South African village: The impact of health-seeking behaviour | Golooba-Mutebi F., Tollman S.M. | 2007 | Scandinavian Journal of Public Health | 35 | SUPPL. 69 | 10.1080/14034950701355437 | Makerere Institute of Social Research, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; MRC/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Golooba-Mutebi, F., Makerere Institute of Social Research, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, MRC/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tollman, S.M., MRC/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Much social science research on HIV/AIDS focuses on its impact within affected communities and how people try to cope with its consequences. Based on fieldwork in rural South Africa, this article shows ways in which the inhabitants of a village react to illness, in general, and the role their reactions play in facilitating the spread of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS. There is potentially a strong connection between the manner in which people respond to illness in general, and actual transmission of infection. By influencing the way villagers react to episodes of ill health, folk beliefs about illness and illness causation may create avenues for more people to become infected. This suggests that efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic cannot succeed without tackling the effects of folk beliefs. Therefore, in addressing the problem of HIV/AIDS, experts should focus on more than disseminating information about cause and transmission, and promoting abstinence, safe sex, and other technocratic fixes. Our findings suggest that people need information to facilitate not only decision-making about how to self-protect against infection, but also appropriate responses when infection has already occurred. | Allopathic; Diagnosis; HIV/AIDS; Infection; Information; Medicine; South Africa; Therapy; Traditional; Witchcraft | access to information; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; attitude to illness; communicable disease; community care; community living; coping behavior; disease transmission; health belief; health care need; help seeking behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information dissemination; pandemic; patient decision making; patient information; priority journal; rural area; safe sex; sexual behavior; South Africa; attitude to health; cultural anthropology; epidemic; patient attitude; psychological aspect; rural population; traditional medicine; witchcraft; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Attitude to Health; Culture; Disease Outbreaks; HIV Infections; Humans; Medicine, Traditional; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Rural Population; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Witchcraft | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899538845 | Conscientious objection and its impact on abortion service provision in South Africa: A qualitative study | Harries J., Cooper D., Strebel A., Colvin C.J. | 2014 | Reproductive Health | 11 | 1 | 10.1186/1742-4755-11-16 | Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Mellon Mentorship Research Office, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Harries, J., Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Cooper, D., Women's Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Strebel, A., Mellon Mentorship Research Office, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Colvin, C.J., Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Despite abortion being legally available in South Africa after a change in legislation in 1996, barriers to accessing safe abortion services continue to exist. These barriers include provider opposition to abortion often on the grounds of religious or moral beliefs including the unregulated practice of conscientious objection. Few studies have explored how providers in South Africa make sense of, or understand, conscientious objection in terms of refusing to provide abortion care services and the consequent impact on abortion access. Methods. A qualitative approach was used which included 48 in-depth interviews with a purposively selected population of abortion related health service providers, managers and policy influentials in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The ways in which conscientious objection was interpreted and practiced, and its impact on abortion service provision was explored. In most public sector facilities there was a general lack of understanding concerning the circumstances in which health care providers were entitled to invoke their right to refuse to provide, or assist in abortion services. Providers seemed to have poor understandings of how conscientious objection was to be implemented, but were also constrained in that there were few guidelines or systems in place to guide them in the process. Conclusions: Exploring the ways in which conscientious objection was interpreted and applied by differing levels of health care workers in relation to abortion provision raised multiple and contradictory issues. From providers' accounts it was often difficult to distinguish what constituted confusion with regards to the specifics of how conscientious objection was to be implemented in terms of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, and what was refusal of abortion care based on opposition to abortion in general. In order to disentangle what is resistance to abortion provision in general, and what is conscientious objection on religious or moral grounds, clear guidelines need to be provided including what measures need to be undertaken in order to lodge one's right to conscientious objection. This would facilitate long term contingency plans for overall abortion service provision. © 2014 Harries et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | abortion; adult; aged; article; emergency care; female; health care delivery; health care personnel; health personnel attitude; human; human experiment; legal aspect; male; maternal welfare; normal human; organization and management; practice guideline; qualitative research; refusal to participate; South Africa; thematic analysis; Article; health care policy; health service; treatment refusal; Abortion, Induced; Attitude of Health Personnel; Family Planning Services; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; South Africa | MRC, Medical Research Council; WHO, Medical Research Council |
| None | None | Consensus Summary Statement of the International Multidisciplinary Consensus Conference on Multimodality Monitoring in Neurocritical Care: A statement for healthcare professionals from the Neurocritical Care Society and the European Society of Intensive C | Le Roux P., Menon D.K., Citerio G., Vespa P., Bader M.K., Brophy G.M., Diringer M.N., Stocchetti N., Videtta W., Armonda R., Badjatia N., Böesel J., Chesnut R., Chou S., Claassen J., Czosnyka M., De Georgia M., Figaji A., Fugate J., Helbok R., Horowitz D. | 2014 | Neurocritical Care | 21 | 2 | 10.1007/s12028-014-0041-5 | Brain and Spine Center, Suite 370, Medical Science Building, Lankenau Medical Center, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, United States; Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge Consultant, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 93, Cambridge, United Kingdom; NeuroIntensive Care Unit, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, Monza, Italy; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Neuro/Critical Care CNS, Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA, United States; Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, 410N. 12th Street, Richmond, VA, United States; Neurocritical Care Section, Department of Neurology, Washington University, Campus Box 8111, 660 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO, United States; Department of Physiopathology and Transplant, Milan University, Neuro ICU, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F Sforza, 35, Milan, Italy; ICU Neurocritical Care, Hospital Nacional ‘Prof. a. Posadas’, El Palomar, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Neurosurgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Medstar Health, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Neurology, Ruprecht-Karls University, Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, Heidelberg, Germany; Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Mailstop 359766, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, United States; Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, Milstein 8 Center room 300, New York, NY, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Neurocritical Care Center, Cerebrovascular Center, University Hospital Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States; University of Cape Town, 617 Institute for Child Health, Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Neurocritical Care Unit, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr.35, Innsbruck, Austria; University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3 West Gates, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Nursing Research, The MetroHealth System, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH, United States; Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurocritical Care, The Ohio State University, 395W. 12th Ave, 7th Floor, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg, SOM 710, N Lake Shore Drive, 11th floor, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne, CHUV University Hospital, BH 08-623, Lausanne, Switzerland; Neurology, Neurotherapeutics and Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, JMH, 1611 NW 12th Ave, Suite 405, Miami, FL, United States; Cerebrovascular Center and Neuroinflammation Research Center, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, NC30, Cleveland, OH, United States; Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Clinicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Critical Care Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, Maine, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neurosurgical Intensive Care, Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX, United States; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Milstein Hospital 8 Garden South, Suite 331, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, United States; Laboratoire de Recherche Experimentale, Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik, 808, Brussels, Belgium | Le Roux, P., Brain and Spine Center, Suite 370, Medical Science Building, Lankenau Medical Center, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, United States; Menon, D.K., Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge Consultant, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 93, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Citerio, G., NeuroIntensive Care Unit, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, Monza, Italy; Vespa, P., David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Bader, M.K., Neuro/Critical Care CNS, Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA, United States; Brophy, G.M., Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, 410N. 12th Street, Richmond, VA, United States; Diringer, M.N., Neurocritical Care Section, Department of Neurology, Washington University, Campus Box 8111, 660 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO, United States; Stocchetti, N., Department of Physiopathology and Transplant, Milan University, Neuro ICU, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F Sforza, 35, Milan, Italy; Videtta, W., ICU Neurocritical Care, Hospital Nacional ‘Prof. a. Posadas’, El Palomar, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Armonda, R., Department of Neurosurgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Medstar Health, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, United States; Badjatia, N., Department of Neurology, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD, United States; Böesel, J., Department of Neurology, Ruprecht-Karls University, Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, Heidelberg, Germany; Chesnut, R., Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Mailstop 359766, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, United States; Chou, S., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, United States; Claassen, J., Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, Milstein 8 Center room 300, New York, NY, United States; Czosnyka, M., Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; De Georgia, M., Neurocritical Care Center, Cerebrovascular Center, University Hospital Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States; Figaji, A., University of Cape Town, 617 Institute for Child Health, Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Fugate, J., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Helbok, R., Neurocritical Care Unit, Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr.35, Innsbruck, Austria; Horowitz, D., University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Hutchinson, P., Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 167, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Kumar, M., Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3 West Gates, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States; McNett, M., Nursing Research, The MetroHealth System, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH, United States; Miller, C., Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurocritical Care, The Ohio State University, 395W. 12th Ave, 7th Floor, Columbus, OH, United States; Naidech, A., Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg, SOM 710, N Lake Shore Drive, 11th floor, Chicago, IL, United States; Oddo, M., Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne, CHUV University Hospital, BH 08-623, Lausanne, Switzerland; Olson, D.W., Neurology, Neurotherapeutics and Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, United States; O’Phelan, K., Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, JMH, 1611 NW 12th Ave, Suite 405, Miami, FL, United States; Provencio, J.J., Cerebrovascular Center and Neuroinflammation Research Center, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, NC30, Cleveland, OH, United States; Puppo, C., Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Clinicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Riker, R., Critical Care Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, Maine, United States; Robertson, C., Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neurosurgical Intensive Care, Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX, United States; Schmidt, M., Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Milstein Hospital 8 Garden South, Suite 331, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, United States; Taccone, F., Laboratoire de Recherche Experimentale, Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Route de Lennik, 808, Brussels, Belgium | Neurocritical care depends, in part, on careful patient monitoring but as yet there are little data on what processes are the most important to monitor, how these should be monitored, and whether monitoring these processes is cost-effective and impacts outcome. At the same time, bioinformatics is a rapidly emerging field in critical care but as yet there is little agreement or standardization on what information is important and how it should be displayed and analyzed. The Neurocritical Care Society in collaboration with the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, the Society for Critical Care Medicine, and the Latin America Brain Injury Consortium organized an international, multidisciplinary consensus conference to begin to address these needs. International experts from neurosurgery, neurocritical care, neurology, critical care, neuroanesthesiology, nursing, pharmacy, and informatics were recruited on the basis of their research, publication record, and expertise. They undertook a systematic literature review to develop recommendations about specific topics on physiologic processes important to the care of patients with disorders that require neurocritical care. This review does not make recommendations about treatment, imaging, and intraoperative monitoring. A multidisciplinary jury, selected for their expertise in clinical investigation and development of practice guidelines, guided this process. The GRADE system was used to develop recommendations based on literature review, discussion, integrating the literature with the participants’ collective experience, and critical review by an impartial jury. Emphasis was placed on the principle that recommendations should be based on both data quality and on trade-offs and translation into clinical practice. Strong consideration was given to providing pragmatic guidance and recommendations for bedside neuromonitoring, even in the absence of high quality data. © 2014, All content, design, text, and other materials are copyrighted by the Neurocritical Care Society (NCS). All rights reserved. Endorsed by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and Latin American Brain Injury Consortium. This article is endorsed by the Eu. | Bioinformatics; Biomarkers; Brain metabolism; Brain oxygen; Brain physiology; Clinical guidelines; Clinical trials; Consensus development conference; Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE); Intracranial pressure; Microdia | Article; body temperature monitoring; brain blood flow; brain metabolism; brain perfusion; cell damage; cell degeneration; clinical protocol; consensus development; disease course; electroencephalography; energy expenditure; evidence based medicine; health care cost; health care quality; hemodynamic monitoring; hemoglobin determination; hemostasis; human; intensive care; intensive care unit; intracranial pressure monitoring; medical decision making; nervous system inflammation; neuroimaging; neurologic disease; neurologic examination; nutritional status; patient monitoring; practice guideline; priority journal; pulse oximetry; quality control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349509134 | Consequences of infection pressure and protein nutrition on periparturient resistance to Teladorsagia circumcincta and performance in ewes | Kidane A., Houdijk J.G.M., Tolkamp B.J., Athanasiadou S., Kyriazakis I. | 2009 | Veterinary Parasitology | 165 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.06.039 | Animal Health, SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG Scotland, United Kingdom; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, PO Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia; Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, PO Box 199, 43100 Karditsa, Greece | Kidane, A., Animal Health, SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG Scotland, United Kingdom, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, PO Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia; Houdijk, J.G.M., Animal Health, SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG Scotland, United Kingdom; Tolkamp, B.J., Animal Health, SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG Scotland, United Kingdom; Athanasiadou, S., Animal Health, SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG Scotland, United Kingdom; Kyriazakis, I., Animal Health, SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG Scotland, United Kingdom, Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, PO Box 199, 43100 Karditsa, Greece | The consequences of protein nutrition on the degree of periparturient relaxation of immunity to nematode parasites in sheep may be more pronounced at higher levels of infection pressure. Here, we investigated interactive effects of metabolizable protein (MP) nutrition and infection pressure on resistance and lactational performance of ewes. Twin-rearing ewes were trickle infected with either 1000, 5000 or 10,000 infective Teladorsagia circumcincta larvae and fed either at 0.8 (low protein, LP) or 1.3 (high protein, HP) times their estimated MP requirement. Expected interactions between feeding treatment and infection pressure were not observed. Periparturient relaxation of immunity, as indicated by variation in faecal egg counts, was higher in LP ewes than in HP ewes and FEC showed an inverse relationship with infection pressure indicating possible density dependency effects on worm fecundity. Plasma pepsinogen concentration linearly increased with infection pressure. Daily total nematode egg excretion, assessed at week three of lactation, was not significantly affected by infection pressure but was reduced by 65% in HP ewes compared to LP ewes. MP supplementation improved lamb performance but had little effect on ewe body weight and plasma protein concentrations, whilst lactational performance, as judged from lamb performance, tended to be reduced with increased infection pressure. The results suggest periparturient MP supplementation to ewes reduces nematode egg excretion independent of infection pressure and improves lactational performance of parasitized ewes even in the presence of moderate MP scarcity. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Faecal egg count; Infection pressure; Metabolizable protein; Teladorsagia circumcincta | ivermectin; levacide; levamisole; pepsinogen; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; article; controlled study; ewe; feces analysis; feeding; female; fertility; infection; infection resistance; lactation; larva; nematodiasis; nonhuman; protein blood level; protein intake; rearing; sheep disease; Animals; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Eating; Feces; Female; Immunity, Innate; Lactation; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Parasite Egg Count; Parturition; Pepsinogen A; Pregnancy; Random Allocation; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Ovis aries; Teladorsagia circumcincta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750199016 | Considerations for the efficient spectral evaluation of reaction integrals associated with separated domains | Mayhew-Ridgers G., Odendaal J.W., Joubert J. | 2006 | IEE Proceedings: Microwaves, Antennas and Propagation | 153 | 5 | 10.1049/ip-map:20050194 | Centre for Electromagnetism, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Mayhew-Ridgers, G., Centre for Electromagnetism, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Odendaal, J.W., Centre for Electromagnetism, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Joubert, J., Centre for Electromagnetism, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The authors address some aspects that have to be considered when using a recently proposed contour-deformation technique for the efficient numerical evaluation of reaction integrals arising in the spectral-domain method of moments for testing and expansion functions that exist on separated domains. The method is particularly efficient in the context of microstrip patch antenna elements and arrays where the testing and expansion functions can either be entire-domain functions on different antenna elements or where they are widely separated subdomain functions on the same or different antenna elements. However, the method becomes less efficient for testing and expansion functions that are not so widely separated. It is shown how the separation distance between the testing and expansion functions, in addition to substrate thickness, affects the behaviour of the reaction integrand and how the choice of a more suitable integration contour can simplify the numerical evaluation of the associated integral, especially for closely spaced testing and expansion functions on thick substrates, where the original method becomes less efficient. The minimum separation distance between the domains of the testing and expansion functions, that can be accommodated with this method, is also better defined. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2006. | None | Antenna arrays; Contour measurement; Integral equations; Numerical methods; Contour-deformation techniques; Microstrip patch antenna; Reaction integrals; Spectral evaluation; Microstrip antennas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873321347 | Considering effective adaptation options to impacts of climate change for maize production in Ghana | Tachie-Obeng E., Akponikpè P.B.I., Adiku S. | 2013 | Environmental Development | 5 | 1 | 10.1016/j.envdev.2012.11.008 | Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box MB 326 Accra, Ghana; Environmental Soil Physics and Hydraulics Unit, Université de Parakou, 03 BP 351, Parakou Université, Benin; University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 70, Legon Accra, Ghana | Tachie-Obeng, E., Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box MB 326 Accra, Ghana; Akponikpè, P.B.I., Environmental Soil Physics and Hydraulics Unit, Université de Parakou, 03 BP 351, Parakou Université, Benin; Adiku, S., University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 70, Legon Accra, Ghana | As a contribution to guide policy planning, effective climate change adaptation options to enhance maize production in Ghana were examined. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator crop model, coupled with statistical downscaled climate scenarios of 9 general circulation models (GCMs) and farmer practices, were used to device adaptation options in the near future (NF) period of 2046-2065 based on IPCC A2 emission scenario at local scale level in Wa and Wenchi agricultural areas of Ghana. Results from the single-maize cropping season at Wa, in the savanna zone indicate that, a 6-week delay in sowing from 1961 to 2000 baseline date of 1st May to 15th June, was the most appropriate way to offset the negative effects of potential climate change resulting in a yield increase of 8.2%. In the forest-savanna transitional zone of Wenchi, a 4-week delay in the major season sowing date from 15th March to 15th April and no change in the minor season sowing date of 15th August resulted in a slight yield increase of 3.9%. On the other hand, a second adaptation option of using a medium heat-tolerant maize variety produced substantial gains in crop yield of 30.1% and 30.5% in savanna and forest-savanna transitional zones respectively with a longer grain-formation period under NF climate change when compared to delaying sowing dates. Effective adaptation options can thus reduce negative impacts of climate change in the NF, but require enabling policy to support its implementation. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Adaptation; Climate change; Ghana; Maize cultivar; Savanna and forest-savanna | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929335341 | Considering the impact of amicus curiae participation on feminist litigation strategy | Spies A. | 2015 | South African Journal on Human Rights | 31 | 1 | None | Department of Public, Constitutional and International Law, College of Law, University of South Africa, South Africa | Spies, A., Department of Public, Constitutional and International Law, College of Law, University of South Africa, South Africa | Amici curiae participation plays an important role in litigation and judicial decision-making. The public interest nature of these participations has become particularly important in representing the point of view of those who might be affected by a judgment which could influence the outcome of a decision. Employing amicus curiae participation as specific litigation strategy is of importance in promoting litigation from a feminist and gendered viewpoint allowing feminist method to be employed in constructing effective legal arguments. © 2015, Juta and Co ltd. All rights reserved. | Amicus curiae participation; Feminist method; Litigation strategy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945538270 | Consistency of performance of early-maturing maize cultivars in striga-infested and striga-free environments | Badu-Apraku B., Yallou C., Oyekunle M., Akinwale R., Aweke G., Kamara A. | 2015 | Canadian Journal of Plant Science | 95 | 6 | 10.4141/CJPS-2015-056 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, United Kingdom; INRAB, Cotonou, Benin; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Badu-Apraku, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, United Kingdom; Yallou, C., INRAB, Cotonou, Benin; Oyekunle, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, United Kingdom; Akinwale, R., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Aweke, G., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, United Kingdom; Kamara, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), IITA (UK) Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon, United Kingdom | Despite the immense potential of maize (Zea mays L.) in savannas of West and Central Africa (WCA), production and productivity is constrained by Strigahermonthica parasitism. Sixteen early-maturing cultivars were evaluated at two locations in Nigeria and three locations in the Republic of Benin from 2007 to 2009 to assess the grain yield, stability and the consistency of the rankings of the cultivars under Striga-infested and Striga-free environments. The combined analysis of variance showed significant (P<0.01) cultivar and cultivar´environment interactions for grain yield and other traits under Striga-infested and Striga-free environments. The test of concordance was significant (P<0.001) for grain yield (W=0.68), number of emerged Striga plants (W=0.74) and Striga damage (W=0.56) under Striga infestation, indicating stability of resistance in the cultivars developed from diverse sources under artificial S. hermonthica infestation across environments. There was high consistency of the rankings of the cultivars for grain yield and other Striga-resistance traits under Striga-infested and Striga-free environments in Benin and Nigeria. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) biplot analysis for grain yield revealed POOL15SR/ACR94TZECOMP5-W/ACR94TZECOMP5-W and 2004 TZE-Y Pop DT STR C4 as the most stable cultivars with above-average mean grain yield in Striga-infested environments and they can be combined with other crop management options to control the parasite in the Striga endemic environments. Cultivars TZE Comp 5-W C7F2 and TZE Comp5-Y C6 S6 (Set B) had less Striga damage and number of emerged Striga plants across test environments. These cultivars could therefore serve as unique sources of favorable alleles for improving Striga resistance in maize in different production environments and farming systems. © 2015, Agricultural Institute of Canada. All rights reserved. | Early-maturing cultivar; Genotype × environment interaction; Host plant resistance; Savanna; Stability of performance; Striga infestation | crop yield; cultivar; dicotyledon; disease resistance; genotype-environment interaction; host plant; infectivity; maize; maturation; parasitic plant; parasitism; performance assessment; savanna; spatiotemporal analysis; variance analysis; Benin [West Africa]; Central Africa; Nigeria; Striga; Striga hermonthica; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859139578 | Constructing benchmarks for monitoring purposes: Evidence from South Africa | Scherman V., Howie S.J., Bosker R.J. | 2011 | Educational Research and Evaluation | 17 | 6 | 10.1080/13803611.2011.632663 | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands | Scherman, V., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Howie, S.J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Bosker, R.J., University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands | In information-rich environments, schools are often presented with a myriad of data from which decisions need to be made. The use of the information on a classroom level may be facilitated if performance could be described in terms of levels of proficiency or benchmarks. The aim of this article is to explore benchmarks using data from a monitoring system on secondary school level. Seventeen secondary schools, purposively sampled for maximum variation, participated in this project. Pupils from a random sample of 2 Grade 8 classes per school completed the assessments (n = 1706). Using a dichotomous Rasch model, person item distribution maps were generated for mathematics, and different difficulty levels were constructed from the items that corresponded to the ability levels of pupils as well as the reporting protocol of the National Department of Education. Implications for benchmarking and standard setting are discussed based on the results provided in the article. © 2011 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | benchmarking; item maps; Rasch analysis; standard setting; standards | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38549166662 | Construction and evaluation of a gfp-tagged Salmonella Typhimurium strain for environmental applications | Burke L.M., Brözel V.S., Venter S.N. | 2008 | Water SA | 34 | 1 | None | Division of Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, United States; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Burke, L.M., Division of Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Brözel, V.S., Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, United States; Venter, S.N., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium was isolated from freshwater sediments and chromosomally labelled with a stable variant of the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The pUT mini-Tn5 Km transposon was used to introduce the gfp gene onto the chromosome of the S. Typhimurium strain by tri-parental mating. Southern Blot hybridisation confirmed that the gene had integrated into the chromosome. The gfp gene was stably maintained and the labelled strain was not growth-rate impaired. The incorporation of the gfp gene did not convey any significant loss of phenotype which would affect the survival and behaviour of the tagged strains. The tagged S. Typhimurium strain was used to spike an established drinking water biofilm and was able to colonise and persist within the biofilm. The tagged strain was also successfully used to study the survival of S. Typhimurium in natural sediments under different temperatures. These tagged strains can therefore be used to study the fate and survival of different Salmonella strains in water environments. | Biofilm; Green fluorescent protein; Salmonella Typhimurium; Survival | Biofilms; Chromosomes; Potable water; Proteins; Sediments; Green fluorescent protein; Salmonella strains; Salmonella Typhimurium; Bacteria; Bacteria; Biofilms; Chromosomes; Potable water; Proteins; Sediments; bacterium; biofilm; chromosome; drinking water; environmental factor; freshwater sediment; gene; phenotype; survivorship; tagging; Salmonella; Salmonella enterica; Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium; Salmonella typhimurium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926613321 | Constructionist career counseling of undergraduate students: An experimental evaluation | Obi O.P. | 2015 | Journal of Vocational Behavior | 88 | None | 10.1016/j.jvb.2015.03.009 | Department of Educational Foundations, College of Agricultural and Science Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | Obi, O.P., Department of Educational Foundations, College of Agricultural and Science Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study used a pretest-posttest control group design to examine the effectiveness of a six-session constructionist career counseling intervention (Savickas, 2011). It was hypothesized that relative to pre-intervention scores, the participants would demonstrate decreases in their indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity about their career choices. Participants consisted of 50 undergraduates ranging in age from 19 to 25. They completed the Undergraduate Career Choice Survey (UCCS) and then were evenly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received six sessions of constructionist career counseling. Each session was approximately 45. min with a total of 4. h, 30. min approximately for the six sessions. Both groups then took the UCCS again. Analyses of the data using t-tests revealed significant reductions in indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity for the intervention group but not for the control group. The intervention group took the UCCS again eight weeks later. An ANOVA indicated that the reductions in indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity were slightly yet significantly greater. Limitations and directions for further research were pointed out. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Career indecision; Constructionist career counseling; Narrative career counseling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925627799 | Constructions of disability (ancient and modern): The impact of religious beliefs on the experience of disability | Bruce P. | 2010 | Neotestamentica | 44 | 2 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Bruce, P., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This paper focuses on the evidence provided by certain texts about the lives of people with disabilities in ancient Greek and Jewish societies, and the extent to which religious beliefs impacted on their experience in daily life. It aims to provide an historical background against which to consider some aspects of the NT accounts of the healing miracles, and then proceeds to investigate some of the ways in which the relevant NT texts have been received in different contexts in society today. © 2010 New Testament Society of South Africa. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866378189 | Constructive feedback as a learning tool to enhance students' self-regulation and performance in higher education | Toit E.D. | 2012 | Perspectives in Education | 30 | 2 | None | University of the Free State, South Africa | Toit, E.D., University of the Free State, South Africa | If feedback is provided in a way that can develop students' self-regulatory skills, it could enhance learning and, consequently, lead to improved performance. To improve teaching and learning in higher education (HE), this study sought to determine whether the feedback to first-year students affords them an opportunity to learn from it. A theoretical framework on constructive feedback, self-regulated learning and the expectations of students was synthesised from literature which formed the basis of the research. This was followed by empirical research using a questionnaire to capture students' perspectives regarding feedback. Students experienced the feedback as not contributing towards improving their performance but are convinced that, if they receive feedback that is focused on the task level, it can improve their performance. Suggestions are provided that emphasise the need to use feedback at both task and process level as a learning tool. | Constructive feedback; Self-assessment; Self-regulated learning; Task-related feedback | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547133453 | Consumer acceptability and sensory evaluation of a fermented cassava product (Nigerian fufu) | Tomlins K., Sanni L., Oyewole O., Dipeolu A., Ayinde I., Adebayo K., Westby A. | 2007 | Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture | 87 | 10 | 10.1002/jsfa.2941 | Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom; University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Tomlins, K., Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom; Sanni, L., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oyewole, O., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Dipeolu, A., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ayinde, I., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adebayo, K., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Westby, A., Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom | The purpose of the study was to evaluate the sensory profile and acceptability of six types of fufu (a fermented cassava product) produced by different processes using sensory evaluation and consumer acceptability testing. Fufu samples were selected to evaluate the acceptability of dried fufu flours, which are increasingly being consumed, and compare with a traditional paste and a newly developed paste that produces less environmental waste. Descriptive sensory profiles of the selected samples demonstrated distinct differences in sensory profiles. They were evaluated for consumer acceptance at three demographic locations; Lagos (n = 91), Ibadan (n = 121) and Abeokuta (w = 99), Nigeria. Fufu made from a paste that produced less environmental waste had the highest acceptance scores, followed by flour and paste made by the traditional method and finally the remaining flours. Average consumer liking between the three locations did not differ. Three distinct consumer segments were identified and the number of consumers in these segments differed between the locations. Consumers differentiated fufu made from pastes and from flour. Internal preference mapping indicated that consumers associated the flours with sensory attributes such as sticky texture and raw cassava odour, while pastes were associated with soft texture, and shiny and creamy appearance. Fufu acceptance varies widely among consumers and is related to preferences for distinct fufu flavour profiles. Correlations between consumer acceptance scores and sensory scores appeared to be non-linear for many attributes but a larger sample size of fufu samples would be necessary to confirm this. The implications of these finding are discussed. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry. | Acceptability; Cassava; Consumer preference; Flour; Fufu; Nigeria; Sensory evaluation; West Africa | Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953291011 | Consumer behaviour mutations and their impact on retail development. Evidence from South Africa | Haydam N., Edu T., Negricea I.C., Ionescu A. | 2015 | Transformations in Business and Economics | 14 | 3 | None | Marketing, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Cape Town, Tennant Street, Cape Town, South Africa; Management-Marketing, Romanian-American University, Bdul Expozitiei IB, sector 1, Bucharest, Romania; Commerce, Economic Integration and Business Administration, Romanian-American University, Bdul Expozitie IB, sector 1, Bucharest, Romania | Haydam, N., Marketing, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Cape Town, Tennant Street, Cape Town, South Africa; Edu, T., Management-Marketing, Romanian-American University, Bdul Expozitiei IB, sector 1, Bucharest, Romania; Negricea, I.C., Management-Marketing, Romanian-American University, Bdul Expozitiei IB, sector 1, Bucharest, Romania; Ionescu, A., Commerce, Economic Integration and Business Administration, Romanian-American University, Bdul Expozitie IB, sector 1, Bucharest, Romania | The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the relationship between the consumer behaviour mutations recorded in the last 18 years in South Africa and the food and non-alcoholic beverage retail development in this country. The authors pursued a comprehensive desk research about the South African retail development, consumption behaviour mutations and cool drink consumption. A direct research was executed among 100 young Black educated South Africans to determine the consumer behaviour dimensions for cool drinks and correlations with demographic and offer-related variables. The findings show that the variables under study are interconnected, influencing each other, rendering a better informed and educated individual. The practical implications of the study reside in the fact that consumption patterns, economic and social changes and influences are of interest to the scientific world, the South African Government, NGOs, domestic and foreign businesses; these findings bear valuable information for the assessment of local and international opportunities. © Vilnius University, 2002-2015. © Brno University of Technology, 2002-2015. © University of Latvia, 2002-2015. | Consumer behaviour; Cool drinks; Marketing; Retail; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942796538 | Consumer preferences of Generation Y: Evidence from live music tourism event performances in South Africa | Kruger M., Saayman M. | 2015 | Journal of Vacation Marketing | 21 | 4 | 10.1177/1356766715585903 | North-West University, South Africa | Kruger, M., North-West University, South Africa; Saayman, M., North-West University, South Africa | Generation Y (born between 1982 and 2002) has caught the attention of researchers due to the sheer size of this consumer segment and also its significant spending power. The purpose of this exploratory research was to cluster Generation Y concertgoers to various concerts held in South Africa during 2012 and 2013 based on their age to identify and profile different market segments at the concerts. Data were collected at eight live music performances, during 2012 and 2013, by performers Linkin Park, Adam Lambert, Celtic Woman, Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Bon Jovi, Justin Bieber and Rodriguez. This resulted in a total factor analysis conducted to identify the main motives of Generation Yers to attend live music performances. Generation Yers were then divided into three groups based on their age in order to give a better idea of the differences among these concertgoers. Three Generation Y clusters were identified, namely, Tweens, Twixters and Tweeds. Analyses of variance, two-way frequency tables and χ2 tests showed significant differences between the segments in terms of socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics as well as motives. Based on the results, it is evident that generation theory needs to be taken into consideration, and it can be a useful tool to segment markets. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015. | Generation theory; Generation Y; live music performances; South Africa | None | NRF, Neurosurgical Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905454621 | Consumers' evaluation of volition, control, anticipated regret, and perceived food health risk. Evidence from a field experiment in a traditional vegetable market in Kenya | Lagerkvist C.J., Okello J., Karanja N. | 2015 | Food Control | 47 | None | 10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.07.026 | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Economics, P.O. Box 7013, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; International Potato Center, Uganda | Lagerkvist, C.J., Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Economics, P.O. Box 7013, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; Okello, J., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya, International Potato Center, Uganda; Karanja, N., Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya | Food markets in developing countries encompass a wide spectrum of food health risk exposures for consumers, but little is known about how consumers make judgments and decisions in relation to these risks. This study examined the relationship between perceived food health risk, anticipated regret from adverse health outcomes, command over exposure (volition), and command over outcome (control). A field experiment was conducted with consumers of kale (Brassica oleracea) at a traditional peri-urban market in Nairobi, Kenya. The intervention introduced a sales point developed to meet high food safety standards with produce being specifically sourced and controlled for safe production, transport, and handling practices. The treatment group (n=152) received information about actions taken through the intervention to minimize risks and participants used their own money to bid to upgrade from kale sold from non-intervention sales stands. Participants in the control group (n=100) were observed after buying kale from non-intervention sales points within the same market. The results showed that consequentialist and emotion-based risk measures were related, as were volition and control for both groups, but the levels were different. Moreover, in the treatment group perceived risk was related to volition and anticipated regret, but control was only related to perceived risk. These findings have implications for food risk communication and actions to improve local conditions under which food is sold. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Anticipated regret; Consumer; Control; Food health risk; Perceived risk; Volition | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862255605 | Contaminant transport from disposal sites and potential impact on groundwater | Eshiet K.I., Agunwamba J.C. | 2012 | Journal of Environmental Science and Technology | 5 | 5 | 10.39231jest.2012.306.318 | Department of Civil Engneering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engneering, University of Nigeria, Nigeria | Eshiet, K.I., Department of Civil Engneering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Agunwamba, J.C., Department of Civil Engneering, University of Nigeria, Nigeria | Prediction of groundwater reserve pollution by disposal sites was carried out using the Avu dumpsite situated at Owerri-Port Harcourt expressway, Owerri, Imo state. This was achieved through the use of an analytical solution to the Advective-Dispersive solute transport model. The contaminant compounds of interest were Nitrates and Phosphates due to their hazardous nature and predominance in environmental and health problem issues. The actual concentrations of Nitrates and Phosphates were determined experimentally by obtaining samples at a regular depth interval of 0.5 m from two locations at the dumpsite and at a control location. The prehcted values were compared with the actual concentration values; a statistical analysis conducted to establish the relationship between the two variables. The Product-Moment coefficient of correlation, r between the predicted concentration values and the actual concentration values are high for both Nitrate and Phosphate. In addition, an inference test was conducted which positively established the fact that the presence of the dumpsite has a significant adverse effect on the surrounding soil and water environment. The predictions showed that the groundwater reserve might be polluted by the excessive Phosphate concentration (>0.02 mg L-1), while Nitrate is within the standard for use as drinking water (>10 mg L-1). © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Analytical modelling; Contaminant transport; Groundwater pollution | concentration (composition); drinking water; environmental impact; groundwater pollution; nitrate; numerical model; phosphate; pollutant transport; solute transport; statistical analysis; waste disposal; Imo; Nigeria; Owerri | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61849180910 | Contaminated land clean-up using composted wastes and impacts of VOCs on land | Williamson J.C., Akinola M., Nason M.A., Tandy S., Healey J.R., Jones D.L. | 2009 | Waste Management | 29 | 5 | 10.1016/j.wasman.2008.11.015 | School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Williamson, J.C., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Akinola, M., Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Nason, M.A., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Tandy, S., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Healey, J.R., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Jones, D.L., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom | This paper describes experiments that demonstrate the effects and potential for remediation of a former steelworks site in Wales polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Under field conditions, PAH-contaminated soil was composted in-vessel, with or without organic feedstocks, receiving forced aeration for 80 days followed by 4 months maturation. Treatments compared PAH removal in contaminated soil to contaminated soil mixed with three different organic waste mixes after composting and after composts were spread to land. After composting, PAH concentrations declined in all treatments, by up to 38%. Sixteen months after the composts were landspread and vegetation was established, only those containing contaminated soil with organic additions exhibited further PAH removal, by up to 29%. Composting resulted in a decline in the relative concentration of small PAHs, whereas the landspreading-vegetation phase saw a decline in the relative concentration of medium PAHs in two of the three composts exhibiting PAH removal. Under controlled glasshouse conditions, vegetated soil columns of differing depths were exposed to VOCs from beneath. VOC vapour affected both shoot and root growth and soil microbial activity; effects varied with distance from the VOC source. This work demonstrated that on-site remediation of aged PAH-contaminated land can be successfully initiated by in-vessel co-composting followed by land spreading and vegetation, within a practical timeframe. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Co-composting; Composted wastes; Contaminated lands; Contaminated soils; Field conditions; Forced aerations; Glasshouse conditions; In vessels; Landspreading; Organic feedstocks; Organic wastes; Relative concentrations; Root growths; Site remediations; Soil columns; Soil microbial activities; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Composting; Contamination; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Sewage; Soil pollution; Soil structure interactions; Soils; Vegetation; Volatile organic compounds; Waste treatment; Remediation; compost; contaminated land; PAH; soil pollution; volatile organic compound; waste management; Environmental Pollution; Environmental Remediation; Metallurgy; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Soil; Volatile Organic Compounds; Wales | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956346728 | Contamination of sachet water in Nigeria: assessment and health impact | Omalu I.C.J., Eze G.C., Olayemi I.K., Gbesi S., Adeniran L.A., Ayanwale A.V., Mohammed A.Z., Chukwuemeka V. | 2010 | Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences | 9 | 4 | None | Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria | Omalu, I.C.J., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Eze, G.C., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Olayemi, I.K., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Gbesi, S., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Adeniran, L.A., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria; Ayanwale, A.V., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Mohammed, A.Z., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Chukwuemeka, V., Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings. Water consumers are frequently unaware of the potential health risks associated with exposure to water borne contaminants which have often led to diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, legionnaire's disease and parasitic diseases. The inadequacy of pipe borne water-supply in Nigeria is a growing problem; as a result people resort to buying water from vendors, and sachet or bottled water became a major source of drinking water. Although, portable and affordable, the problems of its purity and other health concerns have begun to manifest. Sachet water have been reported to contain bacteria such as Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., and oocysts of Cryptosporidia sp. Apart from environmental contaminants, improper storage and handling by vendors also poses a serious threat to the health of the ignorant consumers. This paper tends to review the quality of these 'pure water'; its physical examination, microbial assessments, its impacts on health, and the various strategies adopted by the concerned authorities to regulate this thriving industry. | Contaminants; Pipe borne water; Pure water; Vendors | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000234123500003 | Context matters: interpreting impact findings in child survival evaluations | Amaral, J,Bryce, J,El Arifeen, S,HABICHT, JP,HUICHO, L,Manzi, F,Pariyo, G,SCHELLENBERG, JA,Scherpbier, RW,VICTORA, CG | 2005 | HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING | 20 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1093/heapol/czi050 | Cornell University, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Makerere University, National University of San Marcos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Universidade Federal do Ceara, University of Geneva, University of London, World Health Organization, Ifakara Hlth Res & Dev Ctr, Inst Salud Nino, London Sch Hyg & Trop Med, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | None | Appropriate consideration of contextual factors is essential for ensuring internal and external validity of randomized and non-randomized evaluations. Contextual factors may confound the association between delivery of the intervention and its potential health impact. They may also modify the effect of the intervention or programme, thus affecting the generalizability of results. This is particularly true for large-scale health programmes, for which impact may vary substantially from one context to another. Understanding the nature and role of contextual factors may improve the validity of study results, as well as help predict programme impact across sites.
This paper describes the experience acquired in measuring and accounting for contextual factors in the Multi-Country Evaluation of the IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illness) strategy in five countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Peru, Uganda and Tanzania. Two main types of contextual factors were identified. Implementation-related factors include the characteristics of the health systems where IMCI was implemented, such as utilization rates, basic skills of health workers, and availability of drugs, supervision and referral. Impact-related factors include baseline levels and patterns of child mortality and nutritional status, which affect the scope for programme impact.
We describe the strategies used in the IMCI evaluation in order to obtain data on relevant contextual factors and to incorporate them in the analyses. Two case studies - from Tanzania and Peru - show how appropriate consideration of contextual factors may help explain apparently conflicting evaluation results. | ,CARE,ILLNESS,"INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT",INTERVENTIONS,PUBLIC-HEALTH,TANZANIA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56049105154 | Contextual determinants and performance implications of information systems strategy planning within South African firms | Cohen J.F. | 2008 | Information and Management | 45 | 8 | 10.1016/j.im.2008.09.001 | School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa | Cohen, J.F., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa | While studies have shown the effect of context on IS planning as important, the incorporation of contextual factors has not been systematic and the categorization of factors has not been made explicit and some factors have only been superficially examined. My study examined the interrelationships amongst four domains of context and considered their influence on IS planning. The corresponding impact of planning on performance was also assessed. Data was collected from 116 South African companies and results revealed that the internal IS context mediated the effects of environmental and organisational level variables on IS planning practice. Results further showed that IS planning intensity and degree of integration with business planning was strongly influenced by managerial planning expertise, and had positive effects on business management's commitment to IS as well as on IS contribution to business performance. Results have important implications in organisational IS planning and performance. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Commitment; Context; Environment; IS performance; Planning expertise; Strategic IS planning; Strategy | Information retrieval systems; Regional planning; Strategic planning; Commitment; Context; Environment; IS performance; Strategic IS planning; Strategy; Planning | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22544436439 | Contextual factors at the school and classroom level related to pupils' performance in mathematics in South Africa | Howie S.J. | 2005 | Educational Research and Evaluation | 11 | 2 | 10.1080/13803610500110703 | Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Howie, S.J., Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | South African pupils performed well below the TIMSS international average in 1995 and 1999 and significantly below all other countries (including the other African countries) in the 1999 study. Path analysis, namely Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis, was applied to the South African TIMSS-R data to explore the effect of contextual factors at school level and classroom level within South African schools on the aggregated pupils' performance in mathematics. The results from the combined school- and classroom-level model revealed a relationship between the location of the schools, teachers' attitudes and beliefs, teaching load, lesson planning, and class size; all of which had direct effects on the South African pupils' aggregated performance in mathematics and in total explained 27% of the variance in the mathematics scores. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449589847 | Contextual performance and the job satisfaction-dissatisfaction distinction: Examining artifacts and utility | Credé M., Chernyshenko O.S., Bagraim J., Sully M. | 2009 | Human Performance | 22 | 3 | 10.1080/08959280902970427 | State University of New York, Albany, United States; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; University of Cape Town, South Africa; Murdoch University, Australia | Credé, M., State University of New York, Albany, United States; Chernyshenko, O.S., Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Bagraim, J., University of Cape Town, South Africa; Sully, M., Murdoch University, Australia | The relationship between contextual performance and job satisfaction is reexamined by considering the distinction between scores on measures of satisfaction and measures of dissatisfaction. Data from four samples and two measures of job satisfaction suggest that scores on measures of both satisfaction and dissatisfaction provide significant incremental validity in predicting contextual performance, that the satisfaction-dissatisfaction distinction is valid at the facet level, and that the satisfaction-dissatisfaction distinction cannot be accounted for by the artifactual explanations previously proposed in the literature. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879999017 | Continuous assessment, mock results and gender as predictors of academic performance of chemistry students in WASSCE and NECO examinations in Ekiti state | Adesoji F.A., Kenni A.M. | 2013 | International Education Studies | 6 | 7 | 10.5539/ies.v6n7p1 | Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Adesoji, F.A., Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Kenni, A.M., Department of Chemistry, College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Education is one of the fundamental and critical indices of development in a nation or an individual. The challenges post by our fast changing and dynamic world informed the need to constantly access the educational process so as to guarantee quality of educational assessment; several factors have been identified to be responsible for students' poor performance in chemistry at the secondary school level. One of these factors could be modes of assessment. This paper, therefore investigated Continuous Assessment, Mock results and gender as predictors of academic performance in WASSCE and NECO Examinations. The study adopted a survey research design of the ex-post facto type. The sample comprised 892 senior secondary school III drawn fromthe secondary schools in Ikere local government area of Ekiti state. Three research questions were answered in the study. Data were analysed using multiple regression statistic. The results showed that 41.3% of the total variance in chemistry students, performance in WASCE results is accounted for by mock results, continuous assessment and gender (adjusted R2 = 0.413). And 0.7% of the total variance in chemistry students, performance in NECO examination results is accounted for by three factors (continuous assessment, mock results and gender) (R2 =0.007%).the three factors made significance relative contribution to chemistry students' academic performance in WASCE; continuous assessment (β= 0.282, p= 0.05<), mock results (β=0.396, p=<0.05) and gender (β=0.078, P=<0.05) while the contribution to performance in NECO examination is not significance. Mock result made the greatest contributions to chemistry students academics performance in NECO (β=0.070, p=<0.05) followed by continuous assessment (β=0.066, P=<0.05) and gender (β= 0.061, p=<0.05). Gender has significant influence on chemistry students' academic performance in WASSCE (β=0.078, p<0.05) while it has little or no influence on chemistry students' performance in NECO (β=0.061, p<0.05). That is, the three variables could be used to predict chemistry students' academic performance. It is recommended among others that school authority should ensure that only students whose performance in continuous assessment and mock examination is encouraging are allowed to register for either WASSCE or NECO examinations.Also, both internal and external assessment should be done without gender bias. | Academic performance; Continuous assessment; Gender; Mock results | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000302143600011 | Continuous EEG monitoring in Kenyan children with non-traumatic coma | Chengo, Edwin,Fegan, Gregory,Garrashi, Harrun,Gwer, Samson,Idro, Richard,Kirkham, Fenella J.,Newton, Charles R.,White, Steve | 2012 | ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD | 97 | 4 | 10.1136/archdischild-2011-300935 | Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Makerere University, University College London, University of London, University of Oxford, University of Southampton, Afya Res Africa, Southampton Gen Hosp, Wellcome Trust Res Programme | "White, Steve: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust","White, Steve: University College London","White, Steve: University of London", | Background The aim of this study was to describe the EEG and clinical profile of seizures in children with non-traumatic coma, compare seizure detection by clinical observations with that by continuous EEG, and relate EEG features to outcome.
Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at the paediatric high dependency unit of Kilifi District Hospital, Kenya. Children aged 9 months to 13 years presenting with acute coma were monitored by EEG for 72 h or until they regained consciousness or died. Poor outcome was defined as death or gross motor deficits at discharge.
Results 82 children (median age 2.8 (IQR 2.0-3.9) years) were recruited. An initial medium EEG amplitude (100-300 mV) was associated with less risk of poor outcome compared to low amplitude (<= 100 mV) (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7; p<0.01). 363 seizures in 28 (34%) children were observed: 240 (66%) were electrographic and 112 (31%) electroclinical. In 16 (20%) children, electrographic seizures were the only seizure types detected. The majority (63%) of electroclinical seizures had focal clinical features but appeared as generalised (79%) or focal with secondary generalisation (14%) on EEG. Occurrence of any seizure or status epilepticus during monitoring was associated with poor outcome (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 8.7; p=0.02 and OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 15.3; p<0.01, respectively).
Conclusion Initial EEG background amplitude is prognostic in paediatric non-traumatic coma. Clinical observations do not detect two out of three seizures. Seizures and status epilepticus after admission are associated with poor outcome. | ,BACTERIAL-MENINGITIS,"CEREBRAL MALARIA",CHILDHOOD,CLINICAL-FEATURES,ENCEPHALOPATHY,INTENSIVE-CARE-UNIT,"NONCONVULSIVE STATUS EPILEPTICUS",RISK-FACTORS,SEIZURES,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868288443 | Contracting Out Local Government Services to Private Agents: An Analysis of Contract Design and Service Delivery Performance in Ghana | Awortwi N. | 2012 | International Journal of Public Administration | 35 | 13 | 10.1080/01900692.2012.686033 | Partnership for African Social and Governance Research, Nairobi, Kenya | Awortwi, N., Partnership for African Social and Governance Research, Nairobi, Kenya | Contracting out is generally justified on the principle that as governments contract out part of their responsibilities in service provision to private agents, they harness the power of market competition which leads to efficiency in service provision. In working with private contractors, local governments (LGs) face problems related to agent opportunism, while agents also face risks such as dereliction of payment responsibility by LGs for services delivered. The literature shows that these problems are addressed through a web of contractual arrangements. Using agency theory, this study investigates the relationship between contract design and quality of services delivery in three Ghanaian cities (Accra, Kumasi and Tema). The study found a surprising negative correlation between contract document and agents' performance. The paper concludes that effectiveness of contracting out documents depends on contract management capacity of government administrators. In its absence, LGs that contract out are exposed to risks. The paper uses the findings to reflect on the inherent deficiencies in agency theory and Africanist literature on patronage. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | contract design; contracting out; Ghana; local government service; principal-agent theory; solid waste | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922080297 | Contrasting Aerodynamic Morphology and Geochemistry of Impact Spherules from Lonar Crater, India: Some Insights into Their Cooling History | Ray D., Misra S. | 2014 | Earth, Moon and Planets | 114 | 42371 | 10.1007/s11038-014-9451-9 | PLANEX, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, India; Discipline of Geological Sciences, SAEES, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Ray, D., PLANEX, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, India; Misra, S., Discipline of Geological Sciences, SAEES, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | The ~50 or 570 ka old Lonar crater, India, was excavated in the Deccan Trap flood basalt of Cretaceous age by the impact of a chondritic asteroid. The impact-spherules known from within the ejecta around this crater are of three types namely aerodynamically shaped sub-mm and mm size spherules, and a sub-mm sized variety of spherule, described as mantled lapilli, having a core consisting of ash-sized grains, shocked basalt and solidified melts surrounded by a rim of ash-sized materials. Although, information is now available on the bulk composition of the sub-mm sized spherules (Misra et al. in Meteorit Planet Sci 7:1001–1018, 2009), almost no idea exists on the latter two varieties. Here, we presented the microprobe data on major oxides and a few trace elements (e.g. Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn) of mm-sized impact spherules in unravelling their petrogenetic evolution. The mm-sized spherules are characterised by homogeneous glassy interior with vesicular margin in contrast to an overall smooth and glassy-texture of the sub-mm sized spherules. Undigested micro-xenocrysts of mainly plagioclase, magnetite and rare clinopyroxene of the target basalt are present only at the marginal parts of the mm-sized spherules. The minor relative enrichment of SiO2 (~3.5 wt% in average) and absence of schlieren structure in these spherules suggest relatively high viscosity of the parent melt droplets of these spherules in comparison to their sub-mm sized counterpart. Chemically homogeneous mm-sized spherule and impact-melt bomb share similar bulk chemical and trace element compositions and show no enrichment in impactor components. The general depletion of Na2O within all the Lonar impactites was resulted due to impact-induced volatilisation effect, and it indicates the solidification temperature of the Lonar impactites close to 1,100 °C. The systematic geochemical variation within the mm-sized spherules (Mg# ~0.38–0.43) could be attributed to various level of mixing between plagioclase-dominated impact melts and ultrafine pyroxene and/or titanomagnetite produced from the target basalt due to impact. Predominance of schlieren and impactor components (mainly Cr, Ni), and nearly absence of vesicles in the sub-mm sized spherules plausibly suggest that these quenched liquid droplets could have produced from the impactor-rich, hotter (~1,100 °C or more) central part of the plume, whereas the morpho-chemistry of the mm-sized spherules induces their formation from the relatively cool outer part of the same impact plume. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Geochemical fractionation; Heterogeneous impact plume; Meteorite geochemistry; mm-Sized impact spherules; Sub-mm sized spherule | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885421528 | Contrasting Performances of Tourist and Migrant Mobilities in Norwegian Hostels | Butler G., Hannam K. | 2013 | Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism | 13 | 3 | 10.1080/15022250.2013.807983 | Department of Tourism, School of Humanities, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality, Leeds Metropolitan University, United Kingdom; School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Butler, G., Department of Tourism, School of Humanities, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Hannam, K., School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality, Leeds Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Hostels are synonymous with independent tourists and frequently identified as spaces of hospitality that enable a number of touristic performances to take place. These performances include resting, relaxation, destination or route planning, and interactions with other likeminded visitors. However, using Oslo, Norway as a research setting, we argue that such places may also permit a range of other performances to take place due to the increasing use of hostels as temporary and semi-permanent housing solutions for migrant populations. This alternative group of hostel users originated from a plethora of different countries and included economic and political migrants from Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Although hostel spaces provided comfort, safety, and platforms for friendships to prosper for non-tourist hostel users, they also served as settings for largely contrasting performances of immobility to take place. Thus, Oslo's hostels revealed a range of overlapping acts that resulted in a paradoxical ensemble of entangled tourist and non-tourist performances. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | hostels; immobilities; migrants; mobilities; Norway | mobility; tourism; tourist destination; Norway; Oslo [Norway] | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052486976 | Contrasting the impact of aerosols at northern and southern midlatitudes on heterogeneous ice formation | Kanitz T., Seifert P., Ansmann A., Engelmann R., Althausen D., Casiccia C., Rohwer E.G. | 2011 | Geophysical Research Letters | 38 | 17 | 10.1029/2011GL048532 | Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Ozone and RUV Laboratory, University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6210427, Chile; Physics Department, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Kanitz, T., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Seifert, P., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Ansmann, A., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Engelmann, R., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Althausen, D., Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany; Casiccia, C., Ozone and RUV Laboratory, University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6210427, Chile; Rohwer, E.G., Physics Department, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Three cloud data sets, each covering four months of observations, were recently recorded with a lidar at Punta Arenas (°53S), Chile, at Stellenbosch (34S, near Cape Town), South Africa, and aboard the research vessel Polarstern during three north-south cruises. By comparing these observations with an 11-year cloud data set measured with a lidar at Leipzig (°51N), Germany, the occurrence of heterogeneous ice formation (as a function of cloud top temperature) for very different aerosol conditions in the northern and southern hemisphere is investigated. Large differences in the heterogeneous freezing behavior in the mostly layered clouds are found. For example, <20%, 30%-40% and around 70% of the cloud layers with cloud top temperatures from-15°C to-20°C, showed ice formation over Punta Arenas, Stellenbosch, and Leipzig, respectively. The observed strong contrast reflects the differences in the free tropospheric aerosol conditions at northern midlatitudes, that are controlled by anthropogenic pollution, mineral dust, forest fire smoke, terrestrial biological material and high southern midlatitudes with clean marine conditions. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union. | None | Air pollution; Atmospheric aerosols; Biological materials; Deforestation; Dust; Marine pollution; Optical radar; Ships; Anthropogenic pollution; Cape Town; Cloud data; Cloud layers; Cloud-top temperatures; Forest fires; Germany; Heterogeneous freezing; Ice formations; Leipzig; Midlatitudes; Mineral dust; Research vessels; South Africa; Southern Hemisphere; Strong contrast; Tropospheric aerosols; Ice; aerosol; anthropogenic source; atmospheric pollution; data set; dust; forest fire; freezing; heterogeneity; lidar; marine environment; midlatitude environment; Northern Hemisphere; research vessel; smoke; Southern Hemisphere; troposphere; Aerosols; Air Pollution; Deforestation; Dust; Forest Fires; Germany; Radar; Ships; South Africa; Chile; Germany; Leipzig; Magallanes; Punta Arenas; Saxony; South Africa; Stellenbosch; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48249131232 | Contributing to sustainability as an environmental impact assessment practitioner | Weaver A., Pope J., Morrison-Saunders A., Lochner P. | 2008 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 26 | 2 | 10.3152/146155108X316423 | CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Integral Sustainability, PO Box 79, South Fremantle, WA 6162, Australia; School of Enviromental Science, Murdoch University, South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia | Weaver, A., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Pope, J., Integral Sustainability, PO Box 79, South Fremantle, WA 6162, Australia; Morrison-Saunders, A., School of Enviromental Science, Murdoch University, South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; Lochner, P., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the pre-eminent regulatory tool used worldwide in the name of sustainable development. Whilst it may not be perfect for this purpose, and recognising that project-based EIA has been soundly criticised for its perceived failings, it remains the preferred and most widely used tool for project-level assessment and the key (if not only) sustainable development-oriented tool in many countries. Drawing on examples and experience from Southern Africa and Australia, we urge practitioners to raise the bar on day-to-day EIA activities that will push the vectors of sustainability. We can all achieve positive gains for the environmental, social and economic parameters of development proposals through informed professionalism and the pursuit of best practice. Given that EIA is well enshrined in legislation worldwide, it is our responsibility as practitioners to use this important tool to maximise opportunities for sustainability. © IAIA 2008. | Australia; Best practice; Environmental impact assessment; Southern Africa; Sustainability; Sustainable development | best management practice; environmental impact assessment; environmental legislation; project assessment; sustainability; sustainable development; Africa; Australasia; Australia; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946210961 | Contribution of draft cattle to rural livelihoods in a district of southeastern Uganda endemic for bovine parasitic diseases: An economic evaluation | Okello W.O., Muhanguzi D., MacLeod E.T., Welburn S.C., Waiswa C., Shaw A.P. | 2015 | Parasites and Vectors | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13071-015-1191-9 | Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Department of Biomolecular and Biolaboratory Sciences, School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, Zoersel, Belgium | Okello, W.O., Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Muhanguzi, D., Department of Biomolecular and Biolaboratory Sciences, School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; MacLeod, E.T., Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Welburn, S.C., Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Waiswa, C., Department of Biomolecular and Biolaboratory Sciences, School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Shaw, A.P., Avia-GIS, Risschotlei 33, Zoersel, Belgium | Background: A study was conducted in Tororo District in eastern Uganda to assess the socio-economic contribution of draft cattle to rural livelihoods. The aim of the study was to empirically quantify the economic value of draft cattle thus contributing to understanding the impact of endemic parasitic diseases of cattle on livestock productivity and subsequently household income, labor and food security. Method: A total of 205 draft cattle keeping households (n = 205) were randomly selected and structured household questionnaires were administered, focusing on work oxen use, productivity, inputs and outputs. The data obtained was analyzed using standard statistical methods and used to calculate the gross margin from the draft cattle enterprise. Secondary data were obtained from focus group discussions and key informant interviews and these were analyzed using Bayesian methods. Results: The study showed that, apart from being labor saving, the use of animal traction is highly profitable with the gross margin per year from the use of draft cattle amounting to 245 United States dollars per work oxen owning household. The cash obtained from hiring out draft animals was equivalent to nearly a quarter of the average local household's monetary receipts. It also revealed that endemic bovine parasitic diseases such as trypanosomiasis and tick-borne diseases reduced draft cattle output by 20.9 % and potential household income from the use of draft oxen by 32.2 %. Conclusion: The presence of endemic cattle diseases in rural Uganda is adversely affecting the productivity of draft cattle, which in turn affects household income, labor and ultimately food security. This study highlights the contribution of draft cattle to rural livelihoods, thus increasing the expected impact of cost-effective control strategies of endemic production limiting livestock diseases in Uganda. © 2015 Okello et al. | Animal traction; Draft cattle; Gross margin analysis; Household income; Trypanosomiasis; Uganda | Article; bovine; cost; economic evaluation; female; livestock; male; nonhuman; parasitosis; profit; rural area; structured questionnaire; tick borne disease; trypanosomiasis; Uganda; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855196350 | Cool Farm Tool - Potato: Model Description and Performance of Four Production Systems | Haverkort A.J., Hillier J.G. | 2011 | Potato Research | 54 | 4 | 10.1007/s11540-011-9194-1 | Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 616, 6700 AP Wageningen, Netherlands; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 23 St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, United Kingdom; Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Haverkort, A.J., Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 616, 6700 AP Wageningen, Netherlands, Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Hillier, J.G., Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 23 St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, United Kingdom | The Cool Farm Tool - Potato (CFT-Potato) is a spreadsheet programme that allows the calculation of the amount of CO 2 equivalents that it costs to produce 1 t of potato. The spreadsheet was adapted from an original generic version of the tool, and completed for potato production in diverse production areas in the world applying different levels of technology. The CO 2 embedded in chemicals during their production and released from the soil after nitrogen fertilization in the CFT-Potato has been updated to consider more recent products and production methods. Energy costs of the operations in the original version taken from generic data provided by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Standard, however, were altered (usually increased) where there was evidence from practical sources that the original figures did not apply. For example, the figure of around 16 l of diesel per ha for potato harvesting in the original version was corrected to 60 l of diesel per ha based on observational data. Figures for typical potato operations such as windrowing were supplied. Irrigation with pumps powered by diesel or electricity from the grid, with a centre pivot, a rain gun, drip irrigation and flooding and energy cost for extracting water from deeper sources were also added. We added data for grading, washing, store loading and unloading, the application of a sprout suppressant and storage with ventilation of ambient air or forced refrigeration. The CFT-Potato can be used by growers to calculate the actual costs of 1 t of potato in terms of kilograms CO 2 and explore the repercussion of altered management options. Here the comparison of four potato production systems in the Netherlands is shown: seed potatoes (115 kg CO 2/t), table potatoes (77 kg CO 2/t), starch potatoes (71 kg CO 2/t) and organic potato (82 kg CO 2/t). Based on potato dry matter, however, starch potato has the lowest footprint mainly due to the extensive use of pig slurry of which the production and transport CO 2 costs are attributed to the pig production chain. © 2011 The Author(s). | Carbon dioxide emissions; Cool Farm Tool; Irrigation; Organic potato; Seed potato; Starch potato; Storage; Table potato | Solanum tuberosum; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15044348909 | Cooling tower performance evaluation: Merkel, Poppe, and e-NTU methods of analysis | Kloppers J.C., Kröger D.G. | 2005 | Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power | 127 | 1 | 10.1115/1.1787504 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Kloppers, J.C., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Kröger, D.G., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | The heat rejected and water evaporated in mechanical and natural draft cooling towers are critically evaluated by employing the Merkel, Poppe, and e-number-of-transfer-units (e-NTU) methods of analysis, respectively, at different operating and ambient conditions. The importance of using a particular method of analysis when evaluating the performance characteristics of a certain fill material and subsequently employing the same analytical approach to predict cooling tower performance is stressed. The effect of ambient humidity and temperature on the performance of cooling towers employing the Merkel, e-NTU, and Poppe methods of analysis are evaluated. Copyright © 2005 by ASME. | None | Atmospheric humidity; Computational methods; Cooling systems; Evaporation; Cooling tower performance evaluation; Heat rejection; Water evaporation; Cooling towers; cooling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946720989 | Co-ownership and collaboration: Insights into the measurement of impact and change from evidence-based community and state violence prevention partnerships | Mutongwizo T., Leoschut L., Burton P. | 2015 | Stability | 4 | 1 | 10.5334/sta.fh | Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, South Africa | Mutongwizo, 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 Africa | Effective 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 audits | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884950811 | Co-processed metronidazole granules for tabletting: Formulation and in vitro evaluation | Chime S.A., Onyishi V.I., Onyechi J.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research | 22 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria | Chime, S.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Onyishi, V.I., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; Onyechi, J.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria | The objective of the work was to produce co-processed metronidazole granules and to formulate metronidazole tablets by direct compression. Potato starch was extracted from Ipomoea batatas, the starch obtained was pregelatinized. Co-processed metronidazole granules were formulated using 10 % of pregelatinized potato starch and 0, 2, 4 and 6 %w/w of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as binders. The flow properties of the granules were assessed using direct and indirect methods. The tablets were formulated by direct compression using potato starch as the extra granular disintegrant (3.5 %) and magnesium stearate as lubricants. The properties of the tablets were evaluated using official and non official tests. The results of the study showed that the flow properties of the granules were good and fell within acceptable limits for good tablet production. Metronidazole granules showed fast disintegration time, good hardness and also complied with BP specification for tablets weight uniformity. The friability results were significantly lower than 1 % for all the tablets batches (p < 0.05). The tablet formulations showed a fast release of the drug with maximum release (T100) at 24 min in most formulations. Therefore, metronidazole tablets could be formulated by direct compression in order to enhance the oral bioavailability of this drug. | Co-processing; Direct compression; Metronidazole; Potato starch; Pregelatinization | magnesium stearate; metronidazole; potato starch; povidone; article; controlled study; drug granule; drug release; flow kinetics; gelatinization; in vitro study; tablet compression; tablet disintegration time; tablet formulation; tablet friability; tablet hardness; tablet manufacture | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910092963 | Corporate board diversity and firm performance: Evidence from Nigeria | Ujunwa A., Nwakoby I., Ugbam C.O. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 2 Continued 1 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria | Ujunwa, A., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria; Nwakoby, I., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria; Ugbam, C.O., Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria | This paper investigates the impact of corporate board diversity on the financial performance of Nigerian quoted firms using a panel data of 122 quoted Nigerian firms. The aspects of board diversity studied comprise board nationality, board gender and board ethnicity. The Fixed Effect Generalised Least Square Regression is used to examine the impact of board diversity on firm performance for the period: 1991-2008. The results show that gender diversity was negatively linked with firm performance, while board nationality and board ethnicity were positive in predicting firm performance. The study provides insights for practitioners and policy makers on the need to view the board as a strategic resource in line with the resource dependency theory instead of viewing the board solely from agency theory perspective. © 2012, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Board of directors; Corporate governance; Diversity; Firm performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860833710 | Corporate Boards, Ownership Structure and Firm Performance in an Environment of Severe Political and Economic Crisis | Mangena M., Tauringana V., Chamisa E. | 2012 | British Journal of Management | 23 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1111/j.1467-8551.2011.00804.x | Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Business School, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU, United Kingdom; Bournemouth University, Business School, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, United Kingdom; Department of Finance and Tax, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Mangena, M., Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Business School, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU, United Kingdom; Tauringana, V., Bournemouth University, Business School, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, United Kingdom; Chamisa, E., Department of Finance and Tax, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | This study examines the relationship between board and ownership structures and firm performance in an environment of severe political and economic crisis using panel data from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange for the period 2000-2005. The period is split into the pre-presidential election period (2000-2002) (a relatively stable political and economic period) and the post-presidential election period (2003-2005) (a hostile political and economic period) to capture the differences in the political and economic landscape. It is found that board size, ownership concentration and executive directors' share ownership increased, while the proportion of non-executive directors fell in the post-presidential election period. Employing a system generalized method of moments approach, the study finds that performance is positively related to board size and ownership concentration in the post- (but not in the pre-) presidential election period. The results also show that performance is negatively related to executive directors' share ownership in the post-presidential election period, but positively related in the pre-presidential election period. The relationship between performance and the proportion of non-executive directors is negative and significant in both periods. These findings support the notion that the effects of board and ownership structures depend on the nature of the firm's environment, and therefore have important implications for policy-makers. © 2011 The Author(s). British Journal of Management © 2011 British Academy of Management. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863893273 | Corporate entrepreneurship and firms' performance in the manufacturing sector in Nigeria | Oghojafor B.E.A., Kuye O.L., Sulaimon A.A. | 2011 | International Journal of Business and Globalisation | 6 | 2 | 10.1504/IJBG.2011.038489 | Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Oghojafor, B.E.A., Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Kuye, O.L., Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Sulaimon, A.A., Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Concern for investment in the manufacturing sector in Nigeria has continued to grow; but little is probably known about its entrepreneurial posture. This study examines the relationship between corporate entrepreneurship and firms' performance in the manufacturing sector in Nigeria. Data were generated by means of questionnaires to 670 manufacturing firms on entrepreneurship and performance variables. Responses from the survey were statistically analysed using descriptive statistics, product moment correlation, regression analysis and Z-test (approximated with the independent samples t-test). The results of the study indicate a statistically significant relationship between corporate entrepreneurship and firms' performance as well as reveal a significant difference between the performance of entrepreneurial firms and the performance of conservative firms. The implications of this study include the need for manufacturing firms in Nigeria to demonstrate high level of commitment to entrepreneurship. Copyright © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Corporate entrepreneurship; Firms' performance; Innovativeness; Manufacturing firms; Manufacturing sector; Nigeria; Proactiveness; Risk-taking | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888592221 | Corporate governance and bank performance: Does ownership matter? Evidence from the Kenyan banking sector | Barako D.G., Tower G. | 2006 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 4 | 2:00 AM | None | Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya; Curtin Business School, School of Accounting, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia | Barako, D.G., Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya; Tower, G., Curtin Business School, School of Accounting, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia | This paper provides an empirical analysis of banks performance in Kenya. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the association between ownership structure characteristics and bank performance. Data utilised in the study is collected from the Financial Institutions Department of the Central Bank of Kenya, both on-site inspection reports and off-site surveillance records. Empirical results indicate that ownership structure of banks significantly influence their financial performance. In particular, board and government ownership are significantly and negatively associated with bank performance, whereas foreign ownership is strongly positively associated with bank performance, and institutional shareholders have no impact on the performance of financial institutions in Kenya. The study makes a significant contribution to financial research by extending examination of banks performance to a developing country context beyond the usual confines of the developed western economies, and adds to the small number of similar studies in the African context. The results are consistent with prior research findings, and more importantly, presents statistical justification for pursuing further corporate governance reforms with respect to banks' ownership structure to enhance the financial stability of the sector. | Central Bank of Kenya; Corporate governance; Ownership structure | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349634072 | Corporate governance and firm performance: Evidence from Ghanaian listed companies | Kyereboah-Coleman A., Adjasi C.K.D., Abor J. | 2006 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 4 | 8.33333333333333E-02 | None | Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana; Adjasi, C.K.D., Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana; Abor, J., Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana | Well governed firms have been noted to have higher firm performance. The main characteristic of corporate governance identified include board size, board composition, and whether the CEO is also the board chairman. This study examines the role corporate governance structures play in firm performance amongst listed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Results reveal a likely optimal board size range where mean ROA levels associated with board size 8 to 11 are higher than overall mean ROA for the sample. Significantly, firm performance is found to be better in firms with the twotier board structure. Results show further that having more outside board members is positively related to firm performance. It is clear that corporate governance structures influence firm performance in Ghana, indeed within the governance structures the two-tier board structure in Ghana is seen to be more effective in view of the higher firm level mean values obtained compared to the one-tier system. | Board composition; CEO; Corporate governance; Ghana; Performance; ROA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149377947 | Corporate governance and firm performance in Africa: A dynamic panel data analysis | Kyereboah-Coleman A. | 2008 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 32 | 2 | None | Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana; University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., Department of Banking and Finance, University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana, University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa | The study examined the effect of corporate governance on the performance of firms in Africa by using both market and accounting based performance measures. Unique data from 103 firms drawn from Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya covering the five year period 1997-2001 was used and analysis done within the dynamic panel data framework. Results indicate that the direction and the extent of impact of governance is dependent on the performance measure being examined. Specifically, our findings show that large and independent boards enhance firm value and that combining the positions of CEO and board chair has a negative impact on corporate performance. We also find that CEO's tenure in office enhances a firm's profitability whiles board activity intensity affects profitability negatively. The size of audit committees and the frequency of their meetings have positive influence on market based performance measures and that institutional shareholding enhances market valuation of firms. For enhanced performance of corporate entities, we recommend a clear separation of the positions of CEO and board chair and also to maintain relatively independent audit committees. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67549117347 | Corporate governance and firm performance: The case of Nigerian listed firms | Kajola S.O. | 2008 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 14 | None | Department of Accounting, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | Kajola, S.O., Department of Accounting, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria | This paper seeks to examine the relationship between four corporate governance mechanisms (board size, board composition, chief executive status and audit committee) and two firm performance measures (return on equity, ROE, and profit margin, PM), of a sample of twenty Nigerian listed firms between 2000 and 2006. Using panel methodology and OLS as a method of estimation, the results provide evidence of a positive significant relationship between ROE and board size as well as chief executive status. The implication of this is that the board size should be limited to a sizeable limit and that the posts of the chief executive and the board chair should be occupied by different persons. The results further reveal a positive significant relationship between PM and chief executive status. The study, however, could not provide a significant relationship between the two performance measures and board composition and audit committee. These results are consistent with prior empirical studies. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2008. | Agency cost; Corporate governance; Firm performance; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878252333 | Corporate governance and performance of Nigerian listed firms: Further evidence | Adewuyi A.O., Olowookere A.E. | 2008 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 6 | 2 D CONT. 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Adewuyi, A.O., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Olowookere, A.E., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | This work, in an agency framework, adds to the few literatures on Nigeria by examining the impact of corporate governance on firm financial performance. Using a sample of 64 listed non-financial firms for the period 2002 to 2006, the study is able to capture the impact of the New Code of Corporate Governance released in 2003 on previous findings. Introductory investigations on the Nigerian capital market operations and regulations depict low, but improving, states. Empirically, Panel regression estimates show that board size, audit committee independence and ownership concentration aid performance. Higher independent directors and directors' portion of shares unexpectedly dampen performance, while firms vesting both the roles of CEOs and chairs in the same individual perform better. | Agency problem; Corporate governance; Panel regression; Tobin's q | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949741181 | Corporate governance on financial performance of insurance industry | Fekadu G.W. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT10 | None | University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Fekadu, G.W., University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | The role of corporate governance in financial institutions differs from that of non- financial institutions for the discretionary power of the board of directors would be limited especially in regulated financial systems where financial institutions are obliged to function through legislative and prescriptive procedures, policies, rules and regulations. This study, therefore, was aimed at examining the impact of corporate governance on the performance of closely regulated Ethiopian insurance Industry. The study employed explanatory research design with an econometric panel data of 10 Insurance companies that covers the period 2007 to 2014. Board size, board independence and board diversity have negative and insignificant effect on the performance of insurance companies while size and independence of audit committee and frequency of board meetings have positive but insignificant effect on the performance of insurance companies in Ethiopia. Thus it could be concluded that all corporate governance mechanisms have insignificant effect on the performance of insurance companies measured by return on asset. This vividly affirms that the role of board of directors in closely regulated financial sector is dismal and insignificant for they have limited discretionary power to exercise as board of directors. Thus it would be recommendable if the regulatory body could relax its prescriptive and stringent policies and devolve its power to board of directors without endangering the viability of insurance companies. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All right rserved. | Board of directors; Corporate governance; Ethiopia; Insurance companies | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897142855 | Corporate governance, ownership structure and performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria | Obembe Olufemi B., Adebisi S.A., Adeleye O.K. | 2010 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 1 H | None | Department Of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Business Administration, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Obembe Olufemi, B., Department Of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Adebisi, S.A., Department of Business Administration, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Adeleye, O.K., Department Of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Recognizing the weakness in the use of the OLS model in the panel data analysis of corporate governance and firm performance, this study augmented the model with the use of fixed effect model for a sample of 76 listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. Moreover, the study accounted for the role of some vital control variables excluded by previous researchers from Nigeria. Our results suggest that findings based on OLS models could be misleading. Foreign ownership that was found to have a negative impact on firm performance was the only positive and significant variable in the fixed effect model. Ownership concentration was found to have a negative impact on performance using the ROA. Our study confirmed the expropriation hypothesis for Nigeria. | Corporate governance; Nigeria; Ownership; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250304749 | Corporate governance, ownership structure and performance of SMEs in Ghana: Implications for financing opportunities | Abor J., Biekpe N. | 2007 | Corporate Governance | 7 | 3 | 10.1108/14720700710756562 | University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana | Abor, J., University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa, University of Ghana, Business School, Legon, Ghana; Biekpe, N., University of Stellenbosch, Business School, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose - This study seeks to assess how the adoption of corporate governance structures affects the performance of SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach - Regression analysis is used to estimate the relationship between corporate governance and ownership structure and performance. Findings - The results show that board size, board composition, management skill level, CEO duality, inside ownership, family business, and foreign ownership have significantly positive impacts on profitability. Corporate governance can greatly assist the SME sector by infusing better management practices, stronger internal auditing, greater opportunities for growth and new strategic outlook through non-executive directors. It is clear that corporate governance structures influence performance of SMEs in Ghana. Originality/value - This paper provides insights on the effects of corporate governance and ownership structure on the performance of Ghanaian SMEs. The paper also shows the implications of SMEs gaining access to finance as a result of adopting a good governance system. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Corporate governance; Corporate ownership; Ghana; Performance management; Small to medium-sized enterprises | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60249099900 | Corporate social and environmental reporting and the impact of internal environmental policy in South Africa | Mitchell C.G., Hill T. | 2009 | Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management | 16 | 1 | 10.1002/csr.179 | University of Maine, Farmington, Business Department, Farmington, ME, United States; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Discipline of Geography, School of Environmental Science, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; University of Maine, Farmington, Business Department, 270 Main Street, Farmington, ME 04938, United States | Mitchell, C.G., University of Maine, Farmington, Business Department, Farmington, ME, United States, University of Maine, Farmington, Business Department, 270 Main Street, Farmington, ME 04938, United States; Hill, T., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Discipline of Geography, School of Environmental Science, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa | The paper investigates the development and use of corporate social and environmental reporting by businesses within a large municipality in South Africa. There is a strong call for improved CSR, and a greater degree of accountability and transparency by business. The survey was conducted through the use of interviews following a structured questionnaire with the Global Reporting Initiative used as an appropriate framework. This approach allowed us to determine the challenges businesses face in implementing a comprehensive CSR system in the South African context and why, other than companies which are part of a group, businesses are unable or unwilling to increase external reporting. We suggest that implementation of a comprehensive and externally controlled and certified standard, such as ISO 14001 would not only reduce environmental impacts, but facilitate increased CSR. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921919945 | Corporate social responsibility and financial performance: An empirical study on egyptian banks | Hafez H.M. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 2 | None | The British University in Egypt, Misr Ismalia Road, El-Sherouk, South Africa | Hafez, H.M., The British University in Egypt, Misr Ismalia Road, El-Sherouk, South Africa | Due to the significance of the banking sector in the stability and welfare of any economy; it is important to constantly monitor and evaluate its performance. Most banks have incorporated social practices in their business operations regardless of the managers’ real intentions of whether it is for the corporate image that might lead to better performance; or it is for the well being of the environment or society overall. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to check if the concept of the CSR is widely applied to local, international and Islamic banks operating in Egypt over the interim period from 2005 to 2013 and if there is a difference in the application. Moreover does CSR really matters and affect banks' financial performance. Descriptive statistics will be used. The difference in performance will be tested for statistical significance using one way ANOVA tests. The statistical study conducted on 34 banks categorized under Local commercial, International and Islamic banks are operating in Egypt. The relationship is neutral when it is looked at from the ROA measure. The banks’ Corporate Social Responsibility did not have any impact on the financial performance of the banks. However, the relationship was positive when the financial performance perspective was looked from the estimated ROE and NIM; it implies that banks’ corporate social responsibility practices not act as costs to shareholders as they do not reduce the returns. Whether the relationship is positive or neutral, the coefficient for both models are rather small as well as the model that resulted in Neutral relationship had lower standard of error which indicates that it is a better model compared to the model using ROE and NIM as the dependent variable. Therefore relationship is Neutral. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights received. | Banking sector and financial performance; Corporate social responsibility | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898732271 | Corporate social responsibility and firm performance in South Africa | Demetriades K., Auret C.J. | 2014 | South African Journal of Business Management | 45 | 1 | None | School of Economics and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Demetriades, K., School of Economics and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Wits, 2050, South Africa; Auret, C.J., School of Economics and Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be viewed from two different perspectives: that of the business; and that of the individual investor (Socially Responsible Investing, SRI). In this study regression analysis as well as an event study was used to examine the link between CSR and firm performance. The results suggested that in the short-term there were no significant price effects on the SRI shares. In contrast, the returns of SRI portfolios over the sample period seemed to be superior to those of conventional firms. The regression analysis found that generally the SRI coefficients were insignificant; however using one of the models during the fifteen year sample period, SRI constituents attained a ROE that was 11.18% higher (as well as a ROA that was 1.824% lower) than conventional firms. When the period was restricted to 2004-2009 it was found that social performance was positively - and sometimes significantly - correlated with ROE. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944549252 | Corporate social responsibility and organisational performance of a professional football club in South Africa | Moyo T., Davies S.E.H., Joubert E. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT5 | None | Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | Moyo, T., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Davies, S.E.H., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa; Joubert, E., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa | This research investigated the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and organisational performance at Ajax Cape Town FC a professional football club in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). The data collected suggested that Ajax Cape Town FC employed CSR initiatives and consequently enjoyed various benefits from these activities. The CSR activities facilitated access to the club’s target market, developed and improved mutually beneficial relations with the community and consequently Ajax Cape Town FC experienced increased trust, a positive brand image and stronger loyalty from their fans. The outcomes of this study provide an insight into a South African professional football club and demonstrate how CSR initiatives can be used to successfully improve organisational performance. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Civil law; Common law; Corporate governance; Hedge funds; Shareholder activism | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860800961 | Corporate social responsibility performance in the Niger Delta: beyond two constitutive orthodoxies [Performances en matière de responsabilité sociale des entreprises dans le delta du Niger: audelà de deux orthodoxies constitutives] | Aaron K.K. | 2011 | Development in Practice | 21 | 6 | 10.1080/09614524.2011.582856 | Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Aaron, K.K., Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Against the background of attempts to explain the poor Corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of transnational oil corporations in the Niger Delta in the context of flawed approaches, processes and inadequate CSR packages, this paper contests not only the explanations for the failure of CSR, but the core idea that CSR is capable of engendering sustainable community development at all. Given the enormity of the development challenge in the region, corporations cannot, even with the best of intentions, make meaningful impact on host communities, mainly because of the structural constraints arising from the profit-seeking ethos which drives corporate behaviour. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Conflict and reconstruction; Governance and public policy | corporate strategy; governance approach; industrial performance; oil industry; sustainable development; Niger Delta; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909579556 | Corporate South Africa and carbon disclosure: A differential analysis of 2011 and 2012 carbon disclosure performance | Ngwakwe C.C. | 2014 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 1 Continued 3 | None | Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo, South Africa | Ngwakwe, C.C., Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo, South Africa | This paper examined the performance of corporate South Africa in the 2012 Carbon Disclosure Project [CDP]. It is motivated by the growing shift to climate performance amongst the JSE listed companies in South Africa; hence the paper showcases the commitment of corporations in South Africa towards carbon disclosure. It thus shows exemplary commitment by corporations in an emerging economy to curb GHG emission through disclosure. The paper compared corporate South Africa carbon disclosure performance in 2012 with the 2011 disclosure performance. First, the performance of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) 100 carbon performance leaders were examined; and using a statistical t-test of difference in means, the paper finds that the 2012 carbon performance improved remarkably over the 2011 performance; hence the T-test indicates a significant difference in means between the 2012 and 2011 carbon performance. Secondly, the paper also examined the climate performance of the JSE 100 companies and also found a significant difference between the 2011 and 2012 performance which also depicts an improvement over the 2011 climate performance. It is perceptible that the 2011 UN Climate Conference in South Africa, coupled with the SA’s outstanding role in global climate change negotiations and the Carbon Disclosure Project is driving corporate SA to ‘walk the talk’ on climate change. In conclusion the paper highlights the need for further corporate climate initiatives, and calls on governments of developing countries to take a bold stance on climate negotiations as this is a key to encouraging the corporate toward climate friendly and carbon reduction initiatives. © Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Carbon disclosure; Carbon disclosure project; Carbon performance; Climate change; Climate performance; Corporate South Africa; Johannesburg stock exchange | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15544364477 | Correcting for frictional pressure drop in horizontal-well inflow-performance relationships | Archer R.A., Agbongiator E.O. | 2005 | SPE Production and Facilities | 20 | 1 | None | Dept. of Engineering Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; ChevronTexaco, Lagos, Nigeria | Archer, R.A., Dept. of Engineering Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Agbongiator, E.O., ChevronTexaco, Lagos, Nigeria | This paper presents the development of a correlation that corrects for error in single-phase horizontal-well productivity calculations made by neglecting frictional pressure drop in the wellbore. Frictional pressure drop within the wellbore is frequently a controlling factor on the performance of long horizontal wells. Frictional pressure drop could be especially significant in wells completed with screens and slotted liners. This pressure loss is neglected in traditional inflow-performance (IPR) calculations, such as those developed by S.D. Joshi and by D.K. Babu and A.S. Odeh. This study develops a correction that can be added to these analytical IPR relationships to account for friction. This correction is based on a dimensionless group that combines well and reservoir information. It is easy to evaluate and can be readily used in nodal analysis. The correction was developed on the basis of more than 5,000 finite-difference-simulation runs, using a simulator with the capability to model wellbore friction. These runs spanned a wide range of well and reservoir parameters. The results are presented in terms of productivity errors (PEs); that is, the flow rate without friction minus the flow rate when friction is included in the model, divided by the flow rate reported without friction. The study found PEs as high as 90% in some cases (usually long wells with a small wellbore radius). These errors could lead to poor decisions on field development and production facilities. This paper presents a simple way to improve well-productivity predictions without requiring a reservoir-simulation model to take account of frictional where pressure drops in the wellbore. Copyright © 2005 Society of Petroleum Engineers. | None | Computer simulation; Correlation methods; Error correction; Friction; Oil well production; Petroleum reservoirs; Pressure drop; Frictional pressure drop; Inflow performance (IPR); Productivity errors (PE); Reservoir-simulation; Horizontal wells; horizontal drilling; hydrocarbon reservoir; pressure drop; well technology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846340374 | Correlates of female genital mutilation and its impact on safe motherhood | Orji E.O., Babalola A. | 2006 | Journal of the Turkish German Gynecology Association | 7 | 4 | None | Department of Obstetrics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of General Medical Practice, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Orji, E.O., Department of Obstetrics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Babalola, A., Department of General Medical Practice, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Objective: This study investigates the correlates of female genital mutilation and its impact on safe motherhood among 500 women aged 15-45 years in Southwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using a structured questionnaire for five hundred consented subjects. Vulvar examination was carried out by the investigators to confirm the presence or absence of female genital mutilation using the WHO classification. Results: The incidence of female genital mutilation is 85%. Out of this, 86.8% had type I mutilation, while 13.2% had type II mutilation. There were no type III or IV mutilation. The lowest trend in female genital mutilation was found in the age of 15-19 years. Culture/tradition was the strongest reason for the practice. Female genital mutilation decreased with increasing level of education. Only 11.7% of those with type I mutilation compared to 48.2% of those with type II mutilation had long term complications. The mode of delivery was spontaneous vaginal delivery in majority of them with no major fetomaternal complications. The absence of serious morbidity may be attributed to milder form of the female genital mutilation practiced in our environment. Discussion: The absence of major obstetric complications may be reflection of milder form of female genital mutilation performed in this environment. | Female genital mutilation; Fetomaternal complication; Obstetric complications | adolescent; adult; article; controlled study; correlation analysis; cultural anthropology; data analysis; education; female; female circumcision; gynecologic disease; human; incidence; injury; major clinical study; morbidity; mother; Nigeria; prevalence; questionnaire; safety; vaginal delivery; world health organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849127570 | Correlating multiple Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic impact spherule layers between South Africa and Western Australia | Simonson B.M., Sumner D.Y., Beukes N.J., Johnson S., Gutzmer J. | 2009 | Precambrian Research | 169 | 42373 | 10.1016/j.precamres.2008.10.016 | Department of Geology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074-1052, United States; Geology Department, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Department of Mineralogy, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Brennhausgasse 14, 09596 Freiberg, Germany; Paleoproterozoic Mineralization Research Group, Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Simonson, B.M., Department of Geology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074-1052, United States; Sumner, D.Y., Geology Department, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Beukes, N.J., Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Johnson, S., Department of Geology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44074-1052, United States; Gutzmer, J., Department of Mineralogy, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Brennhausgasse 14, 09596 Freiberg, Germany, Paleoproterozoic Mineralization Research Group, Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Well-studied successions in the Griqualand West Basin (South Africa) and the Hamersley Basin (Western Australia) that both straddle the Archean-Proterozoic boundary have been correlated on the basis of numerous lithostratigraphic similarities. Each succession hosts a minimum of three impact spherule layers, implying a minimum of three large impacts by extraterrestrial objects over a time span of about 140 million years. The occurrences of the youngest spherule layers in both basins in comparable stratigraphic positions in banded iron formations that have already been correlated suggest the youngest pair of layers were formed by a single impact. Close similarities in stratigraphic setting, age, and petrographic characteristics of the spherules, as well as the restriction of distinctive irregular melt particles to only these layers, suggest the oldest layers in the two basins were likewise formed by a single impact. In contrast, the middle layers on the two continents differ significantly in both their stratigraphic positions and the textures of the spherules, suggesting they are products of different impact events. These results suggest that using impact spherule layers to establish a global network of high-resolution stratigraphic markers for early Precambrian successions may be an achievable goal, but careful comparisons between potentially correlative layers will be necessary to achieve it. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Hamersley; Impact ejecta; Impact spherules; Neoarchean; Paleoproterozoic; Transvaal | Archean; lithostratigraphy; Proterozoic; spherule; Africa; Australasia; Australia; Griqualand West Basin; Hamersley Basin; Northern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Australia; Spherules | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79551502528 | Correlating the preparation and performance of cobalt catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes and carbon spheres in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis | Xiong H., Motchelaho M.A.M., Moyo M., Jewell L.L., Coville N.J. | 2011 | Journal of Catalysis | 278 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jcat.2010.11.010 | DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Xiong, H., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Motchelaho, M.A.M., Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Moyo, M., Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Jewell, L.L., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Coville, N.J., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | A series of Co catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon spheres (CSs) with different cobalt particle sizes (3-45 nm) were prepared by different methods and using different cobalt precursors. The Co/CNTs and Co/CSs can be autoreduced by the supports in N2 at ca. 480 °C; they show better Fischer-Tropsch performance than those reduced in H2 when the reduction T > 400 °C. The turnover frequency (TOF) value for both Co/CNT and Co/CS was constant for cobalt particles above 10 nm and decreased sharply for the cobalt catalysts with smaller cobalt particles. Remarkably, the TOF for 11 catalysts prepared using different precursors and preparation methods on two different carbon supports depends only on particle size. Finally, a positive relationship was observed between cobalt particle size and C5+ selectivity for both Co/CNT and Co/CS catalysts. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Autoreduction; Carbon nanotubes; Carbon spheres; Cobalt catalysts; Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; Particle size; Selectivity; Turnover frequency | Autoreduction; Carbon spheres; Cobalt catalysts; Selectivity; Turnover frequency; Carbon nanotubes; Catalyst selectivity; Cobalt; Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; Particle size; Spheres; Catalyst supports | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859145955 | Corresponding states method for evaluation of the solubility parameters of chemical compounds | Gharagheizi F., Eslamimanesh A., Sattari M., Mohammadi A.H., Richon D. | 2012 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 51 | 9 | 10.1021/ie202633m | Department of Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran; MINES ParisTech, CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France; Saman Energy Giti Company, Postal Code 3331619636, Tehran, Iran; Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa | Gharagheizi, F., Department of Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran; Eslamimanesh, A., MINES ParisTech, CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France; Sattari, M., Saman Energy Giti Company, Postal Code 3331619636, Tehran, Iran; Mohammadi, A.H., MINES ParisTech, CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France, Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa; Richon, D., MINES ParisTech, CEP/TEP, Centre Énergétique et Procédés, 35 Rue Saint Honoré, 77305 Fontainebleau, France, Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa | In this study, our objective is to apply the gene expression programming mathematical algorithm to propose a correlation based on the corresponding states method to determine the solubility parameters of 1641 pure compounds (mostly organic ones) at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The studied compounds are from the 80 chemical families. The parameters of the method include the critical temperature, critical pressure, molecular weight, and acentric factor. Around 1477 solubility parameter data are randomly selected for developing (training + optimization) the correlation, and about 164 data are used for checking its prediction capability. The obtained statistical parameters, including average absolute relative deviation of the results from the applied data (about 6%), show the accuracy of the proposed method along with its simplicity and wide range of applicability. © 2012 American Chemical Society. | None | Acentric factors; Average absolute relative deviations; Chemical family; Corresponding state; Critical pressures; Critical temperatures; Gene expression programming; Mathematical algorithms; Prediction capability; Pure compounds; Solubility parameters; Statistical parameters; Atmospheric pressure; Chemical compounds; Solubility; Parameter estimation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901309350 | Corrosion inhibition performance of rhizophora mangle L bark-extract on concrete steel-reinforcement in industrial/microbial simulating-environment | Okeniyi J.O., Loto C.A., Popopla A.P.I. | 2014 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 9 | 8 | None | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota 112001, Nigeria; Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota 112001, Nigeria; Loto, C.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota 112001, Nigeria, Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Popopla, A.P.I., Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | In this paper, the corrosion inhibition performance of the bark-extract of Rhizophora mangle L admixture on steel-reinforcement in concrete, immersed in 0.5 M H2SO4 for simulating industrial/microbial environment, were studied. Different concentrations of the plant-extract were admixed in duplicated concrete samples immersed in the acidic test-solution and these were monitored using non-destructive electrochemical techniques, for seventy-five days experimental period. Statistical analyses of the corrosion test-responses, as per ASTM G16-95 R04, showed that the corrosion rate correlated with function of the admixed bark-extract concentration in concrete, the half-cell potential and the corrosion current from the corrosion test-setup. The experimental and predicted model, from the correlation, both identified 0.167% Rhizophora mangle L bark-extract (per weight of cement) with optimal effectiveness, η = 78.6% (experimental) or η = 70.7% (predicted) at inhibiting steel-reinforcement corrosion. The experimental model of inhibition efficiency compares well with results from literature, classifies as very good inhibition efficiency model and thus supports Rhizophora mangle L bark-extract as inhibitor of steel-reinforcement corrosion in industrial/microbial environment. © 2014 The Authors. Published by ESG. | ASTM G16 analyses; Correlation fitting model; Corrosion of steel-reinforcement in concrete; Environmentally-friendly inhibitor; Industrial/microbial simulating-environment; Inhibition efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892565600 | Corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange rate of the Nigerian economy | Erhieyovwe E.K., Onokero I.I. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n3p345 | College of Physical Education, Mosogar Delta state, Nigeria; College of Education, Agbor Delta state, Nigeria | Erhieyovwe, E.K., College of Physical Education, Mosogar Delta state, Nigeria; Onokero, I.I., College of Education, Agbor Delta state, Nigeria | This paper seeks to analyze corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange of the Nigerian economy. The ultimate objective of this study centers on an empirical investigation of the impact of corruption, foreign direct investment and its impact on exchange rate of the Nigerian economy. In order to achieve these objectives the study used the ordinary least squares regression analyses, augmented dickey fuller unit root test and the co-integration test. The unit root test revealed that all the variables were stationary at first difference and the short run result revealed that corruption is very high in Nigeria and that have help to depreciate the currency of the country with regards its exchange to other currencies. The study recommends that war against corruption or state of emergency on corruption should be vigorously pursued, this will help to remold the image of the Nigerian economy and encourage more foreign investors that will help to equate our exchange rate to other currencies. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930826059 | Cosmological performance of SKA HI galaxy surveys | Yahya S., Bull P., Santos M.G., Silva M., Maartens R., Okouma P., Bassett B. | 2015 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 450 | 3 | 10.1093/mnras/stv695 | Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1029 Blindern, Oslo, Norway; SKA South Africa, The Park, Park Road, Cape Town, South Africa; CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Yahya, S., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Bull, P., Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1029 Blindern, Oslo, Norway; Santos, M.G., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, SKA South Africa, The Park, Park Road, Cape Town, South Africa, CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Silva, M., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Maartens, R., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Okouma, P., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bassett, B., African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will conduct the biggest spectroscopic galaxy survey ever, by detecting the 21 cm emission line of neutral hydrogen (H I) from around a billion galaxies over 3/4 of the sky, out to a redshift of z ~ 2. This will allow the redshift-space matter power spectrum, and corresponding dark energy observables, to be measured with unprecedented precision. In this paper, we present an improved model of the HI galaxy number counts and bias from semi-analytic simulations, and use it to calculate the expected yield of HI galaxies from surveys with a variety of Phase 1 and 2 SKA configurations. We illustrate the relative performance of the different surveys by forecasting errors on the radial and transverse scales of the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) feature, finding that the full 'billion galaxy survey' with SKA2 will deliver the largest dark energy Figure of Merit of any current or future large-scale structure survey. © 2015 The Authors. | Dark energy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918788005 | Cost accounting curriculum related competencies and performance of accountants in south africa | Wanjau D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 25 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n25p108 | Tshwane University of Technology, Accounting Department, GaRankuwa Campus, South Africa | Wanjau, D., Tshwane University of Technology, Accounting Department, GaRankuwa Campus, South Africa | Purpose - Over the years, the context of work for accounting professionals has changed dramatically. In the present time, the accounting profession has witnessed the existence of a gap between the current and desired skills in the accounting field. The study intends to review the literature on the dynamic relationship between cost accounting curriculum content and performance of accountants in South Africa. Design– The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.Findings – It was found that studies on the competence of cost accountants are few; the existing studies are not conclusive because they found either a positive relationship, negative relation or no significant relation at all. In addition, methodological gaps and contextual gaps exist since most studies are qualitative in nature and are from developing economies while few are from South Africa. This implies that this area has not been deeply explored thus paving the way for further research. Originality/value – The paper offers a guidance on classification of competencies acquired by cost accounting graduates and identifies a knowledge gap on to which further studies can be conducted. In addition, the paper results will have practical and policy implications as far as modeling curriculum development of cost accounting education is concerned. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Communication Competence; Information Technology Competencies; Modern Accounting Techniques; Performance of Accountants; Personal and Interpersonal Competencies; Problem solving Competence | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930683698 | Cost and impact of scaling up interventions to save lives of mothers and children: Taking South Africa closer to MDGs 4 and 5 | Chola L., Pillay Y., Barron P., Tugendhaft A., Kerber K., Hofman K. | 2015 | Global Health Action | 8 | 1 | 10.3402/gha.v8.27265 | PRICELESS - MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; South Africa National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Save the Children, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Chola, L., PRICELESS - MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, Y., South Africa National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa; Barron, P., School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tugendhaft, A., PRICELESS - MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kerber, K., Save the Children, Cape Town, South Africa, School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Hofman, K., PRICELESS - MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: South Africa has made substantial progress on child and maternal mortality, yet many avoidable deaths of mothers and children still occur. This analysis identifies priority interventions to be scaled up nationally and projects the potential maternal and child lives saved. Design: We modelled the impact of maternal, newborn and child interventions using the Lives Saved Tools Projections to 2015 and used realistic coverage increases based on expert opinion considering recent policy change, financial and resource inputs, and observed coverage change. A scenario analysis was undertaken to test the impact of increasing intervention coverage to 95%. Results: By 2015, with realistic coverage, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) can reduce to 153 deaths per 100,000 and child mortality to 34 deaths per 1,000 live births. Fifteen interventions, including labour and delivery management, early HIV treatment in pregnancy, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and handwashing with soap, will save an additional 9,000 newborns and children and 1,000 mothers annually. An additional US$370 million (US$7 per capita) will be required annually to scale up these interventions. When intervention coverage is increased to 95%, breastfeeding promotion becomes the top intervention, the MMR reduces to 116 and the child mortality ratio to 23. Conclusions: The 15 interventions identified were adopted by the National Department of Health, and the Health Minister launched a campaign to encourage Provincial Health Departments to scale up coverage. It is hoped that by focusing on implementing these 15 interventions at high quality, South Africa will reach Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 soon after 2015 and MDG 5 several years later. Focus on HIV and TB during early antenatal care is essential. Strategic gains could be realised by targeting vulnerable populations and districts with the worst health outcomes. The analysis demonstrates the usefulness of priority setting tools and the potential for evidence-based decision making in the health sector. © 2015 Lumbwe Chola et al. | Child health; Cost and cost analysis; Maternal health | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-47949101367 | Cost and quality performance indicators for home community-based care services to orphans and vulnerable children | Naidu V., Aguilera J.F., de Beer J., Netshipale P., Harris G. | 2008 | South African Journal of Economics | 76 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2008.00167.x | Health Economics Research Office, Bopaki Health Systems Consulting; National Department of Health, Partnership for the Delivery of Primary Health Care Programme (PDPHCP), AEDES, Brussels, Belgium; National Department of Social Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; National Department of Health, PDPHCP, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; School of Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | Naidu, V., Health Economics Research Office, Bopaki Health Systems Consulting; Aguilera, J.F., National Department of Health, Partnership for the Delivery of Primary Health Care Programme (PDPHCP), AEDES, Brussels, Belgium; de Beer, J., National Department of Social Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Netshipale, P., National Department of Health, PDPHCP, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa; Harris, G., School of Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | The encouragement of care of orphans and vulnerable children by non-profit organisations (NPOs) is a major policy response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa. The purpose of this article is to present a quality-cost model with five performance indicators for quality and two for costs and to test these against actual performance using data collected from nine rural and urban organisations in 2004 and 2005. Six NPOs had acceptable cost but all had unacceptable quality scores; three had unacceptable cost and unacceptable quality scores. Each rural caregiver had many more orphans and vulnerable children beneficiaries than their urban counterparts but made fewer total visits. As a result, urban beneficiaries received, on average, 3.5 times more visits than their rural counterparts. The results suggest the need for different performance indicators and expectations for rural and urban NPOs and that monitoring and evaluation using the model could improve horne community-based care services. © 2008 The Author. Journal compilation © 2008 The Economic Society of South Africa. | Children; HIV and AIDS; Home community-based care; Performance indicators; South Africa | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; child care; epidemic; health care; health services; human immunodeficiency virus; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953303691 | Cost-effectiveness analysis of clinical specialist outreach as compared to referral system in Ethiopia: An economic evaluation | Kifle Y.A., Nigatu T.H. | 2010 | Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation | 8 | None | 10.1186/1478-7547-8-13 | College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research, African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kifle, Y.A., College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Nigatu, T.H., Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research, African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: In countries with scarce specialized Human resource for health, patients are usually referred. The other alternative has been mobilizing specialists, clinical specialist outreach. This study examines whether clinical specialist outreach is a cost effective way of using scarce health expertise to provide specialist care as compared to provision of such services through referral system in Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study on four purposively selected regional hospitals and three central referral hospitals was conducted from Feb 4-24, 2009. The perspective of analysis was societal covering analytic horizon and time frame from 1 April 2007 to 31 Dec 2008. Data were collected using interview of specialists, project focal persons, patients and review of records. To ensure the propriety standards of evaluation, Ethical clearance was obtained from Jimma University.Results: It was found that 532 patients were operated at outreach hospitals in 125 specialist days. The unit cost of surgical procedures was found to be ETB 4,499.43. On the other hand, if the 125 clinical specialist days were spent to serve patients referred from zonal and regional hospitals at central referral hospitals, 438 patients could have been served. And the unit cost of surgical procedures through referral would have been ETB 6,523.27 per patient. This makes clinical specialist outreach 1.45 times more cost effective way of using scarce clinical specialists' time as compared to referral system.Conclusion: Clinical specialist outreach is a cost effective and cost saving way of spending clinical specialists' time as compared to provision of similar services through referral system. © 2010 Kifle and Nigatu; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; clinical trial; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; economic evaluation; Ethiopia; health care cost; human; major clinical study; medical specialist; multicenter study; patient referral; resource allocation; surgical technique | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34848901110 | Cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies for initiating and monitoring highly active antiretroviral therapy in the developing world | Vijayaraghavan A., Efrusy M.B., Mazonson P.D., Ebrahim O., Sanne I.M., Santas C.C. | 2007 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 46 | 1 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181342564 | Mosaic Health Care Consultants, Larkspur, CA, United States; Brenthurst Clinic, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Clinical HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; 15 Hillcrest Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939, United States | Vijayaraghavan, A., Mosaic Health Care Consultants, Larkspur, CA, United States, 15 Hillcrest Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939, United States; Efrusy, M.B., Mosaic Health Care Consultants, Larkspur, CA, United States; Mazonson, P.D., Mosaic Health Care Consultants, Larkspur, CA, United States; Ebrahim, O., Brenthurst Clinic, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sanne, I.M., Clinical HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Santas, C.C., Mosaic Health Care Consultants, Larkspur, CA, United States | OBJECTIVE: Determine the cost-effectiveness of initiating and monitoring highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in developing countries according to developing world versus developed world guidelines. DESIGN: Lifetime Markov model incorporating costs, quality of life, survival, and transmission to sexual contacts. METHODS: We evaluated treating patients with HIV in South Africa according to World Health Organization (WHO) "3 by 5" guidelines (treat CD4 counts ≤200 cells/mm or patients with AIDS, and monitor CD4 cell counts every 6 months) versus modified WHO guidelines that incorporate the following key differences from developed world guidelines: treat CD4 counts ≤350 cells/mm or viral loads >100,000 copies/mL, and monitor CD4 cell counts and viral load every 3 months. RESULTS: Incorporating transmission to partners (excluding indirect costs), treating patients according to developed versus developing world guidelines increased costs by US $11,867 and increased life expectancy by 3.00 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), for an incremental cost-effectiveness of $3956 per QALY. Including indirect costs, over the duration of the model, there are net cost savings to the economy of $39.4 billion, with increased direct medical costs of $60.5 billion offset by indirect cost savings of $99.9 billion. CONCLUSIONS: Treating patients with HIV according to developed versus developing world guidelines is highly cost-effective and may result in substantial long-term savings. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Cost-effectiveness; Developing countries; Guidelines; Highly active antiretroviral therapy; Transmission; Viral load | antiretrovirus agent; didanosine; efavirenz; lamivudine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; nevirapine; stavudine; tenofovir; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adolescent; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cost; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; developing country; economic aspect; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; life expectancy; major clinical study; male; priority journal; probability; quality adjusted life year; quality of life; sexual transmission; sexuality; South Africa; survival; virus load; world health organization; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Developing Countries; Health Care Costs; HIV Infections; Humans; Markov Chains; Models, Economic; Monte Carlo Method; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; United States; United States Dept. of Health and Human Services; World Health Organization | None |
| WoS | WOS:000274440200002 | Cost-effectiveness of educational outreach to primary care nurses to increase tuberculosis case detection and improve respiratory care: economic evaluation alongside a randomised trial | Bachmann, Max O.,Bateman, Eric D.,Bheekie, Angeni,Chapman, Ronald,English, Rene,Fairall, Lara,Lombard, Carl,Majara, Bosielo,Mayers, Pat,Niessen, Louis W.,Peters, Annatjie,van Rensburg, Dingie,Zwarenstein, Merrick | 2010 | TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH | 15 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02455.x | Johns Hopkins University, University of Cape Town, University of East Anglia, University of the Free State, University of the Western Cape, University of Toronto, Free State Dept Hlth, MRC, Sunnybrook Res Inst | "Bachmann, Max O.: University of East Anglia","Bateman, Eric D.: University of Cape Town","Bheekie, Angeni: University of the Western Cape","English, Rene: University of Cape Town","Fairall, Lara: University of Cape Town","Majara, Bosielo: University of the Free State","Mayers, Pat: University of Cape Town","Niessen, Louis W.: Johns Hopkins University","van Rensburg, Dingie: University of the Free State","Zwarenstein, Merrick: University of Toronto", | OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an educational outreach intervention to improve primary respiratory care by South African nurses.
METHODS Cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial, with individual patient data. The intervention, the Practical Approach to Lung Health in South Africa (PALSA), comprised educational outreach based on syndromic clinical practice guidelines for tuberculosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. The study included 1999 patients aged 15 or over with cough or difficult breathing, attending 40 primary care clinics staffed by nurses in the Free State province. They were interviewed at first presentation, and 1856 (93%) were interviewed 3 months later.
RESULTS The intervention increased the tuberculosis case detection rate by 2.2% and increased the proportion of patients appropriately managed ( that is, diagnosed with tuberculosis or prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid for asthma or referred with indicators of severe disease) by 10%. It costs the health service $68 more for each extra patient diagnosed with tuberculosis and $15 more for every extra patient appropriately managed. Analyses were most sensitive to assumptions about how long training was effective for and to inclusion of household and tuberculosis treatment costs.
CONCLUSION This educational outreach method was more effective and more costly than usual training in improving tuberculosis, asthma and urgent respiratory care. The extra cost of increasing tuberculosis case detection was comparable to current costs of passive case detection. The syndromic approach increased cost-effectiveness by also improving care of other conditions. This educational intervention was sustainable, reaching thousands of health workers and hundreds of clinics since the trial. | EDUCATION,"HEALTH ECONOMICS","LUNG DISEASE","PRIMARY CARE","randomised trial",TUBERCULOSIS,CAPE-TOWN,COMMUNITY,COUNTRIES,ILLNESS,INTERVENTION,"LUNG HEALTH","PRACTICAL APPROACH",SOUTH-AFRICA,STRATEGIES,TANZANIA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928920460 | Cost evaluation of reproductive and primary health care mobile service delivery for women in two rural districts in South Africa | Schnippel K., Lince-Deroche N., Van Den Handel T., Molefi S., Bruce S., Firnhaber C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0119236 | Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa | Schnippel, K., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lince-Deroche, N., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Van Den Handel, T., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Molefi, S., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bruce, S., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Firnhaber, C., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa, Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: Cervical cancer screening is a critical health service that is often unavailable to women in under-resourced settings. In order to expand access to this and other reproductive and primary health care services, a South African non-governmental organization established a van-based mobile clinic in two rural districts in South Africa. To inform policy and budgeting, we conducted a cost evaluation of this service delivery model. Methods: The evaluation was retrospective (October 2012-September 2013 for one district and April-September 2013 for the second district) and conducted from a provider cost perspective. Services evaluated included cervical cancer screening, HIV counselling and testing, syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), breast exams, provision of condoms, contraceptives, and general health education. Fixed costs, including vehicle purchase and conversion, equipment, operating costs and mobile clinic staffing, were collected from program records and public sector pricing information. The number of women accessing different services was multiplied by ingredients-based variable costs, reflecting the consumables required. All costs are reported in 2013 USD. Results: Fixed costs accounted for most of the total annual costs of the mobile clinics (85% and 94% for the two districts); the largest contributor to annual fixed costs was staff salaries. Average costs per patient were driven by the total number of patients seen, at $46.09 and $76.03 for the two districts. Variable costs for Pap smears were higher than for other services provided, and some services, such as breast exams and STI and tuberculosis symptoms screening, had no marginal cost. Conclusions: Staffing costs are the largest component of providing mobile health services to rural communities. Yet, in remote areas where patient volumes do not exceed nursing staff capacity, incorporating multiple services within a cervical cancer screening program is an approach to potentially expand access to health care without added costs. © 2015 Schnippel et al. | None | Article; breast examination; cancer screening; condom use; contraception; female; health care cost; health care delivery; health service; HIV education; HIV test; human; mobile clinic; Papanicolaou test; personnel management; preventive health service; primary health care; reproductive health; retrospective study; rural area; sexually transmitted disease; South Africa; uterine cervix cancer | 674-A-00-08- 00007-00, USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
| None | None | Costs and impacts of scaling up voluntary medical male circumcision in Tanzania | Menon V., Gold E., Godbole R., Castor D., Mahler H., Forsythe S., Ally M., Njeuhmeli E. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0083925 | HPI Costing Task Order, Washington, DC, United States; Futures Group, Washington, DC, United States; Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program Jhpiego, Baltimore, MD, United States; United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program Jhpiego, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States; Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Menon, V., HPI Costing Task Order, Washington, DC, United States, Futures Group, Washington, DC, United States; Gold, E., Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program Jhpiego, Baltimore, MD, United States; Godbole, R., HPI Costing Task Order, Washington, DC, United States, Futures Group, Washington, DC, United States, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Castor, D., United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Mahler, H., Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program Jhpiego, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Forsythe, S., HPI Costing Task Order, Washington, DC, United States, Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States; Ally, M., Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Njeuhmeli, E., United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States | Background: Given the proven effectiveness of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in preventing the spread of HIV, Tanzania is scaling up VMMC as an HIV prevention strategy. This study will inform policymakers about the potential costs and benefits of scaling up VMMC services in Tanzania. Methodology: The analysis first assessed the unit costs of delivering VMMC at the facility level in three regions - Iringa, Kagera, and Mbeya - via three currently used VMMC service delivery models (routine, campaign, and mobile/island outreach). Subsequently, using these unit cost data estimates, the study used the Decision Makers' Program Planning Tool (DMPPT) to estimate the costs and impact of a scaled-up VMMC program. Results: Increasing VMMC could substantially reduce HIV infection. Scaling up adult VMMC to reach 87.9% coverage by 2015 would avert nearly 23,000 new adult HIV infections through 2015 and an additional 167,500 from 2016 through 2025 - at an additional cost of US$253.7 million through 2015 and US $302.3 million from 2016 through 2025. Average cost per HIV infection averted would be US$11,300 during 2010-2015 and US$3,200 during 2010-2025. Scaling up VMMC in Tanzania will yield significant net benefits (benefits of treatment costs averted minus the cost of performing circumcisions) in the long run - around US$4,200 in net benefits for each infection averted. Conclusion: VMMC could have an immediate impact on HIV transmission, but the full impact on prevalence and deaths will only be apparent in the longer term because VMMC averts infections some years into the future among people who have been circumcised. Given the health and economic benefits of investing in VMMC, the scale-up of services should continue to be a central component of the national HIV prevention strategy in Tanzania. | None | article; circumcision; cost benefit analysis; disease transmission; health care cost; health care facility; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; scale up; Tanzania; voluntary medical male circumcision; volunteer; circumcision; economics; HIV Infections; male; preventive health service; Circumcision, Male; Cost-Benefit Analysis; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Preventive Health Services; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58149469926 | Costs and performance of early hearing detection programmes in Lagos, Nigeria | Olusanya B.O., Emokpae A., Renner J.K., Wirz S.L. | 2009 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 103 | 2 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.07.001 | Institute of Child Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United K | Olusanya, B.O., Institute of Child Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Emokpae, A., Massey Street Children's Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Renner, J.K., Department of Pediatrics, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Wirz, S.L., Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom | In line with global progress towards early detection of permanent congenital and early-onset hearing loss (PCEHL), the costs and performance of hospital-based and community-based infant hearing screening models were evaluated in Lagos, Nigeria. The protocol consisted of two-stage screening with transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions and automated auditory brainstem response followed by diagnostic evaluation for all infants referred after the second-stage screening. The main outcome measures were referral rates at screening, cost per baby screened, cost per case detected and yield for PCEHL. First-stage referrals were 32.2% for universal and 31.7% for targeted screening in the hospital, compared with 14.3% and 15.2%, respectively for the community-based programme. Second-stage referrals ranged from 3.3% under hospital-based universal screening to 4.9% under community-based targeted screening. The highest yields of 27.4 and 22.5 per 1000 were recorded under community-based targeted and universal screening, respectively. Screening cost per child was lowest (US$7.62) under community-based universal screening and highest (US$73.24) under hospital-based targeted screening. Similarly, cost per child detected with PCEHL was lowest (US$602.49) for community-based universal screening and highest (US$4631.33) for hospital-based targeted screening. Community-based universal screening of infants during routine immunisation clinics appears to be the most cost-effective model for early detection of PCEHL in low-income countries. © 2008 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Cost-effectiveness; Early diagnosis; Hearing loss; Immunisation; Neonatal screening; Screening tests | article; community care; congenital deafness; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic procedure; early diagnosis; evoked brain stem auditory response; evoked otoacoustic emission; health care cost; health program; human; infant; lowest income group; major clinical study; Nigeria; patient referral; screening; Early Diagnosis; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; Female; Hearing Loss; Hearing Tests; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Neonatal Screening; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887870833 | Costs of current antihypertensive therapy in Switzerland: An economic evaluation of 3,489 patients in primary care | Schäfer H.H., Scheunert U. | 2013 | Swiss Medical Weekly | 143 | None | 10.4414/smw.2013.13854 | Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, EMBA 14, South Africa; Faculty of Business and Economics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany | Schäfer, H.H., Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, EMBA 14, South Africa; Scheunert, U., Faculty of Business and Economics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany | QUESTION UNDER STUDY: Due to greater life expectancy, costs of medication have increased within the last decade. This investigation assesses health care expenditures needed to manage the current state of blood pressure (BP) control in Switzerland. Objectives: a) average day therapy costs (DTC) of substances, b) actual DTC of currently prescribed antihypertensive therapy, c) monetary differences of treatment regimens within different BP-groups and different high risk patients, d) estimated compliance-related financial loss/annum and adjusted costs/annum. Single-pill-combinations appear to be useful to increase patient's compliance, to reduce side effects and to bring more patients to their blood pressure goal. METHODS: Costs were identified based on data from the Swiss department of health. We calculated DTC for each patient using prices of the largest available tablet box. RESULTS: The average antihypertensive therapy in Switzerland currently costs CHF 1.198 ± 0.732 per day. On average beta blockers were the cheapest substances, followed by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ARBs), calcium channel blockers and diuretics. The widest price ranges were observed within the class of ARBs. Most expensive were patients with impaired renal function. Throughout all stages, single-pill-combinations appeared to be significantly cheaper than dual-free-combinations. Stage-II-hypertension yielded the highest costs for dual free combination drug use. The actual costs for all patients observed in this analysis added up to CHF 1,525,962. Based on a compliance model, only treatment amounting to CHF 921,353 is expected to be actually taken. CONCLUSION: A disproportionately high healthcare cost is expected due to compliance reasons. The prescription of monotherapies appears to be a major cost factor, thus, the use of single-pill-combination therapy can be considered as a suitable approach to saving costs throughout all BP-stages. | Antihypertensive therapy; Compliance; Costs; Hypertension; Switzerland | amlodipine; antihypertensive agent; atenolol; carvedilol; chlortalidone; diltiazem; enalapril; felodipine; furosemide; hydrochlorothiazide; lisinopril; losartan; nifedipine; torasemide; angiotensin receptor antagonist; antihypertensive agent; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; calcium channel blocking agent; dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase inhibitor; diuretic agent; adult; aged; antihypertensive therapy; article; blood pressure regulation; drug cost; economic evaluation; female; health care cost; high risk patient; human; hypertension; major clinical study; male; medication compliance; monotherapy; primary medical care; sex difference; Switzerland; drug combination; drug cost; economics; hypertension; middle aged; primary health care; statistics; very elderly; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Antihypertensive Agents; Calcium Channel Blockers; Diuretics; Drug Combinations; Drug Costs; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Primary Health Care; Switzerland | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57949084113 | Coupled-channel evaluations of cross sections for scattering involving particle-unstable resonances | Fraser P., Amos K., Canton L., Pisent G., Karataglidis S., Svenne J.P., Van Der Knijff D. | 2008 | Physical Review Letters | 101 | 24 | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.242501 | School of Physics, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Padova, I-35131, Italy; Department of Physics and Electronics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MN R3T 2N2, Canada; Advanced Research Computing, Information Division, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia | Fraser, P., School of Physics, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Amos, K., School of Physics, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Canton, L., Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Padova, I-35131, Italy; Pisent, G., Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Padova, I-35131, Italy; Karataglidis, S., Department of Physics and Electronics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Svenne, J.P., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MN R3T 2N2, Canada; Van Der Knijff, D., Advanced Research Computing, Information Division, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia | How does the scattering cross section change when the colliding bound-state fragments are allowed particle-emitting resonances? This question is explored in the framework of a multichannel algebraic scattering method of determining nucleon-nucleus cross sections at low energies. Two cases are examined, the first being a gedanken investigation in which n+C12 scattering is studied with the target states assigned artificial widths. The second is a study of neutron scattering from Be8, a nucleus that is particle unstable. Resonance character of the target states markedly varies evaluated cross sections from those obtained assuming stability in the target spectrum. © 2008 The American Physical Society. | None | Resonance; Targets; Cross sections; Low energies; Multi channels; Scattering cross sections; Scattering methods; Target spectrums; Target states; Scattering | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958792768 | Cover Crop Management in a Sauvignon blanc/Ramsey vineyard in the semi-arid Olifants River Valley, South Africa. 2. Effect of different cover crops and cover crop management practices on grapevine performance | Fourie J.C., Louw P.J.E., Agenbag G.A. | 2007 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 28 | 2 | None | ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Agronomy, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Sapex Exports, 11 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Fourie, J.C., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Louw, P.J.E., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa, Sapex Exports, 11 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Agenbag, G.A., Department of Agronomy, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | The trial was conducted over a period of ten years (1993/94 to 2002/03) on a sandy soil in a Sauvignon blanc/Ramsey vineyard near Lutzville (31°35'S, 18°52'E), situated in the semi-arid Olifants River Valley of the Western Cape. Fourteen treatments, consisting of three grain species and four legumes, managed according to two cover crop management practices, were included. One management practice consisted of cover crops which were sown annually and full surface, post-emergence chemical control which was applied before bud break and when the berries reached pea size (BB). The second management practice consisted of cover crops which were sown biennially. Post-emergence chemical control was applied to the vine row before bud break and full surface when the berries reached pea size (AB). From 1999/2000 to 2002/03 the cover crops were sown annually, while the full surface post-emergence control applied at the end of November was advanced to mid-October. Two treatments in which Avena sativa L. v. Saia ('Saia' oats) and Vicia dasycarpa Ten. (grazing vetch) were sown annually, controlled mechanically in the work row and chemically in the vine row from bud break to harvest (MC), were also applied. These treatments were compared to a control, in which no cover crop was sown and MC was applied. A treatment in which no cover crop was sown and BB was applied (weedchem), was also included. During the third growing season of the vines (1994/95), the grapevine shoot mass of the BB treatments of grazing vetch and Medicago truncatula Gaertn. v. Paraggio ('Paraggio' medic) was significantly more than that of the AB and MC treatments, with the exception of Secale cereale L. v. Henog (AB) and grazing vetch (MC). The first harvest (1994/95) from the grapevines in the BB treatments was significantly higher than that of weedchem and the MC treatments. The grape yield of the BB treatments, grazing vetch (AB) and Ornithopus sativus L. v. Emena (pink Seradella) (AB) was significantly more than that of weedchem and the control during the 1997/98 season. The NO 3-N concentration in the leaf petioles in all the cover crop treatments was, with the exception of the AB treatments of rye, M. truncatula Gaertn. v. Parabinga ('Parabinga' medic) and grazing vetch, significantly higher than that in weedchem and the control, as measured during the 1994/95 season. The NO 3-N concentration in the leaf petioles of the BB and AB treatment of a species differed significantly. The N concentration in the juice of the cover crop treatments during the 1995/96 season was, with the exception of 'Saia' oats (MC) and 'Parabinga' medic (AB), significantly higher than that of weedchem and the control. During the 1998/99 season, the N concentration of the juice in the BB and AB treatments of grazing vetch and pink Seradella was significantly higher than that of the MC treatments, two rye treatments, weedchem and the AB treatments of the other cover crops. The concentration of Ca in the juice of the cover crop treatments was, with the exception of the pink Seradella treatments, significantly higher than that of weedchem and the control. Wine quality did not differ between treatments. | Cover crops; Grape juice; Grape yield; Grapevines; Shoot growth; Soil management | Avena; Avena sativa; Medicago truncatula; Ornithopus sativus; Pisum sativum; Secale cereale; Vicia; Vicia villosa varia; Vitaceae; Vitis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891774706 | Cradle-to-gate environmental impacts of the concrete industry in South Africa | Muigai R., Alexander M.G., Moyo P. | 2013 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 55 | 2 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Muigai, R., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Alexander, M.G., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Moyo, P., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The objective of the paper is to provide an understanding of the South African concrete industry's environmental burden in terms of natural resource consumption and carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2-e). The review covers current practices in the concrete construction field in South Africa (SA) and their implications for the environment. Elaboration in terms of detail and quantification is given for the environmental burden generated during the manufacture of raw materials for concrete and their transportation to site. Four-year average (2005-2008) data is provided for resources consumed and wastes emitted during the quarrying and manufacture of raw materials for concrete. Carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions data per unit of material produced was obtained from the InEnergy Report produced for the Cement and Concrete Institute (C&CI) of South Africa. The study determined that, on average, 39.7 Mt of raw materials are consumed per year and 4.92 x 109 kg CO2-e emissions are emitted per year to produce cement and aggregates for concrete production in South Africa. | CO2-e emissions; Concrete industry; Environmental burden; South Africa | Cement and concretes; Concrete productions; Current practices; Environmental burdens; Per unit; Resource consumption; South Africa; Carbon dioxide; Cements; Concrete aggregates; Concrete industry; Environmental impact; Manufacture; Concretes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846847934 | Creating a framework to determine the socio-economic impact of national parks in South Africa: A case study of the Addo Elephant National Park | Saayman M., Saayman A. | 2006 | Tourism Economics | 12 | 4 | None | Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Saayman, M., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Saayman, A., School of Economics, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | National parks in South Africa are seen as major tourism assets, since wildlife is the biggest draw-card for international visitors to the country. Yet little is known of the socio-economic contribution of these parks to their respective local economies. The purpose of this research is to develop a framework for assessing the socio-economic impact of the Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa. The results show that the park has a significant impact in terms of production, income generation and employment in the area. Key results include a proposed framework for assessing the socio-economic impact of national parks in a developing country. | National parks; Socio-economic impact; South Africa | developing world; employment; income; national park; socioeconomic impact; tourism economics; tourism management; Addo Elephant National Park; Africa; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-42549097736 | Creating an African Riviera: Revisiting the Impact of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Development in Cape Town | Ferreira S., Visser G. | 2007 | Urban Forum | 18 | 3 | 10.1007/s12132-007-9008-3 | Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Department of Geography, University of Free States, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Ferreira, S., Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Visser, G., Department of Geography, University of Free States, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | The use of leisure and tourism to re-image and redevelop cities has been interpreted as a mechanism for attracting capital and people. In a period of intense inter-place competition and urban entrepreneurialism, whole built environments become centerpieces of urban spectacle and display. Waterfront developments have become emblematic in this regard. Over the past two decades the redevelopment of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V&AW) in Cape Town has been transformed from 'port' to 'playground' and is internationally acknowledged as one of the most successful of these developments. This redevelopment has, as has been the case with numerous other waterfront developments, not been uncontroversial. New tensions and conflicts have arisen over the use, meaning, and ownership of this space. The acquisition of the waterfront by a consortium of London- and Dubai-based property developers in 2006 has renewed concerns about the 'plasticization' of the waterfront and signals the symbolic start of a new phase in this waterfront's development trajectory. The paper tracks the development of the V&AW since its inception in the late 1980s and argues that general critiques of waterfront developments sit uneasily in the Cape Town context. It is also suggested that these developments can fulfil a very significant and positive role for developing world cities. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Cape Town; South Africa; Urban regeneration; Urban renewal; V&A Waterfront | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897393508 | Creating sustainable learning environments through frequent monitoring of students' progress | Kgothule R.J., Letsie L.E. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p332 | University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, South Africa | Kgothule, R.J., University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, South Africa; Letsie, L.E., University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, South Africa | Although the grade 12 pass rate of the past few years has shown an improvement in South African schools in general, the performance of students in crucial subjects such as accounting, mathematics and the sciences has not been satisfactory. In an attempt to contribute towards the creation of sustainable learning environments in selected schools in the Free State Province, the researchers engaged in a research project aimed at promoting in these schools, one of the correlates of effective schools, as identified by research namely, frequent monitoring of students' progress. Data were collected from secondary school administrators using focus group interviews. Participants included seven (7) principals, nine (9) deputy principals and two (2) heads of department. The data collected related to the concept 'frequent monitoring of students' progress', its implementation in their respective schools, as well as threats to its successful implementation. An analysis of the data revealed that the concept of 'frequent monitoring of students' learning was not well understood and consequently, was not effectively implemented in the schools concerned. It also became clear that there were many factors threatening its successful implementation. Based on these findings, the researchers and participants jointly engaged in an implementation framework. | Assessment; Correlates of effective schools; Effective schools; School improvement; Student progress monitoring | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74149090850 | Creation and evaluation of EMR-based paper clinical summaries to support HIV-care in Uganda, Africa | Were M.C., Shen C., Bwana M., Emenyonu N., Musinguzi N., Nkuyahaga F., Kembabazi A., Tierney W.M. | 2010 | International Journal of Medical Informatics | 79 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2009.11.006 | Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Mbarara University of Science, Technology ISS Clinic, Mbarara, Uganda; Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States; Faculty of Computing and IT, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Were, M.C., Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Shen, C., Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Bwana, M., Mbarara University of Science, Technology ISS Clinic, Mbarara, Uganda; Emenyonu, N., Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States; Musinguzi, N., Mbarara University of Science, Technology ISS Clinic, Mbarara, Uganda; Nkuyahaga, F., Faculty of Computing and IT, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Kembabazi, A., Mbarara University of Science, Technology ISS Clinic, Mbarara, Uganda; Tierney, W.M., Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Purpose: Getting the right information to providers can improve quality of care. We set out to provide patient-specific Electronic Medical Record (EMR)-based clinical summaries for providers taking care of HIV-positive adult patients in the resource-limited setting of Mbarara, Uganda. Methods: We evaluated the impact of implementing these clinical summaries using time-motion techniques and provider surveys. Results: After implementation of EMR-based clinical summaries, providers spent more time in direct care of patients (2.9 min vs. 2.3 min, p < 0.001), and the length of patient visits was reduced by 11.5 min. Survey respondents indicated that clinical summaries improved care, reduced mistakes, and were generally accurate. Current antiretroviral medication, patient identifying information, adherence information, current medication, and current medical problems were among the highest-rated elements of the summary. Conclusions: By taking advantage of data stored in EMRs, efficiency and quality of care can be improved through clinical summaries, even in settings with limited resources. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Clinical decision support; Developing countries; Electronic Medical Record; Medical informatics; Technology adoption | Adult patients; Antiretrovirals; Clinical decision support; Electronic medical record; Medical informatics; Motion techniques; Provider surveys; Quality of care; Right information; Technology adoption; Decision support systems; Developing countries; Electric relays; Information science; Medical computing; Surveys; Viruses; Medical problems; adult; Africa; article; electronic medical record; evaluation; female; health survey; hospital organization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medical information system; patient care; patient information; patient satisfaction; priority journal; Adult; Efficiency, Organizational; Electronic Health Records; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Office Visits; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Physician's Practice Patterns; Quality of Health Care; Time and Motion Studies; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906268828 | Creation of minimum standard tool for palliative care in India and self-evaluation of palliative care programs using it | Rajagopal M.R., Joad A.K., Muckaden M., George R., Gupta H., Leng M.E.F., Palat G., Patel F., Raghavan B., Reddy S.K., Sunilkumar M.M., Tiruvadanan M., Connor S.R. | 2014 | Indian Journal of Palliative Care | 20 | 3 | 10.4103/0973-1075.138395 | Department of Palliative Care Medicine, Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India; Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; Department of Palliative Care, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India; Palliative Care, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, MNJ Institute of Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Gradte. Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India; Department of Palliative Care, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Trivandrum, Kerala, India; Department of Palliative Care, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Training, Alpha Palliative Care, Edamuttam, Thrissur, Kerala, India; Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust, Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance, Washington, CA, United States; WHO, Collaborating Centre for Policy and Training on Access to Pain Relief, Pallium India, Trivandrum, Kerala, India | Rajagopal, M.R., WHO, Collaborating Centre for Policy and Training on Access to Pain Relief, Pallium India, Trivandrum, Kerala, India; Joad, A.K., Department of Palliative Care Medicine, Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India; Muckaden, M., Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; George, R., Department of Palliative Care, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India; Gupta, H.; Leng, M.E.F., Palliative Care, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust, United Kingdom; Palat, G., Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, MNJ Institute of Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India; Patel, F., Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Gradte. Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India; Raghavan, B., Department of Palliative Care, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Trivandrum, Kerala, India; Reddy, S.K., Department of Palliative Care, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Sunilkumar, M.M., Department of Training, Alpha Palliative Care, Edamuttam, Thrissur, Kerala, India; Tiruvadanan, M., Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust, Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Connor, S.R., Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance, Washington, CA, United States | Background: It is important to ensure that minimum standards for palliative care based on available resources are clearly defined and achieved. Aims: (1) Creation of minimum National Standards for Palliative Care for India. (2) Development of a tool for self-evaluation of palliative care organizations. (3) Evaluation of the tool in India. In 2006, Pallium India assembled a working group at the national level to develop minimum standards. The standards were to be evaluated by palliative care services in the country. Materials and Methods: The working group prepared a "standards" document, which had two parts - the first composed of eight "essential" components and the second, 22 "desirable" components. The working group sent the document to 86 hospice and palliative care providers nationwide, requesting them to self-evaluate their palliative care services based on the standards document, on a modified Likert scale. Results: Forty-nine (57%) palliative care organizations responded, and their self-evaluation of services based on the standards tool was analyzed. The majority of the palliative care providers met most of the standards identified as essential by the working group. A variable percentage of organizations had satisfied the desirable components of the standards. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the "standards tool" could be applied effectively in practice for self-evaluation of quality of palliative care services. © 2014 Indian Journal of Palliative Care. | Audit; Developing countries; Hospice care; India; Limited resources; National standards; Palliative care; Quality assurance; Quality improvement | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857643664 | Creative Industries, Inequality and Social Development: Developments, Impacts and Challenges in Cape Town | Booyens I. | 2012 | Urban Forum | 23 | 1 | 10.1007/s12132-012-9140-6 | 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 Africa | Booyens, 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 Africa | Creative 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 renewal | economic 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 Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646149759 | Critical evaluation of solar chimney power plant performance | Pretorius J.P., Kröger D.G. | 2006 | Solar Energy | 80 | 5 | 10.1016/j.solener.2005.04.001 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Pretorius, J.P., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Kröger, D.G., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | This paper evaluates the influence of a recently developed convective heat transfer equation, more accurate turbine inlet loss coefficient, quality collector roof glass and various types of soil on the performance of a large scale solar chimney power plant. Results indicate that the new heat transfer equation reduces plant power output considerably. The effect of a more accurate turbine inlet loss coefficient is insignificant, while utilizing better quality glass enhances plant power production. Models employing Limestone and Sandstone soil produce virtually similar results to a Granite-based model. The plant collector height is found to differ from previously obtained optimal values. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Power plant; Renewable energy; Solar chimney; Solar energy; Solar power; Solar tower; Upwind | Chimneys; Electric losses; Granite; Heat convection; Lime brick; Mathematical models; Q factor measurement; Sandstone; Solar energy; Turbines; Renewable energy; Solar chimneys; Solar tower; Upwind; Solar power plants; Chimneys; Electric losses; Granite; Heat convection; Lime brick; Mathematical models; Q factor measurement; Sandstone; Solar energy; Solar power plants; Turbines; heat transfer; limestone; numerical model; power plant; sandstone; solar power; turbine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22544463371 | Critical evaluation of two models for entrepreneurial education: An improved model through integration | Pretorius M., Nieman G., Van Vuuren J. | 2005 | International Journal of Educational Management | 19 | 5 | 10.1108/09513540510607743 | Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Pretorius, M., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Nieman, G., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Van Vuuren, J., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Purpose - This paper focuses on the comparison of two models for entrepreneurial education with the aim of potential integration. At this juncture when entrepreneurial development is seen as the core contributor to enhance start-ups of new ventures and hence facilitate economic growth and development, the best possible education model is required. The creation of more entrepreneurs is at least partially dependent on the creation and advancement of efficient educational models. Design/methodology/approach - First, this paper briefly describes the two independently developed models for entrepreneurial education. Second, an in-depth qualitative analysis of the individual model constructs is presented to evaluate the contributions and limitations of each. Third, this paper proposes an integrated model that identifies certain weaknesses of each of its building-blocks, which are eliminated by the integration. Findings - The paper concludes that the integrated model for entrepreneurial education enhances the body of knowledge and highlights the key role of facilitators of entrepreneurial education programmes. Originality/value - Suggests that research should be conducted into the facilitation skills, entrepreneurial and business experience of existing facilitators and potentially those of business advisers that act as mentors. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Educational development; Entrepreneurialism; Training | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903202538 | Critical incidents impact management among South African police service officers | Gumani M.A., Fourie E., Blanche M.T. | 2013 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 23 | 3 | 10.1080/14330237.2013.10820655 | Department of Psychology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, Pretoria, 0950, South Africa; University of South Africa, South Africa | Gumani, M.A., Department of Psychology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, Pretoria, 0950, South Africa; Fourie, E., University of South Africa, South Africa; Blanche, M.T., University of South Africa, South Africa | This article describes and interprets the law enforcement processes of managing critical incidents in a South African police district. Twenty participants from various police units were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling techniques. Data were collected using unstructured open-ended interviews, field notes, diaries and follow-up telephone interviews, and analysed through the constant comparative data analysis method. Findings suggest the police to have individual and in-group preferences for particular inner strategies of coping, as well as the external resources of relying on various formsofsupport from others and professional consultation in the form of debriefing. The study recommends that individualistic and contextual trauma management be considered. Copyright © 2013 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Grounded theory; Linear and multilateral styles of trauma management; Police critical incidents impact management; Resilience; SAPS; Vicarious traumatisation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555184047 | Critical processes involved in formulation of water-in-oil fuel emulsions, combustion efficiency of the emulsified fuels and their possible environmental impacts | Dibofori-Orji A.N. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 3 | 8 | None | Department of Chemistry, Rivers State, University of Education, P.M.B. 5047, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Dibofori-Orji, A.N., Department of Chemistry, Rivers State, University of Education, P.M.B. 5047, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The aim of this study is to highlight some problems encountered during the formulation of water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions of diesel fuel. The combustion efficiency of the resultant emulsions and some pollutant gas emissions were determined. The paper also discussed possible environmental impacts of these emissions. Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) find application in many modes of transportation including marine, land and air transportation. Economic and environmental considerations have led to the quest for improved combustion efficiency of the various fossil fuels used for these modes of transportation. The possibility of combustion of emulsified fuels has been the centre of some research efforts in the search for improved combustion efficiency. Diesel is mixed with water to form fuel-oil emulsions for combustion in some internal combustion engines. Depending on certain factors, two possible types of fuel-oil emulsions can be obtained: Oil in water and water in oil emulsions. Combustibility of the resulting emulsions was investigated. In this study, neat diesel was emulsified using polyethylene glycol as the emulsifying agent to produce water in oil emulsions. The water in oil emulsion was found to be combustible within certain limits of percentage content of water and air/fuel ratios. Problems encountered in the attempts to burn the emulsions include the nature and type of emulsifying agent, the method and means of mixing, as well as stability of the emulsions. This study shows that the emulsion containing 5% water had the highest combustion efficiency. Combustion of fuels, whether neat or emulsified, has some environmental impacts. Different noxious substances as exhaust products of combustion when emitted into the atmosphere could be injurious to human health, plants and animals within or close to the operating environments. In this study, the exhaust gases were analysed and their possible environmental impacts were discussed. The emulsion containing 7.5% water produced the least percentage of carbon monoxide (CO), a highly pollutant gas. Generally, emulsified fuels produce better combustion efficiency and less negative environmental emissions than neat fuels. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011. | Combustion rig; Emulsifying agent; Emulsions; Fossil fuels | Air/fuel ratio; Certain factor; Combustion efficiencies; Combustion rig; Emulsified fuel; Emulsifying agents; Environmental considerations; Environmental emissions; Human health; Oil-in-water; Operating environment; Research efforts; Water in oil emulsions; Water-in-oil; Air engines; Air transportation; Animals; Carbon monoxide; Combustion; Diesel engines; Diesel fuels; Efficiency; Emulsification; Emulsions; Exhaust gases; Fossil fuels; Fuels; Gas emissions; Glycols; Marine engines; Pollution; Polyethylene glycols; Environmental impact | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35548978030 | Critique of early models of the demographic impact of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa based on contemporary empirical data from Zimbabwe | Gregson S., Nyamukapa C., Lopman B., Mushati P., Garnett G.P., Chandiwana S.K., Anderson R.M. | 2007 | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | 104 | 37 | 10.1073/pnas.0611540104 | Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; Faculty of Health Sciences Research and Postgraduate Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Gregson, S., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nyamukapa, C., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; Lopman, B., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Mushati, P., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; Garnett, G.P., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Chandiwana, S.K., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom, Faculty of Health Sciences Research and Postgraduate Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Anderson, R.M., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom | Early mathematical models varied in their predictions of the impact of HIV/AIDS on population growth from minimal impact to reductions in growth, in pessimistic scenarios, from positive to negative values over a period of 25 years. Models predicting negative rates of natural increase forecast little effect on the dependency ratio. Twenty years later, HIV prevalence in small towns, estates, and rural villages in eastern Zimbabwe, has peaked within the intermediate range predicted by the early models, but the demographic impact has been more acute than was predicted. Despite concurrent declines in fertility, fueled in part by HIV infections (total fertility is now 8% lower than expected without an epidemic), and a doubling of the crude death rate because of HIV/AIDS, the rate of natural population increase between 1998 and 2005 remained positive in each socioeconomic stratum. In the worst-affected areas (towns with HIV prevalence of 33%), HIV/AIDS reduced growth by two-thirds from 2.9% to 1.0%. The dependency ratio fell from 1.21 at the onset of the HIV epidemic to 0.78, the impact of HIV-associated adult mortality being outweighed by fertility decline. With the benefit of hindsight, the more pessimistic early models overestimated the demographic impact of HIV epidemics by over-extrapolating initial HIV growth rates or not allowing for heterogeneity in key parameters such as transmissibility and sexual risk behavior. Data collected since the late 1980s show that there was a mismatch between the observed growth in the HIV epidemic and assumptions made about viral transmission. © 2007 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA. | Dependency ratio; Population growth | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Africa south of the Sahara; article; demography; female; fertility; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; major clinical study; male; mathematical model; population growth; prediction; priority journal; risk assessment; rural area; sexual transmission; socioeconomics; virus transmission; Zimbabwe; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adolescent; Adult; Africa, Southern; Demography; Developing Countries; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; HIV Seroprevalence; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Statistical; Population; Population Dynamics; Research; Research Design; Rural Population; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Population; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248569699 | Cross-country measures for monitoring epilepsy care | Begley C.E., Baker G.A., Beghi E., Butler J., Chisholm D., Langfitt J.T., Levy P., Pachlatko C., Wiebe S., Donaldson K.L. | 2007 | Epilepsia | 48 | 5 | 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2007.00981.x | School of Public Health, University of Texas, United States; Division of Neurosciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology, University of Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine, Rochester, United States; Universite Paris-Dauphine, Place Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, Paris, France; Swiss Epilepsy Centre, Switzerland; Division of Neurology, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alta., Canada; Epilepsy Action, Leeds, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, University of Texas, Health Science Center, 1200 Herman Pressler, Houston, TX 77030, United States | Begley, C.E., School of Public Health, University of Texas, United States, School of Public Health, University of Texas, Health Science Center, 1200 Herman Pressler, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Baker, G.A., Division of Neurosciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Beghi, E., Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy; Butler, J., Department of Neurology, University of Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chisholm, D., Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Langfitt, J.T., Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine, Rochester, United States; Levy, P., Universite Paris-Dauphine, Place Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, Paris, France; Pachlatko, C., Swiss Epilepsy Centre, Switzerland; Wiebe, S., Division of Neurology, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alta., Canada; Donaldson, K.L., Epilepsy Action, Leeds, United Kingdom | Purpose: The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Healthcare Policy in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) examined the applicability and usefulness of various measures for monitoring epilepsy healthcare services and systems across countries. The goal is to provide planners and policymakers with tools to analyze the impact of healthcare services and systems and evaluate efforts to improve performance. Methods: Commission members conducted a systematic literature review and consulted with experts to assess the nature, strengths, and limitations of the treatment gap and resource availability measures that are currently used to assess the adequacy of epilepsy care. We also conducted a pilot study to determine the feasibility and applicability of using new measures to assess epilepsy care developed by the WHO including Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), responsiveness, and financial fairness. Results: The existing measures that are frequently used to assess the adequacy of epilepsy care focus on structural or process factors whose relationship to outcomes are indirect and may vary across regions. The WHO measures are conceptually superior because of their breadth and connection to articulated and agreed upon outcomes for health systems. However, the WHO measures require data that are not readily available in developing countries and most developed countries as well. Conclusion: The epilepsy field should consider adopting the WHO measures in country assessments of epilepsy burden and healthcare performance whenever data permit. Efforts should be made to develop the data elements to estimate the measures. © 2007 International League Against Epilepsy. | Evaluation; Healthcare; International; Survey | article; developing country; disability; epilepsy; feasibility study; health care availability; health care organization; health care policy; health care system; health service; monitoring; patient care; performance; pilot study; priority journal; resource management; world health organization; Africa South of the Sahara; Cost of Illness; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Developing Countries; Epilepsy; Great Britain; Health Care Costs; Health Care Surveys; Health Policy; Health Services Needs and Demand; Health Services Research; Humans; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Pilot Projects; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; World Health Organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-21444456142 | Cross-national performance of the RAPS4/RAPS4-QF for tolerance and heavy drinking: Data from 13 countries | Cherpitel C.J., Ye Y., Bond J., Borges G., Cremonte M., Marais S., Poznyak V., Sovinova H., Moskalewicz J., Swiatkiewicz G. | 2005 | Journal of Studies on Alcohol | 66 | 3 | None | Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States; National Institute of Psychiatry, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico; National University, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland | Cherpitel, C.J., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States; Ye, Y., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States; Bond, J., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States; Borges, G., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, National Institute of Psychiatry, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico; Cremonte, M., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, National University, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Marais, S., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Poznyak, V., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Sovinova, H., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic; Moskalewicz, J., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland; Swiatkiewicz, G., Alcohol Research Group, 2000 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland | Objective: There are little data available on the performance of brief screening instruments for alcohol-use disorders cross-nationally; therefore, we analyzed the performance of one such instrument in a number of countries. Method: Performance of the RAPS4 for tolerance and the RAPS4-QF for heavy drinking are analyzed from emergency room data across 13 countries included in the combined Emergency Room Collaborative Alcohol Analysis Project (ERCAAP) and the World Health Organization Collaborative Study on Alcohol and Injuries, Results: The RAPS4 showed good sensitivity and specificity for tolerance across most of the countries, but was higher in countries that were higher on societal-level detrimental drinking patterns. Prevalence of tolerance was also higher in those countries with high detrimental drinking pattern scores. Sensitivity of the RAPS4-QF for heavy drinking was uniformly high across countries, while maintaining good specificity, and did not vary by detrimental drinking patterns. Conclusions: Findings suggest the RAPS4 and RAPS4-QF may hold promise cross-nationally. Future research should more fully address the performance of brief screening instruments for alcohol-use disorders (using standard diagnostic criteria) cross-nationally, with consideration of the impact of societal drinking patterns. | None | alcohol; adult; alcohol consumption; alcoholism; article; diagnostic accuracy; drinking behavior; emergency ward; human; screening test; Alcoholism; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; International Cooperation; Mass Screening; Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847778569 | Crude oil price movements and their impact on South Africa | Nkomo J.C. | 2006 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 17 | 4 | None | Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Nkomo, J.C., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The purpose of this paper is to examine crude oil price movements and their impact on South Africa. A useful starting point is understanding the factors that have played a prominent role in influencing oil pricing. For this reason, I begin by focusing on OPEC producing countries and the challenges these countries face with supply management. After considering domestic oil pricing and accounting for fluctuations in crude oil price movements, I examine the domestic impact of oil price changes on the South African economy. | Dependence; Domestic resource; Inflation; Price fluctuations; Supply management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79961033423 | Cryptic herbivores mediate the strength and form of ungulate impacts on a long-lived savanna tree | Maclean J.E., Goheen J.R., Doak D.F., Palmer T.M., Young T.P. | 2011 | Ecology | 92 | 8 | 10.1890/10-2097.1 | Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Mpala Research Centre, P.O. Box 555, Nanyuki, Kenya; Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, United States; Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, United States; Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States | Maclean, J.E., Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada, Mpala Research Centre, P.O. Box 555, Nanyuki, Kenya; Goheen, J.R., Mpala Research Centre, P.O. Box 555, Nanyuki, Kenya, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, United States, Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, United States; Doak, D.F., Mpala Research Centre, P.O. Box 555, Nanyuki, Kenya, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, United States; Palmer, T.M., Mpala Research Centre, P.O. Box 555, Nanyuki, Kenya, Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; Young, T.P., Mpala Research Centre, P.O. Box 555, Nanyuki, Kenya, Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States | Plant populations are regulated by a diverse array of herbivores that impose demographic filters throughout their life cycle. Few studies, however, simultaneously quantify the impacts of multiple herbivore guilds on the lifetime performance or population growth rate of plants. In African savannas, large ungulates (such as elephants) are widely regarded as important drivers of woody plant population dynamics, while the potential impacts of smaller, more cryptic herbivores (such as rodents) have largely been ignored. We combined a largescale ungulate exclusion experiment with a five-year manipulation of rodent densities to quantify the impacts of three herbivore guilds (wild ungulates, domestic cattle, and rodents) on all life stages of a widespread savanna tree. We utilized demographic modeling to reveal the overall role of each guild in regulating tree population dynamics, and to elucidate the importance of different demographic hurdles in driving population growth under contrasting consumer communities. We found that wild ungulates dramatically reduced population growth, shifting the population trajectory from increase to decline, but that the mechanisms driving these effects were strongly mediated by rodents. The impact of wild ungulates on population growth was predominantly driven by their negative effect on tree reproduction when rodents were excluded, and on adult tree survival when rodents were present. By limiting seedling survival, rodents also reduced population growth; however, this effect was strongly dampened where wild ungulates were present. We suggest that these complex interactions between disparate consumer guilds can have important consequences for the population demography of long-lived species, and that the effects of a single consumer group are often likely to vary dramatically depending on the larger community in which interactions are embedded. © 2011 by the Ecological Society of America. | Acacia drepanolobium; African savanna; Demography; Herbivory; Kenya; Kenya Long-term Exclosure Experiment; Lambda; Matrix model; Mpala Research Centre; Rodent; Seed predation; Tree recruitment; Ungulate | cattle; exclusion experiment; growth rate; guild; herbivore; life cycle; plant community; plant-herbivore interaction; population decline; population growth; population modeling; population regulation; rodent; savanna; seedling emergence; survival; ungulate; woody plant; Acacia; Africa; animal; antelope; article; cattle; ecosystem; elephant; feeding behavior; horse; physiology; rodent; tree; Acacia; Africa; Animals; Antelopes; Cattle; Ecosystem; Elephants; Equidae; Feeding Behavior; Rodentia; Trees; Kenya; Acacia drepanolobium; Bos taurus; Elephantidae; Rodentia; Ungulata | None |
| None | None | Cryptococcal antigen prevalence in HIV-infected Tanzanians: A cross-sectional study and evaluation of a point-of-care lateral flow assay | Rugemalila J., Maro V.P., Kapanda G., Ndaro A.J., Jarvis J.N. | 2013 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 18 | 9 | 10.1111/tmi.12157 | Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Biotechnology Laboratory, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom | Rugemalila, J., Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania; Maro, V.P., Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania; Kapanda, G., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania; Ndaro, A.J., Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Biotechnology Laboratory, Moshi, Tanzania; Jarvis, J.N., Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom | Objectives: Cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) screening at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and pre-emptive antifungal treatment for those testing positive could prevent many cases of cryptococcal meningitis (CM). To investigate whether CRAG screening would be feasible in Tanzania, we conducted a cross-sectional study measuring CRAG prevalence in ART clinic patients and comparing the novel lateral flow assay (LFA) with the cryptococcal latex agglutination (LA) test. Methods: Consecutive HIV-infected outpatients with CD4 counts <200 cells/μL, who were ART naive or had been on ART for <6 months, were screened for CRAG using the LA and LFA kits. For further assay validation, HIV-infected inpatients with suspected cryptococcal disease were also tested using the LA and LFA kits. Results: Cryptococcal antigen was detected in seven of 218 ART clinic attendees (3%). Six patients (5%) with CD4 cell counts ≤100 cells/μL (n = 124) were CRAG-positive. Agreement between the LA and LFA test in the 218 outpatients was 100%. Another 101 inpatients were tested for CRAG, of whom 56 (55%) were CRAG-positive on both the LA and LFA tests. One patient was positive using the LFA test but negative on the LA test. The overall agreement between the two assays was 99.7%, kappa coefficient 0.99 (standard error 0.06, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Five percentage of ART clinic patients with CD4 cell counts ≤100 cells/μL in northern Tanzania had asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenaemia, suggesting that CRAG screening would be worthwhile in the Tanzanian ART programme. The LFA is a reliable, cheap and practical alternative to LA for detection of CRAG. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | Cryptococcal antigen; HIV; Lateral flow assay; Screening; Tanzania | antiretrovirus agent; bacterial antigen; Cryptococcal antigen; unclassified drug; antigen; bioassay; disease control; disease prevalence; disease treatment; fungus; human immunodeficiency virus; infectious disease; adult; antigen antibody reaction; antigen detection; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical feature; cross-sectional study; cryptococcal meningitis; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; outpatient; point of care testing; prevalence; Tanzania; cryptococcal antigen; HIV; lateral flow assay; screening; Tanzania; Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-HIV Agents; Antifungal Agents; Antigens, Fungal; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cryptococcus; Female; Humans; Male; Meningitis, Cryptococcal; Middle Aged; Point-of-Care Systems; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Tanzania; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899121651 | Crystallization conditions and petrogenesis of the paleoproterozoic basement rocks in Bangladesh: An evaluation of biotite and coexisting amphibole mineral chemistry | Hossain I., Tsunogae T. | 2014 | Journal of Earth Science | 25 | 1 | 10.1007/s12583-014-0402-1 | Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh; University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan; Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006 Johannesburg, South Africa | Hossain, I., Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh; Tsunogae, T., University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan, Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006 Johannesburg, South Africa | The Paleoproterozoic (∼1.73 Ga) basement rocks from Maddhapara, Bangladesh show a large range of chemical variations including diorite, quartz diorite, monzodiorite, quartz monzonite and granite. These are composed of varying proportions of quartz+plagioclase+K-feldspar+biotite+ hornblende±epidote+titanite+magnetite+apatite and zircon. Amphibole and biotite, dominant ferromagnesian minerals, have been analyzed with an electron microprobe. The biotite, Mg-dominant trioctahedral micas, is classified as phlogopitic nature. Relatively high Mg (1.33-1.53 pfu), Mg# (0.52-0.59) and low AlVI (0.13-0.25 pfu) contents in the biotite reflect slightly fractionated magma, which might be a relative indicator for the origin of the parental magma. Biotite is also a very good sensor of oxidation state of the parental magma. Oxygen fugacity of the studied biotites estimate within the QFM and HM buffers and equilibrate at about -12.35 and -12.46, which exhibit the source materials were relatively higher oxidation state during crystallization and related to arc magmatism. Whereas, calcic amphiboles, a parental member of arc-related igneous suite, display consistent oxygen fugacity values (-11.7 to -12.3), low Al# (0.16-0.21) with H2Omelt (5.6 wt.%-9.5 wt.%) suggest their reliability with the typical values of calc-alkaline magma crystallization. The oxygen fugacity of magma is related to its source material, which in turn depends on tectonic setting. Discrimination diagrams and chemical indices of both biotite and amphibole of dioritic rocks reveal calc-alkaline orogenic complexes; mostly I-type suite formed within subduction-related environments. Moreover, igneous micas are used as metallogenic indicator. The biotites with coexisting amphibole compositions show an apparent calc-alkaline trend of differentiation. The study suggests that the trend of oxidized magmas is commonly associated with compressive tectonic and convergent plate boundaries. © 2014 China University of Geosciences and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Bangladesh; basement rock; biotite; Columbia supercontinent; oxygen fugacity; Paleoproterozoic | amphibole; basement rock; biotite; crystallization; fugacity; magma chemistry; magmatism; mineralogy; petrogenesis; phase equilibrium; plate boundary; supercontinent; tectonic setting; Bangladesh; Micas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845422044 | Cultivar evaluation and mega-environment investigation of Dioscorea cayenensis cultivars in Ghana based on the GGE biplot analysis | Otoo E., Asiedu R. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 04-Mar | None | Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria | Otoo, E., Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Asiedu, R., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Oyo Road, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria | Cultivar 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; Yams | Dioscorea alata; Dioscorea cayenensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052277610 | Cultivation performance of Pleurotus pulmonarius in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria, using wood chippings and rice straw waste | Akinmusire O.O., Omomowo I.O., Oguntoye S.I.K. | 2011 | Advances in Environmental Biology | 5 | 8 | None | Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Akinmusire, O.O., Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Omomowo, I.O., Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Oguntoye, S.I.K., Department of Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | An attempt was made to investigate the potential of growing Pleurotus pulmonarius in the hot climatic weather environment of Maiduguri, Nigeria by using cheap and easily available waste materials. The steps involved in the cultivation were composting the substrates, bagging the substrates, sterilizing the bagged compost, spawning, incubation and cropping. A completely randomized design was used with two treatments and five replications. An un-inoculated bag served as the control. On the average, spawn run duration, pinhead formation and fructification was faster for the rice straw substrate when compared to the sawdust substrate. It took an average of 22days for the spawn run in rice straw substrate, compare to 35days for the sawdust substrate. Also, pinhead formation was faster in rice straw substrate when compare with sawdust substrate. The result showed the potential of cheap and easily available substrate for oyster mushroom production. | Fructification; Pin head; Spawning; Waste materials | Pleurotus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Pleurotus pulmonarius | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898677507 | Cultural Bases for Self-Evaluation: Seeing Oneself Positively in Different Cultural Contexts | Becker M., Vignoles V.L., Owe E., Easterbrook M.J., Brown R., Smith P.B., Bond M.H., Regalia C., Manzi C., Brambilla M., Aldhafri S., González R., Carrasco D., Paz Cadena M., Lay S., Schweiger Gallo I., Torres A., Camino L., Özgen E., Güner Ü.E., Yamakoǧl | 2014 | Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin | 40 | 5 | 10.1177/0146167214522836 | University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, China; Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Sultan Qaboos University, Oman; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil; Yasar University, Turkey; Bilkent University, Turkey; Federal University of Pará, Brazil; Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia; Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines; Salgado de Oliveira University, Brazil; Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Université de Lorraine, France; Chinese University of Hong Kong, China; Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary; American University of Beirut, Lebanon; University of Gdansk, Poland; University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia; Free University of Tbilisi, Georgia; West University of Timisoara, Romania; University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; University of Tartu, Estonia; Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QH, United Kingdom | Becker, M., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Vignoles, V.L., University of Sussex, United Kingdom, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QH, United Kingdom; Owe, E., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Easterbrook, M.J., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Brown, R., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Smith, P.B., University of Sussex, United Kingdom; Bond, M.H., Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, China; Regalia, C., Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Manzi, C., Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Brambilla, M., Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Aldhafri, S., Sultan Qaboos University, Oman; González, R., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Carrasco, D., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Paz Cadena, M., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Lay, S., Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Schweiger Gallo, I., Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; Torres, A., Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil; Camino, L., Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil; Özgen, E., Yasar University, Turkey; Güner, Ü.E., Bilkent University, Turkey; Yamakoǧlu, N., Bilkent University, Turkey; Silveira Lemos, F.C., Federal University of Pará, Brazil; Trujillo, E.V., Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia; Balanta, P., Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia; Macapagal, M.E.J., Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines; Cristina Ferreira, M., Salgado de Oliveira University, Brazil; Herman, G., Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; de Sauvage, I., Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Bourguignon, D., Université de Lorraine, France; Wang, Q., Chinese University of Hong Kong, China; Fülöp, M., Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary; Harb, C., American University of Beirut, Lebanon; Chybicka, A., University of Gdansk, Poland; Mekonnen, K.H., University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Martin, M., University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia; Nizharadze, G., Free University of Tbilisi, Georgia; Gavreliuc, A., West University of Timisoara, Romania; Buitendach, J., University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Valk, A., University of Tartu, Estonia; Koller, S.H., Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil | Several theories propose that self-esteem, or positive self-regard, results from fulfilling the value priorities of one's surrounding culture. Yet, surprisingly little evidence exists for this assertion, and theories differ about whether individuals must personally endorse the value priorities involved. We compared the influence of four bases for self-evaluation (controlling one's life, doing one's duty, benefitting others, achieving social status) among 4,852 adolescents across 20 cultural samples, using an implicit, within-person measurement technique to avoid cultural response biases. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses showed that participants generally derived feelings of self-esteem from all four bases, but especially from those that were most consistent with the value priorities of others in their cultural context. Multilevel analyses confirmed that the bases of positive self-regard are sustained collectively: They are predictably moderated by culturally normative values but show little systematic variation with personally endorsed values. © 2014 by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc. | culture; identity; self-esteem; self-evaluation; values | adolescent; cultural anthropology; cultural factor; female; human; male; questionnaire; self concept; self evaluation; Adolescent; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Culture; Female; Humans; Male; Questionnaires; Self Concept; Self-Assessment | RES-062-23-1300, ESRC, Economic and Social Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884554632 | Cultural dimension of workplace diversity in Ibadan Nigeria: Implications on people and performance | Adewole A.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social and Cultural Context | 8 | 3 | None | Glorious Vision International College, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Adewole, A.O., Glorious Vision International College, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | This study investigated the cultural dimension of workplace diversity in Ibadan, Nigeria in order to ascertain the implications of cultural dimension of workplace diversity on employees, and their performances in multicultural work organizations. Data for the study was generated through a multi-stage sampling technique, with a questionnaire administered to 250 participants randomly selected from selected work organizations in Ibadan, Nigeria. Out of 250 respondents, 238 turned in their completed questionnaires (male = 151, female = 87, mean = 2.89, standard deviation = 1.15). A 20-item questionnaire was developed by the researcher, and was tested on a 5 point Likert-type scale that ranges from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). The hypotheses generated for the study were tested at 0.05 alpha levels using a chi-square statistical method. The findings from the study revealed that a significant relationship exists between cultural diversity and employees' job performances, and the overall organizational performance. The finding further showed that although majority of the employees often perceived themselves as different from others due to the differences in their cultural orientations, there is no significant relationship between the way employees perceive themselves and their job performance. Based on the findings from the study, it was recommended that employers and all stake holders in human resource management, in today's multicultural business community, should not only be aware of the cultural diversity among employees, but must also ensure effective workforce diversity management principles that best fit into their work organizations so as to harness the rich benefits of cultural diversity for the good of the organizations they serve. Crosscultural education that could bring employees in contact with other cultures represented at the workplace should be introduced to promote cooperation, effective communication and harmonious work relationships among employees. © Common Ground, Adejare Olufemi Adewole, All Rights Reserved. | Culture; Employee; Multiculturalism; Performance; Workplace | None | None |
| None | None | Culture and its impact on the education of the Maasai and the coastal women of Tanzania | Akarro R.R.J. | 2008 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 3 | None | Department of Statistics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Akarro, R.R.J., Department of Statistics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The percentage of educated women vs that of men in Tanzania and indeed in the whole of sub Saharan Africa is not the same. The percentage of educated women lags that of men. Traditional culture is singled out as a significant factor contributing to this anomaly in Tanzania. This factor is analyzed for selected tribes of Tanzania, namely the coastal people with their menarche culture and he Maasai with their circumcision culture. Although the two cultures are significantly different, they have the same impact on marriage and education for the women in their respective tribes. Even through the analysis has been done primarily to the Maasai and the Coastal women of Tanzania, the phenomenon of education neglect for women is prevalent to most of the tribes in Tanzania. Recommendations are made to show what should be done to rectify the situation so as to narrow the gap between the proportion of women educated and that of men. | Circumcision; Coastal women; Education; Maasai; Marriage; Menarche; Tribal culture | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891703427 | Current food safety management systems in fresh produce exporting industry are associated with lower performance due to context riskiness: Case study | Sawe C.T., Onyango C.M., Njage P.M.K. | 2014 | Food Control | 40 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foodcont.2013.12.019 | Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Kenya | Sawe, C.T., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya; Onyango, C.M., Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Njage, P.M.K., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya | Food processors implement differing food safety and quality assurance standards and guidelines. This may result in variable performance of the food safety management systems (FSMS) due to differences in technological development, resource access and food safety legal frameworks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of FSMS in the fresh produce export processing sector in Kenya as a case. The risk posed by the context in which they operate was assessed. An FSMS diagnostic instrument was used to evaluate thirteen fresh produce exporting processors based on indicators and descriptive grids for context factors, control and assurance activities and food safety output. Riskiness in context was diagnosed either as low risk, moderate risk or high risk. Performance of control and assurance activities was categorized as not conducted, basic, average or advanced. Food safety output was scored as either not done, poor, moderate or good.Majority of the processors (≥7) operate at moderate level in most (74%) of the context riskiness indicators. Seven out of the 13 processors indicated that susceptibility of initial material to microbial contamination posed the highest risk with respect to product characteristics. Even though majority of the companies had advanced level core control activities performance for 6 out of 29 of the activities, there was a moderate performance in 48% of the activities and 24% control activities were not applied. Core assurance activities for majority of the companies also performed moderately in 89% of the indicators. FSMS performance was poor for 53% and good for 37% of the processors. All the processors had advanced scores for monitoring of pesticide residues but five lacked sampling and subsequent criteria for microbial analysis. The FSMS implementation for 77% of the companies was poor to moderate and, given the moderate context riskiness, this therefore resulted in moderate FSMS-output.The mostly moderate FSMS activity levels when assessed in the context riskiness lower the food safety performance of the fresh produce sector. Several recommended control and assurance activities in fresh produce sector should be improved to advanced levels in order to realize a stable and predictable safety output subject to the riskiness of context situation. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Assurance activities; Context characteristics; Control activities; Diagnostic tool; Food safety management system; Fresh produce industry | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-75149164777 | Current impact of mining alkaline rocks on Save River water quality in Zimbabwe | Meck M., Atlhopheng J., Masamba W.R.L. | 2009 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 55 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2008.12.006 | Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Environmental Science Department, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB0704, Gaborone, Botswana; Harry Oppeinheimer Okavango Research Centre (HOORC), University of Botswana, Box 285, Maun, Botswana | Meck, M., Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe, Environmental Science Department, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB0704, Gaborone, Botswana; Atlhopheng, J., Environmental Science Department, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB0704, Gaborone, Botswana; Masamba, W.R.L., Harry Oppeinheimer Okavango Research Centre (HOORC), University of Botswana, Box 285, Maun, Botswana | Alkaline rocks (phosphate deposits in particular) of igneous origin are currently being mined in Zimbabwe. Exploitation of these deposits, which are associated with metals and non-metals, provides a potential for changing the river water quality in the surrounding areas by increasing metal and phosphates levels in the water, thereby endangering the beneficial use of the river. The aim and objectives of this paper are to enumerate the current impacts associated with mining alkaline rocks on Save River water quality in Zimbabwe using the Dorowa mine as a case study. Though there are several impacts associated with the mining of alkaline rocks, this paper deals only with impacts on water quality. A preliminary assessment of the water quality in the Save River downstream of the Dorowa phosphate mine showed an increase in conductivity, iron content, manganese content, nitrates and hardness when compared to those taken before mining activity began. However, there was no notable increase in phosphate and metals except for Fe and Mn. A plausible explanation for the low phosphate values in the water is that the phosphates are precipitating and settling as sediments. Phosphate is known to effectively remove metals from the surface water through the formation of metal-phosphate minerals. Thus, various pollutants may be adsorbed into sediments accumulated on the bottom of the river. These sediments may accumulate pollutants over long periods and act as new pollutant sources to the overlying water when phosphate desorbs from sediments due to changes in water conditions. Therefore, the sediments can act as a source of water pollution in the future. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Alkaline rocks; Phosphate mining; River water quality | alkaline rock; mining; phosphate; pollutant source; river pollution; water quality; Save River [Southern Africa]; Southern Africa | None |
| None | None | Current performance of food safety management systems of dairy processing companies in Tanzania | Kussaga J.B., Luning P.A., Tiisekwa B.P.M., Jacxsens L. | 2015 | International Journal of Dairy Technology | 68 | 2 | 10.1111/1471-0307.12183 | Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Laboratory of Food Preservation and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, Ghent, Belgium; Food Quality and Design Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8129, Wageningen, Netherlands | Kussaga, J.B., Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Laboratory of Food Preservation and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, Ghent, Belgium; Luning, P.A., Food Quality and Design Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8129, Wageningen, Netherlands; Tiisekwa, B.P.M., Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3006, Morogoro, Tanzania; Jacxsens, L., Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Laboratory of Food Preservation and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links, 653, Ghent, Belgium | A food safety management system (FSMS)-diagnostic instrument was applied in 22 dairy processing companies to analyse the set-up and operation of core control and assurance activities in view of the risk characteristics of the systems' context. Three clusters of companies were identified differing in levels of set-up and operation of this FSMS and system outputs, but all operated in a similar moderate-risk context. Microbiological assessment of products, environmental and hand samples indicated a poor to moderate food safety level. A two stage intervention approach has been proposed to enable commitment and sustainable improvement for the longer term. © 2014 Society of Dairy Technology. | Food safety; Food safety management system; Intervention measures; Microbiological performance; Tanzania dairy industry | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751165076 | Customer-focus and business performance: The study of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria | Nwokah N.G., Maclayton D.W. | 2006 | Measuring Business Excellence | 10 | 4 | 10.1108/13683040610719281 | Department of Marketing, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Nwokah, N.G., Department of Marketing, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Maclayton, D.W., Department of Marketing, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of customer-focus on the performance of the organisation. While many empirical works have centered on customer-focus, the generalisability of its impact on performance of the food and beverages organisations in the Nigeria context has been under-researched. Design/methodology/approach - The paper adopted a triangulation methodology (quantitative and qualitative approach). Data were collected from key informants using a research instrument. Returned instruments were analyzed using non-parametric correlation through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10. Findings - The paper validated the earlier instruments but did not find any strong association between customer-focus and business performance in the Nigerian context using the food and beverages organisations for the study. The reasons underlying the weak relationship between customer-focus and business performance of the food and beverages organizations are government policies, new product development, diversification, innovation and devaluation of the Nigerian currency. One important finding of this paper is that customer-focus leads to business performance through some moderating variables. Practical implications - The paper recommends that the Nigerian Government should ensure a stable economy and make economic policies that will enhance existing business development in the country. Also, organisations should have performance measurement systems to detect the impact of investment on customer-focus with the aim of knowing how the organization works. Originality/value - This paper significantly refines the body of knowledge concerning the impact of customer-focus on the performance of the organization, and thereby offers a model of customer-focus and business performance in the Nigerian context for marketing scholars and practitioners. This model will, no doubt, contribute to the body of existing literature of customer-focus. | Beverages; Business performance; Customer orientation; Food industry; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350333271 | Customer-focus, competitor-focus and marketing performance | Nwokah N.G. | 2009 | Measuring Business Excellence | 13 | 3 | 10.1108/13683040910984293 | Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Hartcourt, Nigeria | Nwokah, N.G., Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Hartcourt, Nigeria | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of customer focus and competitor focus on marketing performance of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - The paper adopted an exploratory design- six measures of marketing performance is used to capture the customer-focus and competitive-focus of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria. Data were collected from key informants using a research instrument. Returned instruments were analyzed using regression analysis through the use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. Findings - The paper validated the existing instruments for measuring customer focus, competitor focus and marketing performance. The paper also finds a strong positive relationship between the three constructs. Practical implications - Two major implications are identified in this paper, one to scholars on the investigation of the link between customer focus, competitor focus and marketing performance in two different organizations. The second is for managers to be aware of the need for effective assessment of marketing performance measure in line with customer focus and competitor focus. This will no doubt help to provide knowledge and understanding of the reason for and consequences of any particular marketing decision. Originality/value - The paper significantly refines the body of knowledge concerning the impact of customer focus, competitor focus and marketing performance in the Nigerian context. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Competitors; Customer orientation; Drinks; Food industry; Nigeria; Sales performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20344392413 | Cycling time trial performance during different phases of the menstrual cycle | Oosthuyse T., Bosch A.N., Jackson S. | 2005 | European Journal of Applied Physiology | 94 | 3 | 10.1007/s00421-005-1324-5 | School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Sport Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Department of Human and Animal Physiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Oosthuyse, T., School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa; Bosch, A.N., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Sport Science Institute of South Africa, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Jackson, S., Department of Human and Animal Physiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Submaximal exercise performance has not previously been assessed in the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, which is associated with a pre-ovulatory surge in oestrogen. Therefore, we compared cycling time trial performance during the early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF) and mid-luteal (ML) phase of the menstrual cycle in trained and untrained eumenorrhoeic women who cycled 30 and 15 km, respectively, in a non-fasted state. The women completed the three cycling time trials on a conventional racing bicycle mounted on an air-braked ergometer. We required resting oestrogen to increase by at least twofold above EF phase values in both the LF and ML phases and this resulted in a number of exclusions reducing the sample size of each group. No significant difference was noted in the finishing time between the different menstrual phases in trained (n = 5) or untrained (n = 8) group, albeit limited by sample size. However, analysis of the combined trained and untrained group data (n = 13) revealed a trend for a faster finishing time (P=0.027) in the LF phase compared to the EF phase as 73% of the subjects showed improvements with an average of 5.2±2.9% (or 2.1±1.1 min) in the LF phase (for α=0.05 requires P < 0.017). Combined group analysis yielded no difference between performance in the EF and ML phase or between the LF and ML phase. Thus, further research is encouraged to confirm the tendency for a faster time trial in the LF phase, which coincides with the pre-ovulatory surge in oestrogen. © Springer-Verlag 2005. | Endurance performance; Eumenorrhoeic women; Ovarian hormones | estrogen; luteinizing hormone; adult; article; bicycle ergometry; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; estrogen blood level; exercise; female; follicular phase; heart rate; human; human experiment; luteal phase; luteinizing hormone blood level; menstrual cycle; normal human; oxygen consumption; physical capacity; priority journal; progesterone blood level; statistical analysis; statistical significance; Adult; Bicycling; Estrogens; Exercise Test; Female; Follicular Phase; Humans; Luteal Phase; Menstrual Cycle; Physical Education and Training; Task Performance and Analysis; Time Factors | None |
| None | None | CYP3A5 genotype has an impact on the metabolism of the HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir | Josephson F., Allqvist A., Janabi M., Sayi J., Aklillu E., Jande M., Mahindi M., Burhenne J., Bottiger Y., Gustafsson L.L., Haefeli W.E., Bertilsson L. | 2007 | Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics | 81 | 5 | 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100117 | Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Internal Medicine, Muhimbili College of Health Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Muhimbili College of Health Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany | Josephson, F., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Allqvist, A., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Janabi, M., Department of Internal Medicine, Muhimbili College of Health Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Sayi, J., Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Muhimbili College of Health Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Aklillu, E., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Jande, M., Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Muhimbili College of Health Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Mahindi, M., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Burhenne, J., Department of Internal Medicine VI, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Bottiger, Y., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Gustafsson, L.L., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Haefeli, W.E., Department of Internal Medicine VI, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Bertilsson, L., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden | CYP3A is the main enzyme subfamily involved in the metabolism of the HIV protease-inhibitor saquinavir. We hypothesized that individuals homozygous for CYP3A5*1 might have a higher oral clearance of saquinavir, compared with subjects lacking functional CYP3A5 alleles. A single-dose pharmacokinetic trial of saquinavir soft gel capsules, 1,200 mg, was performed in 16 black Tanzanian healthy volunteers with two functional CYP3A5 alleles (*1/*1) and in 18 volunteers without functional CYP3A5 alleles (both alleles being either *3, *6, or *7). The median area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC)0-24 reached among subjects with two functional alleles was 1,410 ng h/ml (interquartile range (IQR) 826-1,929), whereas it was 2,138 ng h/ml (IQR 1,380-3,331) in subjects without (P=0.0533, Mann-Whitney U-test). The median ratio of saquinavir over its M2 plus M3 hydroxy metabolites in urine was 64 (IQR 52-73) in subjects with two functional alleles, whereas it was 145 (IQR 89-181) in those without (P=0.000078, Mann-Whitney U-test). In conclusion, saquinavir is metabolized by CYP3A5. The median AUC0-24 for saquinavir among individuals with two functional CYP3A5 alleles was 34% lower than among those with no functional alleles. To clarify the clinical importance of the CYP3A5 polymorphism, further studies should be conducted on saquinavir, dosed to steady state, in the presence of ritonavir boosting. | None | cytochrome P450 3A5; ritonavir; saquinavir; adult; allele; area under the curve; article; clinical article; controlled study; drug clearance; drug formulation; drug metabolism; female; genetic polymorphism; genotype; human; male; metabolite; normal human; priority journal; rank sum test; single drug dose; steady state; Tanzania; time; Adult; Alleles; Area Under Curve; Capsules; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Endpoint Determination; Female; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hydroxylation; Male; Middle Aged; Polymorphism, Genetic; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Saquinavir | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871398016 | Cystatin C-based evaluation of kidney function of HIV-infected children in Benin City, Southern Nigeria | Abiodun M.T., Iduoriyekemwen N.J., Abiodun P.O. | 2012 | International Journal of Nephrology | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/861296 | Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin 300001, Nigeria | Abiodun, M.T., Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin 300001, Nigeria; Iduoriyekemwen, N.J., Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin 300001, Nigeria; Abiodun, P.O., Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin 300001, Nigeria | Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is now a confirmed risk factor for kidney disease with an increased burden in persons of African descent. Method. We measured the serum cystatin C levels of 205 ART-naive, HIV-infected children by an ELISA technique and compared them with the levels of apparently healthy children. Result. The mean ± SD serum cystatin C level of children with HIV infection was 1.01 ± 0.44 mg/L, significantly higher than the mean value in the control group, that is, 0.72 ± 0.20 mg/L (P=0.000). The mean ± SD cystatin C-based estimated GFR of children with HIV infection was 102.7 ± 31.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, significantly lower than 126.9 ± 28.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the control group, (P=0.014). A significantly higher proportion of HIV-infected children compared to controls had eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (21.5% versus 5.4%; P=0.00). The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the HIV-infected children was 10.7%. The cystatin C-based eGFR of the HIV-infected children ≥5 years old correlated positively with their CD4 count (r=0.23; P=0.022). Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of CKD among HIV-infected children, requiring regular monitoring of their kidney function using a cystatin C-based method. © 2012 Moses Temidayo Abiodun et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876870201 | Cytoskeletal and biochemical events during early imbibition of maize embryonic axes and the impact of cryostorage | Mycock D.J., Isaacs C. | 2013 | Seed Science and Technology | 41 | 1 | None | School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Mycock, D.J., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Isaacs, C., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | The caryopses of a Zea mays hybrid grown in South Africa could not withstand direct immersion in liquid nitrogen for cryopreservation. This was due to the size of the seed and the consequent uneven freezing and thawing of the component tissues. Isolation of the embryonic axes and their culture in vitro after cryopreservation overcame this problem. However, isolation of the axes from the air-dry seed was both damaging and difficult. Short imbibition periods were therefore used to soften the testa of the caryopses. Axes isolated from seed which had been imbibed for 5.5 and 6.5 hours although viable after cryopreservation did not produce roots (shoots were formed), whereas axes from seeds imbibed for shorter periods (0.5 - 4.5 hours) produced fully functional in vitro plantlets albeit at a slower rate than the unfrozen controls. Measurement of selected biomolecules in the embryonic axes and in the leachate obtained during imbibition revealed that the combined concentrations of the amino acids (including proline) and glucose were sufficiently high to act as cryoprotectants. The microfilament and microtubule components of the cytoskeleton became progressively more organised during imbibition however, they were disrupted by cryopreservation. The requirement for the repair and re-assembly of the cytoskeleton is thus considered to be, in part, related to the reduced vigour of the cryopreserved material. At and after 5.5 hours of imbibition, specific cytoskeletal arrays were identifiable (e.g. the actin nuclear basket) but these were completely disintegrated by the cryo-treatment. Since that material did not develop roots in vitro, it is suggested that cryopreservation had compromised the repair processes including those associated with the re-assembly of the cytoskeleton. The transition from desiccation tolerance to sensitivity has been linked with the resumption of metabolic activity. The present data imply that the root meristematic region of the 0.5 - 4.5 hours-imbibed material still retained desiccation tolerance (and hence cryostorability) but this was lost at 5.5 hours imbibition. It also suggests that in maize the root meristem loses desiccation tolerance before the shoot meristem. | None | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751566546 | Cytotoxicity evaluation and isolation of a chroman derivative from Phyllanthus amarus aerial part extract | Ajaiyeoba E., Kingston D. | 2006 | Pharmaceutical Biology | 44 | 9 | 10.1080/13880200601006905 | Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Chemistry Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States | Ajaiyeoba, E., Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Kingston, D., Chemistry Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States | Chemical and cytotoxicity examinations of the crude methanol extract of the aerial parts of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et Thonn. (Euphorbiaceae) were investigated. The cytotoxicity property of the P. amarus was evaluated in vitro, using the human ovarian A2780 cancer cell. Bioassay-guided fraction of the crude extract (IC50 value of 31.2 μg/mL) showed that the dichloromethane fraction was most toxic with an IC50 value of 22.7 μg/mL, whereas the polar methanol fraction was least cytotoxic with an IC50 value of 31.2 μg/mL. This led to the isolation of a new chroman derivative from the dichloromethane fraction. On the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral data, the structure of the chroman was established as 4,4,8-trimethoxy chroman. The compound exhibited very little or no in vitro cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 16.2 μg/mL, relative to actinomycin, the reference compound, with an IC50 of 2.0 ng/mL. It can therefore be concluded that the aerial parts of P. amarus, an extensively used plant remedy in various African and Asian Pacific ethnomedicines, is relatively nontoxic. © 2006 Informa Healthcare. | Aerial parts; Cancer cell; Chroman derivative; Cytotoxicity; Phyllanthus amarus | 4,4,8 trimethoxychroman; chroman derivative; dactinomycin; dichloromethane; methanol; Phyllanthus amarus extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; article; bioassay; cancer cell; controlled study; cytotoxicity; drug isolation; drug structure; human; human cell; IC 50; mass spectrometry; medicinal plant; nuclear magnetic resonance; ovary cancer; Phyllanthus amarus; traditional medicine; Euphorbiaceae; Phyllanthus amarus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959853538 | Cytotoxicity evaluation of selected Nigerian plants used in traditional cancer treatment | Sowemimo A., ven de Venter M., Baatjies L., Koekemoer T. | 2011 | Journal of Medicinal Plants Research | 5 | 11 | None | Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, College of Medicine Campus, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Sowemimo, A., Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, College of Medicine Campus, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; ven de Venter, M., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Baatjies, L., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Koekemoer, T., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Herbal medicines have received much attention as a source of new anticancer drugs. However, scientific studies have been conducted to a limited extent with few medicinal plants. This study investigates the cytotoxic activity of some Nigerian medicinal plants used locally in the treatment of cancer. The ethanolic extracts of five plants were evaluated using the MTT assay on the HT29 and MCF-7 cell lines. Sapium ellipticum leaves showed a greater cytotoxic activity than Combretum paniculatum, Celosia trigyna, Drymaria cordata and Cyathula prostata and it was comparable to the activity of the reference compound Cisplatin in the MCF-7 cell line. In the HT29 cell line, all the plants showed less than 50% activity at 500 μg/ml. The results showed that Sapium exhibited a greater cytotoxic activity than all the plants tested and this provides scientific evidence to support the traditional use of the plant. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Cancer; Cisplatin; Cytotoxicity; Sapium; Traditional medicine | 3 (4,5 dimethyl 2 thiazolyl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide; antineoplastic agent; Celosia trigyna extract; cisplatin; combretum paniculatum extract; Cyathula prostata extract; Drymaria cordata extract; plant extract; Sapium ellipticum extract; unclassified drug; antineoplastic activity; article; cancer chemotherapy; cancer therapy; cell strain HT29; cell strain MCF 7; Celosia trigyna; Combretum paniculatum; controlled study; Cyathula prostata; drug cytotoxicity; drug effect; drug mechanism; drug screening; drug use; Drymaria cordata; herbal medicine; medicinal plant; Nigeria; plant leaf; Sapium ellipticum; Celosia trigyna; Combretum paniculatum; Cyathula; Drymaria cordata; Sapium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898770992 | DABCO-promoted one-pot synthesis of heteroaryl-substituted benzenes and their biological evaluation | Babu G.N., Ayalew H.M., Jain S. | 2014 | Medicinal Chemistry Research | 23 | 5 | 10.1007/s00044-013-0857-0 | School of Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Vikram University, Ujjain 456010, Madhya Pradesh, India; Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Babu, G.N., School of Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Vikram University, Ujjain 456010, Madhya Pradesh, India, Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Ayalew, H.M., Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Jain, S., School of Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Vikram University, Ujjain 456010, Madhya Pradesh, India | A simple and efficient one-pot synthesis of heteroaryl-substituted benzenes has been developed via cyclocondensation of vinylmalononitriles and ethylvinylcyanoacetates with heteroarylnitroolefines using diazabicyclo[2,2,2] octane as catalyst. The titled compounds were evaluated for their antitubercular, antibacterial and antifungal activities at various concentrations. © Springer Science+Business Media 2013. | Antibacterial activity; Antifungal activity; Antitubercular activity; DABCO; Heteroayl-substituted benzenes | 1,4 diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane; 3 amino 4 nitro 5 (1h pyrrole 2 yl) [1,1' biphenyl] 2 carboxylate; 3 amino 4 nitro 5 (thiophen 2 yl) [1,1' biphenyl] 2 carbonitrile; 3 amino 4' methoxy 4 nitro 5 (thiophen 2 yl) [1,1' biphenyl] 2 carbonitrile; 3 amino 5 (furan 2 yl) 4 nitro [1,1' biphenyl] 2 carbonitrile; 3 amino 5 (furan 2 yl) 4' methoxy 4 nitro 5 [1,1' biphenyl] 2 carbonitrile; acetic acid derivative; alkene derivative; benzene derivative; ciprofloxacin; clotrimazole; cyclooctane derivative; ethyl 3 amino 4 nitro(1h pyrrol 2 yl)[1,1' biphenyl] 2 carboxylate; ethyl 3 amino 4 nitro(furan 2 yl) [1,1' biphenyl] 2 carboxylate; ethyl 3 amino 4' methoxy 4 nitro 5 (thiophen 2 yl)[1,1' biphenyl 2 carbonitrile; nitrile; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; article; Aspergillus flavus; Aspergillus niger; Candida albicans; Candida tropicalis; catalyst; concentration response; controlled study; Escherichia coli; evaluation study; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; one pot synthesis; polymerization; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65449139504 | Daily soil cover: A preliminary study of its impact on the landfill of municipal solid waste | Oni O.A. | 2009 | Journal of Applied Sciences Research | 5 | 4 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ado Ekiti, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria; Prowork Ltd., 13 Newman Street, Southampton SO16 4FL, United Kingdom | Oni, O.A., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ado Ekiti, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, Prowork Ltd., 13 Newman Street, Southampton SO16 4FL, United Kingdom | The changes in the hydro-physical properties of a municipal solid waste (MSW) fill owing to an intermediate soil layer were studied. Key parameters, including dry density, drainable porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity of waste samples with and without an intermediate soil layer were measured in conventional test cells under increasing overburden stresses. Ravelling of the soil grains (SG = 2.65) into the underlying waste layer, estimated to be up to 50%, appeared to increase the density of the waste fill, in effect, decreasing its permeability. The waste-only fill was more permeable than waste incorporating a soil cover; however, this reduced with increased vertical stress applied to the fills. The measured and calculated values of the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the composite layered fill differed up to a factor of 100 at low vertical stresses. The moisture routing, undertaken with a modifie d Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP) model, suggests that the use of daily cover soil may reduce leachate drainage, thus increasing the degree of moisture saturation in waste fills. Further, waste fills with daily cover may drain leachate for a longer time and require closer spacing of basal drains. However, appropriate use of daily cover soil was found to benefit the sustainable practice of MSW landfilling. © 2009, INSInet Publication. | Cover soil; Density; Modified HELP model; Municipal solid waste; Saturated hydraulic conductivity; Simulation; Soil mechanics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-23844552375 | Damage, deterioration and the long-term structural performance of cooling-tower shells: A survey of developments over the past 50 years | Bamu P.C., Zingoni A. | 2005 | Engineering Structures | 27 | 12 SPEC. ISS. | 10.1016/j.engstruct.2005.04.020 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | Bamu, P.C., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa; Zingoni, A., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | The last 50 years have seen a gradual shift in trend in research on concrete hyperbolic cooling-tower shells, from the issues of response to short-term loading and immediate causes of collapse in the early part of this period, to the issues of deterioration phenomena, durability and long-term performance in more recent times. This paper traces these developments. After a revisit of some historical collapses of cooling-tower shells, and a brief consideration of condition surveys and repair programmes instituted in the aftermath of these events, focus shifts to the important question of damage and deterioration, and progress made over the past 30 years in the understanding of these phenomena. In particular, much research has gone into the modelling of cracking and geometric imperfections, which have a considerable effect on the load-carrying capacity of the shell, and are also manifestations of long-term deterioration. While structural monitoring of the progression of deterioration in cooling-tower shells, and the accurate prediction of this through appropriate numerical models, will always be important, the thinking now seems to be shifting towards designing for durability right from the outset. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Concrete cracking; Cooling towers; Damage modelling; Deterioration phenomena; Durability; Long-term performance; Shell imperfections; Shell structures | Cooling towers; Crack initiation; Defects; Deterioration; Durability; Mathematical models; Performance; Reinforced concrete; Concrete cracking; Cooling tower shells; Damage modelling; Deterioration phenomena; Long term performance; Shell imperfections; Shells (structures); structural analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890152411 | Damage evaluation in gap tubular truss 'K' bridge joints using SFEM | Jiki P.N., Agber J.U. | 2014 | Journal of Constructional Steel Research | 93 | None | 10.1016/j.jcsr.2013.10.010 | Civil Engineering Department, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Electrical Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Jiki, P.N., Civil Engineering Department, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Agber, J.U., Electrical Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | A damage stiffness parameter a of the shell element is calculated analytically using the fracture mechanics concept. A smooth quad T4 element was modified using the calculated parameter α. The modified element was introduced at the junction between the chord/brace connection where welding defect had taken place, while the unmodified same element was used elsewhere on the joint. Thereafter, a finite element analysis was carried out using thin shell theory and the smooth element formulation to investigate the effect of brace spacing on the distribution of stress concentrations in the welded tubular 'K' joint. This was done in order to investigate the level of stress concentrations and damage in the welded connection in the tubular joint. The joint was first modelled with no gap between the braces and a finite element computer run was made. Thereafter, the joint was modelled with brace gaps from 10 mm to 70 mm and finite element computer runs were made. The results obtained were then compared with those published in the literature. It was found that the presence of variable gaps between braces of the joint together with pre-crack affects the strength of tubular 'K' joints appreciably. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Computer simulation; Effect of bracing; Smoothed finite element; Stress concentration; Stress distribution; Structural joints; Tubular truss bridges | Effect of bracing; Element formulation; Smoothed finite elements; Stiffness parameters; Structural joints; Thin shell theory; Tubular truss; Welded connections; Computer simulation; Fracture mechanics; Trusses; Welding; Stress concentration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878141076 | Dam and be damned: The adverse impacts of belo monte on indigenous peoples in Brazil | Jaichand V., Sampaio A.A. | 2013 | Human Rights Quarterly | 35 | 2 | 10.1353/hrq.2013.0023 | International Human Rights Exchange School for Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland | Jaichand, V., International Human Rights Exchange School for Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Sampaio, A.A., National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland | In June 2011 the license to build Belo Monte-what the Brazilian government claims to be the third largest dam in the world in terms of electric power generating capacity-was granted. Since the 1970s, when the plans to build the dam were first made public, the project has encountered great opposition. Indigenous peoples and others who would adversely be affected by the construction of the Belo Monte Dam were supported by national and international NGOs that tried to halt the project through numerous strategic paths, one of which was by filing a case before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Finally, in April 2011, the Commission granted an injunction in favor of the indigenous peoples of the Xingu River Basin that would be impacted by the dam, requesting the government to stop Belo Monte's construction. However, Brazil argued that these peoples would not be affected and disregarded the request. This article, by looking at indigenous peoples' substantive and procedural rights, assesses the possible adverse impacts on the indigenous peoples. Special attention is given to the profound connection indigenous peoples have with their lands and how this connection impacts on their unique rights to self-determination, property, and culture. Considering the analysis of these rights, indigenous peoples' right to be consulted in a free, prior, and informed manner is assessed. This article concludes that the adverse impacts that would result from Belo Monte's construction are evident and the State's conduct in carrying on with the project is in violation of national and international law. © 2013 by The Johns Hopkins University Press. | None | cultural geography; cultural landscape; dam construction; human rights; indigenous population; nongovernmental organization; state-local relations; Belo Monte Dam; Brazil; Para [Brazil]; Xingu Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751556348 | Dambo mapping for environmental monitoring using Landsat TM and SAR imagery: Case study in the Zambian Copperbelt | Limpitlaw D., Gens R. | 2006 | International Journal of Remote Sensing | 27 | 21 | 10.1080/01431160600835846 | University of the Witwatersrand, School of Mining Engineering, Private Bag 3, 2050 Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute, 903 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, United States | Limpitlaw, D., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Mining Engineering, Private Bag 3, 2050 Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Gens, R., University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute, 903 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, United States | The purpose of this study was to monitor the impact of mining in the Zambian Copperbelt, specifically using dambos as an environmental indicator for pollution. Data fusion using a Brovey transform was used for combining speckle filtered radar data with optical data to effectively map natural dambos and dambos that have degraded due to human impact. Comparative analysis of raw images and fusion product reveals that, whereas natural dambos show low values on Landsat reflective bands and low backscatter response in SAR imagery, degraded dambos have mixed spectral responses. Degraded dambos are difficult to identify in either optical or SAR images alone, but a fusion product highlights complimentary spectral information, making these environmental indicators uniquely identifiable. | None | Environmental engineering; Image analysis; Mapping; Radar imaging; Synthetic aperture radar; Dambo mapping; Environmental indicator; Environmental monitoring; Optical data; Speckle filtered radar; Mining; environmental monitoring; image analysis; Landsat thematic mapper; mapping method; radar imagery; synthetic aperture radar; Africa; Copperbelt; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zambia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941759345 | Damping characteristics of nanoclay filled hybrid laminates during medium velocity impact | Mohan T.P., Velmurugan R., Kanny K. | 2015 | Composites Part B: Engineering | 82 | None | 10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.08.016 | Composites Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Composites Technology Centre, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India | Mohan, T.P., Composites Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Velmurugan, R., Composites Technology Centre, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India; Kanny, K., Composites Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | The objective of this paper is to study the vibrational damping characteristics during medium velocity impact of nanoclay filled glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid laminates. A series of laminates with varying degree of nanoclay concentration (0-5 wt.%) and fiber weight fraction (25-75 wt.%) were prepared by vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) method. The laminates were subjected to medium velocity projectile impact using in-house built gas gun set-up and the ballistic limit of laminates series was determined. The result indicated that during impact, the laminate undergoes vibrational damping. This damping property is a function of fiber weight fraction and orientation, nanoclay concentration and nanocomposite structure. A 42% increase of ballistic limit was observed for 5 wt.% nanoclay filled hybrid (50 wt.% fiber) when compared with unfilled composite. Structural and modal analysis of hybrids showed that the increased ballistic limit of nanoclay filled hybrids is due to the nanocomposite structure and improved damping and fracture properties. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | A. Laminates; A. Nano-structures; B. Impact behavior; B. Vibration | Ballistics; Damping; Fibers; Modal analysis; Nanocomposites; Nanostructured materials; Nanostructures; Paper laminates; B. Vibration; Damping characteristics; Glass fiber-reinforced epoxy; Impact behavior; Nano-composite structure; Nanoclay concentrations; Vacuum assisted resin infusion moldings; Vibrational damping; Laminates | 76460, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology; DST, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880040881 | Dancing with the devil: formative peer assessment and academic performance | Snowball J.D., Mostert M. | 2013 | Higher Education Research and Development | 32 | 4 | 10.1080/07294360.2012.705262 | Department of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Snowball, J.D., Department of Economics and Economic History, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Mostert, M., Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Peer assessment can be important in developing active and independent learners, as well as providing more and faster feedback in large classes, compared to marking done by tutors. In addition, the evaluative, critical stance required by students in order to assess their peers' work encourages the development of higher-order cognitive skills. Changing roles from being assessed to being an assessor can also improve students' ability to judge and improve on their own work. However, peer assessment does have potential problems and there is some debate as to the appropriate academic level at which to implement it, the kinds of feedback that are given and the ways in which students respond. In addition, there is little evidence that peer assessment has an impact on academic performance. This research reports the results of an online peer assessment exercise for a macroeconomics essay conducted in a large Economics 1 class at Rhodes University. Of the 800 students, about half participated in the peer assessment exercise. Data were collected from students via a formal course evaluation. In addition, a sample of 50 essays was evaluated in terms of the relationship between peer marks and final (tutor) marks received and the impact that peer assessment had on the quality of the final essay submitted. An Ordinary Least Squares regression was used to investigate the impact of peer assessment participation on marks. Results showed that peer marks tended to 'bunch' in the 60-68% range, indicating the reluctance of peers to give very high or low marks. In general, peers gave more useful feedback on technical aspects, such as presentation and referencing (which were also the categories in which students most often made improvements), than on content. Regression analysis showed that peer assessment participation was not a significant determinant of final essay mark, but that economics ability and English language proficiency were. © 2013 Copyright HERDSA. | academic outcomes; impact; large classes; online; peer assessment | None | None |
| None | None | Data resource profile: The sentinel panel of districts: Tanzania's national platform for health impact evaluation | Kabadi G.S., Geubbels E., Lyatuu I., Smithson P., Amaro R., Meku S., Schellenberg J.A., Masanja H. | 2015 | International Journal of Epidemiology | 44 | 1 | 10.1093/ije/dyu223 | Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; National Bureau of Statistics, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Kabadi, G.S., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Geubbels, E., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lyatuu, I., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Smithson, P., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Amaro, R., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Meku, S., National Bureau of Statistics, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Schellenberg, J.A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Masanja, H., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The Sentinel Panel of Districts (SPD) consists of 23 districts selected to provide nationally representative data on demographic and health indicators in Tanzania. The SPD has two arms: SAVVY and FBIS. SAVVY (SAmple Vital registration with Verbal autopsY) is a demographic surveillance system that provides nationally representative estimates of mortalities based on age, sex, residence and zone. SAVVY covers over 805 000 persons, or about 2% of the Tanzania mainland population, and uses repeat household census every 4-5 years, with ongoing reporting of births, deaths and causes of deaths. The FBIS (Facility-Based Information System) collects routine national health management information system data. These health service use data are collected monthly at all public and private health facilities in SPD districts, i.e. about 35% of all facilities in Mainland Tanzania. Both SAVVY and FBIS systems are capable of generating supplementary information from nested periodic surveys. Additional information about the design of the SPD is available online: access to some of SPD's aggregate data can be requested by sending an e-mail to [hmasanja@ihi.or.tz]. © The Author 2014. | Demographic and mortality surveillance; Health facility surveillance; Representative sample; Sub-Saharan Africa | birth rate; cause of death; demographic method; health impact; health monitoring; health services; household survey; panel data; Sentinel; Article; health care facility; health care utilization; health impact assessment; health survey; human; medical information system; priority journal; public health; Tanzania; adolescent; adult; age distribution; aged; child; demography; epidemiology; female; infant; information processing; male; middle aged; newborn; preschool child; procedures; sex ratio; socioeconomics; very elderly; vital statistics; young adult; Tanzania; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Causality; Child; Child, Preschool; Data Collection; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Public Health Surveillance; Residence Characteristics; Sex Distribution; Socioeconomic Factors; Tanzania; Vital Statistics; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950652291 | Daytime sleepiness, psychomotor performance, waking EEG spectra and evoked potentials in women with severe premenstrual syndrome | Baker F.C., Colrain I.M. | 2010 | Journal of Sleep Research | 19 | 1 PART. 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-2869.2009.00782.x | Human Sleep Research Program, SRI International, CA, United States; Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia | Baker, F.C., Human Sleep Research Program, SRI International, CA, United States, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Colrain, I.M., Human Sleep Research Program, SRI International, CA, United States, Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia | Summary We assessed daytime sleepiness using objective and subjective measures in women with severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) compared with women without significant premenstrual symptoms. Nine women with severe PMS and eight controls (aged 18-40 years) completed a laboratory-based daytime protocol including the maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT), psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), quantitative waking electroencephalogram (EEG), auditory and visual event-related potentials (ERPs), and sleepiness and mood scales during the mid-follicular and late-luteal (premenstrual) phases of the menstrual cycle. In association with increased perceived sleepiness, fatigue and other premenstrual symptoms in the late-luteal phase, women with PMS performed more poorly on the PVT, with increased lapses and slower reaction times (P < 0.05), compared with the follicular phase and controls. However, there were no significant group or menstrual phase differences in latency to sleep on the MWT. Waking spectral EEG power and ERP measures also did not differentiate PMS women when symptomatic. Both groups of women displayed increased spectral power in the delta/theta frequencies (2-6 Hz) and fast alpha frequency (11-12 Hz) in the late-luteal phase relative to the follicular phase. Trait-like differences were apparent in that women with PMS had increased beta1 (12-16 Hz) power and smaller P300 amplitude than controls in both menstrual cycle phases. Our findings indicate that women with severe PMS are subjectively sleepy and fatigued, and show psychomotor slowing when symptomatic compared with when they are symptom-free and compared with controls. However, the ability to maintain wakefulness under soporific conditions, spectral properties of waking EEG and cognitive processing do not vary in synchrony with premenstrual symptoms. © 2009 European Sleep Research Society. | Fatigue; Maintenance of wakefulness test; P300; Premenstrual dysphoric disorder; Psychomotor vigilance task; Waking electroencephalogram | adult; alertness; alpha rhythm; article; clinical article; cognition; controlled study; daytime somnolence; delta rhythm; electroencephalogram; evoked auditory response; evoked visual response; fatigue; female; human; power spectrum; premenstrual syndrome; priority journal; psychomotor performance; reaction time; somnolence; theta rhythm; wakefulness; Adolescent; Adult; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence; Electroencephalography; Evoked Potentials; Female; Humans; Premenstrual Syndrome; Psychomotor Performance; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Wakefulness; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68049126331 | Day-to-day variation in heart rate at different levels of submaximal exertion: Implications for monitoring training | Lamberts R.P., Lambert M.I. | 2009 | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research | 23 | 3 | 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181a2dcdc | UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa | Lamberts, R.P., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa; Lambert, M.I., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa | The HIMS test, which consists of controlled exercise at increasing workloads, has been developed to monitor changes in training status and accumulative fatigue in athletes. As the workload can influence the day-to-day variation in heart rate, the exercise intensity, which is associated with the highest sensitivity, needs to be established with the goal of refining the interpretability of these heart rate measurements. The aim of the study was to determine the within-subject day-to-day variation of submaximal and recovery heart rate in subjects who reached different exercise intensities. Thirty-eight subjects participated in this study and after familiarization were allocated to 1 of 4 groups based on the percentage of predicted heart rate maximum that was elicited during the first test (i.e., groups: <85, 85-90, 90-95, and >.95% maximum heart rate). Variation in heart rate was determined for the following 4 days at a range of intensities (61-98% of maximum heart rate) and recovery periods. Variation in heart rate decreased with increasing exercise intensity in all groups. The lowest variation in heart rate was found at the end of the last stage of the test in the 85-90% group (3 ± 1b-min-1) and >.95% group (3 ± 2bmin-1). The lowest variation during the recovery periods occurred at the first minute after the last stage. Although there were no significant differences between the groups, the 85-90% group showed a tendency to have the lowest variation in heart rate. If changes in heart rate and heart rate recovery are to be monitored in athletes, a submaximal protocol should elicit heart rate between 85 and 90% of maximum heart rate, because this intensity is associated with the least day-to-day variation.Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association. | Exercise intensity; HIMS; Precision; Recovery; Training status | adult; analysis of variance; anthropometry; article; circadian rhythm; exercise; female; heart rate; human; male; monitoring; physiology; running; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anthropometry; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Monitoring, Physiologic; Physical Exertion; Running | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938299459 | DDT and pyrethroid resistance status and laboratory evaluation of bio-efficacy of long lasting insecticide treated nets against Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex decens in Ghana | Kudom A.A., Mensah B.A., Froeschl G., Rinder H., Boakye D. | 2015 | Acta Tropica | 150 | None | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.07.009 | Center for International Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany; Department of Entomology and Wildlife, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Oberschleissheim, Germany; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Ghana | Kudom, A.A., Center for International Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany, Department of Entomology and Wildlife, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Mensah, B.A., Department of Entomology and Wildlife, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Froeschl, G., Center for International Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany; Rinder, H., Center for International Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Oberschleissheim, Germany; Boakye, D., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Ghana | Nuisance from Culex mosquitoes in Ghana has a serious negative impact on the standard of living in many urban communities. In addition, a perceived lack of efficacy of long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) against nuisance mosquitoes contributes to their discontinued use. This again compromises malaria control, even if Anopheles species themselves would still be susceptible to the insecticides used. Control strategies involve pyrethroid insecticides but information on Culex mosquito susceptibility to these insecticides is limited. A nationwide survey was conducted to address this problem. In adults, susceptibility to permethrin, deltamethrin and DDT as well as enzyme activity and kdr mutation were determined. Cone and tunnel bioassay were also carried out to determine the efficacy of LLINs against the mosquitoes. Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex decens were identified in the study area. Higher deltamethrin and DDT resistance and relatively low permethrin resistance were observed in both species. High enzyme activities and kdr mutations were observed in C. quinquefasciatus but not in C. decens. However, reduced efficacy of LLINs was observed in both mosquito species. This adds up to the evidence of the spread of pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes and its negative impact on control strategies. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Culex; Kdr mutation; Malaria; Pyrethroid; Resistance; Urban | chlorphenotane; cytochrome P450; deltamethrin; esterase; genomic DNA; glutathione transferase; insecticide; permethrin; pyrethroid; unspecific monooxygenase; bioassay; DDT; disease control; disease spread; enzyme activity; malaria; mosquito; pyrethroid; Anopheles gambiae; Article; bioassay; controlled study; Culex; Culex decens; Culex quinquefasciatus; enzyme activity; gene; gene mutation; Ghana; kdr gene; laboratory test; malaria control; nonhuman; polymerase chain reaction; urban population; Ghana; Culex decens; Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944684024 | Debt capital, firm performance and change of CEO in firms listed on the Nairobi securities exchange | Otieno O.L., Ngwenya S. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 13 | 1CONT6 | None | Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, School of Management Sciences, UNISA, PO Box 392, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, Kenya | Otieno, O.L., Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; Ngwenya, S., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, School of Management Sciences, UNISA, PO Box 392, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, Kenya | It is generally accepted that boards of directors play a fundamental role in corporate governance and the structure of the board plays a significant role in the functioning of a company (Jensen, 1993). The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between debt capital, firm performance, and change of CEO in firms listed on the NSE. The results of the study revealed that firms in which an individual shareholder has influence or controlling interest are reluctant to replace their CEO even when performance is below average. The results also revealed that the replacement of the CEO is not performance driven, but is debt capital driven. Specifically, the results suggest that medium leverage ratio is associated with change in CEOs on firms listed on the NSE. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Change of CEO; Debt capital; Firm performance; NSE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859422964 | Decentralised CD38 activation monitoring: Aspects of practical implementation and standardisation | Moodley K., Coetzee L.M., Glencross D.K. | 2012 | Journal of Immunological Methods | 378 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jim.2012.02.013 | Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Moodley, K., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Coetzee, L.M., National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Glencross, D.K., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: In light of the HIV pandemic, significant strides have been made in improving treatment options for patients. Technologies to monitor the progress of a patient on such treatment have therefore also been scaled up. Immune activation as measured by CD38 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) on CD8 T cells has been successfully shown in a clinical trial to predict response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and reported as a cost effective real time test to supplement more costly VL testing. In this study we report transfer of this technology from the research into the routine environment. Methods: This study was conducted in 2 parts: Firstly, fresh random samples (n = 75) were tested at four time intervals (0, 24, 36 and 48. h) post-venesection to review reproducibility of CD38 MFI expression. Secondly, the CD38 MFI assay was introduced into a pilot regional testing facility and random samples (n = 40) were validated against values obtained on matched samples tested at the reference laboratory. Results: The CD38 assay showed acceptable accuracy and reproducibility up to 36. h (98% similarity) after venesection with some reduction in CD38 MFI to 94% at 48. h (bias < 0.2MFI, %CV < 5).Implementation at the secondary testing site was successful with 98% similarity (% SIM CV < 5%) compared to the reference laboratory. Conclusion: The assay proved stable over time and could be tested until 48. h after venesection with no loss of CD38 MFI. Off-site implementation also proved successful, as such, the CD38 assay offers a reliable real time supplementary test to long-term VL monitoring of HIV infected patients on the national ART programme. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | CD38 activation; Flow cytometry; Implementation | CD38 antigen; accuracy; antigen expression; article; CD8+ T lymphocyte; comparative study; controlled study; human; human cell; phlebotomy; postoperative period; priority journal; reproducibility; scale up; standardization; T lymphocyte activation; validation process; Antigens, CD38; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Fluorescence; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Pilot Projects; Reference Standards; Reproducibility of Results | None |
| WoS | WOS:000288485500014 | Decentralized health care priority-setting in Tanzania: Evaluating against the accountability for reasonableness framework | Byskov, Jens,Hurtig, Anna-Karin,Kamuzora, Peter,Maluka, Stephen,Ndawi, Benedict,Olsen, Oystein E.,Sebastian, Miguel San,Shayo, Elizabeth | 2010 | SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE | 71 | 4 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.04.035 | Umea University, University of Copenhagen, University of Dar es Salaam, DBL Ctr Hlth Res & Dev, Haydom Lutheran Hosp, Natl Inst Med Res NIMR, Primary Hlth Care Inst PHCI | "Byskov, Jens: University of Copenhagen","Hurtig, Anna-Karin: Umea University","Kamuzora, Peter: University of Dar es Salaam","Sebastian, Miguel San: Umea University", | Priority-setting has become one of the biggest challenges faced by health decision-makers worldwide. Fairness is a key goal of priority-setting and Accountability for Reasonableness has emerged as a guiding framework for fair priority-setting. This paper describes the processes of setting health care priorities in Mbarali district, Tanzania, and evaluates the descriptions against Accountability for Reasonableness. Key informant interviews were conducted with district health managers, local government officials and other stakeholders using a semi-structured interview guide. Relevant documents were also gathered and group priority-setting in the district was observed. The results indicate that, while Tanzania has a decentralized public health care system, the reality of the district level priority-setting process was that it was not nearly as participatory as the official guidelines suggest it should have been. Priority-setting usually occurred in the context of budget cycles and the process was driven by historical allocation. Stakeholders' involvement in the process was minimal. Decisions (but not the reasoning behind them) were publicized through circulars and notice boards, but there were no formal mechanisms in place to ensure that this information reached the public. There were neither formal mechanisms for challenging decisions nor an adequate enforcement mechanism to ensure that decisions were made in a fair and equitable manner. Therefore, priority-setting in Mbarali district did not satisfy all four conditions of Accountability for Reasonableness; namely relevance, publicity, appeals and revision, and enforcement. This paper aims to make two important contributions to this problematic situation. First, it provides empirical analysis of priority-setting at the district level in the contexts of low-income countries. Second, it provides guidance to decision-makers on how to improve fairness, legitimacy, and sustainability of the priority-setting process. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | "accountability for reasonableness",DECENTRALIZATION,"HEALTH SYSTEMS",PRIORITY-SETTING,Tanzania,CANADA,DECISION-MAKERS,FAIRNESS,ONTARIO | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892539989 | Decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools in Abia state, Nigeria | Uba-Mbibi F.O. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 8 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n8p107 | Department of Agricultural/Home Ec onomics Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | Uba-Mbibi, F.O., Department of Agricultural/Home Ec onomics Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study specifically sought to determine decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools in Abia state, Nigeria. Two research questions were posed and two hypotheses formulated to guide the investigation, which was carried out ex-post factor, using a descriptive survey design. A sample of 541 junior secondary schools was drawn from a population of 1082 in the 230 junior secondary schools in Abia state. Data were collected using the researcher's self constructed questionnaire from the respondents titled involvement of teachers in decision making and job satisfaction as correlates of teachers' job performance in junior secondary schools (ITDMJSTJPQ). To ensure face validity of the instrument, two experts in Educational Administration and Planning of Abia State College of Education were consulted. There expert comments were used to modify the final copy of the questionnaire used for the study. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, ad mean rating to answer the two research questions posted while the Z-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses formulated. Results indicated that although the teachers were involved in decision making but some decisions reached were not implemented by the school principals. As a result of this, there was lack of job satisfaction and low job performance among junior secondary school teachers in the junior secondary schools. The test of hypothesis one shows that there was no significant difference between teachers' decision making and job performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that principals should involve and implement teachers' decisions in schools to enhance their job performance for uplifting of educational standard in Nigeria. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949664163 | Decision support for evaluating player performance in rugby union | Calder J.M., Durbach I.N. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching | 10 | 1 | None | Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Calder, J.M., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Durbach, I.N., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Many professional rugby teams collect extensive data on player performance, but the synthesis of this data into overall evaluations and subsequent selections is still largely left to the expert but unassisted judgment of coaching staff. Decision support systems are designed to assist this process by providing a framework for making decisions in a structured, transparent way. In this article we develop a decision support tool to assist performance evaluation in rugby. The method considers player performance over a range of attributes and addresses uncertainty both in the assessment of performance and in preferences for certain aspects of the game over others. We illustrate the approach using data collected for the 2008 and 2009 Super Rugby tournament. | Performance Analysis; Player Evaluation; Rugby Football; Sport Analytics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944674410 | Decision tools for coral reef managers: Using participatory decision support to integrate potential climate impacts and informed decision making | Fletcher P.J., Spranger M., Hendee J.C., Li Y., Clark M., Kiker G.A. | 2015 | Global Ecology and Conservation | 4 | None | 10.1016/j.gecco.2015.09.003 | University of Florida, Florida Sea Grant College Program, 803 McCarty Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States; University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, Soil Water Science Department, 18905 Southwest 280th Street, Homestead, FL, United States; NOAA, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, United States; University of Florida, Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, PO Box 110310, Gainesville, FL, United States; University of Florida, Soil Water Science Department, 2181 McCarty Hall A, PO Box 110290, Gainesville, FL, United States; University of Florida, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, PO Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, United States; University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, South Africa | Fletcher, P.J., University of Florida, Florida Sea Grant College Program, 803 McCarty Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States, University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, Soil Water Science Department, 18905 Southwest 280th Street, Homestead, FL, United States, NOAA, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, United States; Spranger, M., University of Florida, Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, PO Box 110310, Gainesville, FL, United States; Hendee, J.C., NOAA, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, United States; Li, Y., University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, Soil Water Science Department, 18905 Southwest 280th Street, Homestead, FL, United States; Clark, M., University of Florida, Soil Water Science Department, 2181 McCarty Hall A, PO Box 110290, Gainesville, FL, United States; Kiker, G.A., University of Florida, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, PO Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, United States, University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, South Africa | The decline in coral reef health presents a complex management issue. While several causes of decline have been identified and are under continued study, it is often difficult to discern management actions necessary to address multiple near- and far-field stressors to these ecosystems. As a result, resource managers seek tools to improve the understanding of ecosystem condition and to develop management responses to reduce local and regional pressures in the wake of larger, global impacts. A research study conducted from 2010 to 2014 in southeast Florida, USA consisted of two objectives: (1) conduct a needs assessment survey with coral reef and marine resource managers to identify data needs and the preferred design and delivery of climate information; and (2) develop and evaluate prototype decision support tools. The needs assessment process was helpful for identifying the types of climate information managers would like to obtain to inform decision making and to specify the preferred format for the delivery of that information. Three prototype tools were evaluated by managers using pre/post surveys that included hands-on tutorials to explore the functionality of each. Manager responses were recorded using a five-point scale with 1 being No or Not Useful to 5 being Absolutely or Very Useful. The median responses rated the usefulness of the tools (4), if they would consider using the tool (4), and if they would recommend using the tool to other managers (4 or 5). The median response for increasing manager's knowledge about climate impacts after completing a tutorial of each of the climate tools was a 3 (moderately useful). Of the managers surveyed in the pre/post-survey, all but one stated they believed they would use the decision support tools in the future with the single response due to wealth of data availability in their institution. © 2015. | Coral reef management; Participatory decision support; Southeast Florida | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649260008 | Decline in early life mortality in a high HIV prevalence rural area of South Africa: Evidence of HIV prevention or treatment impact? | Ndirangu J., Newell M.-L., Tanser F., Herbst A.J., Bland R. | 2010 | AIDS | 24 | 4 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328335cff5 | Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal 3935, South Africa; Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University College London, Institute of Child Health, United States; Division of Developmental Medicine, University of Glasgow Medical Faculty, United Kingdom | Ndirangu, J., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal 3935, South Africa; Newell, M.-L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal 3935, South Africa, Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University College London, Institute of Child Health, United States; Tanser, F., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal 3935, South Africa; Herbst, A.J., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal 3935, South Africa; Bland, R., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal 3935, South Africa, Division of Developmental Medicine, University of Glasgow Medical Faculty, United Kingdom | OBJECTIVE: We present early life mortality rates in a largely rural population with high antenatal HIV prevalence, and investigate temporal and spatial associations with a prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme, an HIV treatment programme, and maternal HIV. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis. METHODS: All births from January 2000 to January 2007 to women in the Africa Centre demographic surveillance were included. Under-two child mortality rates (U2MR) computed as deaths per 1000 live-births per year; factors associated with mortality risk assessed with Weibull regression. Availability of PMTCT (single-dose nevirapine; sdNVP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a programme included in multivariable analysis. Results: Eight hundred and forty-eight (6.2%) of 13 583 children under 2 years died. Deaths in under twos declined by 49% between 2001 and 2006, from 86.3 to 44.1 deaths per thousand live-births. Mortality was independently associated with birth season (adjusted hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.33), maternal education (1.21, 1.02-1.43), maternal HIV (4.34, 3.11-6.04) and ART availability (0.46, 0.33-0.65). Children born at home (unlikely to have received sdNVP) had a 35% higher risk of dying than children born in a facility where sdNVP was available (1.35, 1.04-1.74). For 2005 births the availability of PMTCT and ART in public health programmes would have explained 8 and 31% of the decline in U2MR since 2000. Conclusion: These findings confirm the importance of maternal survival, and highlight the importance of the PMTCT and especially maternal HIV treatment with direct benefits of improved survival of their young children. © 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Africa; ART; HIV; Mortality; PMTCT; Rural | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; nevirapine; adult; article; child; childhood mortality; controlled study; female; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; infant feeding; major clinical study; male; newborn period; priority journal; risk assessment; risk factor; rural area; single drug dose; South Africa; vertical transmission; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Male; Nevirapine; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Rural Health; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956597471 | Decreasing the burden of type 2 diabetes in South Africa: The impact of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages | Manyema M., Veerman J.L., Chola L., Tugendhaft A., Labadarios D., Hofman K. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0143050 | PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council, Capetown, South Africa | Manyema, M., PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Veerman, J.L., School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Chola, L., PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tugendhaft, A., PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Labadarios, D., Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council, Capetown, South Africa; Hofman, K., PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Introduction Type 2 diabetes poses an increasing public health burden in South Africa (SA) with obesity as the main driver of the epidemic. Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) is linked to weight gain and reducing SSB consumption may significantly impact the prevalence of obesity and related diseases. We estimated the effect of a 20% SSB tax on the burden of diabetes in SA. Methods and Findings We constructed a life table-based model in Microsoft Excel (2010). Consumption data from the 2012 SA National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, previously published own- and cross-price elasticities of SSBs and energy balance equations were used to estimate changes in daily energy intake and its projected impact on BMI arising from increased SSB prices. Diabetes relative risk and prevalent years lived with disability estimates fromthe Global Burden of Disease Study andmodelled disease epidemiology estimates from a previous study were used to estimate the effect of the BMI changes on diabetes burden. Diabetes cost estimates were obtained from the South African Council forMedical Schemes. Over 20 years, a 20% SSB tax could reduce diabetes incident cases by 106 000 in women (95%uncertainty interval (UI) 70 000-142 000) and by 54 000 inmen (95%UI: 33 000-80 000); and prevalence in all adults by 4.0% (95% UI: 2.7%-5.3%). Cumulatively over twenty years, approximately 21 000 (95%UI: 14 000-29 000) adult T2DM-related deaths, 374 000 DALYs attributed to T2DM (95%UI: 299 000-463 000) and over ZAR10 billion T2DM healthcare costs (95%UI: ZAR6.8-14.0 billion) equivalent to USD860 million (95%UI: USD570 million-USD1.2 billion) may be averted. Conclusion Fiscal policy on SSBs has the potential tomitigate the diabetes epidemic in South Africa and contribute to the National Department of Health goals stated in the National NCD strategic plan. © 2015 Manyema et al.This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | Article; beverage; body mass; caloric intake; cost of illness; disability; disability adjusted life year; epidemic; health care concepts; health care cost; incidence; life table method; life years gained; mortality; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; prevalence; sensitivity analysis; South Africa; sugar sweetened beverage; tax | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861776235 | Deep underwater seismic explosion experiments and their possible ecological impact - The case of Lake Arenguade - Central Ethiopian highlands | Girma M.B., Kifle D., Jebessa H. | 2012 | Limnologica | 42 | 3 | 10.1016/j.limno.2011.12.002 | Department of Molecular Biology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden; Department of Biology, Addis, Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Girma, M.B., Department of Molecular Biology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden; Kifle, D., Department of Biology, Addis, Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Jebessa, H., Department of Biology, Addis, Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The study was conducted in Lake Arenguade (Lake Haro Hadho) from 2008 to 2009 and results were compared with previous studies conducted by different authors since the 1960s. The study included the chemistry and chlorophyll-a biomass in micrograms per liter (μgL -1). Results showed that chlorophyll-a biomass dramatically decreased since the 1960s. Previous studies indicated that the phytoplankton community of Lake Arenguade was dominated by a single cyanobacterium species, Arthrospira fusiformis (Voronichin) Komárek et Lund (syn. Spirulina fusiformis Voronichin) while the present study showed co-dominance of the lake's phytoplankton by another cyanobacterium species, Anabaenopsis elenkinii Miller. The trend shows that A. fusiformis is on the verge of disappearance from Lake Arenguade. While other factors can be responsible for such a change, the contribution of underwater seismological detonation experiments carried out repeatedly cannot be ruled out. Based on the results, recommendations were forwarded for possible full-fledged environmental impact assessment of explosion experiments in Lake Arenguade; and other lakes in which similar explosion experiments were carried out. © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. | Anabaenopsis; Arenguade; Arthrospira; Bishoftu; Ethiopia; Seismic explosion | biomass; chlorophyll a; cyanobacterium; ecological impact; environmental impact assessment; experimental study; phytoplankton; seismic method; seismology; water chemistry; Ethiopia; Lake Arenguade; Anabaenopsis; Anabaenopsis elenkinii; Arthrospira; Arthrospira fusiformis; Spirulina | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72849126471 | Defining immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome: Evaluation of expert opinion versus 2 case definitions in a south african cohort | Haddow L.J., Easterbrook P.J., Mosam A., Khanyile N.G., Parboosing R., Moodley P., Moosa M.-Y.S. | 2009 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 49 | 9 | 10.1086/630208 | Department of HIV and Genitourinary Medicine, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 7, Durban 4013, South Africa; Departments of Dermatology, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Departments of Virology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa | Haddow, L.J., Department of HIV and Genitourinary Medicine, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom, Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 7, Durban 4013, South Africa; Easterbrook, P.J., Department of HIV and Genitourinary Medicine, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom, Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 7, Durban 4013, South Africa; Mosam, A., Departments of Dermatology, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Khanyile, N.G., Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 7, Durban 4013, South Africa; Parboosing, R., Departments of Virology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Moodley, P., Departments of Virology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Moosa, M.-Y.S., Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag 7, Durban 4013, South Africa | Background: There is no validated case definition for human immunodeficiency virus-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). We measured the level of agreement of 2 published case definitions (hereafter referred to as CD1 and CD2) with expert opinion in a prospective cohort of patients who were starting antiretroviral therapy in South Africa. Methods: A total of 498 adult patients were monitored for the first 6 months of antiretroviral therapy. All new or worsening clinical events were reviewed by≥2 investigators and classified on the basis of expert opinion, CD1, and CD2. Events were categorized according to whether they were paradoxical or unmasking in presentation. We measured positive, negative, and chance-corrected agreement (k) with expert opinion for CD1 and CD2, and reviewed areas of disagreement. Results: A total of 620 clinical events were recorded, of which, on the basis of expert opinion, 144 (23.2%) were defined as probable IRIS and 112 (18.1%) were defined as possible IRIS. Of the 144 probable IRIS events, 93 (64.6%) were unmasking in presentation, 99 (68.8%) were associated with dermatological or orogenital disease, and 45 (31.3%) were associated with tuberculosis or major opportunistic infections. Of the 620 clinical events recorded, 41 (6.6%) were classified as IRIS on the basis of CD1, and 156 (25.2%) were classified as IRIS on the basis of CD2. Positive agreement between CD1 and expert opinion was low for both unmasking (17.2%; kp 0.24) and paradoxical events (37.3%; kp0.43), mainly because 1 major criterion requires IRIS to be atypical and either an opportunistic infection or a tumor, although negative agreement was >98%. In contrast, CD2 had good positive agreement (>75% for most event types), with a k value of 0.75 for paradoxical and 0.62 for unmasking. Conclusions: CD2 agreed well with expert opinion, with additional clinical events, such as arthropathy and inflammatory dermatoses, being classified as IRIS and added to CD2. We propose revised case definitions for both paradoxical and unmasking IRIS. © 2009 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; disease association; disease classification; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome; major clinical study; male; opportunistic infection; priority journal; skin disease; South Africa; tuberculosis; virus load; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Female; Humans; Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome; Male; Prospective Studies; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907952744 | Defining the impact of non-native species | Jeschke J.M., Bacher S., Blackburn T.M., Dick J.T.A., Essl F., Evans T., Gaertner M., Hulme P.E., Kühn I., Mrugała A., Pergl J., Pyšek P., Rabitsch W., Ricciardi A., Richardson D.M., Sendek A., Vilà M., Winter M., Kumschick S. | 2014 | Conservation Biology | 28 | 5 | 10.1111/cobi.12299 | Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Restoration Ecology, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany; Unit Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg, Switzerland; Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom; King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, M.B.C., 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Department of Conservation Biology, Vegetation and Landscape Ecology, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, Vienna, Austria; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, PO Box 84, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Community Ecology, UFZ, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, Halle, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, Praha 2, Czech Republic; Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Průhonice, Czech Republic; Environment Agency Austria, Department of Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Spittelauer Lände 5, Vienna, Austria; Redpath Museum, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, Canada; Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain; Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, Halle, Germany | Jeschke, J.M., Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Restoration Ecology, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany; Bacher, S., Unit Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, Fribourg, Switzerland; Blackburn, T.M., Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Dick, J.T.A., Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, M.B.C., 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Essl, F., Department of Conservation Biology, Vegetation and Landscape Ecology, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, Vienna, Austria; Evans, T., Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, United Kingdom; Gaertner, M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Hulme, P.E., The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, PO Box 84, Christchurch, New Zealand; Kühn, I., Department of Community Ecology, UFZ, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, Halle, Germany, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, Germany, Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, Halle, Germany; Mrugała, A., Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, Praha 2, Czech Republic; Pergl, J., Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Průhonice, Czech Republic; Pyšek, P., Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, Praha 2, Czech Republic, Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Průhonice, Czech Republic; Rabitsch, W., Environment Agency Austria, Department of Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Spittelauer Lände 5, Vienna, Austria; Ricciardi, A., Redpath Museum, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, Canada; Richardson, D.M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Sendek, A., Department of Community Ecology, UFZ, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, Halle, Germany; Vilà, M., Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain; Winter, M., German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, Germany; Kumschick, S., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Non-native species cause changes in the ecosystems to which they are introduced. These changes, or some of them, are usually termed impacts; they can be manifold and potentially damaging to ecosystems and biodiversity. However, the impacts of most non-native species are poorly understood, and a synthesis of available information is being hindered because authors often do not clearly define impact. We argue that explicitly defining the impact of non-native species will promote progress toward a better understanding of the implications of changes to biodiversity and ecosystems caused by non-native species; help disentangle which aspects of scientific debates about non-native species are due to disparate definitions and which represent true scientific discord; and improve communication between scientists from different research disciplines and between scientists, managers, and policy makers. For these reasons and based on examples from the literature, we devised seven key questions that fall into 4 categories: directionality, classification and measurement, ecological or socio-economic changes, and scale. These questions should help in formulating clear and practical definitions of impact to suit specific scientific, stakeholder, or legislative contexts. © 2014 The Authors. Conservation Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc., on behalf of the Society for Conservation Biology. | Biological invasions; Definitions; Ecological and socio-economic impacts; Exotic species; Human perception; Invasion biology; Invasive alien species | animal; biodiversity; ecosystem; environmental protection; introduced species; plant; Animals; Biodiversity; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Introduced Species; Plants | FZT 118, DFG, National Research Foundation; JE 288/7-1, DFG, National Research Foundation; NERC, National Research Foundation; National Research Foundation; P504/11/1028, GACR, National Research Foundation; National Research Foundation; SNSF, National Res |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870267171 | Definition and application of a cohesive crack model allowing improved prediction of the flexural capacity of high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete pavement materials | Denneman E., Kearsley E.P., Visser A.T. | 2012 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 54 | 2 | None | Bituminous Surfacing, ARRB Group Ltd., 500 Burwood Highway, Vermont South VIC 3133, Australia; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Denneman, E., Bituminous Surfacing, ARRB Group Ltd., 500 Burwood Highway, Vermont South VIC 3133, Australia; Kearsley, E.P., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Visser, A.T., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | In conventional concrete pavement design methods the design parameters are determined using linear elastic analysis. Concrete is subject to significant size effect and as a result linear elastic design concepts, such as the modulus of rupture determined for a beam, have limited reliability in the design of elements of different size and geometry. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that, in contrast to the modulus of rupture, fracture mechanics material parameters can be used to accurately and precisely predict the flexural capacity of elements of a different size and geometry. The experimental framework includes two high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete mix designs, used to produce beams of different sizes tested in three-point bending configuration, as well as centrally loaded round panels. The fracture energy of the material is determined from the flexural beam tests. An adjusted tensile splitting test procedure is used to determine the tensile strength. The flexural tests on the beams and panels are simulated numerically using two finite element implementations of a cohesive crack approach. The numerical simulation yields satisfactory prediction of the flexural behaviour of the beam and disk specimens. It is concluded that using a fracture mechanics approach, the flexural behaviour of structural elements of different size and/or geometry can be reliably predicted. | None | Beam tests; Cohesive crack models; Cohesive cracks; Concrete mix design; Conventional concrete; Design concept; Design parameters; Different sizes; Disk specimens; Finite element implementation; Flexural capacity; Flexural tests; Fracture mechanics approach; Linear elastic; Linear elastic analysis; Material parameter; Modulus of rupture; Pavement design; Pavement material; Satisfactory predictions; Size effects; Splitting tests; Structural elements; Three point bending; Design; Fracture mechanics; Geometry; Reinforced concrete; Tensile strength; Forecasting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943752905 | Delayed impacts of tropical cyclones Irene 2011 and Isaac 2012 in the Caribbean Antilles | Jury M.R. | 2015 | Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology | 54 | 5 | 10.1175/JAMC-D-15-0021.1 | Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico; University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Jury, M.R., Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | This study considers tropical cyclones Irene in Puerto Rico from 2011 and Isaac in the Dominican Republic from 2012. Impacts trailed more than a day after the storm in both cases. Irene passed Puerto Rico on 22 August 2011, yet bands of heavy rainfall caused floods and disruption on 23 August. In the second case, Isaac passed Hispaniola on 24 August 2012, but stormy weather continued on 25 August. Onshore winds, 4-m waves, and associated tides and river outflow closed the harbor of Santo Domingo. Emergency managers and maritime operators should be aware of the delayed impacts of tropical cyclones in the Caribbean Sea region. © 2015 American Meteorological Society. | Emergency response; Subtropics; Tropical cyclones | Hurricanes; Rain; Tropics; Caribbean Sea; Emergency response; Heavy rainfall; Onshore winds; Puerto Rico; River outflow; Subtropics; Tropical cyclone; Storms; climate effect; flooding; Hurricane Irene 2011; precipitation intensity; subtropical region; tropical cyclone; Atlantic Ocean; Caribbean Sea; Dominican Republic; Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo [Dominican Republic] | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-21844462077 | Demographic features, beliefs and socio-psychological impact of acne vulgaris among its sufferers in two towns in Nigeria | Ikaraoha C.I., Taylor G.O.L., Anetor J.I., Igwe C.U., Ukaegbu Q.O., Nwobu G.O., Mokogwu A.T.H. | 2005 | Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences | 4 | 1 | None | Dept. of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, P.M.B 0006, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Dept. of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Dept. of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Ambros | Ikaraoha, C.I., Dept. of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, P.M.B 0006, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Dept. of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University, Okada, P.M.B 0006, Benin City, Nigeria; Taylor, G.O.L., Dept. of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Anetor, J.I., Dept. of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Igwe, C.U., Dept. of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Ukaegbu, Q.O., Divine Touch Clinical Laboratory, Research Centre, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Nwobu, G.O., Dept. of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Mokogwu, A.T.H., Dept. of Chemical Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, P.M.B 0006, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | There is paucity of reports in the demographic knowledge, belief and socio-psychological impact of acne vulgaris sufferers towards the disorder in a black population. This is the first study from Nigeria designed to address this issue. A total of 174 facial acne sufferers completed a self-administered questionnaire, which contained several items mentioning different areas in their belief, knowledge, perception, severity, sociopsychological impact and medication attention. The findings were discussed and compared to those of the Caucasians. The occurrence of the disorder was higher in females (65.0%) compared to the males (35.0%). About 54.0% of the female subjects indicated increase in severity of the disorder during their pre-menstrual period. Also 64.9% of acne sufferers indicated increase in severity during the rainy season, while 93.1% of the population implicated stress to perpetuate the severity of the disorder. Most (75.7%) of the acne sufferers believed that it is caused by oily diet, 40.8% thought that it is hereditary, while barely 5.2% had at sometime sought doctor's attention. Non-prescription products used by acne sufferers were cleansers and cream/lotions. Psychological abnormalities experienced by the sufferers included social inhibition, depression and anxiety. Pain and discomfort are the psychomatic symptoms. No major differences were found in the beliefs, misconception and socio-psychological impact of acne sufferers in a black population (Nigeria) compared to the Caucasians. There is need to improve the understanding of the disorder in Nigeria through health education programmes. | Acne vulgaris; Beliefs; Nigeria; Perceptions; Severity | acne vulgaris; adult; anxiety; article; Caucasian; demography; depression; disease severity; female; genetic disorder; health education; human; incidence; lipid diet; male; menstrual cycle; Negro; Nigeria; perception; population research; prevalence; psychosomatic disorder; puberty; questionnaire; race difference; seasonal variation; sex difference; sex ratio; social isolation; social psychology; stress | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746660810 | Demographic impact of HIV/AIDS on the young and elderly populations in South Africa | Udjo E.O. | 2006 | Journal of Intergenerational Relationships | 4 | 2 | 10.1300/J194v04n02_03 | Demography Unit in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS, Health Program, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | Udjo, E.O., Demography Unit in the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS, Health Program, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | Concomitant to demographic transition from high to low fertility and mortality is the structural change from a youthful to an ageing population. The change raises, among others, intergenerational demographic, economic and social issues, some of which have been perceived as problems. The HIV/AIDS epidemic poses additional challenges to policy makers in the provision of personal care and financial support as it may alter intergenerational relationships in the demand for services in transitional populations. The first HIV/AIDS case in South Africa was reported in 1981. Since then, HIV sero-prevalence as measured by women attending antenatal clinics has steadily increased in the country, and currently South Africa is one of the highest HIV prevalent countries in the world and in the African continent with sero-prevalence of 29.5% among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in 2004. In 2002, the Nelson Mandela Funds in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council carried out a national HIV prevalence, behavioural risks and mass media household survey. Only a few countries in the world have carried out such a national HIV prevalence survey. As an insight into the magnitude of some of the intergenerational relationships regarding HIV/AIDS, this study attempts to examine the demographic impact of HIV/AIDS on the young and elderly populations in South Africa's four main population groups (Africans, Coloureds, Indians and Whites). The study utilizes various national survey/census data, administrative records and HIV sero-prevalence data. The analysis is based on the cohort component method. The results show that demographic transition in South Africa has resulted in changes in the growth and structural characteristics of the population. Some of the results indicate that some of the changes are in opposite directions among the young and the elderly. AIDS compounds some of the trends. The changes have policy implications for intergenerational demands for services and relationships. © 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. | Demographic impact of HIV/AIDS; HIV prevalence survey; Intergenerational relationships | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927758731 | Demonstrating the benefits of impact assessment for proponents | Morrison-Saunders A., Bond A., Pope J., Retief F. | 2015 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 33 | 2 | 10.1080/14615517.2014.981049 | Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch, WA, Australia; North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norfolk, United Kingdom; Department of Integral Sustainability, Perth, Australia | Morrison-Saunders, A., Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch, WA, Australia, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Bond, A., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norfolk, United Kingdom; Pope, J., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, Department of Integral Sustainability, Perth, Australia; Retief, F., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This paper is a call for more studies that explicitly demonstrate the benefits of impact assessment to proponents. While the community of impact assessment practitioners generally believe that impact assessment is beneficial (to all stakeholders), empirical demonstration of this, particularly to project proponents, is warranted, and especially in financial terms. While many impact assessment benefits are intangible in nature, learning from the business and management literature shows how such benefits can usefully be measured based upon perceptions of managers within proponent agencies in tandem with archival material. A framework of the nature of impact assessment benefits for proponents, and their relative tangibility, is presented along with a five-step methodology for determining benefits. We now call upon impact assessment researchers and practitioners alike to use this framework and methodology to structure investigations from practice that will contribute to an empirical database for demonstrating the benefits of impact assessment to proponents. © 2015, © 2015 IAIA. | cost–benefit analysis; effectiveness; impact assessment benefits; proponents | business; cost-benefit analysis; database; empirical analysis; learning; management; perception; stakeholder | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-25444433075 | Density of Cape porcupines in a semi-arid environment and their impact on soil turnover and related ecosystem processes | Bragg C.J., Donaldson J.D., Ryan P.G. | 2005 | Journal of Arid Environments | 61 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2004.09.007 | Percy FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; National Botanical Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa | Bragg, C.J., Percy FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Donaldson, J.D., National Botanical Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; Ryan, P.G., Percy FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Cape porcupines (Hystrix africaeaustralis) appear to have an important influence on landscapes through both biotic (foraging) and abiotic (soil turnover) impacts. Porcupine abundance and abiotic effects across the landscape were investigated in Nieuwoudtville, South Africa, a semi-arid area characterized by an extraordinary diversity and abundance of geophytes. Porcupine numbers were measured in 50 burrows, and the number of burrow entrances was a good predictor of the number of porcupines it contained (r 2=0.76). Occupied burrow density was estimated to be 2.6 burrows km-2 and porcupine density on the study farm was estimated to be 8 animals km-2, which is high relative to other Hystrix populations in semi-arid environments. This can probably be attributed to the high abundance of geophytes in the region. Annually, porcupines disturb 0.34% of the soil surface and 1.6 m3 ha-1 yr-1 of soil is displaced across the landscape, through the excavation of 160-3463 diggings per hectare. Up to 2.2 m3 of soil is displaced per hectare per year in the natural Dolerite Plains vegetation, but very little foraging activity occurs in previously or currently ploughed lands. The extent of disturbance in Nieuwoudtville is on a par with or higher than that recorded for other porcupine populations in arid or semi-arid regions. Other studies have shown that porcupine diggings disturb plant community structure and create fertile sites for plant germination and recruitment. Porcupine diggings in Nieuwoudtville contained significantly more seedlings than adjacent areas. Thus, through widespread foraging pits, soil turnover, and numerous burrows, porcupines modulate the availability of resources to other organisms. Therefore, Cape porcupines are likely to act as ecosystem engineers in this landscape. Porcupines should be included in any conservation actions involving the unique geophyte flora of Nieuwoudtville. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Burrows; Disturbance; Ecosystem engineers; Foraging diggings; Geophytes; Hystrix africaeaustralis; Porcupine density | burrow; disturbance; ecosystem function; geophyte; population density; semiarid region; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Animalia; Hystrix africaeaustralis | None |
| None | None | Dental pain, oral impacts and perceived need for dental treatment in Tanzanian school students: A cross-sectional study | Mashoto K.O., Åstrøm A.N., David J., Masalu J.R. | 2009 | Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | 7 | None | 10.1186/1477-7525-7-73 | Department of Clinical Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Faculty of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Mashoto, K.O., Department of Clinical Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Åstrøm, A.N., Department of Clinical Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; David, J., Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Masalu, J.R., Faculty of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Background: Dental caries, dental pain and reported oral problems influence people's oral quality of life and thus their perceived need for dental care. So far there is scant information as to the psychosocial impacts of dental diseases and the perceived treatment need in child populations of sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: Focusing on primary school students in Kilwa, Tanzania, a district deprived of dental services and with low fluoride concentration in drinking water, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental pain and oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP), and to describe the distribution of OIDP by socio-demographics, dental caries, dental pain and reported oral problems. The relationship of perceived need estimates with OIDP was also investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008. A total of 1745 students (mean age 13.8 yr, sd = 1.67) completed an extensive personal interview and under-went clinical examination. The impacts on daily performances were assessed using a Kiswahili version of the Child-OIDP instrument and caries experience was recorded using WHO (1997) criteria. Results: A total of 36.2% (41.3% urban and 31.4% rural, p < 0.001) reported at least one OIDP. The prevalence of dental caries was 17.4%, dental pain 36.4%, oral problems 54.1% and perceived need for dental treatment 46.8% in urban students. Corresponding estimates in rural students were 20.8%, 24.4%, 43.3% and 43.8%. Adjusted OR for reporting oral impacts if having dental pain ranged from 2.5 (95% CI 1.8-3.6) (problem smiling) to 4.7 (95% CI 3.4-6.5) (problem sleeping),- if having oral problems, from 1.9 (95% CI 1.3-2.6) (problem sleeping) to 3.8 (95% CI 2.7-5.2) (problem eating) and if having dental caries from 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.0) (problem eating) to 2.2 (95% CI 1.5-2.9) (problem sleeping). Students who perceived need for dental care were less likely to be females (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-0.9) and more likely to have impacts on eating (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.4-2.7) and tooth cleaning (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.6-2.5). Conclusion: Substantial proportions of students suffered from untreated dental caries, oral impacts on daily performances and perceived need for dental care. Dental pain and reported oral problems varied systematically with OIDP across the eight impacts considered. Eating and tooth cleaning problems discriminated between subjects who perceived need for dental treatment and those who did not. © 2009 Mashoto et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adolescent; article; child; controlled study; daily life activity; dental caries; eating disorder; facial expression; female; human; major clinical study; male; oral impact on daily performance questionnaire; patient attitude; prevalence; psychological aspect; quality of life; questionnaire; rural area; school child; sleep disorder; structured interview; Tanzania; tooth disease; tooth pain; urban area; validity; adult; cross-sectional study; dentistry; health; health service; interview; pain; pathophysiology; psychological aspect; quality of life; Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Oral Health; Pain; Pediatric Dentistry; Quality of Life; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954717657 | Depletion of resuscitation-promoting factors has limited impact on the drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis | Kana B.D., Mizrahi V., Gordhan B.G. | 2010 | Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy | 65 | 8 | 10.1093/jac/dkq199 | MRC/NHLS/WITS Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa | Kana, B.D., MRC/NHLS/WITS Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; Mizrahi, V., MRC/NHLS/WITS Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; Gordhan, B.G., MRC/NHLS/WITS Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa | Objectives: Mycobacterium tuberculosis has five homologues of the muralytic resuscitation-promoting factor (Rpf), which are collectively dispensable for growth in vitro, but are required for resuscitation from a non-culturable state and for virulence in a mouse infection model. Our study was aimed at assessing the drug susceptibility of mutants lacking all five rpf genes. Methods: Drug susceptibility was determined in liquid medium using the broth microdilution method. Results: Strains of M. tuberculosis that lack all five rpf-like genes display a 4-8-fold increase in susceptibility to vancomycin and erythromycin, but show no significant difference in susceptibility to other antibiotics tested, including first- and second-line antitubercular agents. Conclusions: These results suggest that the possible alterations in the peptidoglycan structure and/or turnover caused by Rpf deficiency have a limited impact on the drug susceptibility of M. tuberculosis. © The Author 2010. | Antibiotics; Dormancy; Muralytic; Peptidoglycan; Rpf | carbenicillin; cerulenin; chlorpromazine; erythromycin; peptidoglycan; rifampicin; vancomycin; bacterial protein; cytokine; erythromycin; resuscitation-promoting factor, bacteria; tuberculostatic agent; vancomycin; article; bacterial growth; bacterial strain; broth dilution; drug sensitivity; genotype; in vitro study; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; deficiency; drug effects; genetics; human; microbial sensitivity test; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; procedures; Antitubercular Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Cytokines; Erythromycin; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Vancomycin; Antitubercular Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Cytokines; Erythromycin; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Vancomycin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74349106430 | Deploying artemether-lumefantrine with rapid testing in Ethiopian communities: Impact on malaria morbidity, mortality and healthcare resources | Lemma H., Byass P., Desta A., Bosman A., Costanzo G., Toma L., Fottrell E., Marrast A.-C., Ambachew Y., Getachew A., Mulure N., Morrone A., Bianchi A., Barnabas G.A. | 2010 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 15 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02447.x | Tigray Health Bureau, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; WHO Global Malaria Programme, Geneva, Switzerland; Italian Ministry of Labour Health and Social Policies - Health Sector, Department of Innovation, Rome, Italy; San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy; Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland; WHO/UNITAID, Geneva, Switzerland; Novartis Pharma AG, Nairobi, Kenya; Italian Dermatological Center of Mekelle, Ethiopia; Novartis Farma S.P.A, Origgio, Italy | Lemma, H., Tigray Health Bureau, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Byass, P., Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Desta, A., Tigray Health Bureau, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Bosman, A., WHO Global Malaria Programme, Geneva, Switzerland; Costanzo, G., Italian Ministry of Labour Health and Social Policies - Health Sector, Department of Innovation, Rome, Italy; Toma, L., San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy; Fottrell, E., Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Marrast, A.-C., Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland; Ambachew, Y., WHO/UNITAID, Geneva, Switzerland; Getachew, A., Tigray Health Bureau, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Mulure, N., Novartis Pharma AG, Nairobi, Kenya; Morrone, A., Italian Dermatological Center of Mekelle, Ethiopia; Bianchi, A., Novartis Farma S.P.A, Origgio, Italy; Barnabas, G.A., Tigray Health Bureau, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Objective To assess the impact and feasibility of artemether-lumefantrine deployment at community level, combined with phased introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), on malaria transmission, morbidity, and mortality and health service use in a remote area of Ethiopia. Methods Two-year pilot study in two districts: Artemether-lumefantrine was prescribed after parasitological confirmation of malaria in health facilities in both districts. In the intervention district, artemether-lumefantrine was also made available through 33 community health workers (CHWs); of these, 50% were equipped with RDTs in the second year. Results At health facilities; 54 774 patients in the intervention and 100 535 patients in the control district were treated for malaria. In the intervention district, 75 654 patients were treated for malaria by community health workers. Use of RDTs in Year 2 excluded non-Plasmodium falciparumin 89.7% of suspected cases. During the peak of malaria transmission in 2005, the crude parasite prevalence was 7.4% (95% CI: 6.1-8.9%) in the intervention district and 20.8% (95% CI: 18.7-23.0%) in the control district. Multivariate modelling indicated no significant difference in risk of all-cause mortality between the intervention and the control districts [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.03, 95%CI 0.87-1.21, P = 0.751], but risk of malaria-specific mortality was lower in the intervention district (aIRR 0.60, 95%CI 0.40-0.90, P = 0.013). Conclusions Artemether-lumefantrine deployment through a community-based service in a remote rural population reduced malaria transmission, lowered the malaria case burden for health facilities and reduced malaria morbidity and mortality during a 2-year period which included a major malaria epidemic. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Artemether; Coartem; Community; Lumefantrine; Malaria; Rapid diagnostic testing | artemether plus benflumetol; disease prevalence; disease transmission; drug prescribing; health services; health worker; malaria; morbidity; mortality; parasitology; adolescent; adult; aged; article; child; clinical trial; community care; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diagnostic test; epidemic; Ethiopia; female; health auxiliary; health care utilization; human; infection risk; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; male; morbidity; mortality; parasite identification; parasite prevalence; Plasmodium falciparum; preschool child; prescription; resource allocation; rural population; school child; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Antimalarials; Artemisinins; Child; Child, Preschool; Community Health Aides; Community Health Services; Drug Combinations; Epidemiologic Methods; Ethanolamines; Ethiopia; Female; Fluorenes; Health Services; Humans; Infant; Malaria; Male; Medically Underserved Area; Middle Aged; Rural Health Services; Sex Distribution; Young Adult; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901435992 | Depo-Provera effects on Wistar rat performance in the Y-maze | Okojie A.K., Oyekunle O.A. | 2014 | Metabolic Brain Disease | 29 | 2 | 10.1007/s11011-013-9460-9 | Department of Physiology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Okojie, A.K., Department of Physiology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria; Oyekunle, O.A., Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Medroxyprogesterone acetate is the most commonly used progestin component of hormone therapy. The goal of the present study was to determine whether Medroxyprogesterone affects rat behavior using a Y-maze test. Twenty-four Female Wistar rats were randomly selected into three groups; control group, a low dose (13 mg/ml MPA) group and a high dose (33 mg/1 ml MPA) group. Doses of Medroxyprogesterone were delivered by intramuscular injection for a period of 3 weeks. Medroxyprogesterone administration resulted in a decrease in memory and locomotion activity of rats (p<0.05). Despite Medroxyprogesterone being effective in modulating hormonal interaction to prevent conception in actively reproducing females, cognitive impairment could be one of its adverse effects. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media. | Behavior; Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone); Y-maze | medroxyprogesterone acetate; medroxyprogesterone acetate; animal experiment; article; controlled study; drug dose comparison; drug effect; drug megadose; female; locomotion; low drug dose; mental performance; nonhuman; rat; spatial memory; Y-maze test; animal; drug effects; maze test; physiology; psychomotor performance; Wistar rat; Animals; Female; Maze Learning; Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; Psychomotor Performance; Rats; Rats, Wistar | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937239388 | Depression among patients with tuberculosis: Determinants, course and impact on pathways to care and treatment outcomes in a primary care setting in southern Ethiopia - A study protocol | Ambaw F., Mayston R., Hanlon C., Alem A. | 2015 | BMJ Open | 5 | 7 | 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007653 | School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, United Kingdom | Ambaw, F., School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mayston, R., Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, United Kingdom; Hanlon, C., Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, United Kingdom; Alem, A., Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Introduction: Depression is commonly comorbid with chronic physical illnesses and is associated with a range of adverse clinical outcomes. Currently, the literature on the role of depression in determining the course and outcome of tuberculosis (TB) is very limited. Aim: Our aim is to examine the relationship between depression and TB among people newly diagnosed and accessing care for TB in a rural Ethiopian setting. Our objectives are to investigate: the prevalence and determinants of probable depression, the role of depression in influencing pathways to treatment of TB, the incidence of depression during treatment, the impact of anti-TB treatment on the prognosis of depression and the impact of depression on the outcomes of TB treatment. Methods and analysis: We will use a prospective cohort design. 703 newly diagnosed cases of TB (469 without depression and 234 with depression) will be consecutively recruited from primary care health centres. Data collection will take place at baseline, 2 and 6 months after treatment initiation. The primary exposure variable is probable depression measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Outcome variables include: pathways to treatment, classical outcomes for anti-TB treatment quality of life and disability. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and multilevel mixed-effect analysis will be used to test the study hypotheses. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University. Findings will be disseminated through scientific publications, conference presentations, community meetings and policy briefs. Anticipated impact: Findings will contribute to a sparse evidence base on comorbidity of depression and TB. We hope the dissemination of findings will raise awareness of comorbidity among clinicians and service providers, and contribute to ongoing debates regarding the delivery of mental healthcare in primary care in Ethiopia. | None | ethambutol; isoniazid; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; Article; clinical trial; depression; Ethiopia; human; incidence; major clinical study; medical ethics; Patient Health Questionnaire 9; primary medical care; prognosis; quality of life; treatment outcome; tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868592655 | Depressive symptoms and their impact on health-seeking behaviors in newly-diagnosed HIV-infected patients in Durban, South Africa | Ramirez-Avila L., Regan S., Giddy J., Chetty S., Ross D., Katz J.N., Freedberg K.A., Walensky R.P., Losina E., Bassett I.V. | 2012 | AIDS and Behavior | 16 | 8 | 10.1007/s10461-012-0160-y | Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Boston, 333 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02139, United States; Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; St. Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill, Durban, South Africa; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States | Ramirez-Avila, L., Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Boston, 333 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02139, United States, Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Regan, S., Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Giddy, J., McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Chetty, S., McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Ross, D., St. Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill, Durban, South Africa; Katz, J.N., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Freedberg, K.A., Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Walensky, R.P., Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Losina, E., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Rheumatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States, Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Biostatistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Bassett, I.V., Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States | We evaluated the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms prior to HIV diagnosis and determined the effect of these symptoms on seeking HIV care at an urban and rural clinic in Durban, South Africa. Adults were administered a questionnaire which included the 5-item Mental Health Index (MHI-5) before HIV testing. We determined the depressive symptoms among HIV-infected subjects. Of 1,545 newly-diagnosed HIV-infected subjects, 55% had depressive symptoms by MHI-5 score. Enrolling at the urban clinic and decreasing functional activity score were associated with depressive symptoms. Subjects with depressive symptoms who were referred for HIV testing by a healthcare provider were less likely to obtain a CD4 count than those without depressive symptoms who self-referred for testing. Depressive symptoms were common among newly-diagnosed HIV-infected participants and impacted CD4 uptake. Depression screening at the time of HIV diagnosis is critical for improving linkage to mental health and HIV services in South Africa. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012. | Africa; Depression; Depressive symptoms; HIV; Linkage to care; South Africa | adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; depression; evaluation; female; follow up; health behavior; hospital; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; mass screening; methodology; multivariate analysis; patient attitude; patient referral; prevalence; prospective study; psychological aspect; questionnaire; rural population; socioeconomics; South Africa; statistics; urban population; Adult; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Depression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Behavior; HIV Infections; Hospitals, Rural; Hospitals, Urban; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Multivariate Analysis; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Questionnaires; Referral and Consultation; Rural Population; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Urban Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904361608 | Depressive symptoms, burnout and the impact of events in non-professional volunteer counselors in Durban, South Africa | Vawda N.B.M. | 2014 | African Journal of Psychiatry (South Africa) | 17 | 2 | 10.4172/1994-8220.SL1000101 | Department of Behavioral Medicine, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 605 Exeter Hall, 24 Sol Harris Crescent, Durban, 4001, South Africa | Vawda, N.B.M., Department of Behavioral Medicine, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 605 Exeter Hall, 24 Sol Harris Crescent, Durban, 4001, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | adult; article; avoidance behavior; Beck Depression Inventory; burnout; clinical article; coping behavior; counseling; depersonalization; depression; emotional stress; female; human; Maslach Burnout Inventory; productivity; psychologic test; psychometry; religion; risk factor; South Africa; violence; voluntary worker; volunteer counselor | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930016287 | Depth and performance evaluation of a laboratory scale sand filtration system for wastewater treatment | Sodamade G., Longe E., Sangodoyin A. | 2014 | Turkish Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences | 38 | 2 | 10.3906/muh-1405-9 | Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Sodamade, G., Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Longe, E., Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Sangodoyin, A., Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Intermittent sand filtration (ISF) was adopted in the treatment of synthetic wastewater having septic tank effluent’s properties in the laboratory. Over a period of 84 days synthetic wastewater was intermittently dosed onto two sand filters of 50 cm and 100 cm depths at an interval of 4 h. The filter material has an effective size d<inf>10</inf> of 0.42 mm, d<inf>60</inf> of 0.92 mm, coefficient of uniformity, Cu, of 2.2, and hydraulic conductivity of 4.632 × 10-3 ms-1 with an effective pore diameter of 0.094 mm. The hydraulic loading was 0.144 m/day and the BOD<inf>5</inf> of the wastewater was 172.3 mg/L. The removal of suspended solids, ammonium-nitrogen (NH<inf>4</inf> -N), and BOD<inf>5</inf> in 100- and 50-cm columns was 91.4% and 88.6%, 98.7% and 99.8%, and 92% and 90%, respectively, while PO<inf>4</inf> -P removal was about 45% in both columns. Unlike other parameters, NO<inf>3</inf> -N was increasing, which signifies that denitrification did not take place in the filter columns. Based on the results, the filter column of 50 cm is economically preferable due to the insignificant difference when compared with the 100-cm filter column. The bacteria removal was slightly higher in 100 cm depth (99.88%) than in 50 cm depth (99.68%). © TÜBİTAK. | Depth variation; Intermittent filtration; Synthetic wastewater | Effluent treatment; Effluents; Filtration; Nitrogen removal; Ammonium nitrogen; Coefficient of uniformity; Depth variation; Hydraulic loading; Intermittent filtrations; Intermittent sand filtration; Septic tank effluent; Synthetic waste water; Wastewater treatment; ammonium; denitrification; filtration; hydraulic conductivity; laboratory method; performance assessment; wastewater; water treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864137297 | Derivation of the limits for control chart using the median absolute deviation for monitoring non-normal process | Adekeye K.S., Azubuike P.I. | 2011 | Journal of Mathematics and Statistics | 8 | 1 | 10.3844/jmssp.2012.37.41 | Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Redeemers University (RUN), Nigeria | Adekeye, K.S., Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Redeemers University (RUN), Nigeria; Azubuike, P.I., Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Redeemers University (RUN), Nigeria | Problem statement: The Shewhart and S control charts, in the literature, were combined to evaluate the stability of a process. These charts were based on the fundamental assumption of normality of the quality characteristics under investigation. Approach: In practice, the normality assumption was often violated by real life data, therefore, use of the Shewhart and S control charts on real life data might leads to misplacement of control limits. There were many alternatives in the literature to handle non-normality of quality characteristics. The Median Absolute Deviation (MAD) claimed in the literature to be the best estimate when the data under consideration is non-normal. Thus in this study, we derived the control limits for the-control chart using the median absolute deviation for monitoring process stability when the quality characteristic under investigation was non-normal. Results: The derived control limits were compared with the control limits when the sample standard deviation was used as a measure of controlling the process variability using manufacturing process (real life) data. Furthermore, a simulation study was carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed MAD based control charts on both normal and non-normal process. Conclusion: The obtained results show that the derived control limit is an improvement on the control limit of the Shewhart and that the MAD control charts performed better for non-normal process than for normal process. © 2012 Science Publications. | Cofta tablet; Control charts; Control limits interval; Manufacturing process; Median absolute deviation; Non-normal; Process variability; Sigma approach; Soft drink; Standard deviation; Statistical process | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926418984 | Derivation, validation and comparative performance of a simplified chest X-ray score for assessing the severity and outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis | Pefura-Yone E.W., Kuaban C., Assamba-Mpom S.A., Moifo B., Kengne A.P. | 2015 | Clinical Respiratory Journal | 9 | 2 | 10.1111/crj.12112 | Department of Internal Medicine and Subspecialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon; Pneumology Service, Yaounde Jamot Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon; Medicine Service, Bertoua Regional Hospital, Bertoua, Cameroon; Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Pefura-Yone, E.W., Department of Internal Medicine and Subspecialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon, Pneumology Service, Yaounde Jamot Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon; Kuaban, C., Department of Internal Medicine and Subspecialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon, Pneumology Service, Yaounde Jamot Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon; Assamba-Mpom, S.A., Medicine Service, Bertoua Regional Hospital, Bertoua, Cameroon; Moifo, B., Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon; Kengne, A.P., Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Introduction: To derive and validate against the Ralph etal. score, a simplified chest X-ray (CXR) score (SCS) for predicting the outcome of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (SPPTB) among patients with high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods: CXR for 636 SPPTB patients (377 men, median age 31 years) from the Yaounde Jamot Hospital (Cameroon) were examined for the presence of tuberculosis lesions, and estimation of the proportion of lungs affected. SPPTB's evolution was based on sputum smear examination after 2 months of treatments. Logistic regressions were used to derive the SCS with internal validation via bootstrap resampling. Receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) analyses were used to validate, determine of the optimal cut-offs and compare models' performance. Results: HIV co-infection was present in 191 (30%) patients. Sputum smear non-conversion was found in 45 (7.1) patients after 2 months of treatment. The SCS was expressed as proportion of lung affected plus 23 if cavitation is present. The AUC (95% confidence interval) was 0.718 (0.640-0.795), with little variation in bootstrap validation, and no sizable difference from the Ralph etal. model [0.714 (0.633-0.7860), P=0.717 for the difference). Both models had good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow P≥0.183). The optimal cut-off for predicting non-conversion of the sputum at 2 months was 52 for the SCS (sensitivity/specificity 66.7%/62.8%) and 74.5 (62.2%/74.3%) with Ralph etal. score. Conclusions: The outcome of SPPTB among patients with high prevalence of HIV can acceptably be predicted by simple scores comprising baseline CXR variables, including the Ralph etal. score and the SCS from this study. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | Calibration; Chest X-ray; Discrimination; Prediction; Pulmonary tuberculosis | ethambutol; isoniazid; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; tuberculostatic agent; adult; area under the curve; Article; chest x ray score; clinical assessment; comparative study; controlled study; disease severity; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lung examination; lung parenchyma; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; molecular evolution; outcome assessment; prevalence; priority journal; receiver operating characteristic; scoring system; sensitivity and specificity; smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis; smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis; sputum analysis; sputum smear; thorax radiography; treatment duration; validation study; Cameroon; cohort analysis; complication; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; microbiology; predictive value; reproducibility; severity of illness index; sputum; statistical model; treatment outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; young adult; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Cameroon; Cohort Studies; Coinfection; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiography, Thoracic; Reproducibility of Results; ROC Curve; Severity of Illness Index; Sputum; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870044858 | Design, analysis and experimental evaluation of photovoltaic forced convection solar dryer for the tropics | Adelaja A.O., Ojolo S.J. | 2010 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 3 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.3.49 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Adelaja, A.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Ojolo, S.J., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | The photovoltaic (pv) forced convection solar dryer comprises the solar collector, dryer and pv assemblies. It is designed for a continuous operation throughout the day. The direct solar irradiation is utilized during sunshine hours and it automatically switches power supply to the battery during cloud covers and non-insolation periods. The inclusion of a heat reservoir enables heat transfer to continue during this period. In this study, thermal and dryer analyses were done. Experimental investigations were carried out to evaluate the performance of the system by drying plantain chips. The useful power collected was found to be, 391.50W, collector efficiency, 65.6%, dryer efficiency, 39.6%, average drying rate during insolation, 0.0169kg/hr and total drying time was 23 hours. The maximum temperature attained was 55°C. The average drying non insolation period was 0.0112kg/hr. The capital cost is less than $350. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Drying analysis; Forced convection; Photovoltaic module; Solar dryer; Thermal analysis | Capital costs; Cloud cover; Continuous operation; Direct solar; Dryer efficiency; Drying rates; Drying time; Experimental evaluation; Experimental investigations; Heat reservoirs; Maximum temperature; Photovoltaic; Photovoltaic modules; Power supply; Sunshine Hour; Drying; Forced convection; Incident solar radiation; Thermoanalysis; Solar dryers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84933036318 | Design and construction of 250 liters plastic bio-digester and evaluation of biogas production using 4 co-substrates | Aderibigbe A.B. | 2015 | IIOAB Journal | 6 | 2 | None | Dept. of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Aderibigbe, A.B., Dept. of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Biogas is a gas produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. This work involves the construction of (250L) plastic biodgiester using plastic ‘Storex’ tank as reactor vessel and non-corroding metal as the agitating device. The substrate used in this work includes rice husk, paper waste, maize husk and cow dung were perpetrated using hydrothermal process (except the latter) before been prepared in slurry form to achieve 8% solid content. A total 170 liters slurry was used to fed the digester. In this study, batch fermentation system was used. During fermentation, agitation of the reaction medium was carried out (6-8 times daily) with the aid of agitating device. Biogas production was measured by the downward water displacement method. Measurable gas was observed at the 13th day of the study (600ml), while highest gas production was observed at 47th day of the work (5500ml). Fluctuation in environmental condition such as temperature and changing in pH value leads to inconsistence daily gas production. The pH of the medium ranged from 4.45 – 6.85. The use of plastic material for the construction of biodigester and a non-corroding metal as agitating device aids biogas production. This is because the plastic is cheap, durable, consistent, and gas leakage problem can be easily controlled. Also a mixture of animal waste and plant waste materials with proper pretreatment of these wastes prior to discharge to biodigester has a positive effect on biogas yield. © 2015, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology. All rights Reserved. | Biodigester; Biogas; Construction; Fermentation; Pretreatment; Substrates | biogas; agricultural slurry; Article; batch fermentation; biofuel production; decomposition; general device; hydrothermal decomposition; maize; maize husk; manure; paper; paper waste; pH; plastic biodigester; rice husk; temperature; waste | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866313534 | Design and evaluation of a 3-component composite excipient "microcrystarcellac" as a filler-binder for direct compression | Shittu A.O., Oyi A.R., Isah A.B., Ibrahim M.A. | 2012 | International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | 4 | SUPPL. 4 | None | Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nige | Shittu, A.O., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Oyi, A.R., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Isah, A.B., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Ibrahim, M.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria | A research was conducted to design and evaluate a highly functional 3-component composite filler- binder for direct compression. Tapioca starch (NTS) was modified physically at molecular level by annealing and enzyme hydrolyzed to obtain microcrystalline tapioca starch (MCTS) which was coprocessed with LMH and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to yield Microcrystarcellac (MSCL). NTS was extracted from cassava tuber (Mannihot italive utilismo) using a standard method. The powder suspensions were prepared in concentration of 40 %w/w in five separate conical flasks. The starch granules were annealed for 1 h and subsequently hydrolyzed with α-amylase at 58° and pH 7 for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h in a water bath. The reaction was terminated and neutralized with 0.1 N HCL and 0.1 N NaOH respectively. The MCTS was washed, recovered by sedimentation and air dried at room temperature for 72 h. Following characterization, the granules that were modified for 3 h, sieved fraction >75-250 μm was coprocessed with α- lactose monohydrate(α-LMH) and Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) at concentrations of 10-50 % (MCTS), 45-25 %(α-LMH), 45-25 %(MCC). Granule size ranges >75 - 250 μm, and >90 - 250 μm were characterized and compacted at a range of compression load 2.5 to 12.5 KN. Average flow rate, angle of repose and carr's index were 2 g/s, 31.6°, 13.4 % respectively for MSCL (granule size range >90 - 250 μm and component ratio of MCTS, α-LMH, and MCC is 20: 40:40). The corresponding values for the direct physical mixture of MCTS, α-LMH and MCC are 0.45 g/s, 47.5°, 52 % respectively. MSCL have improved functionality over direct physical mixture of the primary excipients. MSCL was compared with Starlac®, Cellactose® and MCC. The onset of plastic deformation P y (yield value) are: MSCL (22.3 MNm -2)>Cellactose (24.2 MNm -2)>MCC (25 MNm -2)>Starlac (143 MNm -2). The degree of plastic deformation occurring during compression (P k) is in the following order: MSCL (16.3 MNm -2)>Starlac®(17 MNm -2)>MCC (18.6 MNm -2)>Cellactose® (19.1 MNm -2). MSCL is more superior in functionality than Starlac, Cellactose and MCC. The dilution potential obtained for MSCL compacted with paracetamol (PCM) and ascorbic acid (AA) as active drug (API) are: 50 % AA with MSCL, 45 % PCM with MSCL. The hardness of MSCL containing 45 % PCM, 70 N; MSCL containing 50 % AA, 68 N. MSCL can be used to formulate tablets of both poorly compressible API and moisture sensitive API. | Coprocessed Excipient; Directly compressible Excipient; Highly functional Filler-binder; Microcrystalline Tapioca Starch; Microcrystarcellac | alpha lactose; amylase; ascorbic acid; excipient; lactose; microcrystalline cellulose; paracetamol; starch; article; cassava; composite material; concentration (parameters); flow rate; hydrolysis; Mannihot italive utilismo; moisture; pH measurement; room temperature; sedimentation rate; sensitivity analysis; tapioca; temperature measurement | None |
| WoS | WOS:000239414300012 | Design and evaluation of a drama-based intervention to promote voluntary counseling and HIV testing in a south African community | Bekker, Linda-Gail,Middelkoop, Keren,Myer, Landon,Smit, Joalida,Wood, Robin | 2006 | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES | 33 | 8 | None | Columbia University, University of Cape Town | None | Background. Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services are a major component of HIV prevention and treatment efforts. We developed a drama-based intervention to promote VCT services in a peri-urban community in South Africa.
Methods: Young adults from the community received training in HIV/AIDS and drama, and developed sketches to address perceived barriers to VCT. Over 12 months, 80 performances were held in busy community settings. The intervention was evaluated through changes in VCT uptake at the local clinic compared with comparable communities nearby.
Results: After the start of the intervention in August 2003, a 172% increase in the uptake of VCT services was observed in the intervention community. This was significantly greater than demand for VCT in either of the control communities during the same period (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: A structured, community-based education program based on drama can lead to substantial increases in the demand for VCT services in resource-limited settings. | ,BEHAVIOR,UGANDA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950284082 | Design and evaluation of a dual impedance-adapting power-line communications coupler | Van Rensburg P.A.J., Ferreira H.C. | 2010 | IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery | 25 | 2 | 10.1109/TPWRD.2009.2031648 | Department of Electrical Engineering, Walter Sisulu University, East London 5200, South Africa; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Van Rensburg, P.A.J., Department of Electrical Engineering, Walter Sisulu University, East London 5200, South Africa; Ferreira, H.C., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Historically, the unpredictable on-off switching of loads has been a major obstacle to low-voltage power-line communications. Some researchers have gathered valuable data and have proposed statistical models in order to try and mitigate these sudden changes in access impedance. Others have proposed network conditioning in order to block off harsh loads from the power-line network by means of series filters. These filters are expensive, as they have to be rated at the typical current that is drawn by the load to be blocked off. Also, in many cases, these are the very loads than need to be monitored and controlled for home automation. This paper investigates the possibility of utilizing a simple, dual coupler to diminish the impact of switching loads on data transmission. First, the design of a suitable dual coupler is demonstrated, using a commercially available high-frequency transformer. Next, laboratory as well as live 220-V measurements are done for 50-Ω modems at frequencies below 1 MHz. These measurements confirm that the proposed dual coupler can help to counter the impact of switching power-line loads by means of i) improved transmission when a certain network point is loaded and ii) more predictable (lower) power-line impedance levelsfacilitating more accurate overall impedance adaptation. © 2010 IEEE. | Coupling circuits; Impedance matching; Modems; Transformers | Data transmission; Home automation; Impedance matching; Impedance matchings; Low-voltage; Power lines; Power-line communications; Powerline networks; Statistical models; Sudden change; Switching power; Data communication systems; Impedance matching (electric); Modems | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938410530 | Design and Evaluation of a Magnetically Geared PM Machine | Gerber S., Wang R.-J. | 2015 | IEEE Transactions on Magnetics | 51 | 8 | 10.1109/TMAG.2015.2421474 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Gerber, S., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Wang, R.-J., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | This paper presents the design and evaluation of a magnetically geared permanent magnet (PM) machine with an inner stator. A brief overview of relevant operating principles is given first. A simplified design and simulation methodology, which can ensure that the magnetic gear and the stator are well matched, is then devised. The method is applied to the design optimization of a small machine resulting in a design with a maximum torque density of 115 kN · m/m3 per active volume. To validate the design, a working prototype has been built and experimentally evaluated. It shows that this computationally efficient design methodology is well suited for the optimization of magnetically geared PM machines. Finally, a method of analyzing the operating points of the machine is described. Relevant conclusions are drawn and recommendations for future work are given. © 2015 IEEE. | Design optimization; finite-element method; magnetic gears; permanent magnet (PM) machines; special electrical machines | Finite element method; Magnets; Permanent magnets; Stators; Computationally efficient; Design and evaluations; Design and simulation; Design optimization; Electrical machine; Magnetic gear; Operating principles; Permanent-magnet machine; Design | US, Universiteit Stellenbosch |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44349099730 | Design and evaluation of anacardic acid derivatives as anticavity agents | Green I.R., Tocoli F.E., Lee S.H., Nihei K.-i., Kubo I. | 2008 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 43 | 6 | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2007.08.012 | Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, P/Bag X17, Bellville, 7530, South Africa; Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3112, United States | Green, I.R., Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, P/Bag X17, Bellville, 7530, South Africa; Tocoli, F.E., Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, P/Bag X17, Bellville, 7530, South Africa; Lee, S.H., Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3112, United States; Nihei, K.-i., Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3112, United States; Kubo, I., Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3112, United States | On the basis of antibacterial anacardic acids, 6-pentadecenylsalicylic acids, isolated from the cashew apple, Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), a series of 6-alk(en)ylsalicylic acids were synthesized and tested for their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. Among them, 6-(4′,8′-dimethylnonyl)salicylic acid was found to exhibit the most potent antibacterial activity against this cariogenic bacterium with the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 0.78 μg/ml. © 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | 6-(4′,8′-Dimethylnonyl)salicylic acid; Anacardic acid; Antibacterial activity; Streptococcus mutans | anacardic acid; salicylic acid derivative; antibacterial activity; article; cashew nut; dental caries; drug design; drug isolation; drug screening; drug synthesis; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; Streptococcus mutans; Anacardic Acids; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dental Caries; Drug Design; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880286999 | Design and evaluation of an electrochemical immunosensor for measles serodiagnosis using measles-specific Immunoglobulin G antibodies | Mashazi P., Vilakazi S., Nyokong T. | 2013 | Talanta | 115 | None | 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.06.036 | Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Sensors, Chemistry Department, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Mashazi, P., Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg 2125, South Africa, Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Sensors, Chemistry Department, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Vilakazi, S., Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Nyokong, T., Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Sensors, Chemistry Department, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies is reported. The measles-antigen modified surface was used as an antibody capture surface. The detection of measles-specific IgG antibodies was accomplished using the voltammetric method and horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled secondary antibody (anti-IgG) as a detecting antibody. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in buffer and serum solutions. The immunosensor exhibited good linearity at concentrations less than 100 ng mL-1 with R2=0.997 and the limit of detection of 6.60 ng mL-1 at 3σ. The potential application of the immunosensor was evaluated in the deliberately infected human and newborn calf serum samples with measles-IgG antibody mimicking real-life samples. The designed electrochemical immunosensor could differentiate between infected and un-infected serum samples as higher catalytic currents were obtained for infected serum samples. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Horse-radish peroxidase; Immunosensors; Labeled-detection; Measles-antigen; Measles-specific antibodies | Design and evaluations; Electrochemical immunosensors; Horse-radish peroxidase; Labeled-detection; Limit of detection; Measles-antigen; Secondary antibodies; Voltammetric methods; Antigens; Body fluids; Chemical detection; Immunosensors; Antibodies; anti IgG; anti-IgG; antiidiotypic antibody; horseradish peroxidase; immunoglobulin G; virus antibody; virus antigen; animal; article; blood; cattle; chemistry; equipment design; genetic procedures; Horse-radish peroxidase; human; immunoassay; immunology; immunosensor; Labeled-detection; limit of detection; measles; Measles-antigen; Measles-specific antibodies; newborn; virology; Horse-radish peroxidase; Immunosensors; Labeled-detection; Measles-antigen; Measles-specific antibodies; Animals; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Biosensing Techniques; Cattle; Equipment Design; Horseradish Peroxidase; Humans; Immunoassay; Immunoglobulin G; Infant, Newborn; Limit of Detection; Measles | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953795527 | Design and evaluation of fragment-like estrogen receptor tetrahydroisoquinoline ligands from a scaffold-detection approach | Möcklinghoff S., Van Otterlo W.A.L., Rose R., Fuchs S., Zimmermann T.J., Dominguez Seoane M., Waldmann H., Ottmann C., Brunsveld L. | 2011 | Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 54 | 7 | 10.1021/jm1011116 | Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Den Dolech 2, 5612AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands; Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max-Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, PO Wits, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Möcklinghoff, S., Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Den Dolech 2, 5612AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands, Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max-Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Van Otterlo, W.A.L., Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany, Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, PO Wits, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Rose, R., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max-Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Fuchs, S., Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Den Dolech 2, 5612AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands; Zimmermann, T.J., Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Dominguez Seoane, M., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max-Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Waldmann, H., Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Ottmann, C., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max-Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Brunsveld, L., Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Den Dolech 2, 5612AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands, Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max-Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany | A library of small tetrahydroisoquinoline ligands, previously identified via structure- and chemistry-based hierarchical organization of library scaffolds in tree-like arrangements, has been generated as novel estrogen receptor agonistic fragments via traditional medicinal chemistry exploration. The approach described has allowed for the rapid evaluation of a structure-activity relationship of the ligands concerning estrogen receptor affinity and estrogen receptor - subtype selectivity. The structural biological insights obtained from the fragments aid the understanding of larger analogues and constitute attractive starting points for further optimization. © 2011 American Chemical Society. | None | estrogen receptor; estrogen receptor alpha; estrogen receptor beta; tetrahydroisoquinoline; article; crystal structure; drug design; drug screening; drug synthesis; receptor affinity; structure activity relation; Drug Design; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Estrogen Receptor beta; Ligands; Models, Molecular; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Small Molecule Libraries; Substrate Specificity; Tetrahydroisoquinolines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920508345 | Design and evaluation of time and pH dependent delivery systems of lercanidipine hydrochloride for chronomodulated therapy | Olorunfemi D.I., Okieimen E.A., Ovwemuvwose J. | 2014 | Studia Universitatis Vasile Goldis Arad, Seria Stiintele Vietii | 24 | 3 | None | Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Olorunfemi, D.I., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Okieimen, E.A., Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ovwemuvwose, J., Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The present work deals with the development and characterization of lercanidipine hydrochloride pulsatile drug delivery system for chronomodulated therapy for improvement in therapeutic index and efficacy. The lercanidipine hydrochloride chitosan microspheres were prepared by emulsion cross linking method by varying drug to polymer ratio and evaluated for the particle size, drug content and in vitro release profiles. Optimised formulations were selected and enteric coated with Eudragit S-100 and Eudragit L-100. The two enteric coated formulations were selected for further fabrication of pulsatile capsule. Different hydrogel polymers were used as plugs, to maintain a suitable lag period. The entire device was enteric coated with cellulose acetate phthalate, so that colon-specific release can be achieved In vitro release studies of pulsatile device revealed that, increasing the hydrophilic polymer content resulted in delayed release of lercanidipine Hcl from microcapsules. The microspheres remained stable during the stability period without any significant changes in their physico-chemical properties. © 2014 Vasile Goldis University Press. | Chitosan microspheres; In-vitro characterization; Lercanidipine Hcl; PH dependent | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951570862 | Design and methods of a longitudinal study investigating the impact of antiretroviral treatment on the partnerships and sexual behaviour of HIV-infected individuals in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | McGrath N., Richter L., Newell M.-L. | 2011 | BMC Public Health | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-121 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa; Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa; UCL, Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom | McGrath, N., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa; Richter, L., Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Newell, M.-L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Somkhele, South Africa, UCL, Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom | Background: Diagnosed HIV-infected people form an increasingly large sub-population in South Africa, one that will continue to grow with widely promoted HIV testing and greater availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART). For HIV prevention and support, understanding the impact of long-term ART on family and sexual relationships is a health research priority. This includes improving the availability of longitudinal demographic and health data on HIV-infected individuals who have accessed ART services but who are not yet ART-eligible. Design and methods. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of ART on family and partner relationships, and sexual behaviour of HIV-infected individuals accessing a public HIV treatment and care programme in rural South Africa. HIV-infected men and women aged 18 years or older attending three clinics are screened. Those people initiating ART because they meet the criteria of WHO stage 4 or CD4 200 cells/L are assigned to an 'ART initiator' group. A 'Monitoring' group is composed of people whose most recent CD4 count was <500 cells/L and are therefore, not yet eligible for ART. During the four-year study, data on both groups is collected every 6 months during clinic visits, or where necessary by home visits or phone. Detailed information is collected on social, demographic and health characteristics including living arrangements, past and current partnerships, sexual behaviour, HIV testing and disclosure, stigma, self-efficacy, quality of family and partner relationships, fertility and fertility intentions, ART knowledge and attitudes, and gender norms. Recruitment for both groups started in January 2009. As of October 2010, 600 participants have been enrolled; 386 in the ART initiator group (141, 37% male) and 214 in the Monitoring group (31, 14% male). Recruitment remains open for the Monitoring group. Discussion. The data collected in this study will provide valuable information for measuring the impact of ART on sexual behaviour, and for the planning and delivery of appropriate interventions to promote family and partner support, and safe sexual behaviour for people living with HIV in this setting and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. © 2011 McGrath et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; adult; article; drug effect; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human relation; longitudinal study; male; methodology; middle aged; questionnaire; rural population; sexual behavior; South Africa; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Female; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Questionnaires; Research Design; Rural Population; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875606671 | Design and performance assessment of a flat-plate solar milk pasteurizer for arid pastoral areas of kenya | Wayua F.O., Okoth M.W., Wangoh J. | 2013 | Journal of Food Processing and Preservation | 37 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1745-4549.2011.00628.x | National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 147, Marsabit 60500, Kenya; Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Wayua, F.O., National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 147, Marsabit 60500, Kenya; Okoth, M.W., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Wangoh, J., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | A solar milk pasteurizer consisting of flat-plate water-heating collector and a 1.5-mm thick stainless steel cylindrical milk vat was designed and tested in an arid pastoral area of northern Kenya. The milk vat had a capacity of 80L and a 50-mm wide hot water jacket insulated with 38-mm thick fiberglass. Hot water produced by the collector was used for pasteurizing milk. The optimum quantity of milk that could be pasteurized by this device under the study conditions was 40L, and the average temperature difference between hot water and milk being pasteurized was 8.1±1.4C. Total bacterial counts in pasteurized milk were less than 10cfu/mL while coliform counts were negative. This low-cost solar milk pasteurizer is appropriate for arid pastoral areas without grid electricity, where milk marketing is an important income source, and where most of the milk is boiled using firewood. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | Flat plate; Grid electricity; Income sources; Marketing IS; Pasteurized milk; Performance assessment; Temperature differences; Total bacterial count; Water; Pasteurization; Bacteria (microorganisms); Lycium andersonii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870486834 | Design and performance assessment of a low cost evaporative cooler for storage of camel milk in arid pastoral areas of kenya | Wayua F.O., Okoth M.W., Wangoh J. | 2012 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 8 | 1 | 10.1515/1556-3758.2323 | Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kenya; University of Nairobi, Kenya | Wayua, F.O., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kenya; Okoth, M.W., University of Nairobi, Kenya; Wangoh, J., University of Nairobi, Kenya | A low-cost charcoal evaporative cooler was designed and tested for the storage of camel milk in an arid pastoral area of northern Kenya. The cooler, 0.75 m3 in capacity, was made of galvanised iron frame reinforced with wire mesh inside and out, leaving a 10 cm-wide cavity which was filled with charcoal. A water reservoir linked to the cooler at the top through a perforated pipe kept the charcoal continuously wet through drip system. A wind driven fan on the roof enhanced air movement through the charcoal walls by sucking out the air in the cooler. The cooler was evaluated for temperature and product response. The inside temperature was 1-11°C lower than outside temperature and inside humidity was 0-49% higher than outside. During the hottest time of the day (14.00 hrs) when cooling was most needed, the cooler consistently maintained an average temperature drop of 10.5±0.4°C below ambient temperature, which varied from 29-32°C. This reduction in temperature was 35.6% and statistically significant (p=0.05). During this time, cooling efficiency varied between 74.2 to 86.7%. Temperature of camel milk inside the cooler did not significantly increase (p>0.05) between morning time and evening time. However, temperature of control milk at ambient conditions significantly (p=0.05) changed over the same period, from 22.6±0.08°C to 28.1±0.08°C. Milk inside the cooler was also significantly cooler (p=0.05) than control milk in the evening, with a net temperature reduction of 27.0%. Total bacterial count changed from 31.4±2.1 x 104 cfu/ml to 43.1±1.9 x 104 and 1638±81 x 104 cfu/ml for test and control milk, respectively, after storage for 10 hours. As an inexpensive alternative to mechanical refrigeration, evaporative cooling technology is promising and suitable for rural application in arid pastoral areas without grid electricity, to minimise risk of milk spoilage at collection points and retail level, and thereby encourage organised women groups to get involved in milk marketing as a source of income. © 2012 De Gruyter. | Arid areas; Camel milk storage; Design; Evaporative cooler; Kenya; Performance | Air movement; Ambient conditions; Arid area; Cooling efficiency; Drip system; Evaporative coolers; Evaporative cooling; Grid electricity; Inside temperature; Kenya; Low costs; Mechanical refrigeration; Performance; Performance assessment; Rural application; Temperature drops; Temperature reduction; Total bacterial count; Wire meshes; Arid regions; Cooling; Design; Evaporative cooling systems; Charcoal; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34047135322 | Design and performance evaluation of a medium power PM-assisted reluctance synchronous traction machine using bonded PM-sheets | Sibande S.E., Kamper M.J., Wang R. | 2006 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 97 | 1 | None | Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Sibande, S.E., Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Kamper, M.J., Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Wang, R., Electrical Machines and Drives Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | This paper describes the optimum design of a permanent-magnet-assisted reluctance rotor of a 110 kW reluctance synchronous traction machine. Previous studies show that the performance of the pure reluctance synchronous machine drive deteriorates fast in the flux-weakening speed region. To address this problem, thin bonded permanent-magnet sheet material is used inside the flux barriers of the reluctance rotor to improve the performance of the drive, especially in the flux-weakening speed region. A design optimization algorithm is implemented to minimize the volume and hence the cost of the permanent-magnet material, subject to voltage and torque constraints. The calculated and measured results show clearly that the performance of the reluctance synchronous traction machine with a minimum amount of permanent-magnet material in the rotor compares favorably with the performance of the conventional induction machine drive at both rated and maximum speeds. Copyright © 2004 IEEE. | Finite element; Optimisation; Permanent magnet; Reluctance synchronous machine | Design optimization; Finite Element; Flux barrier; Flux weakening; Induction machine drive; Maximum speed; Measured results; Optimisation; Optimisations; Optimum designs; Performance evaluation; Reluctance synchronous machine; Sheet material; Torque constraints; Traction machines; Magnetic devices; Optimization; Permanent magnets; Synchronous motors; Traction (friction); Machine design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35948991958 | Design and performance of BNR activated sludge systems with flat sheet membranes for solid-liquid separation | du Toit G.J.G., Ramphao M.C., Parco V., Wentzel M.C., Ekama G.A. | 2007 | Water Science and Technology | 56 | 6 | 10.2166/wst.2007.643 | Water Research Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Palermo, Palermo 90100, Italy; Ninham Shand (Pty) Ltd., 81 Church Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa | du Toit, G.J.G., Water Research Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa, Ninham Shand (Pty) Ltd., 81 Church Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Ramphao, M.C., Ninham Shand (Pty) Ltd., 81 Church Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Parco, V., Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Palermo, Palermo 90100, Italy; Wentzel, M.C., Water Research Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; Ekama, G.A., Water Research Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa | The use of immersed membranes for solid-liquid separation in biological nutrient removal activated sludge (BNRAS) systems was investigated at lab scale. Two laboratory-scale BNR activated sludge systems were run in parallel, one a MBR system and the other a conventional system with secondary settling tanks. Both systems were in 3 reactor anaerobic, anoxic, aerobic UCT configurations. The systems were set up to have, as far as possible, identical design parameters such as reactor mass fractions, recycles and sludge age. Differences were the influent flow and total reactor volumes, and the higher reactor concentrations in the MBR system. The performances of the two systems were extensively monitored and compared to identify and quantity the influence of the membranes on system response. The MBR UCT system exhibited COD, FSA, TKN, TP and TSS removals that were consistently equivalent or superior to the conventional system. Better P removal in the MBR was attributed to lower observed P uptake in the anoxic zone. High nitrate loads to the anoxic reactor appeared to be the determining factor in stimulating P uptake. The MBR UCT system had a greater sludge production than the conventional system. This was partly attributable to the retention of all solids in the MBR reactor. For steady state design this increase is accommodated by increasing the influent unbiodegradable particulate COD fraction. Additionally an attempt was made to determine the Alpha values in the oxygen transfer rate. This paper briefly summarises and compares the results from both systems, and the conclusions that can be drawn from these results. © IWA Publishing 2007. | Activated sludge; Alpha; Anoxic P uptake; Biological nutrient removal; Membrane bioreactor | Bioreactors; Chemical oxygen demand; Nutrients; Phase separation; Phosphorus; Removal; Sewage settling tanks; Biological nutrient removal; Membrane bioreactor; Activated sludge process; nitrogen; oxygen; phosphorus; Activated sludge process; Bioreactors; Chemical oxygen demand; Nutrients; Phase separation; Phosphorus; Removal; Sewage settling tanks; activated sludge; bioreactor; membrane; activated sludge; aerobic reactor; anaerobic reactor; article; biodegradability; chemical oxygen demand; controlled study; intermethod comparison; membrane reactor; oxygen transport; particulate matter; process design; quantitative analysis; separation technique; solid liquid separation; steady state; suspended particulate matter; Bioreactors; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Sewage; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Water Purification | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053235776 | Design and performance of wideband DRFM for radar test and evaluation | Olivier K., Cilliers J.E., Du Plessis M. | 2011 | Electronics Letters | 47 | 14 | 10.1049/el.2011.0362 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Pretoria, Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics, Pretoria, South Africa | Olivier, K., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; Cilliers, J.E., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Building 44, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa; Du Plessis, M., University of Pretoria, Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics, Pretoria, South Africa | The test and evaluation of modern radars using hardware in the loop simulators requires the use of wideband high-fidelity, digital radio frequency memories (DRFM) in order to generate realistic target returns. Important aspects of wideband DRFM design on a printed circuit board are highighted and the architecture of the DRFM that was implemented using commercial-off-the-shelf components is presented. The spurious free dynamic range of the DRFM was characterised as -47dBc worst case over an instantaneous bandwidth of 800MHz. An experimental pulse-Doppler radar was used to compare the fidelity of the returns from the DRFM and an optical delay line. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology. | None | Commercial off-the-shelf components; Digital radio frequency memory; Hardware in the loop simulator; High fidelity; Instantaneous bandwidth; Optical delay lines; Pulse-Doppler radar; Spurious free dynamic range; Test and evaluation; Wide-band; Worst case; Digital radio; Doppler radar; Printed circuit boards; Printed circuit design | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880418555 | Design and pharmaceutical evaluation of a nano-enabled crosslinked multipolymeric scaffold for prolonged intracranial release of zidovudine | Harilall S.-L., Choonara Y.E., Modi G., Tomar L.K., Tyagi C., Kumar P., Du Toit L.C., Iyuke S.E., Danckwerts M.P., Pillay V. | 2013 | Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | 16 | 3 | None | University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa | Harilall, S.-L., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Modi, G., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tomar, L.K., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tyagi, C., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kumar, P., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Iyuke, S.E., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa; Danckwerts, M.P., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, V., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Purpose. Nanomedicine explores and allows for the development of drug delivery devices with superior drug uptake, controlled release and fewer drug side-effects. This study explored the use of nanosystems to formulate an implantable drug delivery device capable of sustained zidovudine release over a prolonged period. Methods. Pectin and alginate nanoparticles were prepared by applying a salting out and controlled gelification approach, respectively. The nanoparticles were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) and were further evaluated for zidovudine (AZT) entrapment efficiency. Multipolymeric scaffolds were prepared by crosslinking carboxymethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide and epsilon caprolactone for entrapment of zidovudine-loaded alginate nanoparticles to impart enhanced controlled release of zidovudine over the time period. Swelling and textural analysis were conducted on the scaffolds. Prepared scaffolds were treated with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to reduce the swelling of matrix in the hydrated environment thereby further controlling the drug release. Drug release studies in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4, 37°C) were undertaken on both zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles and native scaffolds containing alginate nanoparticles. Results. A higher AZT entrapment efficiency was observed in alginate nanoparticles. Biphasic release was observed with both nanoparticle formulations, exhibiting an initial burst release of drug within hours of exposure to PBS, followed by a constant release rate of AZT over the remaining 30 days of nanoparticle analysis. Exposure of the scaffolds to HCl served to reduce the drug release rate from the entrapped alginate nanoparticles and extended the AZT release up to 30 days. Conclusions. The crosslinked multipolymeric scaffold loaded with alginate nanoparticles and treated with 1% HCl showed the potential for prolonged delivery of zidovudine over a period of 30 days and therefore may be a potential candidate for use as an implantable device in treating Aids Dementia Complex. | None | alginic acid; carboxymethylcellulose; hydrochloric acid; macrogol; pectin; phosphate buffered saline; zidovudine; article; attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; controlled drug release; controlled study; cross linking; drug design; dynamic light scattering; infrared spectroscopy; light scattering; nanopharmaceutics; particle size; scanning electron microscopy; sustained release preparation; zeta potential; Alginates; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Carriers; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Hydrochloric Acid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Polymers; Surface Properties; Technology, Pharmaceutical; Zidovudine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918806212 | Design and positive financial impact of crush pillars on mechanized deep-level mining at South Deep Gold Mine | Watson B.P., Pretorius W., Mpunzi P., Du Plooy M., Matthysen K., Kuijpers J.S. | 2014 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 114 | 10 | None | Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, South Africa; Centre for Mining Innovation CSIR, South Africa | Watson, B.P., Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; Pretorius, W., Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; Mpunzi, P., SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, South Africa; Du Plooy, M., Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; Matthysen, K., Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; Kuijpers, J.S., Centre for Mining Innovation CSIR, South Africa | Crush pillars have been incorporated into a mechanized, low-profile trackless system at South Deep Gold Msine. These pillars had to be designed to fail near the face and to ensure that pillar failure is contained within the pillar, to avoid bursting and the risk of high loads being generated during a seismic event, respectively. PoweRite backfill bags were recommended to maintain the integrity of the pillars; except in the main access drives, where the sidewalls were to be supported on 5.6 mm diameter weld mesh and yielding anchors. The results of a trial site investigation exceeded expectations, showing a residual pillar strength of about 37 MPa for a newly formed pillar and 8 MPa for a pillar subjected to seismicity and a closure of more than 300 mm. The introduction of these pillars has improved the rock mass conditions because of the active nature of the support, compared to the previous passive backfill method. Importantly, the pillars have increased mining efficiencies and improved face availability. A potential cost saving to the mine of R140.9 million could be realized over a period of 10 years. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2014. | Backfill; Crush pillars; De-stress mining | Economic geology; Gold; Gold mines; Backfill; Crush pillars; Deep gold mines; Deep-level mining; Financial impacts; Pillar failures; Residual pillars; Site investigations; Room and pillar mining | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-31644435352 | Design and preclinical evaluation of a multigene human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C DNA vaccine for clinical trial | Burgers W.A., van Harmelen J.H., Shephard E., Adams C., Mgwebi T., Bourn W., Hanke T., Williamson A.-L., Williamson C. | 2006 | Journal of General Virology | 87 | 2 | 10.1099/vir.0.81379-0 | Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; MRC/UCT Liver Research Centre, UCT, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, The John Radcliffe, Oxford, United Kingdom | Burgers, W.A., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; van Harmelen, J.H., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Shephard, E., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa, MRC/UCT Liver Research Centre, UCT, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Adams, C., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Mgwebi, T., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Bourn, W., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Hanke, T., MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, The John Radcliffe, Oxford, United Kingdom; Williamson, A.-L., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Williamson, C., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa | In this study, the design and preclinical development of a multigene human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C DNA vaccine are described, developed as part of the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI). Genetic variation remains a major obstacle in the development of an HIV-1 vaccine and recent strategies have focused on constructing vaccines based on the subtypes dominant in the developing world, where the epidemic is most severe. The vaccine, SAAVI DNA-C, contains an equimolar mixture of two plasmids, pTHr.grttnC and pTHr.gp150CT, which express a polyprotein derived from Gag, reverse transcriptase (RT), Tat and Nef, and a truncated Env, respectively. Genes included in the vaccine were obtained from individuals within 3 months of infection and selection was based on closeness to a South African subtype C consensus sequence. All genes were codon-optimized for increased expression in humans. The genes have been modified for safety, stability and immunogenicity. Tat was inactivated through shuffling of gene fragments, whilst maintaining all potential epitopes; the active site of RT was mutated; 124 aa were removed from the cytoplasmic tail of gp160; and Nef and Gag myristylation sites were inactivated. Following vaccination of BALB/c mice, high levels of cytotoxic T lymphocytes were induced against multiple epitopes and the vaccine stimulated strong CD8+ gamma interferon responses. In addition, high titres of antibodies to gp 120 were induced in guinea pigs. This vaccine is the first component of a prime-boost regimen that is scheduled for clinical trials in humans in the USA and South Africa. © 2006 SGM. | None | DNA vaccine; epitope; Gag protein; gamma interferon; glycoprotein gp 160; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; Nef protein; plasmid vector; protein antibody; RNA directed DNA polymerase; transactivator protein; virus envelope protein; animal cell; animal experiment; animal model; antibody titer; article; CD8+ T lymphocyte; codon; consensus sequence; controlled study; cytoplasm; developing country; DNA modification; DNA shuffling; drug design; drug manufacture; drug safety; drug screening; drug stability; enzyme active site; epidemic; female; gene delivery system; gene expression; gene inactivation; gene mutation; genetic selection; genetic variability; guinea pig; health program; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; immunogenicity; immunostimulation; mouse; multigene family; myristylation; nonhuman; plasmid; priority journal; serotype; South Africa; United States; AIDS Vaccines; Animals; Drug Design; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Genes, env; Genes, gag; Genes, tat; HIV-1; Humans; Mice; Vaccines, DNA; Animalia; Cavia; Cavia porcellus; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908541613 | Design, construction, and evaluation of a mixed mode solar kiln with black-painted pebble bed for timber seasoning in a tropical setting | Ugwu S.N., Ugwuishiwu B.O., Ekechukwu O.V., Njoku H., Ani A.O. | 2015 | Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews | 41 | None | 10.1016/j.rser.2014.09.033 | Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; National University Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ugwu, S.N., Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ugwuishiwu, B.O., Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ekechukwu, O.V., National University Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Njoku, H., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ani, A.O., Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Different designs and improvements on solar kiln for drying different types of products have been an ongoing research interest, ranging from simple and small capacity to automated dryers with integrated storage systems. In this article, mixed-mode solar kiln with black pebble bed as absorber and storage is designed and evaluated at Nsukka, Nigeria, latitude 6.8°N. It combines heat from an external collector and from a transparent roof, making it efficient for wood seasoning in tropical areas. The kiln consists of a drying chamber of 0.362 m3 capacity, a single glazed flat plate collector and transparent roof area of 0.54 m2, a pebble bed capacity of 0.1 m3, and a kiln orientation of 7°N-S facing south. At peak periods, timber stack in the drying chamber receives hot air flow from the collector and the transparent roof simultaneously. At off-peak periods, heat stored by pebble bed helps to avert reverse flow of moist air. Test results reveal that temperatures inside the dryer and solar collector were higher than the ambient temperature at all hours of the day. Maximum drying chamber temperature, which was obtained at midday, was 61.7°C. Kiln drying reduced timber moisture content from 66.27% to 12.9% whereas open air drying reduced to 20.1% dry basis in 360 hours. Also, the initial drying rates for both kiln dried wood and control were 0.205% and 0.564% per day and the final drying rates were 0.15% and 0.08% per day, respectively. The rapid rate of drying in the kiln reveals its ability to dry timber to safe moisture level without defects. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Drying; Kiln; Moisture content; Solar; Timber; Wood | Kilns; Moisture; Timber; Wood; Mixed mode; Pebble beds; Solar; Solar kiln; Drying; Forests; Kilns; Lumber; Moisture Content; Wood | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897443948 | Design, construction and performance evaluation of a model waste stabilization pond | Egwuonwu C.C., Okafor V.C., Ezeanya N.C., Nzediegwu C., Suleiman A., Uzoigwe O. | 2014 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 7 | 9 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | Egwuonwu, C.C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Okafor, V.C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Ezeanya, N.C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Nzediegwu, C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Suleiman, A., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Uzoigwe, O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | The study aimed at the design, construction and performance evaluation of a model Waste Stabilization Pond (WSP). The WSP comprised of one facultative pond and three maturation ponds all in series. The influent of the WSP after filtration through the lined sandy loam media (obtained from the premises of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria) had the BOD reduced to 22 mg/L from 356 mg/L indicating a 93.8% removal level. A faecal coli form count (fc) of the influent sample gave 1×108 fc/100 mL, whereas the effluent gave 10 fc/100 mL which was 99.9% fc removal. The value of 150 mg/L of the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) for the influent was reduced to 26 mg/L for the effluent after treatment. It was concluded that the effluent from the WSP was within the limits of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) standard of 30 mg/L for TSS, 30 mg/L for BOD5 and 400 fc/100 mL for faecal coli form thus making the waste water safe for discharge into surface water as well as its use for irrigation after treatment. The sandy loam soil media was found to be non-promising earlier in the removal process until it was lined with polyethylene material. A clay media was therefore recommended. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014. | Construction; Design; Evaluation; Model; Performance; Waste stabilization pond | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866786657 | Design, construction and performance evaluation of a modified cassava milling machine | Nwaigwe K.N., Nzediegwu C., Ugwuoke P.E. | 2012 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 4 | 18 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Energy Commission of Nigeria, National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nwaigwe, K.N., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Nzediegwu, C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria; Ugwuoke, P.E., Energy Commission of Nigeria, National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | This study on the design and construction of a modified cassava milling machine was done, owing to the inability of existing mills to meet the demand of cassava flour in bakery industries. Rational design by drawing and calculations and fabrication in the Centre for Industrial Studies (CIS) FUTO were used to bring this mill to reality. The modified cassava milling machine has a milling efficiency of 82.3%, it is dust free and self-cleaning and due to proper air circulation does not destroy the cassava flour produced by overheating. The cassava flour produced was found to have a fineness modulus (fm) of 0.31, Uniformity index (U) of 0: 1: 9 (coarse: medium: fine) and effective size (D 10) of 0.075 mm which is better than that produced by an existing mill (hammer mill) of fineness modulus (fm) 2.32, uniformity index (U) of 4:1:5 and effective size (D 10) of 0.085 mm. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012. | Cassava; Flour; Hammer mill; Milling machine | Air circulation; Bakery industry; Cassava; Cassava flour; Design and construction; Effective size; Fineness modulus; Flour; Hammermills; Performance evaluation; Rational design; Uniformity index; Design; Grinding mills; Milling machines; Plants (botany) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855166176 | Design, construction, test and evaluation of a stand alone 75 watts solar electric generator | Alade M.O., Ogherowo E.P., Durodola O.M. | 2010 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.3923/jeasci.2010.337.341 | Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Physics, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | Alade, M.O., Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ogherowo, E.P., Department of Physics, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria; Durodola, O.M., Department of Physics, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | In this study, a stand alone 75 watt solar electric generator is designed and constructed to convert the solar radiation of appropriate wavelength from the sun into direct electric current based on photovoltaic principle. The system has proven to meet the necessary requirement under laboratory testing with only few shortcomings. The system can be employed to supply power to laboratory equipment such as signal generator, oscilloscope, network analyzer and spectnnn analyzer (all in the power range of 75 watts) useful in field research of electronic communication research. The 75 watt solar electric generator designed and constructed is also useful in remote areas to produce electric power where there is no easy accesibility to utility electric power or other useful sources of electric power. © Medwell Journals, 2010. | 75 watts solar electric generator; Construction; Design; Measurement; Nigeria; Stand alone | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940951430 | Design evaluation of an automated bed for early detection and prevention of decubitus ulcers in nonambulatory patients | Nageswaran S., Vijayakumar R., Sivarasu S. | 2014 | Journal of Medical Devices, Transactions of the ASME | 8 | 2 | 10.1115/1.4027025 | School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, India; MRC/MIRU-Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Nageswaran, S., School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, India; Vijayakumar, R., School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore, India; Sivarasu, S., MRC/MIRU-Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | Article; automation; balloon; bed; decubitus; disabled person; early diagnosis; electric potential; equipment design; pressure; sensor; valve | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898646059 | Design, fabrication and evaluation of intelligent sulfone-selective polybenzimidazole nanofibers | Ogunlaja A.S., Sautoy C.D., Torto N., Tshentu Z.R. | 2014 | Talanta | 126 | None | 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.03.035 | Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa; Analytical Technology, Sasol Technology (Pty) Limited, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Ogunlaja, A.S., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa; Sautoy, C.D., Analytical Technology, Sasol Technology (Pty) Limited, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Torto, N., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa; Tshentu, Z.R., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Molecularly imprinted polybenzimidazole nanofibers fabricated for the adsorption of oxidized organosulfur compounds are presented. The imprinted polymers exhibited better selectivity for their target model sulfone-containing compounds with adsorption capacities of 28.5±0.4 mg g-1, 29.8±2.2 mg g-1 and 20.1±1.4 mg g-1 observed for benzothiophene sulfone (BTO2), dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBTO2) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene sulfone (4,6-DMDBTO 2) respectively. Molecular modeling based upon the density functional theory (DFT) indicated that hydrogen bond interactions may take place between sulfone oxygen groups with NH groups of the PBI. Further DFT also confirmed the feasibility of π-π interactions between the benzimidazole rings and the aromatic sulfone compounds. The adsorption mode followed the Freundlich (multi-layered) adsorption isotherm which indicated possible sulfone-sulfone interactions. A home-made pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) system was employed for the extraction/desorption of sulfone compounds within imprinted nanofibers at 1 mL min-1, 150 °C and 30 bar. PHWE used a green solvent (water) and achieved better extraction yields compared to the Soxhlet extraction process. The application of molecularly imprinted polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofibers displayed excellent sulfur removal, with sulfur in fuel after adsorption falling below the determined limit of detection (LOD), which is 2.4 mg L-1 S, and with a sulfur adsorption capacity of 5.3±0.4 mg g-1 observed for application in the fuel matrix. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Desulfurization; Molecularly imprinted polymers; Nanofibers; Organosulfur compounds; Polybenzimidazole | Adsorption; Design for testability; Desulfurization; Extraction; Hydrogen bonds; Polymers; Sulfur; Sulfur compounds; 4 ,6-Dimethyl-dibenzothiophene; Adsorption capacities; Hydrogen bond interaction; Molecularly imprinted; Molecularly Imprinted Polymer; Organosulfur compounds; Polybenzimidazole; Pressurized hot water extraction; Nanofibers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880646023 | Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a manual clay brick moulding machine | Kolawole S.K., Odusote J.K. | 2013 | Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review | 6 | 1 | None | Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara, Nigeria; Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Kolawole, S.K., Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara, Nigeria, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Odusote, J.K., Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | In an attempt to improve the production of clay bricks for housing and general construction purposes, a 215 X 102.5 X 65 mm manual brick moulding machine was designed and fabricated. The machine parts were made of mild steel, because of its availability and versatile machinability. The efficiency of the machine was examined using local clay, sourced within the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Water was added to the clay after sieving to form a paste, and then packed into a mould box, before manually rammed and compacted with the machine mould cover. This process allowed for the formation of required shape, which was sent to kiln for baking to obtain stronger bricks. The machine is capable of producing a total of four bricks at a time using the available four mould boxes. The production time of the four bricks was found to be relatively equal to the time used by an automated one to produce equal number of bricks, indicating favourable efficiency. Thus, the fabricated manual machine can be used for mass production of clay bricks for improved and effective housing delivery. © 2013 Kavala Institute of Technology. | Clay Brick; Housing; Manual; Mild steel; Moulding machine | Clay bricks; Manual; Manual machines; Mass production; Nigeria; Production of; Production time; Carbon steel; Fabrication; Housing; Molding; Molds; Brick | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885848859 | Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of an improved fish smoking kiln | Alakali J.S., Faasema J., Utongo N. | 2013 | Journal of Food Processing and Preservation | 37 | 5 | 10.1111/j.1745-4549.2011.00665.x | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi P.M.B. 2372, Nigeria | Alakali, J.S., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi P.M.B. 2372, Nigeria; Faasema, J., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi P.M.B. 2372, Nigeria; Utongo, N., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi P.M.B. 2372, Nigeria | An improved fish smoking kiln was designed and fabricated. Catfish samples were smoked using three biomasses, namely iron tree, sawdust and rice husk. Variations in utilizable temperatures with time, phenol contents, smoke density, weight loss, proximate composition and sensory qualities of the smoked fish were evaluated. The utilizable temperatures due to combustion of constant weight of each biomass ranged from 60 to 120C for sawdust, 61.5 to 132C for rice husk and 60 to 120C for iron tree in 5h. The temperatures due to combustion of iron tree, rice husk and sawdust decline to a constant value. The temperature of iron tree showed steadier decline. The phenol content ranged from 0.42 to 0.48mg/mL with rice husk having the highest value while iron tree had the lowest value. Smoke density ranged from 0.021 to 0.024g/cm3 showing the same trend. Proximate analysis shows significant difference (P<0.05) in moisture, protein, lipids and ash. However, carbohydrate content does not change significantly (P>0.05). Organoleptically, catfish smoked with iron tree yielded the best quality and was significantly (P<0.05) superior to that smoked with sawdust and rice husk. Samples smoked with sawdust were least preferred. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | Carbohydrate content; Constant values; Constant weight; Phenol content; Proximate analysis; Proximate compositions; Sensory qualities; Smoked fishes; Combustion; Fish; Iron; Kilns; Quality control; Forestry; Combustion; Fishes; Forestry; Iron; Kilns; Quality Control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952153546 | Design, fabrication and performance of a motorized cowpea thresher for Nigerian small-scale farmers | Irtwange S.V. | 2009 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 4 | 12 | None | Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Irtwange, S.V., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Based on the results of measurements of moisture content of grains, cowpea grain and pod sizes, grain-pod ratio, angle of friction of grains and some information from literature, a motorized cowpea thresher using a star-shaped beater to which beater belts were attached was designed and locally built. Five varieties of cowpea, K59, Ife-Brown, IT84E-124, Ife-Bimpe and TVX 715 which are fairly representative of the most popular varieties in Nigeria were selected for the measurement of design parameters. The statistical design used in studying the effect of variety on length, width, thickness, equivalent diameter, sphericity, pod weight and grain-pod ratio with 30 replications, moisture content with 3 replications and angle of friction with 5 replications was complete randomized design (CRD). The moisture content for the grain varieties ranged from 11.06 to 12.02% w.b while the size and shape measurement parameters namely; length, width, thickness, equivalent diameter and sphericity ranged from 8.22 to 10mm, 6.04 to 6.83 mm, 4.36 to 5.38 mm, 6.00 to 7.09 mm and 0.71 to 0.79 respectively for grains. For the pods, the length, width and thickness ranged from 124.78 to 194.93 mm, 7.28 to 9.15 mm and 5.27 to 7.86 mm respectively. The pod weight and grain-pod ratios ranged from 1.96 to 3.39 and 0.75 to 0.86 respectively for all the varieties tested while the angle of friction of grains on mild steel ranged from 23.6° to 26.6°. The results of the study as indicated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) show that there is highly significant effect (P ≤ 0.01) of variety on all the grains and pods measurement parameters except angle of friction where non-significance was observed. Skewness and kurtosis analysis indicates that the frequency distribution curves for grains and pods measurement parameters generally approximated those of the normal distribution. Based on the optimum machine parameters, the machine throughput was determined to be 101.19, 110.86, 74.33, 75.81 and 102.09 kg grains/hour for K59, Ife-Brown, IT84E-124, Ife-Bimpe and TVX 715 respectively. Preliminary performance evaluation tests carried out on the fabricated thresher using IT84E-124 as the test material at recommended beater and fan speeds of 500 rpm and 1400 rpm respectively indicated average threshing efficiency of 96.29%, percentage damage of 3.55% and percentage threshed and undamaged grains of 92.74%. A cleaning efficiency and loss of 95.60 and 3.71% respectively was observed indicating that with the use of a star-shaped beater, drudgery and cost can be reduced to a minimum and yet achieving good quality products. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Cowpea; Design; Fabrication; Performance evaluation; Thresher | None | None |
| None | None | Design, implementation and evaluation of a national campaign to distribute nine million free LLINs to children under five years of age in Tanzania | Bonner K., Mwita A., McElroy P.D., Omari S., Mzava A., Lengeler C., Kaspar N., Nathan R., Ngegba J., Mtung'E R., Brown N. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-73 | National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; President's Malaria Initiative, American Embassy, PO Box 9123, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; ITN Cell, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 3430, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Health Interventions Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 4002, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; World Vision Tanzania, PO Box 6399, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Population Services International, PO Box 33500, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Bonner, K., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mwita, A., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; McElroy, P.D., President's Malaria Initiative, American Embassy, PO Box 9123, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Omari, S., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, ITN Cell, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 3430, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mzava, A., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, ITN Cell, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 3430, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lengeler, C., Health Interventions Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 4002, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Kaspar, N., President's Malaria Initiative, American Embassy, PO Box 9123, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Nathan, R., Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ngegba, J., World Vision Tanzania, PO Box 6399, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mtung'E, R., Population Services International, PO Box 33500, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Brown, N., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, ITN Cell, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 3430, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Background: After a national voucher scheme in 2004 provided pregnant women and infants with highly subsidized insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), use among children under five years (U5s) in mainland Tanzania increased from 16% in 2004 to 26.2% in 2007. In 2008, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare planned a catch-up campaign to rapidly and equitably deliver a free long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) to every child under five years in Tanzania. Methods. The ITN Cell, a unit within the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), coordinated the campaign on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Government contractors trained and facilitated local government officials to supervise village-level volunteers on a registration of all U5s and the distribution and issuing of LLINs. The registration results formed the basis for the LLIN order and delivery to village level. Caregivers brought their registration coupons to village issuing posts during a three-day period where they received LLINs for their U5s. Household surveys in five districts assessed ITN ownership and use immediately after the campaign. Results: Nine donors contributed to the national campaign that purchased and distributed 9.0 million LLINs at an average cost of $7.07 per LLIN, including all campaign-associated activities. The campaign covered all eight zones of mainland Tanzania, the first region being covered separately during an integrated measles immunization/malaria LLIN distribution in August 2008, and was implemented one zone at a time from March 2009 until May 2010. ITN ownership at household level increased from Tanzania's 2008 national average of 45.7% to 63.4%, with significant regional variations. ITN use among U5s increased from 28.8% to 64.1%, a 2.2-fold increase, with increases ranging from 22.1-38.3% percentage points in different regions. Conclusion: A national-level LLIN distribution strategy that fully engaged local government authorities helped avoid additional burden on the healthcare system. Distribution costs per net were comparable to other public health interventions. Particularly among rural residents, ITN ownership and use increased significantly for the intended beneficiaries. The upcoming universal LLIN distribution and further behaviour change communication will further improve ITN ownership and use in 2010-2011. © 2011 Bonner et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | measles vaccine; article; bed net; caregiver; child care; financial management; government; health care cost; health care planning; health program; health survey; human; immunization; long lasting insecticidal net; malaria; measles; prevalence; registration; Tanzania; bed; economics; evaluation; female; health care policy; health care survey; instrumentation; malaria; methodology; mosquito; organization and management; preschool child; Tanzania; utilization review; Bedding and Linens; Child, Preschool; Female; Health Care Surveys; Health Policy; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Ownership; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959670878 | Designing self-evaluation instruments for academic programmes: Lessons and challenges | Ansah F. | 2010 | Evaluation and Research in Education | 23 | 2 | 10.1080/09500791003717238 | Garden City University College, P.O. Box 12775, Kenyasi, Kumasi, KK, Ghana | Ansah, F., Garden City University College, P.O. Box 12775, Kenyasi, Kumasi, KK, Ghana | A study was conducted to design valid and reliable self-evaluation instruments for periodic evaluation of academic programmes of Bolgatanga Polytechnic in Ghana, using evaluation experts and relevant stakeholders of the polytechnic. This paper presents some of the challenges, including those of institutional support, the technical demands of designing the instrument and that of culture. How these challenges were met and the lessons learnt illustrate how selfevaluation was introduced to an institution where previously no course evaluation had been carried out. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Academic programmes; Instrument design; Self-evaluation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881028983 | Design of an anti-inflammatory composite nanosystem and evaluation of its potential for ocular drug delivery | Du Toit L.C., Govender T., Carmichael T., Kumar P., Choonara Y.E., Pillay V. | 2013 | Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 102 | 8 | 10.1002/jps.23650 | Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Berea, Durban 4041, South Africa; Ophthalmology Division, Department of Neurosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Du Toit, L.C., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Govender, T., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Berea, Durban 4041, South Africa; Carmichael, T., Ophthalmology Division, Department of Neurosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Kumar, P., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Pillay, V., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | This study compared two specific embodiments of an ocular nanosystem (NS): one portraying a purely polymeric system, referred to as the chitosan-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanosystem, and the other based on a composite lipoidal-polymeric NS architecture utilizing phospholipids-the lipoidal-chitosan-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanosystem. Investigations undertaken were implicit to warrant inclusion in an implantable system for the intelligent treatment of inflammatory disorders (specifically ocular afflictions). Results obtained highlighted the enhanced efficacy of both NS to an indomethacin suspension in terms of tissue permeation, cell uptake, and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, the size (134.3 vs. 140.7 nm); surface charge (+49.4 vs. +55.7 mV); drug incorporation efficiency (75.00% vs. 67.20%); flux across the retinal pigment epithelium-choroid-sclera (0.002951 vs. 0.001255 mg cm -2 h-1); anti-inflammatory efficacy, demonstrated by a decrease in 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole complex formation (0.0031 vs. 0.0023 mmol L-1) and decrease in NFκB formation (decrease in relative optical density of 0.2027 vs. 0.2420); and enhanced inflammatory cell uptake, visualized via high-speed fluorescence and confocal microscopy, all highlighted the enhanced potential of the lipoidal system compared with the purely polymeric NS for potentially targeting inflammatory disorders of the posterior segment of the eye. Mechanics energy relationships revealed the favorable hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of the composite NS compared with the purely polymeric NS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association. | Cell uptake; Computational modeling; Confocal microscopy; ELISA; Lipids; Liposomes; permeation; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Ophthalmic drug delivery | 4 chloro 7 nitrobenzofurazan; chitosan; ganciclovir; I kappa B; indometacin; liposome; nanoparticle; nifuroxime; phospholipid; polycaprolactone; polymer; antiinflammatory activity; article; choroid; confocal microscopy; drug delivery system; drug efficacy; drug uptake; energy; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; fluorescence; human; human cell; hydrophilicity; inflammation; lipophilicity; nanotechnology; optical density; permeability; pigment epithelium; sclera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899987684 | Design of an impact evaluation using a mixed methods model - An explanatory assessment of the effects of results-based financing mechanisms on maternal healthcare services in Malawi | Brenner S., Muula A.S., Robyn P.J., Bärnighausen T., Sarker M., Mathanga D.P., Bossert T., De Allegri M. | 2014 | BMC Health Services Research | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1472-6963-14-180 | Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Community Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Wellcome Trust Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa | Brenner, S., Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany; Muula, A.S., Department of Community Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Robyn, P.J., World Bank, Washington, DC, United States; Bärnighausen, T., Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Wellcome Trust Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Sarker, M., Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany; Mathanga, D.P., Department of Community Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Bossert, T., Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; De Allegri, M., Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany | Background: In this article we present a study design to evaluate the causal impact of providing supply-side performance-based financing incentives in combination with a demand-side cash transfer component on equitable access to and quality of maternal and neonatal healthcare services. This intervention is introduced to selected emergency obstetric care facilities and catchment area populations in four districts in Malawi. We here describe and discuss our study protocol with regard to the research aims, the local implementation context, and our rationale for selecting a mixed methods explanatory design with a quasi-experimental quantitative component. Design. The quantitative research component consists of a controlled pre- and post-test design with multiple post-test measurements. This allows us to quantitatively measure 'equitable access to healthcare services' at the community level and 'healthcare quality' at the health facility level. Guided by a theoretical framework of causal relationships, we determined a number of input, process, and output indicators to evaluate both intended and unintended effects of the intervention. Overall causal impact estimates will result from a difference-in-difference analysis comparing selected indicators across intervention and control facilities/catchment populations over time. To further explain heterogeneity of quantitatively observed effects and to understand the experiential dimensions of financial incentives on clients and providers, we designed a qualitative component in line with the overall explanatory mixed methods approach. This component consists of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with providers, service user, non-users, and policy stakeholders. In this explanatory design comprehensive understanding of expected and unexpected effects of the intervention on both access and quality will emerge through careful triangulation at two levels: across multiple quantitative elements and across quantitative and qualitative elements. Discussion. Combining a traditional quasi-experimental controlled pre- and post-test design with an explanatory mixed methods model permits an additional assessment of organizational and behavioral changes affecting complex processes. Through this impact evaluation approach, our design will not only create robust evidence measures for the outcome of interest, but also generate insights on how and why the investigated interventions produce certain intended and unintended effects and allows for a more in-depth evaluation approach. © 2014 Brenner et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Impact evaluation; Mixed methods; Performance-based incentives; Study design | economics; evaluation study; female; health service; human; Malawi; reimbursement; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Humans; Malawi; Maternal Health Services; Reimbursement, Incentive | University of Heidelberg |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937239039 | Design of a study to determine the impact of insecticide resistance on malaria vector control: A multi-country investigation | Kleinschmidt I., Mnzava A.P., Kafy H.T., Mbogo C., Bashir A.I., Bigoga J., Adechoubou A., Raghavendra K., Knox T.B., Malik E.M., Nkuni Z.J., Bayoh N., Ochomo E., Fondjo E., Kouambeng C., Awono-Ambene H.P., Etang J., Akogbeto M., Bhatt R., Swain D.K., Kiny | 2015 | Malaria Journal | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/s12936-015-0782-4 | MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Federal Ministry of Health, PO Box 1204, Khartoum, Sudan; Khartoum State Malaria Control Programme, VBDC, P.O. Box 1517, Khartoum, Sudan; School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medicine Research Coast, P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya; National Reference Unit (NRU) for Vector Control, Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundéi, P.O. Box 3851, Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Programme National de Lutte Conte le Paludisme (PNLP), Ministère de la Santé, Cotonou, Benin; Department of Health Research, National Institute of Malaria Research, (GoI), Sector 8, Dwarka, Delhi 110 077, India; Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia, Geneva, Switzerland; KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, PO Box 1578, Kisumu, Kenya; National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Public Health, PO Box 14386, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Organisation de Coordination Pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Ministry of Health, Wad Madani, Gezera State, Sudan; Malaria Programme, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Ministry of Health, Malaria Control Unit, PO Box 1992, Nairobi 00202, Kenya; KEMRI Centre for Public Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin; KEMRI-Centre for Biotechnology and Research Development, Nairobi, Kenya; KEMRI-Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Nairobi, Kenya; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon; Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d'Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Kleinschmidt, I., MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mnzava, A.P., Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia, Geneva, Switzerland; Kafy, H.T., Federal Ministry of Health, PO Box 1204, Khartoum, Sudan; Mbogo, C., KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medicine Research Coast, P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya; Bashir, A.I., Khartoum State Malaria Control Programme, VBDC, P.O. Box 1517, Khartoum, Sudan, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; Bigoga, J., National Reference Unit (NRU) for Vector Control, Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundéi, P.O. Box 3851, Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Adechoubou, A., Programme National de Lutte Conte le Paludisme (PNLP), Ministère de la Santé, Cotonou, Benin; Raghavendra, K., Department of Health Research, National Institute of Malaria Research, (GoI), Sector 8, Dwarka, Delhi 110 077, India; Knox, T.B., Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia, Geneva, Switzerland; Malik, E.M., Ministry of Health, Wad Madani, Gezera State, Sudan; Nkuni, Z.J., Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia, Geneva, Switzerland; Bayoh, N., KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, PO Box 1578, Kisumu, Kenya; Ochomo, E., KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, PO Box 1578, Kisumu, Kenya; Fondjo, E., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Public Health, PO Box 14386, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Kouambeng, C., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Public Health, PO Box 14386, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Awono-Ambene, H.P., Organisation de Coordination Pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon; Etang, J., Organisation de Coordination Pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé, Cameroon, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon; Akogbeto, M., Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou, Cotonou, Benin; Bhatt, R., Department of Health Research, National Institute of Malaria Research, (GoI), Sector 8, Dwarka, Delhi 110 077, India; Swain, D.K., Department of Health Research, National Institute of Malaria Research, (GoI), Sector 8, Dwarka, Delhi 110 077, India; Kinyari, T., Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Njagi, K., Ministry of Health, Malaria Control Unit, PO Box 1992, Nairobi 00202, Kenya; Muthami, L., KEMRI Centre for Public Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Subramaniam, K., Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Bradley, J., MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; West, P., MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Massougbodji, A., Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d'Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin; Okê-Sopoh, M., Programme National de Lutte Conte le Paludisme (PNLP), Ministère de la Santé, Cotonou, Benin; Hounto, A., Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d'Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin; Elmardi, K., Federal Ministry of Health, PO Box 1204, Khartoum, Sudan; Valecha, N., Department of Health Research, National Institute of Malaria Research, (GoI), Sector 8, Dwarka, Delhi 110 077, India; Kamau, L., KEMRI-Centre for Biotechnology and Research Development, Nairobi, Kenya; Mathenge, E., KEMRI-Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Nairobi, Kenya; Donnelly, M.J., Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom, Malaria Programme, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom | Background: Progress in reducing the malaria disease burden through the substantial scale up of insecticide-based vector control in recent years could be reversed by the widespread emergence of insecticide resistance. The impact of insecticide resistance on the protective effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) is not known. A multi-country study was undertaken in Sudan, Kenya, India, Cameroon and Benin to quantify the potential loss of epidemiological effectiveness of ITNs and IRS due to decreased susceptibility of malaria vectors to insecticides. The design of the study is described in this paper. Methods: Malaria disease incidence rates by active case detection in cohorts of children, and indicators of insecticide resistance in local vectors were monitored in each of approximately 300 separate locations (clusters) with high coverage of malaria vector control over multiple malaria seasons. Phenotypic and genotypic resistance was assessed annually. In two countries, Sudan and India, clusters were randomly assigned to receive universal coverage of ITNs only, or universal coverage of ITNs combined with high coverage of IRS. Association between malaria incidence and insecticide resistance, and protective effectiveness of vector control methods and insecticide resistance were estimated, respectively. Results: Cohorts have been set up in all five countries, and phenotypic resistance data have been collected in all clusters. In Sudan, Kenya, Cameroon and Benin data collection is due to be completed in 2015. In India data collection will be completed in 2016. Discussion: The paper discusses challenges faced in the design and execution of the study, the analysis plan, the strengths and weaknesses, and the possible alternatives to the chosen study design. © 2015 Kleinschmidt et al. | None | insecticide; Article; bed net; Benin; Cameroon; cohort analysis; drug sensitivity; genotype; human; India; indoor residual spraying; insecticide resistance; Kenya; malaria; observational study; phenotype; study design; Sudan; vector control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957740355 | Design of Intel 8751 microcontroller-based system for monitoring and control of a thermal process | Idachaba F.E. | 2010 | IETE Journal of Research | 56 | 4 | 10.4103/0377-2063.70624 | Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Idachaba, F.E., Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | An Intel 8751 microcontroller-based system was developed to monitor and control the temperature of an oven. The IN4148 signal diode was used as the temperature sensor and the on-off control algorithm was utilized with the system switching off the heating process whenever it attains the preset value. The system provides a digital readout of the system temperature and a status/blinker indicator showing whether heating is in progress or terminated. The control programs were loaded onto the memory of the microcontroller and the enable the selection of the different temperature values. The system improves accuracy by eliminating human participation and saves operator time. The system is easy to operate, maintain, and upgrade. Copyright © 2010 by the IETE. | EPROM; Intel 8751; On-Off control; Temperature sensor | A-thermal; Control program; Digital readouts; EPROM; Heating process; Intel 8751; Monitor and control; Monitoring and control; On-Off control; Signal diode; System temperature; Temperature values; Controllers; Heating; Mathematical operators; Microcontrollers; Monitoring; Temperature sensors; Process control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751509951 | Design optimization of containers for sloshing and impact | Craig K.J., Kingsley T.C. | 2007 | Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization | 33 | 1 | 10.1007/s00158-006-0038-6 | Multi-Disciplinary Optimization Group (MDOG), Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Craig, K.J., Multi-Disciplinary Optimization Group (MDOG), Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kingsley, T.C., Multi-Disciplinary Optimization Group (MDOG), Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | A multidisciplinary design and optimization (MDO) method is presented to support the design process of partially filled liquid containers subject to the disciplines of sloshing and impact analyses. Experimental techniques are used to understand sloshing as a phenomenon and to evaluate the computational fluid dynamics code. Validation includes qualitative comparison of visual free-surface behavior and quantitative comparisons of pressure measurements in the time and frequency domain. The liquid motion exhibits good comparisons in time. Deviations are caused by both the experimental signal filtration process and deficiencies in the low-frequency measurement capability of the accelerometer. The first two odd oscillatory modes are accurately captured. An objective function for the quantitative evaluation of the sloshing phenomenon is proposed. For impact the von Mises baffle stress is used. Single and multidisciplinary optimization formulations using LS-OPT are presented and examined. The multidisciplinary optimum proved to be a compromise between the optima obtained when considering the two single disciplines independently. © Springer-Verlag 2006. | Free-surface modeling; Impact; Mathematical optimization; MDO; Sloshing | Computational fluid dynamics; Design; Optimization; Signal filtering and prediction; Free surface; Frequency measurement; Liquid containers; Containers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949792518 | Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel Ferroquine and Phenylequine Analogues as Potential Antiplasmodial Agents | Jacobs L., De Kock C., De Villiers K.A., Smith P.J., Smith V.J., Van Otterlo W.A.L., Blackie M.A.L. | 2015 | ChemMedChem | 10 | 12 | 10.1002/cmdc.201500349 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X2 Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Jacobs, L., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X2 Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; De Villiers, K.A., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X2 Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Smith, V.J., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Van Otterlo, W.A.L., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Blackie, M.A.L., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | 7-Chloroquinoline-based antimalarial drugs are effective in the inhibition of hemozoin formation in the food vacuole of the Plasmodium parasite, the causative agent of malaria. We synthesized five series of ferroquine (FQ) and phenylequine (PQ) derivatives, which display good in vitro efficacy toward both the chloroquine-sensitive (CQS) NF54 (IC50: 4.2 nm) and chloroquine-resistant (CQR) Dd2 (IC50: 33.7 nm) strains of P. falciparum. Several compounds were found to have good inhibitory activity against β-hematin formation in an NP-40 detergent assay, with IC50 values ranging between 10.4 and 19.2 μm. © 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | ferroquine; malaria; oxalamide; phenylequine; β-hematin | antimalarial agent; aromatic amine; artesunate; beta hematin; chloroquine; ethyl 2 [[2 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]amino] 2 oxoacetate; ethyl 2 [[3 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)propyl] [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]amino] 2 oxoacetate; ferroquine; hematin; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]butan 1,4 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]hexan 1,6 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]ethan 1,2 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 3 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]propan 1,3 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 4 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]butan 1,4 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 5 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]pentan 1,5 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 5 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]penta 1,5 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 6 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]hexan 1,6 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 6 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]hexane 1,6 diamine; n 1 [2 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]oxalamide; n 1 [2 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [2 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 4 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [3 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 3 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]oxalamide; n 1 [3 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 3 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [4 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 4 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]oxalamide; n 1 [4 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 4 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [5 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 5 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [6 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 6 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]oxalamide; n 1 [6 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 6 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; phenylequine derivative; unclassified drug; unindexed drug; antimalarial activity; antimalarial drug resistance; Article; carbon nuclear magnetic resonance; cross resistance; drug design; drug efficacy; drug screening; drug synthesis; follow up; hydrogen bond; IC50; in vitro study; infrared spectroscopy; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; X ray diffraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906538667 | Design, synthesis and evaluation of Ospemifene analogs as anti-breast cancer agents | Kaur G., Mahajan M.P., Pandey M.K., Singh P., Ramisetti S.R., Sharma A.K. | 2014 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 86 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.08.050 | School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India; Apeejay Stya Research Foundation, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India; Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, CH72 Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa | Kaur, G., School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India; Mahajan, M.P., School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India, Apeejay Stya Research Foundation, Institutional Area, Gurgaon 122001, India; Pandey, M.K., Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, CH72 Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; Singh, P., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa; Ramisetti, S.R., Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, CH72 Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States; Sharma, A.K., Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, CH72 Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States | The synthesis of some novel Ospemifene derived analogs and their evaluation as anti-breast cancer agents against MCF-7 (ER-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-negative) human breast cancer cell lines are described. Few of these analogs for instance, compounds 6, 7 and 8 are shown to be more effective than recent Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) i.e. Ospemifene and Tamoxifen, against these cell lines. Compound 8 was relatively more cytotoxic to MCF-7 cells similar to Ospemifene and Tamoxifen, while most potent compounds 6 and 7 were equally effective in inhibiting growth of both ER-positive and ER-negative cell lines. The observed activity profiles were further supported by the docking studies performed against estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Compounds 6, 7 and 8 exhibited stronger binding affinities with both ERα and ERβ compared to Ospemifene and Tamoxifen. © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Anti-breast cancer agents; Docking studies; Ospemifene; SERMs; Tamoxifen | 2 [ 4 ( 4 amino 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl)phenoxy]ethanol; 2 [ 4 ( 4 azido 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl)phenoxy]ethanol; 4 [ 4 ( 2 aminoethoxy)phenyl] 3,4 diphenylbut 3 en 1 amine; antineoplastic agent; estrogen receptor; estrogen receptor alpha; estrogen receptor beta; hormone receptor stimulating agent; ospemifene; ospemifene derivative; phenyl 4 [ 4 ( 2 hydroxyethoxy)phenyl] 3,4 diphenylbut 3 enylcarbamic acid; selective estrogen receptor modulator; tamoxifen; unclassified drug; 2 [4 (4 amino1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl) phenoxy]ethanol; 2 [4 (4 azido 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl)phenoxy]ethanol; 2 [4 (4 chloro 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl) phenoxy]ethanol; 2 [4 (4 chloro 1,2 diphenylbut 1 enyl)phenoxy]ethyl methanesulfonate; 4 [4 (2 aminoethoxy)phenyl] 3,4 diphenylbut 3 en 1 amine; antineoplastic agent; ospemifene; ospemifene derivative; phenyl 4 [4 (2 hydroxyethoxy)phenyl] 3,4 diphenylbut 3 enylcarbamate; selective estrogen receptor modulator; tamoxifen; [1 [4 (2 azidoethoxy) phenyl] 4 chlorobut 1 ene 1,2 diyl]dibenzene; [4 azido 1 [4 (2 azidoethoxy)phenyl]but 1 ene 1,2 diyl]dibenzene; antineoplastic agent; ospemifene; antineoplastic activity; article; binding affinity; breast cancer cell line; cell viability; controlled study; cytotoxicity; drug design; drug potency; drug protein binding; drug synthesis; growth inhibition; human; human cell; IC 50; MCF 7 cell line; molecular docking; animal cell; antineoplastic activity; Article; breast cancer; cancer inhibition; concentration response; drug cytotoxicity; drug screening; drug selectivity; embryo; IC50; mouse; nonhuman; analogs and derivatives; Breast Neoplasms; cell proliferation; cell survival; chemical structure; chemistry; dose response; drug effects; drug screening; pathology; structure activity relation; synthesis; tumor cell culture; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Design; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Models, Molecular; Molecular Structure; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tamoxifen; Tumor Cells, Cultured | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924292420 | Design, synthesis and evaluation of small molecule imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles as inhibitors of transforming growth factor-β type-I receptor kinase (ALK5) | Patel H.M., Sing B., Bhardwaj V., Palkar M., Shaikh M.S., Rane R., Alwan W.S., Gadad A.K., Noolvi M.N., Karpoormath R. | 2015 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 93 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.09.002 | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ASBASJSM College of Pharmacy, Bela (Ropar), Punjab, India; Department of Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India; Faculty of Medical Sciences, EWMS Complex, Mt. Hope, University of the West Indies, West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shree Dhanvantary Pharmacy College, Kim (Surat), Gujarat, India | Patel, H.M., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Sing, B., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ASBASJSM College of Pharmacy, Bela (Ropar), Punjab, India; Bhardwaj, V., Department of Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India; Palkar, M., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Shaikh, M.S., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Rane, R., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Alwan, W.S., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Gadad, A.K., Faculty of Medical Sciences, EWMS Complex, Mt. Hope, University of the West Indies, West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago; Noolvi, M.N., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shree Dhanvantary Pharmacy College, Kim (Surat), Gujarat, India; Karpoormath, R., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | A new series of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles 5(a-g), 6(a-g), 9(a-i) and 12(a-h) were synthesized as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) type I receptor (also known as activin receptor-like kinase 5 or ALK5) inhibitors. These compounds were evaluated for their ALK5 inhibitory activity in an enzyme assay and their TGF-β -induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation inhibitory activity in a cell-based assay. Compound 6d, 2-(5-((2-cyclopropyl-6-(4-fluorophenyl) imidazo [2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-5-yl)methylene)-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl) acetic acid, shows prominent ALK5 inhibition (IC50 Combining double low line 0.0012 μM) and elective inhibition (91%) against the P38αkinase at10 μM. The binding mode of compound 6d by XP docking studies shows that it fits well into the active site cavity of ALK5 by forming broad and tight interactions. Lipinski's rule and in silico ADME pharmacokinetic parameters are within the acceptable range defined for human use thereby indicating their potential as a drug-like molecules. © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | ALK5; Lipinski's rule; Synthesis imidazo [2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole; XP docking | 2 (2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 6 yl)phenol; 2 (2,4 dichlorophenyl) 6 phenylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole; 2 (5 ((2 cyclopropyl 6 (2,4 dichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiazol 5 yl)methylene) 4 oxo 2 thioxothiazolidin 3 yl)acetic acid; 2 (5 ((2 cyclopropyl 6 (2,4 dihydroxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 5 yl)methylene) 4 oxo 2 thioxothiazolidin 3 yl)acetic acid; 2 (5 ((2 cyclopropyl 6 phenylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 5 yl)methylene) 4 oxo 2 thioxothiazolidin 3 yl)acetic acid; 2 (5 ((6 (3 aminophenyl) 2 cyclopropylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 5 yl)methylene) 4 oxo 2 thioxothiazolidin 3 yl)acetic acid; 2 (5 ((6 (4 bromophenyl) 2 cyclopropylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 5 yl)methylene) 4 oxo 2 thioxothiazoldin 3 yl)acetic acid; 2 (5 ((6 (4 bromophenyl) 2 cyclopropylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 5 yl)methylene) 4 oxo 2 thioxothiazolidin 3 yl)acetic acid; 2 (5 ((6 (4 chlorophenyl) 2 cyclopropylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 5 yl)methylene) 4 oxo 2 thioxothiazolidin 3 yl)acetic acid; 2 cyclopropyl 6 (2,4 dichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4] thiadiazole 5 carbaldehyde; 2 cyclopropyl 6 (2,4 dihydroxyphenyl)imidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4] thiadiazole 5 carbaldehyde; 2 cyclopropyl 6 (4 fluorophenyl)imidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole 5 carbaldeyde; 2 cyclopropyl 6 phenylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole 5 carbaldehyde; 3 (2 (2,4 dichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 6 yl)aniline; 3 (2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 6 yl)aniline; 4 (2 (2,4 dichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 6 yl)benzene 1,3 diol; 4 (2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 6 yl)aniline; 4 (2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazol 6 yl)benzene 1,3 diol; 6 (2,4 dichlorophenyl) 2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole; 6 (3 aminophenyl) 2 cyclopropylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole 5 carbaldehyde; 6 (4 bromophenyl) 2 (2,4 dichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole; 6 (4 bromophenyl) 2 cyclopropylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole 5 carbaldeyde; 6 (4 bromophenyl) 2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole; 6 (4 chlorophenyl) 2 cyclopropylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole 5 carbaldehyde; 6 (4 chlorophenyl) 2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole; 6 (4 methoxyphenyl) 2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole; 6 phenyl 2 m tolylimidazo[2,1 b][1,3,4]thiadiazole; thiadiazole derivative; transforming growth factor beta receptor 1; unclassified drug; unindexed drug; protein kinase inhibitor; protein serine threonine kinase; TGF-beta type I receptor; thiadiazole derivative; transforming growth factor beta receptor; Article; cell assay; computer model; drug design; drug inhibition; drug synthesis; IC50; protein phosphorylation; antagonists and inhibitors; CACO 2 cell line; chemical structure; chemistry; drug design; human; protein conformation; synthesis; Caco-2 Cells; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; Drug Design; Humans; Models, Molecular; Protein Conformation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; Thiadiazoles | National Research Foundation; National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56449085002 | Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel tetrasubstituted thiophene analogues as anti-inflammatory agents | Molvi K.I., Sudarsanam V., Patel M.M., Haque N. | 2008 | Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry | 23 | 6 | 10.1080/14756360701608692 | School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, B. V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Development Centre, Ahmedabad Gujarat, India; Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat Vidayanagar, Mehsana Gujarat, India; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia | Molvi, K.I., School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Sudarsanam, V., Department of Medicinal Chemistry, B. V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Development Centre, Ahmedabad Gujarat, India; Patel, M.M., Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat Vidayanagar, Mehsana Gujarat, India; Haque, N., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia | A new series of tetrasubstituted thiophene analogues (4a-4f, 5a-5f and 8a-8i) were designed incorporating the pharmacophoric features of COX-1 (as in fenamates), 5-LOX and the p38 MAP kinase inhibitors. The designed series was synthesized by nucleophilic addition of aryl/ aroylisothiocyanate and enamine (2) yielding the addition product l-(α-Carbomethoxy-β-aminothiocrotonoyl)-aryl/aroyl amines (3/7); which on reaction with substituted phenacyl bromides gave the targeted tetrasubstituted thiophene esters (4a-4f/8a-8i). The tetrasubstituted thiophenes esters (4a-4f) on hydrolysis with one equivalent of potassium hydroxide solution in methanol at room temperature gave corresponding acids (5a-5f). All the targeted compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenin-induced rat hind paw oedema model at the doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight using standard drugs mefanamic acid and ibuprofen. The compounds (4c, 4e, 4f, 5f, 8a- 8i) which gave reasonable protection to the inflamed paw, eliciting good or moderate comparable anti-inflammatory activity were selected for investigating their analgesic activity using acetic acid induced writhing response test in albino mice at 10 mg/kg dose using standard drug ibuprofen and in order to arrive at possible mechanism of their anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro antioxidant nitric oxide radical scavenging assay at the concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 μg/mL were performed using standard drug ascorbic acid. | Analgesic activity; Anti-inflammatory activity; Antioxidant activity; COX-inhibitors; Tetrasubstituted thiophenes | 2 (4 methoxyanilino) 5 (4 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; 2 (4 methoxylanilino) 5 (3 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; 2 (4 methylanilino) 5 (3 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; 2 (4 methylanilino) 5 (4 chlorobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; 2 (4 methylanilino) 5 (4 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; 2 anilino 5 (4 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; antiinflammatory agent; ascorbic acid; ibuprofen; mefenamic acid; methyl 2 (2 furoylamino) 5 (2,4 dichlorobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 (2 furoylamino) 5 (3 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 (2 furoylamino) 5 (4 methoxybenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 (2 furoylamino) 5 (4 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 (4 methoxyanilino) 5 (4 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 (4 methoxycanilino) 5 (3 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 (4 methylanilino) 5 (3 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 (4 methylanilino) 5 (4 chlorobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 (4 methylanilino) 5 (4 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 anilino 5 (4 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 benzoylanilino 5 (2,4 dichlorobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 benzoylanilino 5 (3 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 benzoylanilino 5 (4 methoxybenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 benzoylanilino 5 (4 methylbenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; methyl 2 benzoylanilino 5 (4 nitrobenzoyl) 4 methylthiophene 3 carboxylic acid; thiophene derivative; unclassified drug; analgesic activity; animal experiment; animal model; antiinflammatory activity; antioxidant activity; article; concentration response; controlled study; drug design; drug dose comparison; drug screening; drug synthesis; female; in vitro study; male; nonhuman; paw edema; priority journal; rat; writhing test; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Drug Design; Edema; Female; Male; Molecular Structure; Rats; Structure-Activity Relationship; Thiophenes; Mus; Rattus | None |
| None | None | Desired-gain selection indices for improving performance of two tanzania local chicken ecotypes under intensive management | Lwelamira J., Kifaro G.C. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 2 | None | Institute of Rural Development Planning, P. O. Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania | Lwelamira, J., Institute of Rural Development Planning, P. O. Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania; Kifaro, G.C., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania | A study was carried out to evaluate various desired-gain selection indices (Yamada index) in improving performance of two chicken ecotypes of Tanzania viz. Kuchi and Tanzania Medium (Medium). The indices for Kuchi ecotype were geared at improving body weight at 16 (Bwt16) weeks of age while those for Medium ecotype were geared at improving egg production and related traits. These traits included age at first egg (AFE), egg production in the first 90 days after sexual maturity (EN-90) and egg weight (EW). Apart from production traits, antibody responses (Ab) against Newcastle disease virus vaccine was also included in some selection indices in both ecotypes. Furthermore, correlated responses to some egg quality traits namely egg shape index (ESI) and eggshell thickness (STH) were also studied. Results indicated that it would take between 5 to 6 generations of selection in Kuchi to improve Bwt16 either singly or together with Ab from their current levels of 1394 g and 5 (HIlog2) to the desired averages of 1800 g and 6 (HIlog2), respectively. On the other hand results indicated that it would take between 8 to 11 generations of selection in Medium ecotype to improve either AFE and EN-90 or together with EW or Ab or both of them from their current averages of 168 days, 49 eggs, 42 g and 5 (HIlog2) to the desired averages of 154 days, 68 eggs, 50 g, and 6 (HIlog2), respectively. Based on the number of generations required to achieve desired gains and correlated responses, some selection indices were recommended. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Breeding; Desired gain; Local chicken; Selection indices | Newcastle disease virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83055174037 | Detection and monitoring of surface subsidence associated with mining activities in the Witbank Coalfields, South Africa, using differential radar interferometry | Engelbrecht J., Inggs M.R., Makusha G. | 2011 | South African Journal of Geology | 114 | 1 | 10.2113/gssajg.114.1.77 | Council 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 Africa | Engelbrecht, 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 Africa | Surface 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. | None | basin 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 Coalfield | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50549103539 | Deterioration of performance of mixing rules in phase behavior modeling of high-density reservoir fluids | Babalola F.U., Susu A.A. | 2008 | Petroleum Science and Technology | 26 | 13 | 10.1080/10916460701776823 | Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Babalola, F.U., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Susu, A.A., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | The mixing rules are used in the cubic equations of state to determine the values of the attractive force parameter, a, and the repulsive force parameter, b, mixtures. The mixing rules are applied here to reservoir fluids. It was discovered that parameter a should not be treated as a constant since it varied significantly with pressure. It was therefore regressed by two straight lines, and the resulting equation of state gave a very good fit to PVT data of reservoir fluids. | Mixing rules; Mixtures; Parameter | Curve fitting; Equations of state; Mixing rules; Mixtures; Parameter; Reservoir fluids; Mixing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887737727 | Determinants of academic performance in children with sickle cell anaemia | Ezenwosu O.U., Emodi I.J., Ikefuna A.N., Chukwu B.F., Osuorah C.D. | 2013 | BMC Pediatrics | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2431-13-189 | Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Child Survival Unit, Medical Research Council UK, The Gambia Unit, Serrekunda, Gambia | Ezenwosu, O.U., Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Emodi, I.J., Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Ikefuna, A.N., Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Chukwu, B.F., Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Osuorah, C.D., Child Survival Unit, Medical Research Council UK, The Gambia Unit, Serrekunda, Gambia | Background: Some factors are known to influence the academic performance of children with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA). Information on their effects in these children is limited in Nigeria. The factors which influence academic performance of children with SCA in Enugu, Nigeria are determined in this study.Methods: Consecutive children with SCA aged 5-11 years were recruited at the weekly sickle cell clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, Nigeria. Their age- and sex- matched normal classmates were recruited as controls. The total number of days of school absence for 2009/2010 academic session was obtained for each pair of pupils from the class attendance register. Academic performance was assessed using the average of the overall scores in the three term examinations of same session. Intelligence ability was determined with Draw-A-Person Quotient (DAPQ) using the Draw-A-Person Test while socio-economic status was determined using the occupational status and educational attainment of each parent.Results: Academic performance of children with SCA showed statistically significant association with their socio-economic status (χ2 = 9.626, p = 0.047), and significant correlation with DAPQ (r = 0.394, p = 0.000) and age (r = -0.412, p = 0.000). However, no significant relationship existed between academic performance and school absence in children with SCA (r = -0.080, p = 0.453).Conclusions: Academic performance of children with SCA is influenced by their intelligence ability, age and socio-economic status but not negatively affected by their increased school absenteeism. © 2013 Ezenwosu et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Academic; Children; Determinants; Sickle | absenteeism; academic achievement; age; article; blood transfusion; child; childhood disease; controlled study; correlational study; disease severity; educational status; employment status; female; hospital admission; human; intelligence; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; parent; preschool child; primary school; school child; scoring system; sex ratio; sickle cell anemia; social status; student; teaching hospital; Absenteeism; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Child; Child, Preschool; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Intelligence Tests; Male; Nigeria; Parents; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940733317 | Determinants of, and barriers to, market orientation and the relationship with business performance among SMES | Dubihlela J., Dhurup M.R. | 2015 | Journal of Applied Business Research | 31 | 5 | None | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Dubihlela, J., Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Dhurup, M.R., Vaal University of Technology, South Africa | Expansion, diversification, greater choice, market share, profits and increased competition are the “overarching forces” that drive organisations to embrace marketing concepts such as market orientation. Various researchers assert that market orientation is a vital marketing concept for the performance of businesses and for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) there are no exceptions. The study examines the relationship of the determinants and barriers to market orientation and the influence of market orientation on business performance among SMEs in a developing country. This cross-sectional study made of a quantitative survey design. The target population comprised 273 owners/managers of SMEs in the Vaal Triangle, South Africa. The results revealed that the determinants of market orientation exhibited a strong influence in market orientation. Market orientation in turn showed strong positive relationship with business performance. Barriers to market orientation showed strong negative relationship with market orientation. The study identified the constructs that foster or discourage market orientation, and the contribution that market orientation can have on business performance for SMEs. SMEs owner/mangers are encouraged to consider the market orientation constructs that positively influences the performance of their businesses. © 2015, CIBER Institute. All rights reserved. | Barriers; Business performance; Determinants; Market orientation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548323871 | Determinants of aortic input impedance in two ethnic populations: Impact of obesity | Reimann M., Schutte A.E., Schutte R., Malan L., Huisman H.W., van Rooyen J.M., Schwarz P.E.H., Malan N.T. | 2007 | Journal of Human Hypertension | 21 | 9 | 10.1038/sj.jhh.1002224 | Subject Group Physiology, School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Endocrinopathies and Metabolic Diseases, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany | Reimann, M., Subject Group Physiology, School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Schutte, A.E., Subject Group Physiology, School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Schutte, R., Subject Group Physiology, School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Malan, L., Subject Group Physiology, School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Huisman, H.W., Subject Group Physiology, School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; van Rooyen, J.M., Subject Group Physiology, School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Schwarz, P.E.H., Department of Endocrinopathies and Metabolic Diseases, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Malan, N.T., Subject Group Physiology, School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | adipocytokine; adiponectin; leptin; adult; age; analysis of covariance; artery compliance; article; blood pressure measurement; body fat; body mass; cardiovascular risk; Caucasian; controlled study; correlation analysis; disease association; disease predisposition; ethnic difference; ethnicity; female; human; hyperleptinemia; hypertension; immunoradiometric assay; impedance; lean body weight; major clinical study; morbidity; multiple regression; Negro; obesity; protein blood level; pulse pressure; pulse wave; risk factor; South Africa; step wise multiple regression; vascular resistance; waist circumference; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Age Factors; Aorta; Body Mass Index; Electric Impedance; European Continental Ancestry Group; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Obesity; Vascular Resistance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875894767 | Determinants of balance performance in hemiparetic stroke survivors [Hemiparetik İnmeli hastalarda denge performansi{dotless}] | Olayinka Obembe A., Olatokunbo Olaogun M., Adesoji Adedoyin R., Emmanuel Lamidi R. | 2011 | Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi | 57 | 4 | 10.4274/tftr.31644 | Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Physiotherapy, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-ife, Nigeria | Olayinka Obembe, A., Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Olatokunbo Olaogun, M., Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Adesoji Adedoyin, R., Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Emmanuel Lamidi, R., Department of Physiotherapy, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-ife, Nigeria | Objective: Balance dysfunctions in stroke survivors have significant impact on their functional independence. This study was designed to assess the balance performance of hemiparetic stroke survivors and to determine the effect of gender, type of stroke and laterality on balance performance. Materials and Methods: The research was a cross-sectional study of 120 community-dwelling adults who had survived six months or more after a stroke. Balance performance was assessed using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Results: Eighty seven (72.5%) males and thirty three (27.5%) females with ages ranging from 31 to 83 years (mean 55.7±10.4) participated in this study. Sixty three (52.5%) had hemorrhagic stroke, while 57 (47.5%) had ischemic stroke. Seventy one (59.2%) had right-sided hemiparesis, while 49 (40.8%) had left-sided hemiparesis. Significant differences were found between balance performance (balance confidence and functional reach distance) of male and female stroke survivors with male stroke survivors having higher values; and between those of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke survivors, with ischemic stroke survivors having higher values. In a multiple regression analysis, patients' characteristics (age, height, weight, body mass index, post stroke duration) were related to the balance performance, accounting for 5.1% and 7.4% of the variance in the ABC Scale scores and functional reach distance, respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that gender and stroke type had influence on balance performance of hemiparetic stroke survivors and should be considered as factors in balance assessment and retraining of hemiparetic stroke survivors. © Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Published by Galenos Publishing. | Balance; Falls; Hemiparesis; Stroke | adult; age; aged; article; balance impairment; body height; body mass; body weight; brain hemorrhage; brain ischemia; cerebrovascular accident; cross-sectional study; data analysis; female; hemiparesis; human; major clinical study; male; scoring system; sex difference; survivor | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650792456 | Determinants of family employee work performance and compensation in family businesses | Van Der Merwe S.P. | 2009 | South African Journal of Business Management | 40 | 1 | None | Potchefstroom Business School, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa | Van Der Merwe, S.P., Potchefstroom Business School, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa | This study highlighted the importance of establishing clear work roles and responsibilities in the family business, the measurement of family employee work performance and regular feedback on their performance and fair and market-based compensation of family employees in family businesses. An Oblimin oblique rotation was performed on the principal components of the exploratory factor analysis. In this study three factors describing the theoretical dimensions of family employee work performance, clear work roles and responsibilities and family employee compensation in family businesses were extracted. Although statistical significant differences were found between the perceptions of male and female as well as between senior and younger generation family employees regarding the constructs, these differences were not practically significant. This study, however, confirms the important role that an effective family employee work performance management and compensation strategy plays to ensure harmonious family relationships and at the end the sustainability of the family business. Practical recommendations are suggested to improve the effectiveness of family employee work performance and compensation in family businesses. Recommendations are also offered to utilise the questionnaire as a diagnostic tool. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915737429 | Determinants of financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya | Ongore V.O., Kusa G.B. | 2013 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 3 | 1 | None | Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Ongore, V.O., Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya; Kusa, G.B., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Studies on moderating effect of ownership structure on bank performance are scanty. To fill this glaring gap in this vital area of study, the authors used linear multiple regression model and Generalized Least Square on panel data to estimate the parameters. The findings showed that bank specific factors significantly affect the performance of commercial banks in Kenya, except for liquidity variable. But the overall effect of macroeconomic variables was inconclusive at 5% significance level. The moderating role of ownership identity on the financial performance of commercial banks was insignificant. Thus, it can be concluded that the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya is driven mainly by board and management decisions, while macroeconomic factors have insignificant contribution. © 2013, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Bank specific factors; Financial performance; Macroeconomic variables | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889660056 | Determinants of hotels' environmental performance: Evidence from the hotel industry in Accra, Ghana | Mensah I., Blankson E.J. | 2013 | Journal of Sustainable Tourism | 21 | 8 | 10.1080/09669582.2013.776058 | Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Mensah, I., Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Blankson, E.J., Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | This study explores the factors that account for the environmental performance of hotels in the special context of a developing country, Ghana. It also examined the socio-demographic characteristics of managers and organizational characteristics that determine the environmental performance of Ghanaian hotels. A stratified random sampling method was employed to survey 200 hotel managers from different categories of hotels in Accra. Ninety-four per cent were independent, and Ghanaian-owned. Sixty-seven per cent had fewer than 20 rooms; only 45 had more than 100 rooms. Only 11.6% were affiliated to foreign multinational companies in any way. Six key factors that accounted for the environmental performance were extracted from a factor analysis. They included, in order of most practised, the environmental education and training for staff, measures to support for the host community, conservation project support, compliance with environmental regulations, waste management, and voluntary programmes. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that larger size and better class of hotels, as well as those with membership of the national hotel trade association, had better environmental performance as did hotels with better paid managers. Affiliation to foreign multinational chains did not predict better performance. A series of suggestions are made to improve the environmental performance of Ghana's hotels. © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | Accra; environment; environmental performance; hotel; organizational characteristics; socio-demographic characteristics | developing world; environmental impact; factor analysis; leisure industry; management; performance assessment; Accra; Ghana; Greater Accra | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748329424 | Determinants of mortality and nondeath losses from an antiretroviral treatment service in South Africa: Implications for program evaluation | Lawn S.D., Myer L., Harling G., Orrell C., Bekker L.-G., Wood R. | 2006 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 43 | 6 | 10.1086/507095 | Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd., Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Lawn, S.D., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd., Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Myer, L., Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Harling, G., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Orrell, C., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bekker, L.-G., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Background. The scale-up of antiretroviral treatment (ART) services in resource-limited settings requires a programmatic model to deliver care to large numbers of people. Understanding the determinants of key outcome measures-including death and nondeath losses-would assist in program evaluation and development. Methods. Between September 2002 and August 2005, all in-program (pretreatment and on-treatment) deaths and nondeath losses were prospectively ascertained among treatment-naive adults (n = 1235) who were enrolled in a community-based ART program in South Africa. Results. At study censorship, 927 patients had initiated ART after a median of 34 days after enrollment in the program. One hundred twenty-one (9.8%) patients died. Mortality rates were 33.3 (95% CI, 25.5-43.0), 19.1 (95% CI, 14.4-25.2), and 2.9 (95% CI, 1.8-4.8) deaths/100 person-years in the pretreatment interval, during the first 4 months of ART (early deaths), and after 4 months of ART (late deaths), respectively. Pretreatment and early treatment deaths together accounted for 87% of deaths, and were independently associated with advanced immunodeficiency at enrollment. Late deaths were comparatively few and were only associated with the response to ART at 4 months. Nondeath program losses (loss to follow-up, 2.3%; transfer-out, 1.9%; relocation, 0.7%) were not associated with immune status and were evenly distributed during the study period. Conclusions. Loss to follow-up and late mortality rates were low, reflecting good cohort retention and treatment response. However, the extremely high pretreatment and early mortality rates indicate that patients are enrolling in ART programs with far too advanced immunodeficiency. Causes of late access to the ART program, such as delays in health care access, health system delays, or inappropriate treatment criteria, need to be addressed. © 2006 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; dapsone; didanosine; efavirenz; lamivudine; lopinavir; nevirapine; ritonavir; RNA directed DNA polymerase inhibitor; stavudine; zidovudine; adult; article; female; health care; health care access; health care delivery; health care quality; health program; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune deficiency; major clinical study; male; mortality; priority journal; South Africa; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cohort Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Program Evaluation; Public Health Practice; Risk Assessment; South Africa; Treatment Failure | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904310352 | Determinants of PCR performance (Xpert MTB/RIF), including bacterial load and inhibition, for TB diagnosis using specimens from different body compartments | Theron G., Peter J., Calligaro G., Meldau R., Hanrahan C., Khalfey H., Matinyenya B., Muchinga T., Smith L., Pandie S., Lenders L., Patel V., Mayosi B.M., Dheda K. | 2014 | Scientific Reports | 4 | None | 10.1038/srep05658 | Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Neurology, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Theron, G., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Peter, J., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Calligaro, G., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Meldau, R., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hanrahan, C., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States; Khalfey, H., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Matinyenya, B., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Muchinga, T., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Smith, L., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Pandie, S., Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Lenders, L., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Patel, V., Department of Neurology, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Mayosi, B.M., Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Dheda, K., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | The determinants of Xpert MTB/RIF sensitivity, a widely used PCR test for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) are poorly understood. We compared culture time-to-positivity (TTP; a surrogate of bacterial load), MTB/RIF TB-specific and internal positive control (IPC)-specific C T values, and clinical characteristics in patients with suspected TB who provided expectorated (n = 438) or induced sputum (n = 128), tracheal aspirates (n = 71), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (n = 152), pleural fluid (n = 76), cerebral spinal fluid (CSF; n = 152), pericardial fluid (n = 131), or urine (n = 173) specimens. Median bacterial load (TTP in days) was the strongest associate of MTB/RIF positivity in each fluid. TTP correlated with C T values in pulmonary specimens but not extrapulmonary specimens (Spearman's coefficient 0.5043 versus 0.1437; p = 0.030). Inhibition affected a greater proportion of pulmonary specimens than extrapulmonary specimens (IPC C T > 34: 6% (47/731) versus 1% (4/381; p < 0.0001). Pulmonary specimens had greater load than extrapulmonary specimens [TTPs (interquartile range) of 11 (7-16) versus 22 (18-33.5) days; p < 0.0001]. HIV-infection was associated with a decreased likelihood of MTB/RIF-positivity in pulmonary specimens but an increased likelihood in extrapulmonary specimens. Mycobacterial load, which displays significant variation across different body compartments, is the main determinant of MTB/RIF-positivity rather than PCR inhibition. MTB/RIF C T is a poor surrogate of load in extrapulmonary specimens. | None | tuberculostatic agent; adult; aged; antibiotic resistance; bacterial load; chemistry; drug effects; female; HIV Infections; human; isolation and purification; lung; lung lavage; male; metabolism; microbiology; middle aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; predictive value; prevalence; real time polymerase chain reaction; South Africa; sputum; standards; tuberculosis; Adult; Aged; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Bacterial Load; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; South Africa; Sputum; Tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054734895 | Determinants of performance: A cross generational analysis of Nigerian banks | Abdulraheem A., Yahaya K.A., Aliu O.A. | 2011 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 24 | 4 | None | Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Abdulraheem, A., Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Yahaya, K.A., Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Aliu, O.A., Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | The performance of banks is of importance to investors because it determines both the returns on investment and it is a measure of economic stability and secured investment environment. A number of factors are used in the measurement of bank performance in a typical developing economy. This study uses selected first and second generation banks in Nigeria to examine critical variables that may explain the performance of the banks. In all ten banks were purposively sampled to include each of first and second generation banks. For each generation, aggregate performance was computed as a proxy of the declared profit for 10 years. Aggregate value was also obtained for the dividend declared, amount retained for expansion, new shares sold out to the public, age of banks, customer base and shareholders fund. A multiple regression analysis of the variables adopted to examine the nature of the relationship between declared profit (y) and the variables (X1 -X6), where Y=a+biXi+b2X2+.........+bnXn. A structured questionnaire was also used to capture the perception of shareholders on bank performance in four out of the ten selected banks. The result of the study shows that the performance of a bank was accounted for by the amount of profit paid out as dividend. The profit withheld for expansion and new share sold to the public with the R2 value of 92.9% and double log of 97.7%. From the study bank performance is both a result of dividend paid out (92.9%) profit withheld for expansion (97.7%). Age of banks was show not to be related to the performance of banks. To corroborate this, the study showed that shareholders believe that the proportion of dividend paid to shareholders is a major determinant of performance. The study therefore recommends that Nigerian Banks should redirect their focus to early dividend payment and regular declaration of dividend as one of the tools of attaining better performance. | Bank performance; Determinants; Dividend payment; Shareholders | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349284768 | Determinants of public employees' performance: Evidence from Ethiopian public organizations | Hailesilasie G. | 2009 | International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management | 58 | 3 | 10.1108/17410400910938841 | Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia | Hailesilasie, G., Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explain the determinants of employees' performance in Ethiopian public organizations, by examining the determinant factors of motivation, ability and role perception in seven different public organizations that reengineered their business processes. Design/methodology/approach: Using primary data collected from 100 respondents, individual performance, an ordered categorical variable, was regressed on motivation, ability, role perception and certain control variables. An ordered logistic regression model was employed in the research. Findings: Results of the STATA routine indicate that, in Ethiopian public organizations, ability has no significant effect on employees' performance. On the other hand, motivation positively determines performance until some stage of experience, beyond which performance declines with experience. Similarly, role perception is found to be strongly positively related to the likelihood of good performance. Research limitations/implications: Further research is required into the dynamic nature of employees' performance. Panel data econometric models might be used to explain the determinants of performance across time. Similarly, future empirical researches in the area in question will be helpful to consider space-time differences in explaining determinants of employees' performance. Originality/value: The paper looks into the determinant factors of Ethiopian public organization employees' performance. Currently, Ethiopian public organizations are undertaking Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and striving for the system of performance-based pay. This research has policy implications in relation to designing an effective performance-based pay system. On the other hand, the paper contributes to the empirical literature, providing a clearer picture of the determinants of public employees' performance. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Business process re-engineering; Ethiopia; Performance management; Public sector organizations | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883829846 | Determinants of role performance effectiveness among facilitators in the second national fadama development project in Nigeria | Daudu S., Madukwe M.C. | 2013 | Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education | 20 | 2 | None | Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Daudu, S., Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Madukwe, M.C., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | Determinants; Facilitator; National fadama development project; Nigeria; Role performance effectiveness | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929847425 | Determinants of SMEs growth and performance in Cameroon’s central and littoral provinces’ manufacturing and retail sectors | Akinboade O.A. | 2015 | African Journal of Economic and Management Studies | 6 | 2 | 10.1108/AJEMS-03-2013-0033 | Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Akinboade, O.A., Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss growth and performance of small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in Central and Littoral provinces of Cameroon’s manufacturing and retail sectors. Design/methodology/approach – A full survey of 700 randomly selected SMEs owner-managers was conducted though only 575 enterprises were retained for analysis after performing the coherence test. The survey was conducted in the central and littoral regions, the location of almost 70 per cent of the SMEs in Cameroon. The survey questionnaire administered consisted of about 50-60 questions covering the profile of the business owner, and business growth and performance. The full sample consists mainly of enterprises in the tertiary and secondary sectors. They were mostly retails and wholesales (supermarket, hardware shop, clothing shop, perfume shops and liquor store). Although, the secondary sector contributes 31 per cent of Cameroon's GDP and employs 15 per cent of the population, they are mostly large enterprises, with very few SMEs. Hence few businesses were interviewed in this sector. Findings – Business location affects turnover growth. The likelihood of negative growth or zero growth decreases with the age of enterprise. Increased levels of education result in improved turnover growth. There is no association of gender of with growth of business turnover. The burden imposed by municipal regulation and compliance with it negatively affects turnover growth. Time taken to be in compliance with tax regulations overall also negatively affects turnover growth. Social implications – Disseminating regulatory information to SMEs would be useful in order to improve compliance in general and newly formed enterprises located in the Littoral Province in particular. It is important to reduce regulatory burden on SMEs overall. Restrictive trade and business regulations in Africa tend to be largely devised through negotiated settlements with large corporates, and the onerous requirements tend to be inappropriate and out of reach for small, medium and micro firms. The business environment in the Littoral Province should be improved. Originality/value – Studies that examine econometric determinants of the growth of SMEs in Africa, and especially in Cameroon are few indeed. This is an area that is very crucial to examine and fully understand for policy development. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Cameroon; Growth and performance; Small and medium size enterprises | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856038239 | Determinants of Spending: An Evaluation of Three Major Sporting Events | Saayman M., Saayman A. | 2012 | International Journal of Tourism Research | 14 | 2 | 10.1002/jtr.841 | North-West University, Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, Potchefstroom, South Africa; North-West University, School of Economics, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Saayman, M., North-West University, Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Saayman, A., North-West University, School of Economics, Potchefstroom, South Africa | South Africa plays host to a number of major sporting events that takes place annually such as the Two Oceans Marathon, the Argus Cycle Tour and the Midmar open water mile. This research aims to identify the socio-economic differences of participants in the events and to determine the key drivers of their spending. Three surveys were conducted at the events during 2008 and 2010. The data analyses include a factor and a regression analyses. The analyses identified the different motives why participation takes place, the socio-demographic differences between participants and the impact thereof on spending. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Factor analysis; Motives; Regression analysis; Socio-demographics; Sporting events | factor analysis; public spending; regression analysis; socioeconomic survey; sport; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-19944431405 | Determinants of the impact of sexually transmitted infection treatment on prevention of HIV infection: A synthesis of evidence from the Mwanza, Rakai, and Masaka intervention trials | Korenromp E.L., White R.G., Orroth K.K., Bakker R., Kamali A., Serwadda D., Gray R.H., Grosskurth H., Habbema J.D.F., Hayes R.J. | 2005 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 191 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1086/425274 | Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; London Sch. of Hyg. and Trop. Med., London, United Kingdom; Med. Res. Cncl. Prog. AIDS Uganda, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Johns Hopkins Univ. Sch. Pub. Hlth., Dept. of Pop. and Fam. Hlth. Sci., Baltimore, MD, United States; HIV, TB, and Malaria Cluster, Roll Back Malaria Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Dept. of Infect. and Trop. Diseases, London Sch. of Hyg. and Trop. Med., Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Korenromp, E.L., Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, HIV, TB, and Malaria Cluster, Roll Back Malaria Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; White, R.G., London Sch. of Hyg. and Trop. Med., London, United Kingdom; Orroth, K.K., London Sch. of Hyg. and Trop. Med., London, United Kingdom; Bakker, R., Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Kamali, A., Med. Res. Cncl. Prog. AIDS Uganda, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; Serwadda, D., Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Gray, R.H., Johns Hopkins Univ. Sch. Pub. Hlth., Dept. of Pop. and Fam. Hlth. Sci., Baltimore, MD, United States; Grosskurth, H., London Sch. of Hyg. and Trop. Med., London, United Kingdom; Habbema, J.D.F., Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Hayes, R.J., London Sch. of Hyg. and Trop. Med., London, United Kingdom, Dept. of Infect. and Trop. Diseases, London Sch. of Hyg. and Trop. Med., Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Community-randomized trials in Mwanza, Tanzania, and Rakai and Masaka, Uganda, suggested that population characteristics were an important determinant of the impact of sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment interventions on incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We performed simulation modeling of HIV and STI transmission, which confirmed that the low trial impact in Rakai and Masaka could be explained by low prevalences of curable STI resulting from lower-risk sexual behavior in Uganda. The mature HIV epidemics in Uganda, with most HIV transmission occurring outside core groups with high STI rates, also contributed to the low impact on HIV incidence. Simulated impact on HIV was much greater in Mwanza, although the observed impact was larger than predicted from STI reductions, suggesting that random error also may have played some role. Of proposed alternative explanations, increasing herpetic ulceration due to HIV-related immunosuppression contributed little to the diminishing impact of antibiotic treatment during the Ugandan epidemics. The strategy of STI treatment also was unimportant, since syndromic treatment and annual mass treatment showed similar effectiveness in simulations of each trial population. In conclusion, lower-risk behavior and the mature HIV epidemic explain the limited impact of STI treatment on HIV incidence in Uganda in the 1990s. In populations with high-risk sexual behavior and high STI rates, STIs treatment interventions may contribute substantially to prevention of HIV infection. | None | antibiotic agent; antibiotic therapy; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; disease simulation; herpes simplex; Herpes simplex virus 2; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; immunosuppressive treatment; infection risk; priority journal; sexual behavior; sexually transmitted disease; Uganda; ulcer; virus transmission; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Gonorrhea; Herpes Genitalis; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Syndrome; Tanzania; Treatment Outcome; Uganda | None |
| WoS | WOS:000313227100004 | Determinants of visitor spending: an evaluation of participants and spectators at the Two Oceans Marathon | Ellis, Suria,Kruger, Martinette,Saayman, Melville | 2012 | TOURISM ECONOMICS | 18 | 6 | 10.5367/te.2012.0174 | North West University - South Africa | "Ellis, Suria: North West University - South Africa","Kruger, Martinette: North West University - South Africa","Saayman, Melville: North West University - South Africa" | This paper investigates the socio-demographic and behavioural determinants that influence visitor expenditure at the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa, based on a participant and spectator survey conducted at the race in 2011. Regression analyses were applied and the results indicate that greater length of stay, paid accommodation, number of marathons participated in per year and higher level of education signficantly influence higher participant spending at the marathon, while a high-income occupation and paid accommodation are associated with higher levels of spectator expenditure. These findings not only generate strategic insights into the marketing of the event; knowledge of these determinants will also lead to a greater economic impact and competitive advantage. | "Cape Town",MARATHON,"REGRESSION ANALYSIS","SOUTH AFRICA","SPORTING EVENTS","sport tourism","EXPENDITURE-BASED SEGMENTATION",IDENTIFICATION,MOTIVATION,SPORT,TEAM | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879203400 | Determination and evaluation of radiological risk due to indoor radon concentration levels in offices at a university faculty in ibadan southwestern nigeria | Ojo O.F., Farai I.P., Jibiri N.N. | 2013 | Indoor and Built Environment | 22 | 2 | 10.1177/1420326X11420586 | Radiation and Health Physics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, P.O. Box 29709 Secretariat Post Office, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ojo, O.F., Radiation and Health Physics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, P.O. Box 29709 Secretariat Post Office, Ibadan, Nigeria; Farai, I.P., Radiation and Health Physics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, P.O. Box 29709 Secretariat Post Office, Ibadan, Nigeria; Jibiri, N.N., Radiation and Health Physics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, P.O. Box 29709 Secretariat Post Office, Ibadan, Nigeria | Exposure to Radon (222Rn) especially indoors has been identified as an important factor that could result in a health hazard, especially increase in risk of lung cancer. Assessment of the risk can only be done with accurate information on the radon level to which the people are exposed. This work was designed to measure indoor radon level in some offices in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, using electret passive environmental radon monitor (E-PERM). Measurements were made at 54 locations in five departments of the faculty. Indoor radon concentrations in these Departments were found to vary from 39.70 to 126.77 Bq.m-3 with an average mean of 65±20 Bq.m-3. The results obtained showed variation with ventilation and type of building materials. The average indoor radon concentration obtained was below the indoor radon concentration action level (148 Bq.m-3) recommended by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hence no remedial action is required. The work however established the applicability of the technique for a much wider scope of indoor radon survey in the country. © The Author(s), 2013. | Electret; Health hazard; Indoor radon exposure; Radon concentration; University of Ibadan | radon; air conditioning; article; building; building material; environmental monitoring; gamma radiation; health hazard; Nigeria; priority journal; radiation dose; radiation exposure; risk assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919436435 | Determination of bulk density, methods and impacts, with a case study from Los Bronces Mine, Chile | Makhuvha M., Arellano R.M., Harney D.M.W. | 2014 | Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy, Section B: Applied Earth Science | 123 | 3 | 10.1179/1743275814Y.0000000058 | Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore, Thabazimbi Mine, 11 Jourdan Street, Thabazimbi, South Africa; Anglo American Copper, Los Bronces, Pedro de Valdivia 29, Santiago, Chile; FAusIMM, Anglo American, 45 Main Street, Johannesburg, South Africa | Makhuvha, M., Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore, Thabazimbi Mine, 11 Jourdan Street, Thabazimbi, South Africa; Arellano, R.M., Anglo American Copper, Los Bronces, Pedro de Valdivia 29, Santiago, Chile; Harney, D.M.W., FAusIMM, Anglo American, 45 Main Street, Johannesburg, South Africa | Mineral resource and ore reserve estimates are founded on two sources of data: tonnage and grade. The tonnage is a product of volume and density; both of which are estimates. Density impacts numerous operational factors, which include, but are not limited to, mine design, mine planning, equipment selection and operational performance. Hence, density is a significant parameter and its determination requires similar care as the measurement of grade. This paper provides an overview of methods used to determine density within the Anglo American Group. It is not the purpose of this paper to identify a preferred method, but to highlight the importance of choosing the best suited practice for a project or mine site. In addition, a case study comparing two different density determination methods applied to the same rock samples from the Los Bronces Copper mine in Chile was undertaken and the results of that study are presented here. Selecting the most appropriate method to determine density and comparing results from two or more techniques against each other, together with other suitable quality control procedures, is considered to be essential for mining operations and exploration projects in order to reduce risk and to improve operational performance, which in turn increases profit margin. © 2014 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and The AusIMM. | Bulk density; Core pycnometer; Density determination; Los Bronces; Mineral resources | Copper mines; Economic geology; Ores; Bulk density; Core pycnometer; Determination methods; Different densities; Exploration projects; Los Bronces; Operational factors; Operational performance; Mineral resources; bulk density; copper; mineral exploration; mineral resource; mining; Chile | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651261752 | Determination of ciprofloxacin in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection: Application to a population pharmacokinetics study in children with severe malnutrition | Muchohi S.N., Thuo N., Karisa J., Muturi A., Kokwaro G.O., Maitland K. | 2011 | Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences | 879 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jchromb.2010.11.032 | 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, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676-00202 (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya; African Centre for Clinical Trials, P.O. Box 2288-00202 (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya; Consortium for National Health Research, P.O. Box 29832-00202 (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and The Wellcome Trust Centre for Clinical Tropical Medicine, Imperial College, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom | Muchohi, S.N., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya; Thuo, N., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya; Karisa, J., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya; Muturi, A., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya; Kokwaro, G.O., 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, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676-00202 (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya, African Centre for Clinical Trials, P.O. Box 2288-00202 (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya, Consortium for National Health Research, P.O. Box 29832-00202 (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya; Maitland, K., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and The Wellcome Trust Centre for Clinical Tropical Medicine, Imperial College, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom | Clinical pharmacokinetic studies of ciprofloxacin require accurate and precise measurement of plasma drug concentrations. We describe a rapid, selective and sensitive HPLC method coupled with fluorescence detection for determination of ciprofloxacin in human plasma. Internal standard (IS; sarafloxacin) was added to plasma aliquots (200μL) prior to protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Ciprofloxacin and IS were eluted on a Synergi Max-RP analytical column (150mm×4.6mm i.d., 5μm particle size) maintained at 40°C. The mobile phase comprised a mixture of aqueous orthophosphoric acid (0.025M)/methanol/acetonitrile (75/13/12%, v/v/v); the pH was adjusted to 3.0 with triethylamine. A fluorescence detector (excitation/emission wavelength of 278/450nm) was used. Retention times for ciprofloxacin and IS were approximately 3.6 and 7.0min, respectively. Calibration curves of ciprofloxacin were linear over the concentration range of 0.02-4μg/mL, with correlation coefficients (r2)≥0.998. Intra- and inter-assay relative standard deviations (SD) were <8.0% and accuracy values ranged from 93% to 105% for quality control samples (0.2, 1.8 and 3.6μg/mL). The mean (SD) extraction recoveries for ciprofloxacin from spiked plasma at 0.08, 1.8 and 3.6μg/mL were 72.8±12.5% (n=5), 83.5±5.2% and 77.7±2.0%, respectively (n=8 in both cases). The recovery for IS was 94.5±7.9% (n=15). The limits of detection and quantification were 10ng/mL and 20ng/mL, respectively. Ciprofloxacin was stable in plasma for at least one month when stored at -15°C to -25°C and -70°C to -90°C. This method was successfully applied to measure plasma ciprofloxacin concentrations in a population pharmacokinetics study of ciprofloxacin in malnourished children. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Ciprofloxacin; HPLC fluorescence detection; Plasma; Protein precipitation; Validation | Analytical columns; Calibration curves; Ciprofloxacin; Clinical pharmacokinetics; Concentration ranges; Correlation coefficient; Extraction recovery; Fluorescence detection; Fluorescence detector; HPLC method; HPLC-fluorescence detection; Human plasmas; Internal standards; Limits of detection; Mobile phase; Orthophosphoric acids; Plasma drug concentration; Population pharmacokinetics; Precise measurements; Protein precipitation; Relative standard deviations; Retention time; Triethylamines; Validation; Acetonitrile; Detectors; Fluorescence; Liquid chromatography; Pharmacokinetics; Phosphoric acid; Plasma (human); Plasmas; Proteins; Recovery; Antibiotics; acetonitrile; ciprofloxacin; methanol; nordifloxacin; phosphoric acid; triethylamine; unclassified drug; vetranal; accuracy; acidity; article; child; correlation coefficient; disease severity; drug blood level; drug determination; excitation; fluorescence; high performance liquid chromatography; human; limit of detection; major clinical study; malnutrition; particle size; plasma; precipitation; priority journal; quality control; Child; Child Nutrition Disorders; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Ciprofloxacin; Drug Stability; Humans; Least-Squares Analysis; Malnutrition; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spectrometry, Fluorescence | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24044440115 | Determination of lorazepam in plasma from children by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection | Muchohi S.N., Obiero K., Kokwaro G.O., Ogutu B.R., Githiga I.M., Edwards G., Newton C.R.J.C. | 2005 | Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences | 824 | 02-Jan | 10.1016/j.jchromb.2005.07.040 | 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; 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 Kingdom | Muchohi, 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 Kingdom | A 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; Pharmacokinetics | Bioassay; 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 pubescens | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20344400117 | Determination of midazolam and its major metabolite 1′- hydroxymidazolam by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry in plasma from children | Muchohi S.N., Ward S.A., Preston L., Newton C.R.J.C., Edwards G., Kokwaro G.O. | 2005 | Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences | 821 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jchromb.2005.03.015 | 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; 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 for Child Health, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Muchohi, 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; Ward, S.A., 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; Preston, L., Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, L3 5QA 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 for Child Health, University of London, London, United Kingdom; 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; 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 | We have developed a sensitive, selective and reproducible reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) for the simultaneous quantification of midazolam (MDZ) and its major metabolite, 1′-hydroxymidazolam (1′-OHM) in a small volume (200 μl) of human plasma. Midazolam, 1′-OHM and 1′-chlordiazepoxide (internal standard) were extracted from alkalinised (pH 9.5) spiked and clinical plasma samples using a single step liquid-liquid extraction with 1-chlorobutane. The chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase HyPURITY™ Elite C18 (5 μm particle size; 100 mm × 2.1 mm i.d.) analytical column using an acidic (pH 2.8) mobile phase (water-acetonitrile; 75:25% (v/v) containing formic acid (0.1%, v/v)) delivered at a flow-rate of 200 μl/min. The mass spectrometer was operated in the positive ion mode at the protonated-molecular ions [M + l] + of parent drug and metabolite. Calibration curves in spiked plasma were linear (r2 ≥ 0.99) from 15 to 600 ng/ml (MDZ) and 5-200 ng/ml (1′-OHM). The limits of detection and quantification were 2 and 5 ng/ml, respectively, for both MDZ and 1′-OHM. The mean relative recoveries at 40 and 600 ng/ml (MDZ) were 79.4 ± 3.1% (n = 6) and 84.2 ± 4.7% (n = 8), respectively; for 1′-OHM at 30 and 200 ng/ml the values were 89.9 ± 7.2% (n = 6) and 86.9 ± 5.6% (n = 8), respectively. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) for MDZ were less than 8%, and for 1′-OHM were less than 13%. There was no interference from other commonly used antimalarials, antipyretic drugs and antibiotics. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of MDZ and 1′-OHM in children with severe malaria and convulsions following administration of MDZ either intravenously (i.v.) or intramuscularly (i.m.). © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | 1′-Hydroxymidazolam; Midazolam; Pharmacokinetics in children | Assays; Drug products; Ionization; Mass spectrometry; Metabolites; Solvent extraction; Antimalarials; Electrospray ionization (ESI); Midazolam; Protonated molecular ions; High performance liquid chromatography; 1' chlordiazepoxide; alpha hydroxymidazolam; analgesic agent; antibiotic agent; anticonvulsive agent; antimalarial agent; antipyretic agent; artesunate; ceftriaxone; chloramphenicol; chlordiazepoxide; chloroquine; cycloguanil; deethylchloroquine; midazolam; midazolam maleate; paracetamol; penicillin G; proguanil; pyrimethamine; quinine; salicylic acid; sulfadoxine; unclassified drug; accuracy; alkalinity; analytic method; anticonvulsant activity; antimalarial activity; article; blood sampling; child; controlled study; device; drug blood level; drug determination; drug isolation; electrospray mass spectrometry; high performance liquid chromatography; human; liquid liquid extraction; malaria; priority journal; reliability; seizure; Anticonvulsants; Child; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Humans; Kenya; Malaria, Falciparum; Midazolam; Reproducibility of Results; Seizures; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897092748 | Determination of performance characteristics of petrol/bio-ethanol blends for spark ignition (Si) engines | Ubwa S.T., Oshido B.A., Malu S.P. | 2014 | International Journal of Renewable Energy Research | 4 | 1 | None | Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria | Ubwa, S.T., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria; Oshido, B.A., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria; Malu, S.P., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria | Performance characteristics; fuel power (FP), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake power (BP) and Specific fuel consumption (SFC) of blended (petrol/bio-ethanol) fuels were studied and compared with neat petrol. The blends were; E05, E10, E15 and E20 for 5%,10%, 15% and 20% bio-ethanol respectively. The performance parameters were measured based on short standard engine tests performed on a Cortina petrol engine test bed, a four stroke engine, and variable speed SI engine with an eddy current dynamometer and Tachometer. The result showed that E05 and E10 were the optimum blending ratios for bioethanol and petrol. It can be concluded from these results that E05 and E10 are the most suitable blends for use in four stroke SI engines. | Bio-ethanol; Blended fuel; Performance parameters and SI engines; Petrol (gasoline) | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953900847 | Determination of reusable labware performances with emphasis on oscillation of pendulum using visualization techniques | Mukaila O., Taiwo O.A., Ameen A.O., Mabayoje M.A., Aremu M.A. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 50 | 1 | None | Dept. of Computer Science, Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Dept. of Mathematics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, kwara State, Nigeria; Dept. of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Dept. of Mathematics/Stati | Mukaila, O., Dept. of Computer Science, Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Taiwo, O.A., Dept. of Mathematics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, kwara State, Nigeria; Ameen, A.O., Dept. of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Mabayoje, M.A., Dept. of Computer Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Aremu, M.A., Dept. of Mathematics/Statistics, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria | This papers focuses solely on the development of linear regression model as a tool for visualization in order to determine various average periods of oscillations of pendulum with specific mass of ball which is 8.30 gramme. The essence of this is to determine the effect of using different weight of ball of pendulum on oscillations with varying in length and time of oscillations. With the model that was developed the performance of LABWARE and pendulum oscillation to be specific can easily be monitor and this helped to generate various values of data as reusable object with help of MATLAB program that was developed. Graphical representation of objects as one of visualization Techniques made determination of periods to be determine by varying length and time. This model, is very reliable and accurate, compare to the traditional method in which the breakdown of LABWARE can have major effect on the oscillations and accuracy of the results. | Average period of oscillation; Labware; Linear regreation e.t.c.; Model; Modeling; Object; Pendulum ball; Reusable; Visualization | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646420078 | Determination of stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and stigmastanol in oral dosage forms using high performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection | Nair V.D.P., Kanfer I., Hoogmartens J. | 2006 | Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis | 41 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jpba.2005.12.030 | Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics, Rhodes University, Artillery Road, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Laboratorium Voor Farmaceutische Chemie en Analyse van Geneesmiddelen, Farmaceutische Wetenschappen, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium | Nair, V.D.P., Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics, Rhodes University, Artillery Road, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Kanfer, I., Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutics, Rhodes University, Artillery Road, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Hoogmartens, J., Laboratorium Voor Farmaceutische Chemie en Analyse van Geneesmiddelen, Farmaceutische Wetenschappen, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium | A validated and repeatable high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with online evaporative light scattering (ELSD) was developed for the analysis of two sterols, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and a stanol, stigmastanol, found to be common in many herbal formulations and health care supplements. The method is based on the separation of the three marker compounds on a C8 column (Phenomenex Luna, 5 μm, 150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.) using methanol:water (95:5 v/v) as the mobile phase, and a flow rate of 1 ml/min to separate all the marker compounds within 12 min. Cholesterol (50 μg/ml) was used as internal standard and methanol as the extraction solvent. The ELSD response parameters were optimised and the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were calculated to be 2 and 5 μg/ml, respectively, which is more sensitive than obtained by photo diode array detection (5 and 7 μg/ml). Using ELSD, the percentage relative standard deviation (%R.S.D.) of intra-day and inter-day (3 days) precision for each marker was better than 3%, the accuracy data were within 97-103% and the recovery data were found to be within 95-107% for the five commercially available products examined. This method was used to assay commercially available products formulated as oral dosage forms purported to contain African Potato and associated sterols and stanol and proved to be suitable for the routine analysis and quality control of such products. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | β-Sitosterol; African Potato; HPLC-ELSD; Quality control; Stigmastanol; Stigmasterol | carbon; cholesterol; methanol; sitostanol; sitosterol; stigmasterol; water; accuracy; analytic method; article; drug formulation; drug marketing; flow rate; herbal medicine; high performance liquid chromatography; information processing; light scattering; potato; priority journal; quality control; quantitative analysis; supplementation; validation process; Administration, Oral; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dosage Forms; Light; Reference Standards; Reproducibility of Results; Scattering, Radiation; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sitosterols; Stigmasterol | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856300509 | Determination of the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance and hematological parameters of rabbits | Ezema C., Eze D.C. | 2012 | Comparative Clinical Pathology | 21 | 1 | 10.1007/s00580-010-1066-6 | Department 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, Nigeria | Ezema, 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, Nigeria | Insufficient 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; Rabbit | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748960781 | Determination of the impact on the standing losses of installing blankets to electric hot water heaters in South Africa | Bosman I.E., Grobler L.J., Dalgleish A.Z. | 2006 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 17 | 2 | None | North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Bosman, I.E., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Grobler, L.J., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Dalgleish, A.Z., North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Electric hot water heater blankets are being used as a demand-side management (DSM) measure to save electricity consumption in residential areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of installing blankets to hot water heaters. A residential apartment building consisting of eighteen similar flats were used for the study. All the flats were equipped with the same 100-litre hot water heaters. The set points of the geysers used in the test were set at 60°C and 70°C. The standing losses were measured over an extended period and related to the ambient temperatures. The data was then used to develop a generic equation describing the standing losses of the specific hot water heaters using the ambient and set point temperatures as inputs. The hot water heaters were covered with insulation blankets and the study was repeated. A generic equation was again developed for the heaters with blankets. Finally, the generic equations were applied to determine the annual savings that would be realised if the hot water heaters were situated in Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein, using hourly meteorological weather data of the different locations. | Blankets; Demand side management; Hot water heaters; Measurement and verification; Standing losses | Electricity; Energy utilization; Geysers; Thermal effects; Blankets; Demand side management; Hot water heaters; Standing losses; Water heaters | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924146495 | Determination of the myocardial performance index in deteriorating grades of intrauterine growth restriction and its link to adverse outcomes | Bhorat I.E., Bagratee J.S., Pillay M., Reddy T. | 2015 | Prenatal Diagnosis | 35 | 3 | 10.1002/pd.4537 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Bhorat, I.E., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bagratee, J.S., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Pillay, M., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Reddy, T., Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the fetal modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) and E-wave/A-wave peak velocities (E/A ratio) in deteriorating grades of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and its link to adverse outcomes defined as perinatal death, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, neonatal resuscitation, neonatal cord pH <7.15, intraventricular hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Method: Forty three pregnant women with IUGR defined as the abdominal circumference <10th percentile for gestational age and umbilical resistance index >2 standard deviations in the third trimester of pregnancy were matched for gestational age and maternal age with 43 women with appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses. The IUGR group was subdivided on the basis of multivessel Doppler anomalies into different grades of growth restriction. Mod-MPI and E/A ratio were determined and linked to perinatal outcome. Results: The median Mod-MPI was significantly higher in growth-restricted fetuses compared with controls (0.59 vs 0.37, p<0.001) and increased with severity of IUGR, the classification of which was based on degree of abnormality of the umbilical resistance index, presence of arterial redistribution and degree of abnormality of the ductus venosus (DV) Doppler indices. A cut-off Mod-MPI value of 0.54 conferred a sensitivity of 87% [confidence interval (CI): 66-97%], specificity of 75% (CI: 55-91%) and a likelihood ratio (LR) of 3.47 for an adverse outcome. A cut-off Mod-MPI value of 0.67 conferred a sensitivity of 100% (CI: 54-100%), specificity of 81% (CI: 65-92%) and LR of 5.28 for perinatal death. No abnormal outcomes occurred in controls. In logistic regression analysis, the MPI remained a significant predictor of adverse outcome after adjusting for gestational age of delivery, fetal weight, E/A ratio, maternal age, DV Doppler indices, amniotic fluid index and umbilical artery resistance index [adjusted odds ratio, 95% CI: 2.60 (1.15-5.83), p-value 0.02]. MPI fared significantly better than the E/A ratio as a predictor of adverse outcome (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94 and 0.76, p<0.001). Conclusion: Fetal myocardial performance deteriorates with severity of growth restriction. There is an association between severity of the MPI elevation and rates of adverse perinatal outcome. The Mod-MPI and E/A ratio have the potential to be integrated into routine surveillance techniques of the growth-restricted fetus. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | A wave; abdominal circumference; adverse outcome; Article; brain hemorrhage; cardiovascular parameters; clinical article; controlled study; disease severity; Doppler echocardiography; ductus venosus; female; fetus; heart function; heart performance; human; hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; intrauterine growth retardation; lung dysplasia; myocardial performance index; perinatal death; pH; pregnant woman; priority journal; real time ultrasound scanner; resuscitation; adult; amnion fluid; case control study; complication; diastole; echography; fetus echography; fetus heart; gestational age; heart left ventricle function; heart ventricle function; intrauterine growth retardation; pregnancy; prematurity; prognosis; second trimester pregnancy; severity of illness index; systole; third trimester pregnancy; umbilical artery; vascularization; Adult; Amniotic Fluid; Case-Control Studies; Diastole; Echocardiography, Doppler; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Fetal Heart; Fetus; Gestational Age; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Premature Birth; Prognosis; Severity of Illness Index; Systole; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Umbilical Arteries; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function; Ventricular Function, Left | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29844456882 | Determination of trace levels of dinitrophenolic compounds in environmental water samples using hollow fiber supported liquid membrane extraction and high performance liquid chromatography | Berhanu T., Liu J.-F., Romero R., Megersa N., Jönsson J.Å. | 2006 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1103 | 1 | 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.10.082 | 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 | Berhanu, 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, Sweden | A 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 membrane | Extraction; 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, Chemical | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862094377 | Determination of traffic load and traffic performance parameters in mobile communication in Nigeria | Osahenvemwen O.A., Emagbetere J. | 2012 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 4 | 11 | None | Department of Elect/Elect Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, AMBROSE Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Elect/Elect Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Ni | Osahenvemwen, O.A., Department of Elect/Elect Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, AMBROSE Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; Emagbetere, J., Department of Elect/Elect Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | The study presents a determination of traffic load and traffic performance parameters (indicators) in mobile communication network, using Nigeria (Lagos) as a case study. The operation and maintenance unit which is in-built with the mobile communication network was used as a measuring device. The traffic data obtained from the mobile network are; number of complete call, number of calls attempts and service time (calls duration) for the period of one year. These traffic parameters was used to determine the offered traffic, block traffic (loss traffic) and other traffic performance parameters also called Traffic Key Performance Indicator (KPI). They are Calls Completion Rate (CCR), Busy Hour Call Attempt (BHCA), Grade of Service (GOS) and Channels Utilization Percentage (CUP). It was discovered that route 9 and 10 Call Completion Rate (CCR) was not in accordance with Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC, 2008) regulation. The Grade of Service (GOS) of route 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 18 are not in accordance with NCC regulation. Also, the channel utilization percentage is above 60% stated by NCC. These will result in loss of calls or block calls in affected routes. Effort should be made by operators to provide good quality of service (QOS) and monitoring agency (NCC) should ensure that they conform to recommended standard to avoid block calls during the busy hour. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012. | Arrival rate; Service time; Stochastic process; Traffic intensity; Traffic performance parameters | Arrival rates; Call completion rates; Channel utilization; Grade of service; Key performance indicators; Measuring device; Mobile communication networks; Mobile communications; Nigeria; Operation and maintenance; Service time; Traffic data; Traffic intensity; Traffic loads; Traffic parameters; Traffic performance; Benchmarking; Quality of service; Random processes; Telecommunication networks | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909578962 | Determination of triclosan and ketoprofen in river water and wastewater by solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography | Madikizela L.M., Muthwa S.F., Chimuka L. | 2014 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 67 | None | None | Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa | Madikizela, L.M., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Muthwa, S.F., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa; Chimuka, L., School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper describes a simple, sensitive and rapid method for the determination of triclosan and ketoprofen in wastewater influent, effluent and river water. The method involves solid phase extraction (SPE) of target compounds using Oasis HLB sorbent. Several extraction parameters such as sample pH, sample volume, SPE cartridge and SPE elution solvent were optimized. The pH of the collected samples was adjusted to 5.5, and then 100 mL of the sample was loaded into an Oasis HLB cartridge. Methanol was used to elute the retained compounds. The eluted compounds were analyzed using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detection (HPLC-PDA). The method was validated by spiking ultra-pure water and wastewater with different concentrations of both compounds ranging from 5 μg L-1 to 1000 μg L-1. Recoveries were in the range of 73%to 104 %, and%RSD ranged from8%to 15%. The method gave good detection limits of 0.01 and 0.08 μg L-1 for triclosan and ketoprofen, respectively. Traces of both compounds were detected in all wastewater (influent and effluent) samples at a range of 1.2 to 9.0 μg L-1 and in some river water samples. | High performance liquid chromatography; Ketoprofen; Solid phase extraction; Triclosan; Wastewater treatment plants | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-28244439182 | Determining milling performance of sorghum cultivars by means of abrasive decortication and roller milling techniques | van der Merwe M., Osthoff G., Pretorius A.J. | 2005 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 22 | 4 | None | Department of Physiology Nutrition and Consumer Science, University of North West, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; ARC-Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Microbial Biochemical and Food Technology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | van der Merwe, M., Department of Physiology Nutrition and Consumer Science, University of North West, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, ARC-Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Osthoff, G., Department of Microbial Biochemical and Food Technology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Pretorius, A.J., Department of Physiology Nutrition and Consumer Science, University of North West, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Although roller milling has been successfully applied to produce sorghum meal, the South African sorghum milling industry mostly uses abrasive decortication milling. The first objective of this study was to develop a laboratory-scale roller milling technique for a scaled-down roller mill and determine the milling performance of sorghum cultivars, using canonical variate analysis. The second objective was to compare the suitability of abrasive decortication and roller milling techniques to determine milling performance of sorghum. Thirdly, cultivars better suited for roller milling and those, which milled more successfully with abrasive decortication milling, were identified. Grain samples of 24 sorghum cultivars produced during two seasons at three localities were milled with a Tangential Abrasive Dehulling Device and a roller mill consisting of two break rollers with different flute sizes. Canonical variate analysis was found to be a suitable procedure to analyse and predict the roller milling performance. Little variation in milling losses of different cultivars was found with roller milling, while more variation in losses was experienced between cultivars with abrasive decortication. Mean colour was highly acceptable and did not depend on the milling time in the case of roller milling samples. Cultivars PAN 8564, NS 5655, SNK 3337 and SNK 3863 displayed good milling quality when milled using both roller and abrasive decortication milling. Both abrasive decortication and roller milling techniques were found to be suitable for sorghum milling and the determination of milling performance. | Abrasive decortication; Milling performance; Roller milling; Sorghum cultivars | milling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930034731 | Determining need for hospitalisation: Evaluation of the utility of the CRB-65 score in patients with community-acquired pneumonia presenting to an emergency department | Kabundji D.M., Musekiwa A., Mukansi M., Feldman C. | 2014 | South African Medical Journal | 104 | 11 | 10.7196/SAMJ.8150 | Helen Joseph Hospital and Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Kabundji, D.M., Helen Joseph Hospital and Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Musekiwa, A., Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mukansi, M., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Feldman, C., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background. The CRB-65 severity of illness score, used for assessing patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), may be of particular benefit in resource-constrained areas, since it relies purely on clinical parameters.Objective. To assess the potential accuracy of the CRB-65 score when used in deciding whether to hospitalise patients with CAP presenting to an emergency department (ED). Methods. Prospective, observational study in an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Data from adult patients with radiologically confirmed CAP were analysed.Results. Overall, 152 patients were enrolled (79 females, 73 males; median age 36.5 years). Several diverse criteria had been used by the ED doctors in admission decisions, while the CRB-65 score had been used in only 3/152 patients (1.6%). Overall, 68/152 patients (44.7%) had been managed as inpatients and 84/152 (55.3%) as outpatients. If the CRB-65 had been used as the sole criterion for site-of-care decisions, 107/152 patients (70.4%) would potentially have been managed as outpatients and 45/152 (29.6%) as inpatients. Achieving a stable clinical condition took longer (p=0.037) and mortality was higher (p<0.001) in patients with higher than lower CRB-65 scores. All five patients who died were inpatients. Of these, three (60.0%) would have been classified by the CRB-65 as having an intermediate mortality risk and two (40.0%) as having a high mortality risk.Conclusions. This study demonstrates the utility of the CRB-65 score in accurately determining the need for admission of patients with CAP presenting to an ED in a resource-constrained environment. © 2014, S Afr Med J. All Rights Reserved. | None | adult; aged; Article; community acquired pneumonia; CRB 65 score; emergency ward; female; hospital based case control study; hospitalization; human; major clinical study; male; mortality; observational study; prospective study; respiratory tract disease assessment | None |
| WoS | WOS:000321168700005 | Determining the effectiveness of three software evaluation techniques through informal aggregation | Juristo, Natalia,Olorisade, Babatunde Kazeem,Vegas, Sira | 2013 | INFORMATION AND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY | 55 | 9 | 10.1016/j.infsof.2013.02.015 | Polytechnic University of Madrid, Fountain Univ | "Juristo, Natalia: Polytechnic University of Madrid","Vegas, Sira: Polytechnic University of Madrid", | Context: An accepted fact in software engineering is that software must undergo verification and validation process during development to ascertain and improve its quality level. But there are too many techniques than a single developer could master, yet, it is impossible to be certain that software is free of defects. So, it is crucial for developers to be able to choose from available evaluation techniques, the one most suitable and likely to yield optimum quality results for different products. Though, some knowledge is available on the strengths and weaknesses of the available software quality assurance techniques but not much is known yet on the relationship between different techniques and contextual behavior of the techniques.
Objective: This research investigates the effectiveness of two testing techniques - equivalence class partitioning and decision coverage and one review technique - code review by abstraction, in terms of their fault detection capability. This will be used to strengthen the practical knowledge available on these techniques.
Method: The results of eight experiments conducted over 5 years to investigate the effectiveness of three techniques - code reading by stepwise abstraction, equivalence class partitioning and decision (branch) coverage were aggregated using a less rigorous aggregation process proposed during the course of this work.
Results: It was discovered that the equivalence class partitioning and the decision coverage techniques behaved similarly in terms of fault detection capacity (and type of faults caught) based on the programs and fault classification used in the experiments. They both behaved better than the code reading by stepwise abstraction technique.
Conclusion: Overall, it can be deducted from the aggregation results that the equivalence class partitioning and the decision coverage techniques used are actually equally capable in terms of the type and number of faults detected. Nevertheless, more experiments is still required in this field so that this result can be verified using a rigorous aggregation technique. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | AGGREGATION,EXPERIMENTATION,"testing technique","Testing technique effectiveness",DETECT | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865412687 | Determining the impact of a low-cost housing development on nearby property prices using discrete choice analysis | du Preez M., Sale M.C. | 2012 | Journal for Studies in Economics and Econometrics | 36 | 2 | None | Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University Way, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa | du Preez, M., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University Way, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa; Sale, M.C., Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University Way, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa | This paper presents an application of the conditional logit model to a small, Nelson Mandela Bay neighbourhood housing data set, with the objective of determining the impact of proximity to a low-cost housing development on nearby property prices. The results of this pilot study show that the average household in the neighbourhood of Walmer is willing to pay between R27 262 and R195 564 to be located 86m further away from an existing low-cost housing development. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892522599 | Determining the impact of contract of employment: A case of low income earners | Ntisa A., Selesho J. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p221 | Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | Ntisa, A., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Selesho, J., Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa | South African government has promised to create jobs in this democratic era; however workers continue to find themselves in unsecured or contingent labour market. As a consequence job security has captured the attention of public and private sectors since jobs are becoming scarcer than they used to be as a result of poor economic climate. Economic recession, new information technology, industrial restructuring and accelerated global competition contribute to job insecurity as employers cannot retain employees under a lifetime employment. The paper argues from the premise that without proper contract of employment the labour market will continue to fluctuate and become unstable. The survey design was used as it fit perfectly with the quantitative research approach. Target population (N=2836) comprised domestic workers, while accidental sampling was chosen as it was convenient to administer questionnaires to domestic workers. Finally, questionnaires were administered to a sample of 203 (n) participants with the rate return of 202. The research was based on voluntary participation. The empirical results of this study revealed, that particular factors exist that continually maintain the vulnerability of workers in the domestic sector. These factors are: poor movement of trade unionism, employment relationships without written contracts of employment, and lack of education. This serves as a reflection of little pressure on domestic employers to comply with new labour laws that cover domestic workers. | Contract of employment; Domestic workers; Job security | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956699999 | Determining the impact of industrial wine yeast strains on organic acid production under white and red wine-like fermentation conditions | Chidi B.S., Rossouw D., Buica A.S., Bauer F.F. | 2015 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 36 | 3 | None | Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Oenology and Viticulture, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Chidi, B.S., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Oenology and Viticulture, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Rossouw, D., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Oenology and Viticulture, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Buica, A.S., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Oenology and Viticulture, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Bauer, F.F., Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Oenology and Viticulture, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Organic acids are a major contributor to wine flavour and aroma. In the past, the scientific focus has mostly been on organic acids derived from grapes or on the transformation of malic acid to lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria, since these acids contribute significantly to the final total acidity of wine. However, the organic acid concentration and composition also change significantly during alcoholic fermentation, yet only limited information regarding the impact of different yeast strains on these changes has been published. Here we report on changes in organic acid (malic, tartaric, citric, succinic, acetic and pyruvic) composition during fermentation by five widely used industrial wine yeast strains in a synthetic grape must (MS300) reflecting two very different, but both wine-like, fermentation conditions. Samples were obtained from three physiological stages during fermentation, namely the exponential growth phase (day 2), early stationary phase (day 5) and late stationary phase (day 14). These different stages were selected to provide more information on acid evolution throughout fermentation, as well as on the impact of nutritional and environmental conditions during aerobic and anaerobic fermentation. Among other observations, some strains (such as VIN13 and 285) were shown to be generally higher producers of most acids in white and/or red wine fermentation settings, while other strains (such as DV10) were generally lower acid producers. The data clearly demonstrate that different strains have different acid consumption and production patterns, and this presents a first step towards enabling winemakers to appropriately select strains for acid management during fermentation. | Acetic acid; Fermentation; Pyruvic acid; Succinic acid; Wine yeast | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939497330 | Determining the number of participants needed for the usability evaluation of e-learning resources: A Monte Carlo simulation | Davids M.R., Harvey J., Halperin M.L., Chikte U.M.E. | 2015 | British Journal of Educational Technology | 46 | 5 | 10.1111/bjet.12336 | Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Division of Nephrology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Davids, M.R., Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Harvey, J., Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Halperin, M.L., Division of Nephrology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada; Chikte, U.M.E., Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | The usability of computer interfaces has a major influence on learning. Optimising the usability of e-learning resources is therefore essential. However, this may be neglected because of time and monetary constraints. User testing is a common approach to usability evaluation and involves studying typical end-users interacting with the application being tested. Determining the minimum number of users that are required for such an evaluation is important as it has a direct bearing on the costs and time requirements. This issue has long been a subject of debate and the widely cited recommendation of five users being enough has been questioned. We conducted a usability evaluation of an e-learning resource for electrolyte and acid-base disorders by studying the interaction of medical doctors with the application. A total of 15 serious usability problems were detected, most of these related to an interactive treatment simulation. With this report, we are making available the data on the detection of serious usability problems by each of our participants. We have used these data to run a Monte Carlo simulation and examine how many users would be sufficient to test our application. The simulation revealed that we would have required 10 participants to detect 80% of the serious usability problems. The MATLAB® code for running the simulation is supplied, as are our calculations of problem discovery rates. The e-learning resource which was evaluated is freely available, together with a revised version with all identified usability problems addressed. © 2015 British Educational Research Association. | None | E-learning; Intelligent systems; MATLAB; Usability engineering; Acid-base disorders; E-learning resources; Medical doctors; Monetary constraints; Time requirements; Treatment simulation; Usability evaluation; Usability problems; Monte Carlo methods | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84957725952 | Determining the value and influence of informal strategic advice for environmental impact assessment: Western Australian perspectives | Martin L., Morrison-Saunders A. | 2015 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 33 | 4 | 10.1080/14615517.2015.1080032 | Murdoch University, Australia; North West University, South Africa | Martin, L., Murdoch University, Australia; Morrison-Saunders, A., Murdoch University, Australia, North West University, South Africa | Formal processes for environmental impact assessment (EIA) have been established throughout the world and dominate research and practice papers. In Western Australia informal strategic advice, which sits outside of the legally binding project-based EIA, is used to inform the pre-project stages of development. Through interviews with 29 practitioners who have been involved in the formulation or use of this advice, this research investigated the value and influence of informal non-binding strategic advice. Strategic advice was considered valuable in providing upfront early guidance although practitioners would prefer greater certainty and clarity on what is acceptable. Identified limitations in its use included the cost, time and resources required in providing advice; currency and shelf life; uptake; and issues with implementing non-enforceable recommendations. Provision of clear objectives, improvements in the timing and relevance of advice and making more use of advice during EIA were identified as positive ways forward. Overall results recognise the value of informal strategic advice as a means to complement formal EIA and as a useful tool to assist with making better informed decisions earlier in the assessment process. © 2015 IAIA. | environmental impact assessment; informal assessment; legislation; non-binding; strategic advice; voluntary; Western Australia | environmental impact assessment; environmental legislation; policy implementation; voluntary approach; Australia; Western Australia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954943199 | Determining vacuum-arc thruster performance using a cathode-spot model | Lun J., Dobson R.T., Steyn W.H. | 2010 | Journal of Propulsion and Power | 26 | 4 | 10.2514/1.41625 | Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Lun, J., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Dobson, R.T., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Steyn, W.H., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | A simple model of the vacuum-arc cathode-spot and plasma region was developed to predict the performance of vacuum-arc thrusters operating roughly in the arc current range 80-300 A with thrust pulses ≥ 250 μs. The conventional-based cathode-spot model predicts ion current, average ion velocity, and erosion rate to establish thruster performance. Vacuum-arc properties for a range of materials (Al, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Ag, Pb, Bi) were determined as well as maximum arc spot currents for Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Bi. Model results generally show good agreement with published data and predicted thruster performance is comparable to literature. Most values of ion-to-arc current ratio were within 10% of published experimental data, ion velocities within about 30%, and erosion rates were within roughly 50%, provided macroparticle ejection was low. The crucial role of the ion-to-arc current ratio on thruster performance is assessed. © 2010 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. | None | Arc cathode; Arc current; Arc properties; Erosion rates; Experimental data; Ion currents; Ion velocity; Macroparticle; Model results; Plasma region; Simple model; Thruster performance; Chromium; Lead; Soil mechanics; Vacuum; Vacuum applications; Ions | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745164279 | Deterministic model for predicting gaseous pollutants concentration: An effective tool for pollution monitoring | Odigure J.O., Aregbesola B.O. | 2005 | Modelling, Measurement and Control C | 66 | 06-May | None | Chemical Engineering Dept., Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria | Odigure, 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, Nigeria | There 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; Simulation | Atmospheric pressure; Computer simulation; Environmental impact; Mathematical models; Numerical methods; Parameter estimation; Air pollutants; Pollutants; Pollution monitoring; Meteorology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22144440169 | Developing a competence framework and evaluation tool for primary care nursing in South Africa | Strasser S., London L., Kortenbout E. | 2005 | Education for Health | 18 | 2 | 10.1080/13576280500145615 | Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Nursing, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; 4702 Tahoe Circle, Martinez, CA 94553, United States | Strasser, S., Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, 4702 Tahoe Circle, Martinez, CA 94553, United States; London, L., Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kortenbout, E., Department of Nursing, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa | Context: Nurses provide the bulk of primary care services in South Africa. Post-apartheid health legislation envisions the provision of comprehensive primary services at all public clinics, which implies the need for a cadre of primary care nurses able to render such services. Objectives: To identify core competencies of clinic nurses and develop an evaluation tool for primary care nursing in South Africa. Methods: The descriptive and exploratory techniques used included two meetings of a reference group of South African primary care professionals, followed by a consensus-building exercise. Using the Delphi technique expert opinion was solicited from South Africa, Canada and the USA. Findings: The reference group meetings yielded a list of nine core competencies. Infrastructure issues, such as the supermarket (one-stop shopping) approach to service delivery, communication and transport systems, and the quality of supervision still cause concern. These issues underscore that competence cannot be measured in a vacuum. Input from Delphi participants affirmed the nine core competencies and the need to assess the impact of core competency training. One possible way to measure the nine core competencies would be to use proxy indicators. Discussion/Conclusions: Identifying core competencies is a complex process. There is a need to process a wide range of views and ideas. Also, balancing academic concerns with service delivery needs and constraints is an ongoing challenge. A potential limitation of the Delphi technique is participant selection bias and fatigue. Accessing a diverse international panel and making numerous follow up attempts via phone, mail and email were used to attempt to ameliorate these inherent limitations. Although the process is cumbersome, providing "experts" with a venue to wrestle with these ideas can be fruitful. Future studies would help to assess the reliability of the findings. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd. | Competence; Nursing; Primary care; Training | article; competence; controlled study; health care delivery; health care personnel; health care quality; human; medical profession; nursing; nursing education; primary medical care; priority journal; professional practice; professional standard; reliability; South Africa; Clinical Competence; Community Health Nursing; Delphi Technique; Guidelines; Humans; Nursing Evaluation Research; Primary Health Care; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34147133701 | Developing age-structured stock assessment models as a basis for management procedure evaluations for Namibian sardine | De Oliveira J.A.A., Boyer H.J., Kirchner C.H. | 2007 | Fisheries Research | 85 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.fishres.2007.01.010 | The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom; Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Box 912, Swakopmund, Namibia, South Africa | De Oliveira, J.A.A., The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom; Boyer, H.J., Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Box 912, Swakopmund, Namibia, South Africa; Kirchner, C.H., Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Box 912, Swakopmund, Namibia, South Africa | The Namibian sardine stock has experienced intense exploitation since 1950, with catches peaking at 1.4 million tonnes in 1968, followed by a collapse in the 1970s and 1980s. Namibia therefore inherited a severely depleted stock at Independence in 1990. The paper describes data available since Independence, which includes research survey data, and length frequencies obtained from port sampling. It also presents age-structured stock assessment models, which consider some of the main sources of uncertainty relating to values for natural mortality, and assumptions about survey bias, density-dependent effects in survey bias and variance, and the form of the stock-recruit curve. These models could be used as "operating models" to underpin the future development of management procedures for Namibian sardine. Despite reasonable fits, 95% confidence intervals for natural mortality are fairly wide and estimates of precision poor for most models considered. However, the model that assumes density-dependence in survey variance shows superior fits and improved estimates compared to the others, despite reservations about the existence of such effects. This indicates the need to explore the possibility of density-dependence in survey variance further if future management procedure performance is negatively affected by it. Crown Copyright © 2007. | Additional variance; Density-dependence; Namibian sardine; Operating model; Survey bias | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052094161 | Developing a large stone asphalt mix to improve the performance of asphalt surfacing | Geldenhuys J.R. | 2011 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 58 | 1 | None | Jeffares and Green (Pty) Ltd. Engineering and Environmental Consulting Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa | Geldenhuys, J.R., Jeffares and Green (Pty) Ltd. Engineering and Environmental Consulting Menlo Park, Pretoria, South Africa | This study sets out to investigate the possibility of increasing the stone size and volume in an asphalt mixture to enhance the performance of the asphalt mixture. The study will focus on the asphalt mixes for surfacings with the viewpoint to the coal haulage industry. An increase in axle loads of traffic on roads has deteriorated the image and performance of roads. This has promoted the opportunity to investigate this option and provide a possible solution to the problem. Generally the underlying layers of a pavement can cope with the increase in loads, it is when there is breakage in the surfacing that problems occur. Water washes out fines and the pavement under the crack collapse as time goes on. An improvement in the performance of asphalt surfacing to withstand an increase in axle loads will eliminate the presence of potholes on roads. © 2011 EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. | Asphalt; Deformation; Fatigue; Large Stone; Rut Resistance; Surfacing | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000305004400012 | Developing and Evaluating the Social Axioms Survey in Eleven Countries: Its Relationship With the Five-Factor Model of Personality | Amponsah, Benjamin,Boehnke, Klaus,Bond, Michael Harris,Burgess, Steven Michael,Busch, Holger,Conway, Lucian Gideon, III,Dominguez Espinosa, Alejandra del Carmen,Dragolov, Georgi,Fardis, Makon,Fukuzawa, Ai,Golestaneh, Maha,Gornick, Laura Janelle,Hofer, Jan | 2012 | JOURNAL OF CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY | 43 | 5 | 10.1177/0022022111416361 | Chinese Academy of Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Jacobs University, National Research University - Higher School of Economics, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, University of Bergen, University of Cape Town, University of Ghana, University of Haifa, University of Montana, University of Montana System, University of Tokyo, Zhejiang University, Univ Iberoamer, Univ Osnabruck | "Amponsah, Benjamin: University of Ghana","Boehnke, Klaus: Jacobs University","Bond, Michael Harris: Hong Kong Polytechnic University","Burgess, Steven Michael: University of Cape Town","Conway, Lucian Gideon, III: University of Montana","Conway, Lucian Gideon, III: University of Montana System","Dragolov, Georgi: Jacobs University","Fukuzawa, Ai: University of Tokyo","Golestaneh, Maha: University of Cape Town","Gornick, Laura Janelle: University of Montana","Gornick, Laura Janelle: University of Montana System","Ismail, Rosnah: Universiti Malaysia Sabah","Kurman, Jenny: University of Haifa","Lam, Ben C. P.: Hong Kong Polytechnic University","Lebedeva, Nadezhda: National Research University - Higher School of Economics","Leung, Kwok: City University of Hong Kong","Mendes Teixeira, Maria Luisa: Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie","Sam, David Lackland: University of Bergen","Tatarko, Alexander N.: National Research University - Higher School of Economics","Yamaguchi, Susumu: University of Tokyo","Zhang, Jianxin: Chinese Academy of Sciences","Zhou, Fan: Zhejiang University", | Based on a deductive, culturally decentered approach, new items were generated to improve the reliability of the original Social Axioms Survey, which measures individuals' general beliefs about the world. In Study 1, results from 11 countries support the original five-factor structure and achieve higher reliability for the axiom dimensions as measured by the new scale. Moreover, moderate but meaningful associations between axiom and Big-Five personality dimensions were found. Temporal change of social axioms at the culture level was examined and found to be moderate. In Study 2, additional new items were generated for social complexity and fate control, then assessed in Hong Kong and the United States. Reliability was further improved for both dimensions. Additionally, two subfactors of fate control were identified: fate determinism and fate alterability. Fate determinism, but not fate alterability, related positively to neuroticism. Other relationships between axiom and personality dimensions were similar to those reported in Study 1. The short forms of the axiom dimensions were generally reliable and correlated highly with the long forms. This research thus provides a stronger foundation for applying the construct of social axioms around the world. | ATTITUDES,BELIEFS,PERSONALITY,"SOCIAL COGNITION",VALUES,ADJUSTMENT,BELIEFS,FIT,ILLUSTRATION,PERSPECTIVE,TESTS,TRANSMISSION,UNIVERSAL,VALUES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954241978 | Developing and validating a measure of monitoring and evaluation for the South Africa skills development context | Tshilongamulenzhe M.C. | 2015 | Foundations of Management | 7 | 1 | 10.1515/fman-2015-0039 | University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Tshilongamulenzhe, M.C., University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | As nations around the world grapple with the deepening challenge of skills crunch, policies, strategies and interventions are being devised to develop and retain a competitive workforce. South Africa is not spared from the global talent war, and the persistence of skills shortages across most economic sectors makes the country vulnerable economically and socially. Legislative instruments and strategies were formulated and implemented to ameliorate the situation, but scientific evidence suggests a looming crisis due to poor monitoring and evaluation systems regarding the success of these instruments and strategies. This study develops and validates a monitoring and evaluation (ME) scale for the South African skills development context. A quantitative nonexperimental cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 557 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software (version 23.0). The findings show that the ME scale is scientifically valid and reliable and can be used with confidence in the South African skills development context. The findings provide scope for a validation study on an independent sample, and an evaluation of structural invariance of the ME scale across sample subgroups. | Apprenticeship; Evaluation; Learnership; Monitoring; Occupational learning; Skills development | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82255191315 | Developing a peak performance profile measurement for sport | Potgieter J.R., Kidd M. | 2011 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 33 | 3 | None | Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Statistics Consulting Centre, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Potgieter, J.R., Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Kidd, M., Statistics Consulting Centre, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to construct a measuring instrument to assess sportspersons' psychological strengths and weaknesses. With this in mind, various developmental procedures were applied in the construction and development of an instrument over a period of more than seven years. The research was conducted in phases beginning with an initial 82-item instrument administered to 304 sport science students who participated in a variety of sports to the last phase culminating in a 15-item peak performance profile containing three independent subscales, namely concentration, stress control and confidence. | Mental skills; Peak performance; Psychometrics; Sport psychology | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000235591700004 | Developing a performance measurement framework to enhance the impact orientation of the Food Research Institute, Ghana | Amoa-Awua, WWK,Noamesi, SK,Smith, DR,Sutherland, AJ,Yawson, RM | 2006 | R & D MANAGEMENT | 36 | 2 | None | University of Greenwich, Food Res Inst, UNDP | None | Research institutions in Ghana are facing various challenges. It is the contention that viable research and development institutions are needed for achieving sustainable change in areas of national importance. A key aspect of institutional viability is strong performance management. This implies clear and workable approaches to performance measurement. This paper looks at the initial experiences in a collaborative effort to develop a performance measurement framework for the Food Research Institute (FRI) and the application of the Balanced Score Card (BSC) at institutional level. The process of diagnosing and analysing institutional monitoring and evaluation capacity and systems is described using a mix of diagnostic tools. Stages in applying the BSC approach are documented and the added value of the scorecard perspectives in highlighting focal areas for performance measurement and management within FRI. These are placed in the context of ongoing changes in the external environment posing both threats and opportunities. Changes implied by the introduction of the concept are discussed in the context of current constraints and the way forward is mapped out in terms of enhancing FRIs' impact orientation through the application of improved performance measurement and management. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53549127285 | Developing health systems research capacities through north-south partnership: An evaluation of collaboration with South Africa and Thailand | Mayhew S.H., Doherty J., Pitayarangsarit S. | 2008 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 6 | None | 10.1186/1478-4505-6-8 | Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; International Health Policy Program, Bureau of Health Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand | Mayhew, S.H., Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Doherty, J., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pitayarangsarit, S., International Health Policy Program, Bureau of Health Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand | Background: Over the past ten years, calls to strengthen health systems research capacities in low and middle income countries have increased. One mechanism for capacity development is the partnering of northern and southern institutions. However, detailed case-studies of north-south partnerships, at least in the domain of health systems research, remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the partnerships developed between the Health Economics and Financing Programme of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and three research partners in South Africa and Thailand to strengthen health economics-related research capacity. Methods: Data from programme documents were collected over five years to measure quantitative indicators of capacity development. Qualitative data were obtained from 25 in-depth interviews with programme staff from South Africa, Thailand and London. Results and Discussion: Five years of formal partnership resulted in substantial strengthening of individual research skills and moderate instituonalised strengthening in southern partner institutions. Activities included joint proposals, research and articles, staff exchange and post-graduate training. In Thailand, individual capacities were built through post-graduate training and the partner institution developed this as part of a package aimed at retaining young researchers at the institution. In South Africa, local post-graduate teaching programs were strengthened, regular staff visits/exchanges initiated and maintained and funding secured for several large-scale, multi-partner projects. These activities could not have been achieved without good personal relationships between members of the partner institutions, built on trust developed over twenty years. In South Africa, a critical factor was the joint appointment of a London staff member on long-term secondment to one of the partner institutions. Conclusion: As partnerships mature the needs of partners change and new challenges emerge. Partners' differing research priorities (national v international; policy-led v academic-led) need to be balanced and equitable funding mechanisms developed recognising the needs and constraints faced by both southern and northern partners. Institutionalising partnerships (through long-term development of trust, engagement of a broad range of staff in joint activities and joint appointment of staff), and developing responsive mechanisms for governing these partnerships (through regular joint negotiation of research priorities and funding issues), can address these challenges in mutually acceptable ways. Indeed, by late 2005 the partnership under scrutiny in this paper had evolved into a wider consortium involving additional partners, more explicit mechanisms for managing institutional relationships and some core funding for partners. Most importantly, this study has shown that it is possible for long-term north-south partnership commitments to yield fruit and to strengthen the capacities of public health research and training institutions in less developed countries. © 2008 Mayhew et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; cooperation; developed country; health care system; health economics; interview; medical research; policy; postgraduate education; public health; publication; South Africa; Thailand; United Kingdom | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897473145 | Developmental experiences of OVC in child-headed households and the impact on cognition and learning | Maphalala M.C., Ganga E. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p312 | University of South Africa, College of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, South Africa; Department of Educational Foundations, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe | Maphalala, M.C., University of South Africa, College of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, South Africa; Ganga, E., Department of Educational Foundations, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe | In this phenomenological descriptive case study the researchers investigated the ecological encounters of orphaned and vulnerable Children (OVC) in child-headed households (CHHs) and the impact on cognition and learning. The qualitative enquiry is based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. The triangulated data was collected through participant observations, open-ended questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The purposefully selected participants comprised 20 double orphans and vulnerable children, four headmasters, eight teachers, one education officer and one social welfare officer, comprising a total sample of 34. Tesch's qualitative model of data analysis was used to group the findings into themes, each differentiating into sub-categories. The findings revealed most OVC to suffer from loneliness, feelings of inferiority, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of concentration in class and heightened negativity that militates against effective assimilation and accommodation of learning materials within their ecological environment. The situation was exacerbated by poverty, need deprivation and overwhelming household and parenting responsibilities. As such, most of the children's voiced responses expressed great despondence. Orphanhood was found to be a psychological deterrent to cognition and learning. The local community, education administrators, policy makers, children's rights advocates together with the children's representatives need to map out life-lines to promote the cognitive learning of double OVC residing in CHHs. | Child-headed household; Cognition; Developmental; Ecological systems; Learning; Orphanhood; Orphans and vulnerable children | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871046092 | Developmental intervention impact on project environments | Hindle B., Strasheim B. | 2012 | Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Management, Procurement and Law | 165 | 2 | None | Projcore construction consulting, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Hindle, B., Projcore construction consulting, Cape Town, South Africa; Strasheim, B., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact of government intervention on the construction fraternity over a 15-year period during which the government of South Africa was developing and implementing new policies, designed to redress the ills of the apartheid past. Construction was identified as the industry through which the wealth of the nation was invested, and targeted as a vehicle for social development. The paper presents the findings of a literature survey; however, little was found that described the impact of interventions on existing firms and project staff. In order to identify this, the results of a series of questionnaire surveys, conducted over a 6-year period ending in 2009, were used. The findings show that interventions had a significant impact on all of the role players in the industry but that project staff, in particular, bore the main impact of that which was intended by the interventions, together with secondary impacts which were not directly intended. | Procurement; Project management | Government intervention; Literature survey; Procurement; Project environment; Questionnaire surveys; Secondary impacts; Social development; South Africa; Surveys; Project management | None |
| WoS | WOS:000273449700027 | Developmental monitoring using caregiver reports in a resource-limited setting: the case of Kilifi, Kenya | Abubakar, A.,Bomu, G.,Holding, P.,Van Baar, A.,van de Vijver, F. | 2010 | ACTA PAEDIATRICA | 99 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2009.01561.x | Case Western Reserve University, North West University - South Africa, Tilburg University, University of Utrecht, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Res Programme | "Van Baar, A.: University of Utrecht", | Aim:
The main aim of the current study was to evaluate the reliability, validity and acceptability of developmental monitoring using caregiver reports among mothers in a rural African setting.
Methods:
A structured interview for parents of children aged 24 months and less was developed through both participant consultation and a review of literature. The reliability and validity of the schedule was evaluated through a 10-month monitoring programme of 95 children, aged 2-10 months. The acceptability of the process was evaluated by studying retention rates and by organizing focus group discussions with participating mothers.
Results:
The structured interview 'Developmental Milestones Checklist' consisted of 66 items covering three broad domains of child functioning: motor, language and personal-social development. The interview yielded scores of developmental achievements that showed high internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability. The results were sensitive to maturational changes and nutritional deficiencies. In addition, acceptable retention rates of approximately 80% were found. Participating mothers reported that they found the procedures both acceptable and beneficial.
Conclusion:
Developmental monitoring using caregiver report is a viable method to identify and monitor at-risk children in Sub-Saharan Africa. | Africa,"Caregiver reports",CHILDREN,"developmental monitoring",CARE,CHILD-DEVELOPMENT,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,"NEUROLOGICAL IMPAIRMENT",PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN,SERVICES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951171560 | Development and comparative study of effects of training algorithms on performance of artificial neural network based analog and digital automatic modulation recognition | Popoola J.J., Van Olst R. | 2015 | Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review | 8 | 4 | None | Centre for Telecommunications Access and Services, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of The Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Ondo State, Akure, Nigeria | Popoola, J.J., Centre for Telecommunications Access and Services, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of The Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, South Africa; Van Olst, R., Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Ondo State, Akure, Nigeria | This paper proposes two new classifiers that automatically recognise twelve combined analog and digital modulated signals without any a priori knowledge of the modulation schemes and the modulation parameters. The classifiers are developed using pattern recognition approach. Feature keys extracted from the instantaneous amplitude, instantaneous phase and the spectrum symmetry of the simulated signals are used as inputs to the artificial neural network employed in developing the classifiers. The two developed classifiers are trained using scaled conjugate gradient (SCG) and conjugate gradient (CONJGRAD) training algorithms. Sample results of the two classifiers show good success recognition performance with an average overall recognition rate above 99.50% at signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value from 0 dB and above with the two training algorithms employed and an average overall recognition rate slightly above 99.00% and 96.40% respectively at-5 dB SNR value for SCG and CONJGRAD training algorithms. The comparative performance evaluation of the two developed classifiers using the two training algorithms shows that the two training algorithms have different effects on both the response rate and efficiency of the two developed artificial neural networks classifiers. In addition, the result of the performance evaluation carried out on the overall success recognition rates between the two developed classifiers in this study using pattern recognition approach with the two training algorithms and one reported classifier in surveyed literature using decision-theoretic approach shows that the classifiers developed in this study perform favourably with regard to accuracy and performance probability as compared to classifier presented in previous study. © 2015 Kavala Institute of Technology. | AMR development approaches; Artificial neural networks classification; Automatic modulation recognition (AMR); Modulation recognition families | Algorithms; Amplitude modulation; Conjugate gradient method; Neural networks; Pattern recognition; Signal to noise ratio; Surveys; Automatic modulation recognition; Comparative performance; Decision theoretic approach; Development approach; Instantaneous amplitude; Modulation recognition; Neural networks classifiers; Scaled conjugate gradients; Modulation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80055048279 | Development and evaluation of a chronotherapeutic drug delivery system of torsemide | Sunil S.A., Rao N.S., Srikanth M.V., Uhumwangho M.U., Kumar K.S.P., Murthy K.V.R. | 2011 | Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 47 | 3 | 10.1590/S1984-82502011000300017 | University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003, India; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Nigeria | Sunil, S.A., University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003, India; Rao, N.S., University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003, India; Srikanth, M.V., University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003, India; Uhumwangho, M.U., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Nigeria; Kumar, K.S.P., University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003, India; Murthy, K.V.R., University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003, India | The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate chronotherapeutic drug delivery systems (ChrDDs) of torsemide. Compression coated tablets (CCT) containing torsemide in the core tablet were prepared by the compression coating technique with different grades of polyethylene oxide (PEO WSR 301 & 1105). The optimized formulations were characterised for tabletting parameters and drug polymer interaction by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).The hardness of all the CCT using PEO WSR 301 & PEO WSR 1105 were in the range 6-8 kg/cm2 & 5.5 to 7 kg/cm2 respectively. Their friability values were <0.3%. All the CCT showed a clear lag time but finalized as per the predetermined lag time. As the amount of PEO was increased in the outer layer the drug released was delayed. The drug content of all the CCT was ≥99%. The FTIR studies showed no interaction throughout the process of development. Formulations of F7 and of P7 were considered optimized formulations since they yielded a predetermined lag time of 6h before burst release. Hence, these formulations can be exploited to achieve chronotherapeutic drug delivery systems of Torsemide for the treatment of hypertension at the time the patient needs it. | Chronotherapeutic drug; Compression coated tablets; Delivery systems; Polyethylene Oxides; Predetermined lag time; Torsemide | macrogol; torasemide; article; chemical parameters; chemical structure; chronotherapy; controlled release formulation; drug coating; drug delivery system; drug design; drug dosage form; drug formulation; drug release; drug screening; in vitro study; infrared spectroscopy; physical chemistry; tablet compression; tablet friability; tablet hardness | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865605474 | Development and evaluation of a multiplex screening assay for Plasmodium falciparum exposure | Jepsen M.P.G., Röser D., Christiansen M., Larsen S.O., Cavanagh D.R., Dhanasarnsombut K., Bygbjerg I., Dodoo D., Remarque E.J., Dziegiel M., Jepsen S., Mordmüller B., Theisen M. | 2012 | Journal of Immunological Methods | 384 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jim.2012.07.009 | Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Microbiological Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Noguchi Memorial Institution for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands; Blood bank, Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany | Jepsen, M.P.G., Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Röser, D., Department of Microbiological Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Christiansen, M., Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Larsen, S.O., Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Cavanagh, D.R., Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Dhanasarnsombut, K., Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Bygbjerg, I., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Dodoo, D., Noguchi Memorial Institution for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Remarque, E.J., Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands; Dziegiel, M., Blood bank, Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Jepsen, S., Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Mordmüller, B., Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Theisen, M., Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark | Transfusion transmitted malaria (TTM) in non-endemic countries is reduced by questioning blood donors and screening of donated blood. Conventional screening is performed by Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). This method is manual and difficult to standardize. Here we study the diagnostic performance of a multiplex assay for detection of antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum in donor blood using IFAT as a comparator. A multiplex assay (MPA) containing the antigens GLURP-R0, GLURP-R2, MSP3, MSP1 hybrid and AMA1 was constructed using xMAPR technology. A discrimination index for exposure to P. falciparum malaria was calculated by comparing travelers with clinical malaria (n = 52) and non-exposed blood donors (n = 119). The index was evaluated on blood donors with suspected malaria exposure (n = 249) and compared to the diagnostic performance of IFAT.At a specificity of 95.8 %, the MPA discrimination index exhibited a diagnostic sensitivity of 90.4 % in travelers hospitalized with malaria. Percent agreement with IFAT was 92.3 %. Screening plasma from blood donors with suspected malaria exposure, we found 4.8 % to be positive by IFAT and 5.2 % by MPA with an agreement of 93.2 %. The calculated index from the MPA exhibits similar diagnostic performance as IFAT for detection of P. falciparum malaria. Combining the antibody response against multiple antigens in a discrimination index increased the sensitivity of the MPA and reduced the readout to a single value. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Antibody; Diagnostic; GLURP; Malaria; MSP3; Multiplex assay | antibody; Plasmodium falciparum antibody; unclassified drug; adolescent; antibody titer; article; blood donor; child; cross reaction; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; human; immunoassay; immunological procedures; indirect fluorescence antibody test; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; multiplex assay; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal; screening; Antigens, Protozoan; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Mass Screening; Merozoite Surface Protein 1; Plasmodium falciparum; Protozoan Proteins; Reproducibility of Results; ROC Curve; Travel; Plasmodium falciparum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878516947 | Development and evaluation of an affordable real-time qualitative assay for determining HIV-1 virological failure in plasma and dried blood spots | Aitken S.C., Kliphuis A., Bronze M., Wallis C.L., Kityo C., Balinda S., Stevens W., Spieker N., De Oliveira T., Rinke De Wit T.F., Schuurman R. | 2013 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 51 | 6 | 10.1128/JCM.03305-12 | University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, Netherlands; PharmAccess International, Amsterdam, Netherlands; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa; Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda; National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands | Aitken, S.C., University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, Netherlands; Kliphuis, A., PharmAccess International, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Bronze, M., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wallis, C.L., Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kityo, C., Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda; Balinda, S., Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), Kampala, Uganda; Stevens, W., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Spieker, N., PharmAccess International, Amsterdam, Netherlands; De Oliveira, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Rinke De Wit, T.F., PharmAccess International, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands; Schuurman, R., University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, Netherlands | Virological failure (VF) has been identified as the earliest, most predictive determinant of HIV-1 antiretroviral treatment (ART) failure. Due to the high cost and complexity of virological monitoring, VF assays are rarely performed in resource-limited settings (RLS). Rather, ART failure is determined by clinical monitoring and to a large extent immunological monitoring. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a low-cost, dried blood spot (DBS)-compatible qualitative assay to determine VF, in accordance with current WHO guideline recommendations for therapy switching in RLS. The assay described here is an internally controlled qualitative real-time PCR targeting the conserved long terminal repeat domain of HIV-1. This assay was applied to HIV-1 subtypes A to H and further evaluated on HIV-1 clinical plasma samples from South Africa (n = 191) and Tanzania (n = 42). Field evaluation was performed in Uganda using local clinical plasma samples (n = 176). Furthermore, assay performance was evaluated for DBS. This assay is able to identify VF for all major HIV-1 group M subtypes with equal specificity and has a lower detection limit of 1.00E+03 copies/ml for plasma samples and 5.00E+03 copies/ml for DBS. Comparative testing yielded accurate VF determination for therapy switching in 89% to 96% of samples compared to gold standards. The assay is robust and flexible, allowing for "open platform" applications and producing results comparable to those of commercial assays. Assay design enables application in laboratories that can accommodate real-time PCR equipment, allowing decentralization of testing to some extent. Compatibility with DBS extends access of sampling and thus access to this test to remote settings. Copyright © 2013, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | article; controlled study; dried blood spot testing; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; intermethod comparison; limit of detection; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; outcome assessment; priority journal; qualitative analysis; real time polymerase chain reaction; reproducibility; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; Tanzania; Uganda; validation process; virus inhibition; virus load; virus strain; Blood; Desiccation; Drug Monitoring; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Specimen Handling; Tanzania; Uganda; Viral Load; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861911931 | Development and evaluation of an assay for HIV-1 protease and reverse transcriptase drug resistance genotyping of all major group-M subtypes | Aitken S.C., Kliphuis A., Wallis C.L., Chu M.L., Fillekes Q., Barth R., Stevens W., Rinke de Wit T.F., Schuurman R. | 2012 | Journal of Clinical Virology | 54 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.01.010 | Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; PharmAccess International, Pietersbergweg 17, 1105BM Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525GA Nijmegen, Netherlands; Nijmegen Institute for Infection, Inflammation and Immunity (N4i), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525GA Nijmegen, Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, Netherlands; National Health Laboratory Services, 1 Modderfontein Road, Johannesburg, South Africa; Global Health Department, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands | Aitken, S.C., Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Kliphuis, A., Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, Netherlands, PharmAccess International, Pietersbergweg 17, 1105BM Amsterdam, Netherlands; Wallis, C.L., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa; Chu, M.L., Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, Netherlands; Fillekes, Q., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525GA Nijmegen, Netherlands, Nijmegen Institute for Infection, Inflammation and Immunity (N4i), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525GA Nijmegen, Netherlands; Barth, R., Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, Netherlands; Stevens, W., Department of Molecular Medicine and Hematology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Services, 1 Modderfontein Road, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rinke de Wit, T.F., PharmAccess International, Pietersbergweg 17, 1105BM Amsterdam, Netherlands, Global Health Department, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Schuurman, R., Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, Netherlands | Background: High cost and varying sensitivity for non-B HIV-1 subtypes limits application of current commercial kits for HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping of all major HIV-1 group-M subtypes. Objectives: Our research aimed to develop and validate an assay specific for all major HIV-1 group-M subtypes for use as an alternative to commercial assays for HIV-1 protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) drug resistance genotyping. Study design: A nested RT-PCR encompassing the entire PR and RT up to amino acid 321 of HIV-1 was designed to detect HIV-1 group-M subtypes. Primers compatible with group-M subtypes were defined and analytical sensitivity of the assay evaluated using a panel of reference viruses for subtypes A-H and CRF01_AE. The assay was subsequently evaluated on 246 plasma samples from HIV-1 infected individuals harboring various group-M subtypes and viral loads (VLs). Results: All major group-M HIV-1 subtypes were detected with an overall analytical sensitivity of 1.00E+03 RNA copies/ml. Application of the genotyping assay on 246 primarily African clinical samples comprising subtypes A (n= 52; 21.7%), B (n= 12; 5.0%), C (n= 127; 52.9%), D (n= 25; 10.4%), CRF01_AE (n= 10; 4.2%), and CRF02_AG (n= 10; 4.2%), and unassigned variants (n= 10; 4.2%), VL range 4.32E+02-8.63E+06 (median 2.66E+04) RNA copies/ml, was ∼98% successful. Conclusions: A group-M subtype-independent genotyping assay for detection of HIV-1 drug resistance was developed. The described assay can serve as an alternative to commercial assays for HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping in routine diagnostics, and for surveillance and monitoring of drug resistance in resource-limited settings (RLS). © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Drug resistance; Genotyping; Group-m subtypes; HIV-1 | amino acid; efavirenz; Human immunodeficiency virus proteinase; lamivudine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; nevirapine; RNA; RNA directed DNA polymerase; stavudine; zidovudine; adult; article; child; controlled study; enzyme assay; female; genotype; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; major clinical study; male; nonhuman; priority journal; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; single drug dose; validation process; virus detection; virus load; Adolescent; Adult; Africa; Child; Child, Preschool; DNA Primers; Drug Resistance, Viral; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Protease; HIV Reverse Transcriptase; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955761735 | Development and evaluation of a new epitope-blocking ELISA for universal detection of antibodies to West Nile virus | Sotelo E., Llorente F., Rebollo B., Camuñas A., Venteo A., Gallardo C., Lubisi A., Rodríguez M.J., Sanz A.J., Figuerola J., Jiménez-Clavero M.Á. | 2011 | Journal of Virological Methods | 174 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.03.015 | Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/Americo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain | Sotelo, E., Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; Llorente, F., Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; Rebollo, B., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Camuñas, A., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Venteo, A., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Gallardo, C., Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain; Lubisi, A., ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Rodríguez, M.J., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Sanz, A.J., INGENASA, C/Hermanos García Noblejas 39, 28037 Madrid, Spain; Figuerola, J., Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/Americo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain; Jiménez-Clavero, M.Á., Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), INIA, Ctra Algete-El Casar, S/n, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain | West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with a wide range of hosts, including birds, horses and humans. The development and evaluation of the performance of a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are described for rapid detection of WNV-specific antibodies in samples originating from an extensive range of vertebrates susceptible to WNV infection. The assay uses a monoclonal antibody (MAb) which binds whole virus particles and neutralizes infection in vitro by recognizing a neutralizing epitope within the envelope (E) glycoprotein of the virus. This MAb, labelled with horseradish peroxidase, was used to compete with WNV-specific serum antibodies for virus-binding in vitro. The epitope-blocking ELISA was optimized in a manner that enabled its validation with a number of experimental and field sera, from a wide range of wild bird species, and susceptible mammals. The new ELISA exhibited high specificity (79.5-96.5%) and sensitivity (100%), using the virus-neutralization test as reference standard. It also required a much lower volume of sample (10 μl per analysis) compared to other ELISAs available commercially. This new method may be helpful for diagnosis and disease surveillance, particularly when testing samples from small birds, which are available in limited amounts. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Antibody detection; Epitope-blocking ELISA; Flavivirus; Monoclonal antibody; West nile virus; Wild birds | epitope; horseradish peroxidase; monoclonal antibody; virus antibody; virus glycoprotein; animal cell; antibody detection; antigen binding; article; bird; controlled study; diagnostic value; disease surveillance; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; in vitro study; infection sensitivity; intermethod comparison; mammal; mouse; nonhuman; priority journal; rabbit; sensitivity and specificity; Vero cell; vertebrate; virus attachment; virus neutralization; virus particle; West Nile fever; West Nile flavivirus; wild species; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Epitopes; Humans; Neutralization Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vertebrates; Viral Envelope Proteins; Virology; West Nile Fever; West Nile virus; Armoracia rusticana; Aves; Equidae; Flavivirus; Mammalia; Vertebrata; West Nile virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951228092 | Development and evaluation of a new paediatric blood transfusion protocol for Africa | Cheema B., Molyneux E.M., Emmanuel J.C., M'Baya B., Esan M., Kamwendo H., Kalilani-Phiri L., Boele Van Hensbroek M. | 2010 | Transfusion Medicine | 20 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1365-3148.2010.00989.x | Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X24, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; Blood Transfusion Medicine Specialist Consultant, Zimbabwe; Malawi Blood Transfusion Service, Blantyre, Malawi; Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi; Global Child Health Group, Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands | Cheema, B., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X24, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Molyneux, E.M., College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; Emmanuel, J.C., Blood Transfusion Medicine Specialist Consultant, Zimbabwe; M'Baya, B., Malawi Blood Transfusion Service, Blantyre, Malawi; Esan, M., Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Kamwendo, H., Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi; Kalilani-Phiri, L., College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; Boele Van Hensbroek, M., Global Child Health Group, Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands | Severe anaemia is a common childhood emergency in developing countries. Practical evidence-based guidance on when to transfuse, volume of transfusion and ideal duration of transfusion is lacking. The aim of this study is to develop a paediatric transfusion protocol for use in under-resourced environments and evaluate its usability in a busy African hospital setting. A paediatric transfusion protocol based on the WHO Guidelines was developed for the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre, Malawi. On the basis of simple bedside clinical features of respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological compromise, the protocol allocates children with severe anaemia (haemoglobin ≤ 6 g dL-1) to one of the three groups: complicated anaemia, uncomplicated anaemia and anaemia with severe malnutrition. Data were collected to monitor protocol adherence, delays to transfusion, post-transfusion haemoglobin and need for repeat transfusion. Two-hundred and fifteen severely anaemic children were enrolled: 180 complicated, 25 uncomplicated and 10 severely malnourished. With respect to protocol adherence, all children were allocated to the correct transfusion group; correct volume (±10%) was given in 89·3%; correct duration (±30 min) in 86·2% and correct overall rate (±10%) in 78·6%. Comparing old and new transfusion guidelines, a potential avoidable transfusion rate of 29% was found. This study demonstrates that clear and detailed transfusion guidelines based on simple bedside clinical features can be used in a very busy children's hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. With minimal additional equipment, volume and duration of transfusion can be well controlled. Furthermore, having a protocol in place results in a significant reduction of avoidable transfusions. © 2010 British Blood Transfusion Society. | Anaemia; Blood; Children; Protocol; Sub-Saharan Africa; Transfusion | antibiotic agent; hemoglobin; quinine; steroid; adolescent; Africa; anemia; article; blood transfusion; cardiovascular disease; child; clinical feature; development; disease severity; environment; evaluation; female; hospital; human; human cell; human tissue; infant; major clinical study; Malawi; male; malnutrition; monitoring; neurologic disease; patient compliance; pediatric blood transfusion protocol; pediatrics; preschool child; repeat procedure; respiratory tract disease; school child; therapy delay; treatment duration; world health organization; anemia; blood transfusion; cohort analysis; comorbidity; emergency health service; malaria; malnutrition; pediatrics; practice guideline; procedures; prospective study; public hospital; standards; statistics and numerical data; treatment outcome; utilization; Adolescent; Africa; Anemia; Blood Transfusion; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Comorbidity; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Guideline Adherence; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Infant; Malaria; Malawi; Male; Malnutrition; Pediatrics; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951192233 | Development and evaluation of an integrated electronic data management system in a South African metropolitan critical care service | Allorto N.L., Wise R.D. | 2015 | Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia | 21 | 6 | 10.1080/22201181.2015.1115607 | Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Department of Surgery, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Pietermaritzburg Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Perioperative Research Group, Discipline of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Perioperative Research Group, Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Allorto, N.L., Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Department of Surgery, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Perioperative Research Group, Discipline of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Wise, R.D., Pietermaritzburg Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Perioperative Research Group, Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Introduction: The importance of accurate healthcare data is vital when approaching current healthcare challenges, but is difficult to collect in busy, under-resourced environments. It was aimed to develop and implement an information system that is costeffective, easy and practical for data collection. A clinically integrated data collection system that demonstrates how to achieve this in a resource-poor setting is described. Methods: A database was developed using customisable software to provide a robust relational database and clinically practical solution to data collection. The system was examined for data completeness through a field audit of referral records for evaluation of the reviewed system. Discussion: The database system has been incorporated into the daily flow of clinical work, thus reducing duplication of note keeping and avoiding the need for data capturers. After improving the design and user interface, better compliance was noted. This provided useful insight into critical care database development. Conclusion: This project has demonstrated successful development and implementation of a hybrid electronic medical record and registry for a critical care metropolitan service. It has provided a practical information system allowing for the development of local critical care services with the ability for quality improvement, aggregate reporting for systems planning, and research. © 2015 The Author(s) | Critical care; Database; Developing country; ICU; Registry | chemical binding; electronic medical record; human; information processing; intensive care; patient referral; register; total quality management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951900274 | Development and evaluation of an international, interdisciplinary palliative care workshop in Botswana | Ersek M., Sebego M., Bloom A.M., Shaibu S., McMenamin E., Mokotedi M. | 2010 | International Journal of Palliative Nursing | 16 | 1 | None | John A Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, Center forIntegrative Science in Ageing, United States; University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, United States; Penn Wissahickon Hospice, United States; Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Radiation Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana | Ersek, M., John A Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, Center forIntegrative Science in Ageing, United States, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, United States; Sebego, M., School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Bloom, A.M., Penn Wissahickon Hospice, United States; Shaibu, S., Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Radiation Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; McMenamin, E., Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Radiation Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Mokotedi, M., School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana | Aim: This paper reports the development and evaluation of an interdisciplinary, international palliative care workshop presented in Gaborone, Botswana. Method: A 5-day workshop was held in June 2009 at the University of Botswana. Clinicians, faculty, and studentsfrom throughout Botswana were invited to attend at no cost. Participants included nurses,social workers, physicians, pharmacists, chaplains and volunteers. Learning activities included lectures, case studies, and group discussion. Results: Evaluation indicated high satisfaction with the workshop and signifi cant, though modest, gains in knowledge and self-evaluation of palliative care skills. Discussion revealed important clinical issues fo attendees and underscored the need to coordinate national efforts to enhance palliative care in Botswana. Conclusion: The international collaborative palliative care workshop increased the knowledge and commitment of attendees. Additional collaborative efforts to educate providers, coordinate care, and change policies and practices are needed to integrate palliative care fully into health care in Botswana. | Education; End-of-life care; Global health; Interdisciplinary; Nurses; Nursing; Palliative care | article; attitude to health; Botswana; continuing education; curriculum; education; health care quality; human; international cooperation; palliative therapy; philosophy; program development; terminal care; Botswana; Curriculum; Education, Continuing; Educational Measurement; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Holistic Health; Humans; International Cooperation; Palliative Care; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Terminal Care | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900439685 | Development and evaluation of an ITS1 "Touchdown" PCR for assessment of drug efficacy against animal African trypanosomosis | Tran T., Napier G., Rowan T., Cordel C., Labuschagne M., Delespaux V., Van Reet N., Erasmus H., Joubert A., Büscher P. | 2014 | Veterinary Parasitology | 202 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.005 | Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd., Uitzigweg, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Tran, T., Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Napier, G., Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom; Rowan, T., Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom; Cordel, C., ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd., Uitzigweg, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Labuschagne, M., ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd., Uitzigweg, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Delespaux, V., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Van Reet, N., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Erasmus, H., ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd., Uitzigweg, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Joubert, A., ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd., Uitzigweg, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Büscher, P., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium | Animal African trypanosomoses (AAT) are caused by flagellated protozoa of the Trypanosoma genus and contribute to considerable losses in animal production in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia. Trypanosoma congolense is considered the economically most important species. Drug resistant T. congolense strains present a threat to the control of AAT and have triggered research into discovery of novel trypanocides. In vivo assessment of trypanocidal efficacy relies on monitoring of treated animals with microscopic parasite detection methods. Since these methods have poor sensitivity, follow-up for up to 100 days after treatment is recommended to increase the chance of detecting recurrent parasitaemia waves. Molecular techniques are more amendable to high throughput processing and are generally more sensitive than microscopic detection, thus bearing the potential of shortening the 100-day follow up period. The study presents a "Touchdown" PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 of the ribosomal DNA (ITS1 TD PCR) that enables detection and discrimination of different Trypanosoma taxa in a single run due to variations in PCR product sizes. The assay achieves analytical sensitivity of 10 parasites per ml of blood for detection of T. congolense savannah type and T. brucei, and 100 parasites per ml of blood for detection of T. vivax in infected mouse blood. The ITS1 TD PCR was evaluated on cattle experimentally infected with T. congolense during an investigational new veterinary trypanocide drug efficacy study. ITS1 TD PCR demonstrated comparable performance to microscopy in verifying trypanocide treatment success, in which parasite DNA became undetectable in cured animals within two days post-treatment. ITS1 TD PCR detected parasite recrudescence three days earlier than microscopy and had a higher positivity rate than microscopy (84.85% versus 57.58%) in 66 specimens of relapsing animals collected after treatments. Therefore, ITS1 TD PCR provides a useful tool in assessment of drug efficacy against T. congolense infection in cattle. As the assay bears the potential for detection of mixed infections, it may be applicable for drug efficacy studies and diagnostic discrimination of T. vivax and T. congolense against other pathogenic trypanosomes, including T. brucei, T. evansi and T. equiperdum. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. | Cattle; ITS1; Touchdown PCR; Trypanosoma congolense; Trypanosoma vivax; Trypanozoon | antitrypanosomal agent; internal transcribed spacer 1; ribosome DNA; animal experiment; article; cattle; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; dog; drug efficacy; experimental infection; female; goat; hematocrit centrifugation technique; horse; human; intermethod comparison; male; microscopy; mouse; nagana; nonhuman; parasite identification; polymerase chain reaction; process development; sensitivity analysis; sensitivity and specificity; touchdown polymerase chain reaction; Trypanosoma; Trypanosoma brucei; Trypanosoma congolense; trypanosoma equiperdum; Trypanosoma gambiense; Trypanosoma rhodesiense; trypanosoma theileri; Trypanosoma vivax; Animalia; Bos; Mastigophora (flagellates); Trypanosoma; Trypanosoma brucei; Trypanosoma congolense; Trypanosoma equiperdum; Trypanosoma evansi; Trypanosoma vivax; Trypanozoon; Cattle; ITS1; Touchdown PCR; Trypanosoma congolense; Trypanosoma vivax; Trypanozoon; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; Drug Resistance; Mice; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Trypanocidal Agents; Trypanosomiasis, African | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953094758 | Development and evaluation of a patient centered cardiovascular health education program for insured patients in rural Nigeria (QUICK - II) | Odusola A.O., Hendriks M., Schultsz C., Stronks K., Lange J., Osibogun A., Akande T., Alli S., Adenusi P., Agbede K., Haafkens J. | 2011 | BMC Public Health | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-171 | Dept of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Pietersbergweg 17, Amsterdam, 1105 BM, Netherlands; PharmAccess Foundation, 1c Raymond Njoku Street, S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria; Dept of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, Universit | Odusola, A.O., Dept of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Pietersbergweg 17, Amsterdam, 1105 BM, Netherlands, PharmAccess Foundation, 1c Raymond Njoku Street, S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria; Hendriks, M., Dept of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Pietersbergweg 17, Amsterdam, 1105 BM, Netherlands, Dept of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Netherlands; Schultsz, C., Dept of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Pietersbergweg 17, Amsterdam, 1105 BM, Netherlands, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, 190 Ben Ham Tu, Ho Chi Min City, District 5, Viet Nam; Stronks, K., Dept of Public Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Netherlands; Lange, J., Dept of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Pietersbergweg 17, Amsterdam, 1105 BM, Netherlands; Osibogun, A., Dept of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B.12003, Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Akande, T., Dept of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1459, Ilorin, postal code 240001, Nigeria; Alli, S., Dept of Cardiology, Lagoon Hospitals, 8 Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria; Adenusi, P., Hygeia Nigeria Ltd, 13B Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria; Agbede, K., Ogo Oluwa Hospital, 64/65 Ahmadu Bello Way, Bacita, Kwara State, Nigeria; Haafkens, J., Dept of General Practice, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Netherlands | Background: In Sub Saharan Africa, the incidence of hypertension and other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors is growing rapidly. Poor adherence to prescribed prevention and treatment regimens by patients can compromise treatment outcomes. Patient-centered cardiovascular health education is likely to improve shortcomings in adherence. This paper describes a study that aims to develop a cardiovascular health education program for patients participating in a subsidized insurance plan in Nigeria and to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness in patients at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods/Design. Design: The study has two parts. Part 1 will develop a cardiovascular health education program, using qualitative interviews with stakeholders. Part 2 will evaluate the effectiveness of the program in patients, using a prospective (pre-post) observational design. Setting: A rural primary health center in Kwara State, Nigeria. Population: For part 1: 40 patients, 10 healthcare professionals, and 5 insurance managers. For part 2: 150 patients with uncontrolled hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors after one year of treatment. Intervention: Part 2: patient-centered cardiovascular health education program. Measurements: Part 1: Semi-structured interviews to identify stakeholder perspectives. Part 2: Pre- and post-intervention assessments including patients' demographic and socioeconomic data, blood pressure, body mass index and self-reporting measures on medication adherence and perception of care. Feasibility of the intervention will be measured using process data. Outcomes: For program development (part 1): overview of healthcare professionals' perceptions on barriers and facilitators to care, protocol for patient education, and protocol implementation plan. For program evaluation (part 2): changes in patients' scores on adherence to medication and life style changes, blood pressure, and other physiological and self-reporting measures at six months past baseline. Analysis: Part 1: content analytic technique utilizing MAXQDA software. Part 2: univariate and multilevel analysis to assess outcomes of intervention. Discussion. Diligent implementation of patient-centered education should enhance adherence to cardiovascular disease prevention and management programs in low income countries. Trial Registration. ISRCTN47894401. © 2011 Odusola et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adolescent; adult; article; cardiovascular disease; evaluation; female; health care quality; health insurance; human; insurance; male; methodology; middle aged; Nigeria; organization and management; patient care; patient education; program development; prospective study; risk factor; rural health care; Adolescent; Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Female; Humans; Insurance Coverage; Insurance, Health; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Patient Education as Topic; Patient-Centered Care; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Prospective Studies; Research Design; Risk Factors; Rural Health Services; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915821858 | Development and evaluation of a pilot nurse case management model to address multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and HIV in South Africa | Farley J.E., Kelly A.M., Reiser K., Brown M., Kub J., Davis J.G., Walshe L., Van Der Walt M. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0111702 | School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Tuberculosis Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | Farley, J.E., School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Kelly, A.M., College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Reiser, K., School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Brown, M., School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Kub, J., School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Davis, J.G., School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Walshe, L., Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Van Der Walt, M., Tuberculosis Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa | Setting: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) unit in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Objective:To develop and evaluate a nurse case management model and intervention using the tenets of the Chronic Care Model to manage treatment for MDR-TB patients with a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. Copyright:Design: A quasi-experimental pilot programme utilizing a nurse case manager to manage care for 40 hospitalized MDR-TB patients, 70% HIV co-infected, during the intensive phase of MDR-TB treatment. Patients were followed for six months to compare proximal outcomes identified in the model between the pre-and post-intervention period.Results:The greatest percent differences between baseline and six-month MDR-TB proximal outcomes were seen in the following three areas: baseline symptom evaluation on treatment initiation (95% improvement), baseline and monthly laboratory evaluations completed per guidelines (75% improvement), and adverse drug reactions acted upon by medical and/or nursing intervention (75% improvement).Conclusion: Improvements were identified in guideline-based treatment and monitoring of adverse drug reactions following implementation of the nurse case management intervention. Further study is required to determine if the intervention introduced in this model will ultimately result in improvements in final MDR-TB treatment outcomes. © 2014 Farley et al. | None | cotrimoxazole; adolescent; adult; adverse outcome; aged; Article; case management; case manager; clinical article; controlled study; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; intensive care; male; medication compliance; mixed infection; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; nursing intervention; outcome assessment; practice guideline; prevalence; quasi experimental study; South Africa; case management; evaluation study; HIV Infections; model; nurse; organization and management; pilot study; standards; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Case Management; HIV Infections; Humans; Models, Nursing; Nurses; Pilot Projects; South Africa; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865128244 | Development and evaluation of a prototype refrigerated cooling table for conference services | Mohammed A., Elaigu A.E., Adeniyi A.A., Hassan A.B. | 2012 | International Journal of Engineering and Technology | 4 | 2 | None | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Schlumberge, Schlumberger House, Buckingham Gate, Gatwick Airport, Sussex, London, United Kingdom; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, | Mohammed, A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Elaigu, A.E., Schlumberge, Schlumberger House, Buckingham Gate, Gatwick Airport, Sussex, London, United Kingdom; Adeniyi, A.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Hassan, A.B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | This paper presents the development and evaluation of a prototype refrigerated cooling table for conference services. The major components of the table are compressor, condenser, evaporator, capilary tube, thermostat and table metal wooden frame. The table uses vapour compression cycle based on the Evans-Perkins (reverse Rankine) cycle as its principle of operation. The evaporator has three cabinet ports. Plywood and square mild steel pipes are used for the construction of the table frame. The refrigerated cooling table successfully reduces temperature of beverages from 35°C to 15.5°C, 13°C and 11°C, when placed in a plastic, glass and stainless steel containers respectively. The refrigerated cooling table performs better when compared with a standard domestic refrigerator. The coefficient of performance using experimental values is 5.14 with a compressor power of 69.3W for three participants. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936874996 | Development and evaluation of a rapid multiplex-PCR based system for Mycobacterium tuberculosis diagnosis using sputum samples | Mutingwende I., Vermeulen U., Steyn F., Viljoen H., Grobler A. | 2015 | Journal of Microbiological Methods | 116 | None | 10.1016/j.mimet.2015.06.007 | DST/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Statistical Consultation Service, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States | Mutingwende, I., DST/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Vermeulen, U., DST/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Steyn, F., Statistical Consultation Service, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Viljoen, H., Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States; Grobler, A., DST/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Global tuberculosis (TB) control and eradication is hampered by the unavailability of simple, rapid and affordable diagnostic tests deployable at low infrastructure microscopy centers. We have developed and evaluated the performance of a nucleic acid amplification test for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the NWU-TB test, in clinical sputum specimens from 306 patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. The test involves sputum sample processing using a Lyser device within 7. min, followed by rapid multiplex-PCR on a fast thermal cycler within 25. min, and amplicon resolution on agarose gel electrophoresis. Samples were also examined for presence of MTB using smear microscopy, GeneXpert and MGIT culture. Results were assessed in comparison to a MGIT culture as gold standard. Of the 306 patients, 174 had a previous TB history or already on treatment, and 132 were TB naïve cases. The NWU-TB system was found to have an overall sensitivity and specificity of 80.8% (95% CI: 75-85.7) and 75.6% (95% CI: 64.9-84.4) respectively, in comparison to 85.3% (95% CI: 79.9-89.6) and 73.2% (95% CI: 62.2-82.4) respectively for GeneXpert; and 62.1% (95% CI: 55.3-68.4) and 56.1% (95% CI: 44.7-67) respectively for smear microscopy. The study has shown that the NWU-TB system allows detection of TB in less than two hours and can be utilized at low infrastructure sites to provide quick and accurate diagnosis at a very low cost. © 2015. | NWU-TB system; PCR; Rapid diagnosis; Sputum; Tuberculosis | adult; Article; bacterium culture; controlled study; device safety; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; GeneXpert; human; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; molecular diagnostics; multiplex polymerase chain reaction; mycobacterial growth indicator tube culture; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; polymerase chain reaction system; predictive value; prevalence; priority journal; prospective study; sensitivity and specificity; single blind procedure; sputum cytodiagnosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45549099349 | Development and evaluation of a real-time polymerase chain reaction test for the detection of Theileria parva infections in Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle | Sibeko K.P., Oosthuizen M.C., Collins N.E., Geysen D., Rambritch N.E., Latif A.A., Groeneveld H.T., Potgieter F.T., Coetzer J.A.W. | 2008 | Veterinary Parasitology | 155 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.03.033 | Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Animal Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155 Nationalestraat, Antwerp, B-2000, Belgium; Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Statistics, School of Mathematical Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Sibeko, K.P., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Oosthuizen, M.C., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Collins, N.E., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Geysen, D., Department of Animal Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 155 Nationalestraat, Antwerp, B-2000, Belgium; Rambritch, N.E., Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Latif, A.A., Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Groeneveld, H.T., Department of Statistics, School of Mathematical Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Potgieter, F.T., Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Coetzer, J.A.W., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Corridor disease, caused by the tick-borne protozoan parasite Theileria parva, is a controlled disease in South Africa. The Cape buffalo is the reservoir host and uninfected buffalo have become sought-after by the game industry in South Africa, particularly for introduction into Corridor disease-free areas. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for detection of T. parva DNA in buffalo and cattle was developed to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the official diagnostic test package in South Africa. Oligonucleotide primers and hybridization probes were designed based on the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Amplification of control DNA using Theileria genus-specific primers resulted in detection of T. taurotragi and T. annulata, in addition to T. parva. A T. parva-specific forward primer was designed which eliminated amplification of all other Theileria species, except for Theileria sp. (buffalo); however only the T. parva product was detected by the T. parva-specific hybridization probe set. The real-time PCR assay requires less time to perform, is more sensitive than the other molecular assays previously used in T. parva diagnostics and can reliably detect the parasite in carrier animals with a piroplasm parasitaemia as low as 8.79 × 10 -4%. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Corridor disease; Detection; Real-time PCR; Theileria parva | animal experiment; animal parasitosis; article; buffalo; cattle; controlled study; diagnostic test; gene amplification; intermethod comparison; methodology; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; real time polymerase chain reaction; RNA gene; sensitivity and specificity; Theileria; Theileria annulata; Theileria parva; theileria taurotragi; Animals; Buffaloes; Cattle; Disease Reservoirs; DNA, Protozoan; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Sensitivity and Specificity; Theileria parva; Theileriasis; Animalia; Bos; Ixodida; Protozoa; Syncerus caffer; Syncerus caffer caffer; Theileria; Theileria annulata; Theileria parva; Theileria sp.; Theileria taurotragi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62749086745 | Development and evaluation of a real-time reverse transcription-loop- mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of rift valley fever virus in clinical specimens | Le Roux C.A., Kubo T., Grobbelaar A.A., Van Vuren P.J., Weyer J., Nel L.H., Swanepoel R., Morita K., Paweska J.T. | 2009 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 47 | 3 | 10.1128/JCM.01412-08 | Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Center for International Collaborative Research, Institute for Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Division of Virology and Communicable Disease Surveillence, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa | Le Roux, C.A., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kubo, T., Center for International Collaborative Research, Institute for Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan, Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Grobbelaar, A.A., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Van Vuren, P.J., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Weyer, J., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Nel, L.H., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Swanepoel, R., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa; Morita, K., Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Paweska, J.T., Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa, Division of Virology and Communicable Disease Surveillence, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Private Bag X4, Sandringham 2131, South Africa | This paper reports on the development and validation of a real-time reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP) targeting the genomic large RNA segment of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). The set of six designed RT-LAMP primers identified strains of RVFV isolated in geographically distinct areas over a period of 50 years; there was no cross-reactivity with other genetically related and unrelated arboviruses. When testing serial sera and plasma from sheep experimentally infected with wild-type RVFV, there was 100% agreement between results of the RT-LAMP, a TaqMan-based real-time PCR, and virus isolation. Similarly, the assay had very high levels of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity when testing various clinical specimens from humans and animals naturally infected with the virus during recent outbreaks of the disease in Africa. The detection of specific viral genome targets in positive clinical specimens was achieved in less than 30 min. As a highly accurate, rapid, and very simple nucleic acid detection format, the RT-LAMP has the potential to be used in less-well-equipped laboratories in Africa and as a portable device during RVF outbreaks in remote areas, and it can be a valuable tool for the differential diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic fevers. Copyright © 2009, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | animal tissue; article; controlled study; histopathology; nonhuman; priority journal; real time polymerase chain reaction; Rift Valley fever bunyavirus; sensitivity and specificity; sheep; virus detection; virus genome; virus isolation; Africa; Animals; DNA Primers; Humans; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Rift Valley Fever; Rift Valley fever virus; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Time Factors; Animalia; Arbovirus; Ovis aries; Rift Valley fever virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84911477707 | Development and evaluation of a sensitive mycotoxin risk assessment model (mycoram) | Burger H.-M., Lombard M.J., Shephard G.S., Danster-Christians N., Gelderblom W.C. | 2014 | Toxicological Sciences | 141 | 2 | 10.1093/toxsci/kfu134 | Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences: Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department Agricultural and Food Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, South Africa | Burger, H.-M., Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, South Africa, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Lombard, M.J., School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences: Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Shephard, G.S., Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, South Africa; Danster-Christians, N., Department Agricultural and Food Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, South Africa; Gelderblom, W.C., Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville, South Africa, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | The differential risk of exposure to fumonisin (FB), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEA) mycotoxins to the South African population, residing in the nine Provinces was assessed during a cross-sectional grain consumer survey. The relative per capita maize intake (g/day) was stratified by gender, ethnicity, and Province and the probable daily intake (PDI) for each mycotoxin (ng/kg body weight/day) calculated utilizing SPECIAL and SUPER dry milled maize fractions representing different exposure scenarios. Men consumed on an average more maize (173 g/day) than women (142 g/day) whereas the black African ethnic group had the highest intake (279 g/day) followed by the Colored group (169 g/day) with the Asian/Indian and White groups consuming lower quantities of 101 and 80 g/day, respectively. The estimated mean PDIs for the various subgroups and Provinces, utilizing the different dry milled maize fractions, were below the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) for each mycotoxin. A distinct and more sensitive mycotoxin risk assessment model (MYCORAM) for exposure, stratified by Province and ethnicity were developed utilizing specific maize intake increments (g/kg body weight/day) that provides information on the percentage of the population exposed above the PMTDI for each mycotoxin. Evaluation of the MYCORAM utilizing commercial and experimentally derived SPECIAL milling fractions, containing predefined mycotoxins levels, predicts the percentage of maize consumers exposed above the respective PMTDI. Safety modeling using the MYCORAM could also predict a maximum tolerated level adequate to safeguard all South African maize consumers including the most vulnerable groups. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved. | Maize consumers; Mycotoxins exposure; Probable daily intakes; Risk assessment model; South africa | fumonisin; vomitoxin; zearalenone; fumonisin; trichothecene derivative; vomitoxin; zearalenone; adult; aged; Article; body weight; controlled study; cross-sectional study; environmental exposure; ethnic difference; female; food frequency questionnaire; food safety; human; maize; major clinical study; male; nutritional assessment; patient safety; risk assessment; sex difference; South African; adolescent; comparative study; demography; eating; ethnic group; ethnology; feeding behavior; food control; food handling; microbiology; middle aged; questionnaire; risk factor; South America; very elderly; young adult; Zea mays; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eating; Ethnic Groups; Female; Food Habits; Food Handling; Food Microbiology; Fumonisins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Questionnaires; Residence Characteristics; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; South America; Trichothecenes; Young Adult; Zea mays; Zearalenone | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928650100 | Development and evaluation of liquid oral phytoformulation of Phyllanthus amarus | Avbunudiogba J.A., Alalor C.A., Builders P.F., Odozie S. | 2013 | Journal of Pharmacy Research | 6 | 9 | 10.1016/j.jopr.2013.08.029 | Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Devel | Avbunudiogba, J.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Alalor, C.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Builders, P.F., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria; Odozie, S., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria | Background: The leaves of Phyllanthus amarus (family: Euphorbiaceae) is reported to have good medicinal values such as antitussive properties. However the extract of the plant is very bitter, this constitutes a challenge in formulating an acceptable oral liquid dosage form. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a pleasant tasting liquid preparation of the extract by a taste masking technique as well as evaluate some physicochemical properties of the formulation that relate to its stability. Methods: Six formulations (A-F) of the extract were prepared. To obtain the most stable and acceptable taste of the herbal syrup the physicochemical properties such as: colour, taste, pH, specific gravity, as well as its antioxidant activity were evaluated. Results and discussion: Formulation C which contains ethanol, citric acid, glycerin and syrup BP as the taste masking agents was adjudged to have the most acceptable taste and stability. Generally formulations C showed a pH of 6.61±0.02 and 6.62±0.04, specific gravity of 1.24±0.02g/ml and 1.28±0.01g/ml immediately after formulation and after storage for 10 weeks respectively. Conclusion: Formulating P. amarus extract with ethanol, citric acid, glycerin and syrup BP produced palatable and stable herbal syrup. © 2013 JPR Solutions. | Antitussive property; Aqueous extract; Herbal syrup; Phyllanthus amarus; Phytochemical properties | 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl; alcohol; citric acid; glycerol; Phyllanthus amarus extract; water; antioxidant activity; Article; color; drug formulation; drug stability; drug storage; drug synthesis; herbal medicine; nonhuman; pH; physical chemistry; plant leaf; plant stem; qualitative research; relative density; room temperature; solvent extraction; syrup; taste | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905967088 | Development and evaluation of low cost evaporative cooling systems to minimise postharvest losses of tomatoes (Roma vf) around Woreta, Ethiopia | Woldemariam H.W., Abera B.D. | 2014 | International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation | 4 | 1 | 10.1504/IJPTI.2014.064165 | Food Technology and Process Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 26, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Woldemariam, H.W., Food Technology and Process Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 26, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Abera, B.D., Food Technology and Process Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 26, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Low cost evaporative cooling systems were developed and investigated for their cooling efficiency to improve the shelf life of tomatoes. Average cooling efficiencies of bamboo jute and pot in pot coolers before being loaded with tomatoes were 82% and 79% and after being loaded were 67.6% and 61.6%, respectively. Physiological weight losses were 1.03%, 1.32% and 1.42% for bamboo jute, pot in pot coolers and ambient storage, respectively. The sensory results revealed that the shelf life of tomatoes were 5, 19 and 21 days for ambient, pot in pot and bamboo jute coolers, respectively. Storage type has significant difference on cooling efficiency but not on physiological weight loss, physical damage, freshness and rot incidence at p < 0.05. Thus, both evaporative coolers were found to be energy efficient, environmentally sound and can be used in areas where there is no electricity to improve the shelf life of tomatoes. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Cooling efficiency; Evaporative cooling; Postharvest loss; Shelf life; Tomatoes. | None | None |
| None | None | Development and evaluation of mosquito-electrocuting traps as alternatives to the human landing catch technique for sampling host-seeking malaria vectors | Maliti D.V., Govella N.J., Killeen G.F., Mirzai N., Johnson P.C.D., Kreppel K., Ferguson H.M. | 2015 | Malaria Journal | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/s12936-015-1025-4 | Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Bioelectronics Unit, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom; School of Life Sciences, Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology Tanzania, PO Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania | Maliti, D.V., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, School of Life Sciences, Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology Tanzania, PO Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania; Govella, N.J., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Killeen, G.F., Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Mirzai, N., Bioelectronics Unit, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Johnson, P.C.D., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Kreppel, K., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ferguson, H.M., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom | Background: The human landing catch (HLC) is the gold standard method for sampling host-seeking malaria vectors. However, the HLC is ethically questionable because it requires exposure of humans to potentially infectious mosquito bites. Methods: Two exposure-free methods for sampling host-seeking mosquitoes were evaluated using electrocuting surfaces as potential replacements for HLC: (1) a previously evaluated, commercially available electrocuting grid (CA-EG) designed for killing flies, and (2) a custom-made mosquito electrocuting trap (MET) designed to kill African malaria vectors. The MET and the CA-EG were evaluated relative to the HLC in a Latin Square experiment conducted in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. The sampling consistency of the traps across the night and at varying mosquito densities was investigated. Estimates of the proportion of mosquitoes caught indoors (Pi), proportion of human exposure occurring indoors (πi), and proportion of mosquitoes caught when most people are likely to be indoors (Pfl) were compared for all traps. Results: Whereas the CA-EG performed poorly (<10 % of catch of HLC), sampling efficiency of the MET for sampling Anopheles funestus s.l. was indistinguishable from HLC indoors and outdoors. For Anopheles gambiae s.l., sampling sensitivity of MET was 20.9 % (95 % CI 10.3-42.2) indoors and 58.5 % (95 % CI 32.2-106.2) outdoors relative to HLC. There was no evidence of density-dependent sampling by the MET or CA-EG. Similar estimates of Pi were obtained for An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus s.l. from all trapping methods. The proportion of mosquitoes caught when people are usually indoors (Pfl) was underestimated by the CA-EG and MET for An. gambiae s.l., but similar to the HLC for An. funestus. Estimates of the proportion of human exposure occurring indoors (πi) obtained from the CA-EG and MET were similar to the HLC for An. gambiae s.l., but overestimated for An. funestus. Conclusions: The MET showed promise as an outdoor sampling tool for malaria vectors where it achieved >50 % sampling sensitivity relative to the HLC. The CA-EG had poor sampling sensitivity outdoors and inside. With further modification, the MET could provide an efficient and safer alternative to the HLC for the surveillance of mosquito vectors outdoors. © 2015 Maliti et al. | Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles funestus s.l.; Anopheles gambiae s.l.; Human landing catch; Malaria; Mosquito behaviour; Mosquito electrocuting trap; Outdoor biting; Vector sampling tools | Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; Article; environmental exposure; equipment design; host parasite interaction; human landing catch technique; intermethod comparison; malaria control; mosquito; mosquito electrocuting trap; sampling; sensitivity analysis; Tanzania; vector control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926217410 | Development and evaluation of pictograms on medication labels for patients with limited literacy skills in a culturally diverse multiethnic population | Kheir N., Awaisu A., Radoui A., El Badawi A., Jean L., Dowse R. | 2014 | Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy | 10 | 5 | 10.1016/j.sapharm.2013.11.003 | College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; Qatar Petroleum, Doha, Qatar; Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Kheir, N., College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; Awaisu, A., College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; Radoui, A., College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; El Badawi, A., College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; Jean, L., Qatar Petroleum, Doha, Qatar; Dowse, R., Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Background: Much of the migrant workforce in Qatar is of low literacy level and does not understand Arabic or English, presenting a significant challenge to health care professionals. Medicine labels are typically in Arabic and English and are therefore poorly understood by these migrant workers. Objective: To develop pictograms illustrating selected medicine label instructions and to evaluate comprehension of the pictograms or conventional text supported with verbal instructions in foreign workers with low literacy skills. Methods: A range of common labeling instructions were identified and pictograms depicting these were developed using visual concepts and ideas from the literature. The process involved a consultative approach with input from the researchers, a local graphic artist, and members of the target population. The final set was evaluated for comprehension in participants who were randomized to one of three study groups: text plus verbal instructions, pictogram-only label, and pictogram with verbal instructions. One-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences between group variables. Statistical significance was set at P≤0.05. Results: Of 23 label instructions screened, 11 were selected for the study. A total of 123 participants took part in this study. Pictogram plus verbal instructions group achieved better results in interpreting the majority of the label instructions (P≤0.05). The best interpreted pictograms with verbal instructions included: "Take two tablets three times a day," "Take one tablet in the morning and one tablet at night," and "Instill one drop in the eye." The worst interpreted pictograms with verbal instructions were: "Do not take with dairy products" and "Do not use by mouth." Some pictograms were difficult to interpret even when accompanied with verbal instructions, suggesting the need to thoroughly pilot them among users prior to implementation. Conclusion: Medication labels consisting of simple pictorials supported by verbal instructions were better comprehended by individuals with low literacy skills than labels with written plus verbal instructions in a language that the individual did not understand. Further, pictogram-only labels were the least comprehended types of medicine labels among the participants. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Labels; Low literacy; Medicines; Pharmacy; Pictogram; Qatar | adult; comprehension; drug labeling; ethnic group; evaluation study; health literacy; human; medical information; migration; patient education; procedures; Qatar; young adult; Adult; Comprehension; Drug Labeling; Ethnic Groups; Health Communication; Health Literacy; Humans; Patient Education as Topic; Qatar; Transients and Migrants; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77349122777 | Development and evaluation of real-time PCR assays for the quantitative detection of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi infections in horses from South Africa | Bhoora R., Quan M., Franssen L., Butler C.M., Van der Kolk J.H., Guthrie A.J., Zweygarth E., Jongejan F., Collins N.E. | 2010 | Veterinary Parasitology | 168 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.11.011 | Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Equine Sciences, Medicine Section, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.153, 3508 TD Utrecht, Netherlands; Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Bhoora, R., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Quan, M., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa, Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Franssen, L., Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Butler, C.M., Department of Equine Sciences, Medicine Section, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.153, 3508 TD Utrecht, Netherlands; Van der Kolk, J.H., Department of Equine Sciences, Medicine Section, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.153, 3508 TD Utrecht, Netherlands; Guthrie, A.J., Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Zweygarth, E., Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Jongejan, F., Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands; Collins, N.E., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay using a TaqMan minor groove binder (MGB™) probe was developed for the detection of Babesia caballi infection in equids from South Africa. Nine previously published sequences of the V4 hypervariable region of the B. caballi 18S rRNA gene were used to design primers and probes to target unique, conserved regions. The B. caballi TaqMan MGB™ qPCR assay was shown to be efficient and specific. The detection limit, defined as the concentration at which 95% of positive samples can be detected, was determined to be 0.000114% parasitized erythrocytes (PE). We further evaluated a previously reported Theileria equi-specific qPCR assay and showed that it was able to detect the 12 T. equi 18S rRNA sequence variants previously identified in South Africa. Both qPCR assays were tested on samples from two ponies experimentally infected with either T. equi or B. caballi. The qPCR assays were more sensitive than the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the reverse-line blot (RLB) during the early onset of the disease. The assays were subsequently tested on field samples collected from 41 horses, resident on three stud farms in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. The IFAT detected circulating T. equi and B. caballi antibody in, respectively, 83% and 70% of the samples. The RLB detected T. equi parasite DNA in 73% of the samples, but none of the samples were positive for B. caballi, although 19 T. equi-positive samples also hybridized to the Babesia genus-specific probe. This could indicate a mixed T. equi and B. caballi infection in these samples, with either the B. caballi parasitaemia at a level below the detection limit of the B. caballi RLB probe, or the occurrence of a novel Babesia genotype or species. In contrast, the qPCR assays correlated fairly well with the IFAT. The B. caballi TaqMan MGB™ qPCR assay was able to detect B. caballi parasite DNA in 78% of the samples. The T. equi-specific qPCR assay could positively detect T. equi DNA in 80% of the samples. These results suggest that the qPCR assays are more sensitive than the RLB assay for the detection of T. equi and B. caballi infections in field samples. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Babesia caballi; Real-time PCR; Theileria equi | protozoal DNA; RNA 18S; analytic method; animal experiment; article; Babesia caballi; blotting; controlled study; equine piroplasmosis; erythrocyte; fluorescent antibody technique; gene identification; genetic variability; genotype; horse disease; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; quantitative study; real time polymerase chain reaction; reverse line blot; RNA sequence; sensitivity analysis; South Africa; Theileria; Theileria equi; theileriosis; Animals; Babesia; Babesiosis; DNA, Protozoan; Genotype; Horse Diseases; Horses; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reproducibility of Results; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Theileria; Theileriasis; Babesia; Babesia caballi; Equidae; Theileria equi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883548202 | Development and evaluation of the Primary Healthcare-based Physiotherapy Intervention and its effects on selected indices of stroke recovery | Olaleye O., Hamzat T., Owolabi M. | 2013 | International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation | 20 | 9 | None | Department of Physiotherapy, College Of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University Of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Olaleye, O., Department of Physiotherapy, College Of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Hamzat, T., Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University Of Ibadan, Nigeria; Owolabi, M., Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Aim: To develop a Primary Healthcare-Based Physiotherapy Intervention (PHCPI) that requires simple, inexpensive, easy-to-use equipment for stroke rehabilitation and evaluate its effects on selected clinical indices of recovery among post-acute stroke survivors over a 10-week period. Methods: Three databases (Medline, Pubmed and PEDro) were used to identify treatment approaches with proven efficacy. The authors synthesised these treatment approaches to develop the PHCPI, which was used in a repeated measure design involving 25 (mean age=60.6 ± 10.2 years) consenting individuals with first-incidence stroke. These individuals were treated at a primary health centre, twice weekly for 10 consecutive weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Modified Motor Assessment Scale (MMAS), the Short Form Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (SF-PASS) and the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI), before the intervention and fortnightly thereafter. Walking speed and quality of life were also assessed before the intervention and at week 10 of it. Results: Within-subject multivariate analysis, after controlling for gender, showed a significant increase in motor function, postural balance, walking speed and quality of life. Their community reintegration scores also improved over the period. Conclusion: The PHCPI resulted in improved motor function, community reintegration, walking speed, postural balance and quality of life among community-dwelling stroke survivors. This intervention can be used for stroke rehabilitation at primary health centres. | Physiotherapy intervention; Primary health care; Rehabilitation; Stroke | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56349099286 | Development and evaluation of vegetable milk from Treculia africana (Decne) seeds | Onweluzo J.C., Nwakalor C. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 8 | 3 | 10.3923/pjn.2009.233.238 | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Onweluzo, J.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nwakalor, C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Treculia africana seed milks (TRASMS) were developed using two blanching treatments (water and 0.2 % NaHCo3) and five seed to solvent ratios (1:1 to 1:5). The developed milks were subjected to consumer acceptance test. The lower solvent TRASMS were most acceptable. Sensory, physico-chemical and microbiological properties of the four most acceptable TRASMS were compared with soymilk and a commercial vegetable milk-vitamilk using standard analytical methods. Blanching in alkali overtly affected the colour and taste scores of TRASMS. Water blanched TRASMS were preferred by taste panelists in terms of flavour, taste, mouth feel and overall acceptability. Sensory scores of TRASMS differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in all attributes from those of vitamilk. Blanching in alkali resulted in 6%-15% decrease in protein content, marginal (P > 0.05) increase in pH and significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in total solids in comparison to blanching in water. Ether extract was lower by (1.32%-1.81%) in all TRASMS than codex standard. The levels of Calcium in TRASMS was low but iron (0.40-0.52 mg/100ml) and vitamin C (3.38-3.46 mg/100ml) were appreciably high when compared with the levels in dairy and human milk. The microbial load of TRASMS was below the acceptable limit for dairy milk. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Blanching; Milk substitute; Treculia africana (Decne) seeds; Vegetable milk | calcium; iron; protein; acidity; article; artificial milk; biotechnological procedures; breadfruit; breast milk; consumer attitude; controlled study; food analysis; food biotechnology; food color; food texture; human; nonhuman; physical chemistry; plant seed; protein content; soybean milk; taste preference; treculia africana; vegetable milk; Treculia africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65249164083 | Development and evaluation of weaning foods from pigeon pea and millet | Onweluzo J.C., Nwabugwu C.C. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 8 | 6 | None | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Onweluzo, J.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nwabugwu, C.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Weaning foods were formulated by complementing millet with pigeon-pea after sprouting and fermentation pre-treatments. Products were evaluated for composition and functional properties. Nutritional quality was evaluated by animal feeding experiment using 36 weanling male Wister rats (45-55g). Untreated composite, commercial weaning food (Cerelac) and casein diet served as controls. Sprouted pigeon pea and sprouted millet (SPSM) composite had high crude and true proteins which compared with protein of casein diet but differed (p ≤0.05) from the protein content of other diets. Calcium and iron in all formulated diets except SPSM compared with the levels in commercial diet. Viscosity was lower (p ≤0.05) in formulated diets (200-209cps) than in commercial control (303cps). Fermented pigeon-pea and fermented millet (SPFM) and sprouted pigeon-pea and fermented millet (SPFM) diets gave highest (p ≤0.05) weight gain (113.51g and 123.42g), PER (2.15 and 2.02), BV (70.7 and 76.2) and NPU (70.13 and 74.57), respectively thus suggesting their superiority over other diets. Diets FPSM and SPFM promoted growth better than other formulated diets. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Fermentation and sprouting; High energy density food; Protein-energy malnutrition; Unexploited legume and cereal; Weaning food | casein; animal experiment; article; cereal; controlled study; fermentation; food analysis; food composition; food processing; male; millet; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional assessment; pigeonpea; rat; viscosity; weaning; weight gain; Animalia; Cajanus cajan; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894340009 | Development and evaluation of woven fabric microfiltration membranes impregnated with silver nanoparticles for potable water treatment | Mecha C.A., Pillay V.L. | 2014 | Journal of Membrane Science | 458 | None | 10.1016/j.memsci.2014.02.001 | Durban University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 1334, 4001, Steve Biko Rd, Durban, South Africa; Stellenbosch University, Department of Process Engineering, Banghoek Rd, Stellenbosch 7601, South Africa | Mecha, C.A., Durban University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, P.O. Box 1334, 4001, Steve Biko Rd, Durban, South Africa; Pillay, V.L., Stellenbosch University, Department of Process Engineering, Banghoek Rd, Stellenbosch 7601, South Africa | Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human need, which is commonly lacking in remote rural areas. A simple gravity-fed water treatment unit was developed based on woven fabric microfiltration (WFMF) membranes. However, since these membranes are loose micro-filters, the unit has to be used in conjunction with a disinfectant. This paper explores combining the WFMF membranes with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a modified chemical reduction method. The originally white membranes turned brown-yellow due to the surface plasmon resonance of silver; however, there was no significant difference in the morphology of the membranes after the impregnation with 0.0117. wt% AgNPs. The coated membranes were more hydrophilic and had higher water permeability (p<0.05). Filtration of turbid water (40-700. NTU) showed that both membranes produced clear permeate (<1 NTU). Treatment of water spiked with bacteria (2500-77,000. CFU/100. mL Escherichia coli) showed that the removal efficiency of uncoated membranes was 84-91% and that of coated membranes was 100%. Accordingly, the coated membranes depicted great potential for water treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the incorporation of AgNPs in WFMF membranes and characterized their properties. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Disinfection; Drinking water; E. coli; Membranes; Silver nanoparticles | None | None |
| None | None | Development and field evaluation of a synthetic mosquito lure that is more attractive than humans | Okumu 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. | 2010 | PLoS ONE | 5 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0008951 | 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; 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, Netherlands | Okumu, 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 Kingdom | Background: 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. | None | ammonia; 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 Control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872442014 | Development and formative evaluation of a visual e-tool to help decision makers navigate the evidence around health financing | Skordis-Worrall J., Pulkki-Brännström A.-M., Utley M., Kembhavi G., Bricki N., Dutoit X., Rosato M., Pagel C. | 2012 | Journal of Medical Internet Research | 14 | 6 | 10.2196/resprot.2173 | UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Clinical Operational Research Unit, UCL, London, United Kingdom; Save the Children UK, London, United Kingdom; Sydesy.com, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Anthropological Research, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Skordis-Worrall, J., UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Pulkki-Brännström, A.-M., UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Utley, M., Clinical Operational Research Unit, UCL, London, United Kingdom; Kembhavi, G., UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom; Bricki, N., Save the Children UK, London, United Kingdom; Dutoit, X., Sydesy.com, London, United Kingdom; Rosato, M., UCL Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom, Centre for Anthropological Research, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pagel, C., Clinical Operational Research Unit, UCL, London, United Kingdom | Background: There are calls for low and middle income countries to develop robust health financing policies to increase service coverage. However, existing evidence around financing options is complex and often difficult for policy makers to access. Objective: To summarize the evidence on the impact of financing health systems and develop an e-tool to help decision makers navigate the findings. Methods: After reviewing the literature, we used thematic analysis to summarize the impact of 7 common health financing mechanisms on 5 common health system goals. Information on the relevance of each study to a user's context was provided by 11 country indicators. A Web-based e-tool was then developed to assist users in navigating the literature review. This tool was evaluated using feedback from early users, collected using an online survey and in-depth interviews with key informants. Results: The e-tool provides graphical summaries that allow a user to assess the following parameters with a single snapshot: the number of relevant studies available in the literature, the heterogeneity of evidence, where key evidence is lacking, and how closely the evidence matches their own context. Users particularly liked the visual display and found navigating the tool intuitive. However there was concern that a lack of evidence on positive impact might be construed as evidence against a financing option and that the tool might over-simplify the available financing options. Conclusions: Complex evidence can be made more easily accessible and potentially more understandable using basic Web-based technology and innovative graphical representations that match findings to the users' goals and context. | Financing; Health care systems; Policy makers; Software tools | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949599715 | Development and in vivo evaluation of an implantable nano-enabled multipolymeric scaffold for the management of AIDS dementia complex (ADC) | Harilall S.-L., Choonara Y.E., Tomar L.K., Tyagi C., Kumar P., Du Toit L.C., Modi G., Naidoo D., Iyuke S.E., Danckwerts M.P., Pillay V. | 2015 | International Journal of Pharmaceutics | 496 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.10.025 | Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Harilall, S.-L., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tomar, L.K., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tyagi, C., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kumar, P., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Modi, G., Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Naidoo, D., Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Iyuke, S.E., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Danckwerts, M.P., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, V., Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study reports the use of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers for the formulation and design of an implantable multipolymeric drug delivery device (MDDD) for the management of AIDS dementia complex (ADC), a debilitating condition affecting the cognitive, motor and behavioral systems in HIV+ individuals. A 3-factor Box-Behnken statistical design was employed for the optimization of nanoparticle and multipolymeric scaffold formulations. Fifteen formulations were generated using the Box-Behnken template, which were assessed for physicochemical and physicomechanical characterization. The optimised nanoparticle formulation yielded nanoparticles measuring 68.04 nm in size and zeta potential (ZP) of -13.4 mV was calculated for the colloidal system. In an attempt to further retard drug release and to formulate a device for implantation in the frontal lobe of the brain, nanoparticles were dispersed within a multipolymeric matrix. Matrix erosion was calculated at 28% for multipolymeric scaffold and a matrix resilience of 4.451% was observed 30 days post exposure to PBS, indicating slow degradation of the MDDD. In vivo studies showed 12.793 ng/mL and 35.225 ng/mL AZT level in plasma and CSF. In view of the physicomechanical properties, in vitro and in vivo drug release kinetics of MDDD makes it a potential candidate for the management of the ADC. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | AIDS dementia complex management; Implantable device; Nanoparticles; Polymeric scaffold | molecular scaffold; placebo; polymer; zidovudine; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; antiviral therapy; Article; brain tissue; colloid; controlled study; drug delivery device; drug release; equipment design; frontal lobe; HIV associated dementia; implantable multipolymeric drug delivery device; in vitro study; in vivo study; male; mechanics; nanofabrication; nanopharmaceutics; nonhuman; particle size; physical chemistry; priority journal; process optimization; rat; weight reduction; zeta potential | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855185437 | Development and perfonnance evaluation of a dehulling machine for African breadfruit (Treculia africana) | Etoamaihe U.J., Ndubueze K.C. | 2010 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.3923/jeasci.2010.312.315 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria | Etoamaihe, U.J., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Ndubueze, K.C., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria | A motorized African breadfruit seed dehuller was designed, fabricated and tested. Results showed that the machine had a maximum dehulling efficiency of 86% at 225 rpm speed and a maximum dehulling capacity of 176.2 kg h -1 at 425 rpm speed. There were significant effects of speeds on both the dehulling capacity and dehulling efficiency of the machine at 5% level of significance. The dehulling capacity increased with speed while the dehulling efficiency decreased with increased speed. The estimated cost of the machine was N35000 (USD250). © Medwell Journals, 2010. | African breadfruit; Dehuller; Dehulling capacity; Dehulling efficiency; Seed; Vegetable oil | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951715442 | Development and performance evaluation of a cowpea harvester | Ojomo A.O., Ale M.O., Olajide O.G. | 2010 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 5 | 10 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria | Ojomo, A.O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria; Ale, M.O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria; Olajide, O.G., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria | A cowpea harvester was designed, constructed and evaluated for its performance. The machine was fabricated with high carbon steel with an output capacity of 120kg/h. The performance of the harvester was evaluated at two crop moisture content 15.17% and 17.47% and two main shaft speeds of 540 rpm and 1000 rpm. At moisture content of 15.17% and machine speed 540rpm, the machine exhibits the highest functional efficiency of 93.75%, quality performance efficiency of 81.21%, field loss of 3.4% and shattered loss of 6.66%. The machine is statically and dynamically stable hence able to withstand vibration. © 2006-2010 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). | Cowpea and harvester; Development; Evaluation; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872173988 | Development and performance evaluation of a mobile solar dryer for cassava chips | Olalusi A.P., Ogunlowo A.S., Bolaji B.O. | 2012 | Energy and Environment | 23 | 8 | 10.1260/0958-305X.23.8.1261 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Olalusi, A.P., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Ogunlowo, A.S., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Bolaji, B.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | In this study, a mobile, indirect passive solar drying system was designed and constructed on the principles of convective heat flow using locally sourced materials to dry cassava chips. The performance of the dryer was evaluated and the results obtained showed that the system is to a large extent effective in dehydrating food items reasonably and rapidly to a save moisture level. The maximum temperatures obtained in the collector, lower and upper parts of the drying chamber were 78.5, 71.0 and 68.5 C, respectively during the validation test at no-load operating condition, while maximum temperature of 71.0, 62.5 and 60.0deg;C, respectively were obtained during the dehydration test. The maximum ambient air temperature was 33.5deg;C. The dryer was able to reduce the moisture content of 500 g cassava chips from 74.5 to 20.3% (dry basis) in 6 hours of effective dehydration time. The system overall thermal efficiency and average drying rate were found to be 58.4% and 0.083 kg/h, respectively. | cassava chips; dryer; mobile; performance; solar | Ambient air temperature; Cassava chips; Convective heat; Drying chambers; Drying rates; Locally sourced materials; Maximum temperature; mobile; Moisture level; Operating condition; Passive solar; performance; Performance evaluation; solar; Thermal efficiency; Validation test; Dehydration; Dryers (equipment); Moisture determination; Solar dryers; Plants (botany); air temperature; ambient air; cassava; heat flow; temperature effect; Calluna vulgaris; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904244528 | Development and performance evaluation of a motorized fish smoking kiln | Ashaolu Michael O. | 2014 | Journal of Aquaculture Research and Development | 5 | 3 | 10.4172/2155-9546.1000225 | Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Department, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu Lagos, Nigeria | Ashaolu Michael, O., Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Department, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu Lagos, Nigeria | Fish smoking is a major activity in the fish industry. In most riverside areas in Nigeria, where fish business is very prominent smoking operations are mostly carried out manually and under unhygienic conditions. The concept of the smoking kiln development is to ease the drudgery associated with traditional methods (drum smoking) in the riverside communities. In this study, a motorized fish smoking kiln was designed, fabricated with locally available materials. The smoking process is based on natural convection of heated air with temperature ranging between 60°C and 110°C. The fish smoking kiln has an overall dimension of1600×1220×70 mm and uses charcoal as the main source of energy. The average capacity of the smoking chamber is 120 kg. The performance test was conducted to ascertain its performance. The result showed that moisture content was reduced from 80% to 30% with an average smoking time of 60 mins. The study concluded that fishes smoked by the kiln have a longer shelf life during storage when compared with traditional (drum) method, due to hot smoking temperature which reduces moisture faster. The overall average percentage weight loss obtained for three species tested are as follows: Etholmosa Fimbriata (sawa)-36%, Scombridae mackerel (37%) and Clarias gariepinus (cat fish) -45%. © 2014 Ashaolu Michael O. | Charcoal; Fish; Motorized; Shelf-life; Smoking kiln; Temperature | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956638175 | Development and performance evaluation of a motorized globulator for tapioca production | Soladoye O.P., Ola I.A., Adebowale A.A., Sanni L. | 2010 | International Food Research Journal | 17 | 3 | None | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Soladoye, O.P., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ola, I.A., Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adebowale, A.A., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Sanni, L., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | A research was conducted to improve the appearance of locally produced tapioca in Nigeria. A motorized sago globulator, reciprocating at about 7.4 cm amplitude and 274 rev/minute being powered by a 2Hp electric motor was developed to produce globules of tapioca. The efficiency of the globulator with respect to the 2 mm globules sizes was determined with moisture content variation of starch granules, variation in starch weight supplied into the globulator and the sagging depth of the jute cloth in the globulator. From the results obtained, the moisture content of starch granules at the point of loading into the machine is directly related to the globulation efficiency with respect to the 2 mm grade size. Moisture content of about 44.5 - 46.3 % was found optimum for globulation above which starch granules lump together after globulation. Loading weight of about 150 g was rated best as higher values may result in congestion in the action zone hence, inefficient globulation. The sagging depth of the jute bag has no effect on the globulation efficiency. The globulator has production capacity of 163.20 kg per man-day operation for tapioca production. © 2010. | Efficiency; Globulator; Moinsture content; Tapioca | Corchorus capsularis; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555167408 | Development and performance evaluation of an okra drying machine | Owolarafe O.K., Obayopo S.O., Amarachi O.A., Babatunde O., Ologunro O.A. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 3 | 9 | None | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Owolarafe, O.K., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Obayopo, S.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Amarachi, O.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Babatunde, O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ologunro, O.A., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | An okra dryer was designed, constructed and evaluated in this study for post-harvest processing of the fruit. The dryer consists of a heating chamber, two drying trays, a blower of 1 hp, two heating elements of 2000W each, 4 roller tyres for ease of mobility, a control box which consist of a thermostat that regulates the temperature in the dryer. The result of evaluation of the dryer in no load indicated that it was able to yield temperature very close to the preset (by the thermostat) after about 3 min. The dryer was evaluated by drying okra of different thickness (5 and 10 mm), in two trays at two heights (25cm and 50cm from the bottom) and at a preset temperatures of 50 and 70°C. Moisture losses from the slices were obtained at intervals of 30, 45, 60 and 90 min. The result showed that increase in temperature from 50 to 70°C, increases moisture loss from the slices. Slices of 5 mm thickness were observed to dry faster than 10 mm slices with those on the upper tray losing more moisture. The study further showed that slice thickness of 5 mm dried at 70°C in the upper tray level of 60 cm from the base of the dryer are suitable for drying okra slices in the dryer. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011. | Development; Drying; Evaluation; Okra dryer; Post-harvest; Slices | Development; Evaluation; Okra dryer; Postharvest; Slices; Driers (materials); Dryers (equipment); Moisture; Thermostats; Drying | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84935025949 | Development and performance evaluation of a novel immunofluorescence chromatographic assay for histidine-rich protein 2 of Plasmodium falciparum | Kang K., Dzakah E.E., Huang Y., Xie M., Luo X., Li W., Wang J. | 2015 | Malaria Journal | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/s12936-015-0740-1 | School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Guangdong, China; National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Kang, K., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Guangdong, China, National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Dzakah, E.E., Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Huang, Y., National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Xie, M., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Guangdong, China; Luo, X., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Guangdong, China; Li, W., National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Wang, J., National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China | Background: The low sensitivity and specificity of Plasmodium falciparum diagnostic tests pose a serious health threat to people living in endemic areas. The objective of the study was to develop a rapid assay for the detection of histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) of P. falciparum in whole blood by immunofluorescence chromatographic technology. Methods: A total of 1163 positive and negative blood samples were screened. The double-antibody sandwich assay was used to establish the kit and its performance was evaluated for sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, stability, and clinical effectiveness. Results: The cut-off level of detection of the kit was 25 parasites/μl. Common interfering substances in human blood specimens, such as bilirubin, triglyceride and cholesterol had no significant effect on HRP2 antigen detection. The precision of the kit was run with different concentration of standard calibrators and the values were less than 10 %. The performance of this diagnostic kit in the detection of the calibrators has shown that a shelf life of about 12 months gives a more reliable result. Among clinical samples tested, the HRP2 test kit and the reference products had good coincidence rate in a parallel experiment and this test kit had a more sensitive detecting level to the target protein than the reference kits used in this study. The specificity and sensitivity for this test were 99.6 % (800/803) and 99.7 % (1160/1163), respectively. Conclusions: A novel HRP2 immunofluorescence detection method was developed in this study. Overall performance evaluation indicated that the kit has a rapid, high sensitivity and on-spot method for detecting P. falciparum. © 2015 Kang et al. | Histidine-rich protein 2; Immunofluorescence chromatographic assay; Plasmodium falciparum; Rapid diagnostic test | bilirubin; cholesterol; histidine; histidine rich 2 protein; triacylglycerol; unclassified drug; accuracy; Article; clinical effectiveness; controlled study; cross reaction; diagnostic kit; immunofluorescence; limit of detection; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; protein analysis; protein targeting; sensitivity and specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955854700 | Development and performance evaluation of a salt bath furnace | Alaneme K.K., Olanrewaju S.O., Bodunrin M.O. | 2011 | International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering | 6 | 1 | None | Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | Alaneme, K.K., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Olanrewaju, S.O., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Bodunrin, M.O., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | This research work is centered on the design of a low cost - efficient salt bath furnace using locally sourced materials for the purpose of carrying out thermochemical treatments of small and minor components for improved properties in service. Working drawings were produced; and mild steel sheet was used for the construction of the furnace casing while other materials for the construction were selected based on functions and properties of the materials, cost considerations and ease of fabrication into component parts. Testing was carried out to evaluate the performance of the furnace. From the results obtained, it was observed that the salt bath furnace has fast heating rate 12.530C/min and a fuel consumption rate of 2.1 litres/hr, which is comparable to rates of conventional brands of diesel fired salt bath and muffle furnaces purchased from abroad. The lower cost of design of the furnace coupled with its good heat retaining capacity, uniform heating rate, long estimated life time, safety and ease of maintenance justifies the usage. | Atomizing nozzle; Design; Muffle furnace; Salt bath furnace; Thermochemical treatment | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36549005511 | Development and performance evaluation of impact bambara groundnut sheller | Oluwole F.A., Abdulrahim A.T., Oumarou M.B. | 2007 | International Agrophysics | 21 | 3 | None | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria | Oluwole, F.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Abdulrahim, A.T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Oumarou, M.B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria | A centrifugal bambara groundnut sheller was designed, constructed and evaluated. The shelter consists of a feed hopper with a flow rate control device, shelling unit, separating unit and power system. Nine different impellers were used for the investigation at three different pod moisture contents. Results of the performance tests were examined using a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial design with moisture content, impeller slot angulations and number of impeller slots as variables. Results showed that moisture content, impeller slot angulations, number of impeller slots and interaction between these variables statistically affected the performance indicators (shelling efficiency, percentage of breakage, percentage of partially shelled pods, percentage of unshelled pods and winnowing efficiency) at the significance level of 5%. The forward facing impeller with eight slots gave the best performance of 96% shelling efficiency, 3.4% breakage, 0.6% partially shelled pods. No unshelled pods were recorded, and winnowing efficiency of 97.3% was recorded at an average feed rate of 215.8 kg h-1. © 2007 Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences. | Bambara groundnut; Centrifugal impeller; Pods; Winnowing | groundnut; moisture content; performance assessment; shelter; Arachis hypogaea; Bambara | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857316049 | Development and performance evaluation of manually and motorized operated melon shelling machine using impact technique | Adekunle A.S., Ohijeagbon I.O., Olusegun H.D. | 2009 | Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review | 2 | 1 | None | Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria | Adekunle, A.S., Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ohijeagbon, I.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Olusegun, H.D., Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria | Melon shelling in most part of the world is usually done manually by hand, and like all other manual operations it is time consuming and strenuous. The design and construction of manually and motorized operated melon shelling machine using impact method was done in order to meet the domestic, commercial and industrial requirement of melon for food processing. Two of the main cultivars of melon found in Western part of Nigeria; which are Bara and Serewe can be shelled properly by this machine; the machine is made up of three sections namely the hopper, the shelling chamber which consists of the shelling disc and the shaft, and the gear system. The machine was made from locally sourced materials and it can be used in both urban and rural areas even where there is no power supply. The percentage of melon been shelled in either manual or motorized operation in two successive runs of the two types of melon (Bara and Serewe) was found to be above eighty percent (80%) and the shelling efficiency of the machine is above 68%. © 2009 Kavala Institute of Technology. | Design; Impact; Manually; Melon; Motorized; Shelling | Impact; Manually; Melon; Motorized; Shelling; Design; Gears; Rural areas; Food processing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866769696 | Development and performance evaluation of sound proof enclosure for portable generators | Kuku R.O., Raji N.A., Bello T. | 2012 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 4 | 16 | None | Mechanical Engineering Department, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria | Kuku, R.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria; Raji, N.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria; Bello, T., Mechanical Engineering Department, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria | In an attempt to reduce sound radiated from a portable generator, a sound proof enclosure has been developed to absorb effectively the generator noise. This sound proof enclosure is designed and fabricated with locally available materials from the opinion of an idea which aims at easing the pains and stress of receiving the noise radiating from a portable electric generating set. The walls of the enclosure is fabricated by combining panels of foam, composite sawdust and grinded glass and an outer plywood with air trapped in-between the composite and plywood. A reverberation room method is used to measure the noise absorption efficiency of the enclosure using a 950 watts/220 volts rated generator to ascertain the enclosure performance average at 76.40% noise absorption. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012. | Enclosure; Panel; Sound; Sound pressure; Sound proof | Generating set; Noise absorption; Panel; Performance evaluation; Reverberation rooms; Sound pressures; Acoustic wave absorption; Acoustic waves; Enclosures; Foams; Plywood; Wood products; Acoustic noise | None |
| None | None | Development and performance testing of solar cookers | Kimambo C.Z.M. | 2007 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 18 | 3 | None | Department of Energy, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Kimambo, C.Z.M., Department of Energy, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The most common type of energy used is firewood. In some Sub Saharan countries, up to 90% of total energy use is from firewood. The consumption of wood fuel is in some countries as high as twice the sustainable yield, something that has led to environmental degradation due to deforestation and scarcity of firewood. The use of fossil fuels such as kerosene and LPG for cooking is expensive. Solar energy is a non-consumptive and non-polluting fuel. It can help alleviate the problem of insecurity of cooking energy, which is the major domestic energy requirement. Several attempts have been made to introduce solar cookers in different countries and have achieved variable successes. There are still critical issues yet to be resolved in order to make that technology acceptable for wider dissemination. They include getting the most appropriate types of solar cookers for specific locations, optimum size/capacity, types of materials to be used, optimal design and affordable cost. In an attempt to resolve these issues, a comprehensive study involving theoretical review, development work, experimental testing and evaluation of solar cookers was conducted for several years on six different types of solar cookers. The cookers are the 'SunStove' box cooker, wooden box cooker, panel cooker, reflector cooker with unpolished aluminium reflectors, reflector cooker with polished aluminium reflectors and reflector cooker with glass mirror reflectors. This paper presents the results of the study. Results obtained indicate that many of the cookers could be used to cook food for households in areas with medium and high insolation, with appropriate selection of the type and specification of the cookers. The specification should be based on the measured insolation data of the location indication of the direct and diffuse components. As a guiding tool, reflector cookers offer best comparative performance in areas with longest durations of clear sky (greatest direct beam), panel and collector cookers under moderate cloudy conditions and box cookers under very cloudy conditions. | Cooker; Evaluation; Performance; Solar; Tanzania; Test | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73349119634 | Development and power performance test of a small three-blade orizontal-axis wind turbine | Ajao K.R., Adegun I.K. | 2009 | Heat Transfer Research | 40 | 8 | 10.1615/HeatTransRes.v40.i8.40 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Ajao, K.R., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Adegun, I.K., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | The parameterization, installation, and testing of a locally developed three-blade horizontal-axis wind turbine were carried out. The turbine blades were fabricated from Mansonia Altissima wood because of its availability, good strength, and resistance to both fatigue and soaking, with a rotor swept area of 3.65 m 2 and the blade angle of attack was experimentally determined to be 7°. The turbine was installed on the roof top of the University of Ilorin, Faculty of Engineering Central Workshop Building at a hub height of 14.9 m from the ground level while the turbine generator was sourced locally. The direct current (d.c.) power output of the test turbine was measured at the battery bank terminal by a Power Analyzer and a direct current (d.c.) to alternating current (a.c.) inverter converts the d.c. power output to a.c. power and was measured by a digital wattmeter. An anemometer with a data logger installed on a meteorological tower (MET) measured the wind speed and direction over the test period. The cut-in wind speed, that is, the speed at which the wind turbine starts to produce power was determined to be 3.5 m/sec. One minutes averages of wind speed and power output was used to determine the power curve for the wind turbine. Measured power increase consistently with increased wind speed and the power curve obtained compared fairly well with standard power curves. © 2009 Begell House, Inc. | Anemometer; Angle of attack; Cut-in wind speed; Data logger; Power curve; Wind turbine | Alternating current; Battery banks; Blade angle; Data logger; Direct current; Ground level; Hub height; Meteorological tower; Power analyzers; Power curve; Power curves; Power increase; Power out put; Power performance; Turbine blade; Turbine generator; Wind speed; Wind speed data; Anemometers; Angle of attack; Electric generators; Speed; Wind effects; Wind power; Wind turbines; Turbomachine blades | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865827371 | Development and preliminary evaluation of a real-time PCR assay for Halioticida noduliformans in abalone tissues | Greeff M.R., Christison K.W., MacEy B.M. | 2012 | Diseases of Aquatic Organisms | 99 | 2 | 10.3354/dao02468 | Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Aquaculture Research, Private Bag X2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012, South Africa | Greeff, M.R., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Christison, K.W., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Aquaculture Research, Private Bag X2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012, South Africa; MacEy, B.M., Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Aquaculture Research, Private Bag X2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012, South Africa | Abalone Haliotis midae exhibiting typical clinical signs of tubercle mycosis were discovered in South African culture facilities in 2006, posing a significant threat to the industry. The fungus responsible for the outbreak was identified as a Peronosporomycete, Halioticida noduliformans. Currently, histopathology and gross observation are used to diagnose this disease, but these 2 methods are neither rapid nor sensitive enough to provide accurate and reliable diagnosis. Realtime quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a rapid and reliable method for the detection and quantification of a variety of pathogens, so therefore we aimed to develop a qPCR assay for species-specific detection and quantification of H. noduliformans. Effective extraction of H. noduliformans geno - mic DNA from laboratory grown cultures, as well as from spiked abalone tissues, was accomplished by grinding samples using a pellet pestle followed by heat lysis in the presence of Chelax- 100 beads. A set of oligonucleotide primers was designed to specifically amplify H. noduliformans DNA in the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and tested for cross-reactivity to DNA extracted from related and non-related fungi isolated from seaweeds, crustaceans and healthy abalone; no crossamplification was detected. When performing PCR assays in an abalone tissue matrix, an environment designed to be a non-sterile simulation of environmental conditions, no amplification occurred in the negative controls. The qPCR assay sensitivity was determined to be approximately 0.28 pg of fungal DNA (∼2.3 spores) in a 25 μl reaction volume. Our qPCR technique will be useful for monitoring and quantifying H. noduliformans for the surveillance and management of abalone tubercle mycosis in South Africa. © Inter-Research 2012. | Abalone; Disease; Halioticida noduliformans; PCR; Tubercle mycosis | bioassay; environmental conditions; fungal disease; histopathology; host-pathogen interaction; matrix; mitochondrial DNA; monitoring; polymerase chain reaction; population outbreak; seaweed; South Africa; Bacteria (microorganisms); Crustacea; Fungi; Haliotidae; Haliotis midae; Lonchocarpus glaucifolius; fungal DNA; animal; article; classification; fungus; genetics; isolation and purification; methodology; microbiology; mollusc; real time polymerase chain reaction; sensitivity and specificity; species difference; Animals; DNA, Fungal; Fungi; Mollusca; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Species Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59349120977 | Development and quality evaluation of low-cost, high-protein weaning food types: Prowena and Propalm from soybean (Glycine max), groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and crayfish (Macrobrachium spp) | Omueti O., Jaiyeola O., Otegbayo B., Ajomale K., Afolabi O. | 2009 | British Food Journal | 111 | 2 | 10.1108/00070700910932002 | Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria; Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Technology, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria | Omueti, O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria; Jaiyeola, O., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria; Otegbayo, B., Department of Food Science and Technology, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria; Ajomale, K., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria; Afolabi, O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria | Purpose: The objective of this study is to develop two nutrient-dense and acceptable weaning foods - Prowena and Propalm - using high-protein food ingredients: crayfish (Macrobachium spp), soybeans (Glycine max) and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) to enrich the sole starch based weaning food locally known as "ogi". Design/methodology/approach: The weaning food mixture was formulated by mixing yellow maize ogi flour, soyflour, groundnut meal and crayfish flour for Prowena (PROW) while palm oil was added to the mixture for Propalm (PROP). PROW and PROP were compared with the commercial weaning food Nutrend (NUTR) and the traditional weaning food, yellow maize gruel, or ogi (YOG), in terms of energy, nutrients and sensory scores. Findings: Chemical analysis showed that PROW contained 2.71 per cent moisture, 22.95 per cent protein, 5.86 per cent fat, 3.75 per cent fibre, 62.39 per cent carbohydrate, 4.31 per cent ash and 3.75 kcal of energy, while PROP had 2.78 per cent moisture, 21.99 per cent protein, 8.86 per cent fat, 3.89 per cent fibre, 59.29 per cent carbohydrate, 4.77 per cent per cent ash and 3.78 kcal of energy. The sensory evaluation showed that both PROW and PROP were equally acceptable as NUTR and more acceptable than YOG in terms of taste, flavour and texture (p<0.05). However, there was no significance difference (p>0.05) in acceptability of PROW, PROP, NUTR and YOG in terms of colour. Originality/value: The paper shows that the two weaning foods would be suitable for the commercial market to increase the protein intake and to combat protein energy malnutrition (PEM) amongst infants. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Baby foods; Infants; Nutrition; Product development | Arachis hypogaea; Astacoidea; Glycine max; Macrobrachium; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646887744 | Development and quality evaluation of non-alcoholic beverages from maize based products | Ade-Omowaye B.I.O., Olaniyan S.A., Adeyemi I.A., Isola O.O. | 2006 | Nutrition and Food Science | 36 | 3 | 10.1108/00346650610664922 | Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Nigeria | Ade-Omowaye, B.I.O., Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Olaniyan, S.A., Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Adeyemi, I.A., Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Isola, O.O., Department of Food Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife, Nigeria | Purpose - This paper sets out to focus on the utilization of the locally available raw material to develop an acceptable and high quality non-alcoholic beverage in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - Maize-based non-alcoholic beverages were produced from either plain maize powder or combinations of maize powder and mango or soybean flour. Plain and fruit or soy-fortified maize powders were analyzed using standard methods for chemical composition, while total solid, sediment height, pH, titratable acidity, storage stability and microbial load were determined on the formulated beverage products. Taste panel evaluation was conducted to evaluate the acceptability of the products. Findings - While the protein, fat and ash contents of plain maize powder were 5.69, 5.95 and 0.35 percent respectively, there was minimal enhancement with fruit addition. However, with 10 per cent soybean addition significant improvement over the unfortified sample in protein (14.62 per cent), fat (10.64 per cent) and ash (0.96 per cent) was obtained. Sediment height was found to be higher for beverage with sour water and least for soy-fortified beverage. Titratable acidity of beverage samples was found to be 0.022, 0.018, 0.054 and 0.306 per cent (per cent lactic acid) for plain, fruit-flavoured, soy-fortified and soured beverages respectively. Variation in titratable acidity was observed depending on the product and storage condition. Sensory evaluation result for beverage prepared with sour water (0-100 per cent) revealed preference for soured beverage with 80 percent sour water. Also, fruit-flavoured sample ranked highest in preference followed closely by the plain beverage, while soy-fortified sample was the least acceptable. Originality/value - The paper has demonstrated the feasibility of developing acceptable beverage samples from sour water (a by-product of Ogi usually regarded as waste) and combinations of either maize powder and mango or soybean flour. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Cereals; Nigeria; Non-alcoholic drinks; Waste recovery | Glycine max; Mangifera indica; Zea mays | None |
| WoS | WOS:000267828800002 | Development and test-retest reliability of a research instrument designed to evaluate school-based HIV/AIDS interventions in South Africa and Tanzania | Aaro, Leif Edvard,Flisher, Alan J.,Helleve, Arnfinn,Kaaya, Sylvia,Klepp, Knut-Inge,Mathews, Catherine,Mukoma, Wanjiru | 2009 | SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH | 37 | None | 10.1177/1403494809103995 | University of Bergen, University of Cape Town, University of Oslo, Norwegian Inst Publ Hlth | "Helleve, Arnfinn: University of Oslo","Klepp, Knut-Inge: University of Oslo","Mathews, Catherine: University of Cape Town", | Aims: This article reports on the development and psychometric properties of an instrument to evaluate school-based HIV/AIDS interventions aimed at adolescents in three African sites. Methods: The instrument was developed in a series of steps that involved a review of existing instruments; use of empirical data and secondary literature supporting an association between the variables of interest and sexual intercourse or condom use; operationalizing the constructs of the theoretical model employed; and using the objectives of the intervention. Test-retest reliability studies were conducted at each site. Results: The questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency and adequate test-retest reliability. Cronbach's alpha was higher than 0.50 for all the 10 psychosocial scales, while Cohen's kappa showed poor to substantial test-retest reliability on the sexual behaviour items (kappa = 0.14 to 0.69). Conclusions: We conclude that the instrument had sufficient test-retest reliability and internal consistency. | ADOLESCENTS,evaluation,HIV/AIDS,RELIABILITY,SCHOOL,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA","AIDS EDUCATION",CHILDREN,EDUCATION-PROGRAM,HEALTH,"NORTHERN TANZANIA","PREVENTION PROGRAMS",SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR,STUDENTS,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",VALIDITY | None | None |
| None | None | Development and validation of a normal-phase high-performance thin layer chromatographic method for the analysis of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in co-trimoxazole tablets | Shewiyo D.H., Kaale E., Risha P.G., Dejaegher B., Smeyers-Verbeke J., Vander Heyden Y. | 2009 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1216 | 42 | 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.08.076 | Directorate of Laboratory Services, Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority, P.O. Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65526, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium | Shewiyo, D.H., Directorate of Laboratory Services, Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority, P.O. Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65526, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Kaale, E., School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65526, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Risha, P.G., School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65526, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Dejaegher, B., Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Smeyers-Verbeke, J., Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Vander Heyden, Y., Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium | Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is often the ultimate mortal cause for immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV/AIDS patients. Currently, the most effective medicine for treatment and prophylaxis is co-trimoxazole, a synergistic combination of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP). In order to ensure a continued availability of high quality co-trimoxazole tablets within resource-limited countries, Medicines Regulatory Authorities must perform quality control of these products. However, most pharmacopoeial methods are based on high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods. Because of the lack of equipment, the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) laboratory decided to develop and validate an alternative method of analysis based on the TLC technique with densitometric detection, for the routine quality control of co-trimoxazole tablets. SMX and TMP were separated on glass-backed silica gel 60 F254 plates in a high-performance thin layer chromatograph (HPTLC). The mobile phase was comprised of toluene, ethylacetate and methanol (50:28.5:21.5, v:v:v). Detection wavelength was 254 nm. The Rf values were 0.30 and 0.61 for TMP and SMX, respectively. This method was validated for linearity, precision, trueness, specificity and robustness. Cochran's criterion test indicated homoscedasticity of variances for the calibration data. The F-tests for lack-of-fit indicated that straight lines were adequate to describe the relationship between spot areas and concentrations for each compound. The percentage relative standard deviations for repeatability and time-different precisions were 0.98 and 1.32, and 0.83 and 1.64 for SMX and TMP, respectively. Percentage recovery values were 99.00% ± 1.83 and 99.66% ± 1.21 for SMX and TMP, respectively. The method was found to be robust and was then successfully applied to analyze co-trimoxazole tablet samples. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Co-trimoxazole tablets; Method development; Method validation; Normal-phase HPTLC; Sulfamethoxazole (SMX); Trimethoprim (TMP) | Co-trimoxazole tablets; Method development; Method validation; Normal-phase HPTLC; Sulfamethoxazole (SMX); Trimethoprim (TMP); High performance liquid chromatography; Laws and legislation; Methanol; Quality assurance; Quality function deployment; Silica; Silica gel; Thermomechanical pulping process; Thin films; Toluene; Total quality management; Quality control; acetic acid ethyl ester; cotrimoxazole; methanol; sulfamethoxazole; toluene; trimethoprim; accuracy; article; calibration; controlled study; densitometry; drug identification; drug structure; high performance thin layer chromatography; priority journal; process development; product recovery; quality control; reproducibility; separation technique; tablet; validation process; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Linear Models; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sulfamethoxazole; Tablets; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Combination; Pneumocystis carinii | None |
| None | None | Development and validation of high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide in a fixed dosage combination tablet | Vedaste K., Egide K., Claver K.P., Kaale E. | 2014 | Journal of Planar Chromatography - Modern TLC | 27 | 5 | 10.1556/JPC.27.2014.5.11 | Department of Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania | Vedaste, K., Department of Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Egide, K., Department of Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Claver, K.P., Department of Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 117, Butare, Rwanda; Kaale, E., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania | [No abstract available] | High-performance thin-layer chromatography; Isoniazid; Tuberculosis; Validation | isoniazid plus rifampicin; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; absorption spectroscopy; accuracy; Article; controlled study; densitometry; drug determination; drug formulation; fixed dosage combination tablet; high performance thin layer chromatography; process development; tablet; validation process | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38149117099 | Development, evaluation, and selection of rapid tooling process chains for sand casting of functional prototypes | Dimitrov D., Van Wijck W., De Beer N., Dietrich J. | 2007 | Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture | 221 | 9 | 10.1243/09544054JEM728 | Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa; Department of Manufacturing Engineering, University of Applied Sciences, Dresden, Germany; Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, c/o Banhoek and Joubert Street, Stellenbosch 7600, Western Cape Province 7600, South Africa | Dimitrov, D., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, c/o Banhoek and Joubert Street, Stellenbosch 7600, Western Cape Province 7600, South Africa; Van Wijck, W., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa; De Beer, N., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa; Dietrich, J., Department of Manufacturing Engineering, University of Applied Sciences, Dresden, Germany | This paper discusses the results obtained from studies on different rapid tooling process chains for improved design and manufacture of foundry equipment for sand casting of prototypes in final material for functional and pre-production tests of vehicles, using the three-dimensional printing process as core technology. Subsequently, while considering aspects such as time, cost, quality (accuracy and surface roughness), and tool life, a framework for evaluation and selection of the most suitable process chain in accordance to specific requirements is presented. Apart from only using these process chains for prototype manufacturing, initial results from a study to apply one of these process chains in automated sand casting full production is also presented. This research builds on an in-depth characterization of the accuracy and repeatability of a three-dimensional printing process. © IMechE 2007. | Casting; Rapid tooling (RT); Three-dimensional printing | Automation; Process engineering; Requirements engineering; Surface roughness; Three dimensional; Rapid tooling (RT); Sand castings; Three-dimensional printing; Machine tools | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650598058 | Development Impact of Advocacy Initiatives in Solid Waste Management in Nigeria | Nzeadibe T.C., Ajaero C.K. | 2011 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 13 | 1 | 10.1007/s10668-010-9254-8 | Waste Management and Recycling Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria | Nzeadibe, T.C., Waste Management and Recycling Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria; Ajaero, C.K., Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, 410001 Nsukka, Nigeria | Solid waste management (SWM) in many low- and middle-income countries is sometimes driven by the informal sector. Unfortunately, contributions of the sector to SWM are not acknowledged in many developing countries. This situation often arises from inadequate awareness and lack of advocacy for these development contributions. This article reports on the impact of a study conducted by final-year geography undergraduates on the informal waste management sector in Nsukka urban area, Nigeria. The purposes of this exercise were to stimulate development intervention on behalf of the sector to improve perceptions, attitudes and performance, to impart a range of development research skills and to expose the students to the business opportunities provided by SWM and recycling. Informal waste sector workers and government officials responsible for SWM were interviewed, and some commercial data on recycling operations were collected. Findings of this study indicate that such advocacy initiatives were effective in increasing students' awareness of opportunities and interest in working in the informal waste sector to promote better SWM and development in Nigeria. Lessons from this university case study are also drawn for other developing countries struggling to achieve the poverty reduction and job creation Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Advocacy; Capacity development; Entrepreneurship; Informal waste sector; Millennium development goals; Nigeria; Solid waste management; University | advocacy; developing world; perception; performance assessment; solid waste; state role; urban area; waste management; Enugu [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Nsukka | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902121438 | Development, implementation, and evaluation of a hybrid electronic medical record system specifically designed for a developing world surgical service | Laing G.L., Bruce J.L., Skinner D.L., Allorto N.L., Clarke D.L., Aldous C. | 2014 | World Journal of Surgery | 38 | 6 | 10.1007/s00268-013-2438-2 | Department of Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X918, Pietermanitzburg 3200, South Africa; Department of Anesthetics and Critical Care, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermanitzburg, South Africa; School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermanitzburg, South Africa | Laing, G.L., Department of Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X918, Pietermanitzburg 3200, South Africa; Bruce, J.L., Department of Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X918, Pietermanitzburg 3200, South Africa; Skinner, D.L., Department of Anesthetics and Critical Care, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermanitzburg, South Africa; Allorto, N.L., Department of Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X918, Pietermanitzburg 3200, South Africa; Clarke, D.L., Department of Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X918, Pietermanitzburg 3200, South Africa; Aldous, C., School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermanitzburg, South Africa | Background: The Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service previously successfully constructed and implemented an electronic surgical registry (ESR). This study reports on our attempts to expand and develop this concept into a multi-functional hybrid electronic medical record (HEMR) system for use in a tertiary level surgical service. This HEMR system was designed to incorporate the function and benefits of an ESR, an electronic medical record (EMR) system, and a clinical decision support system (CDSS). Methods: Formal ethical approval to maintain the HEMR system was obtained. Appropriate software was sourced to develop the project. The data model was designed as a relational database. Following the design and construction process, the HEMR file was launched on a secure server. This provided the benefits of access security and automated backups. A systematic training program was implemented for client training. The exercise of data capture was integrated into the process of clinical workflow, taking place at multiple points in time. Data were captured at the times of admission, operative intervention, endoscopic intervention, adverse events (morbidity), and the end of patient care (discharge, transfer, or death). Results: A quarterly audit was performed 3 months after implementation of the HEMR system. The data were extracted and audited to assess their quality. A total of 1,114 patient entries were captured in the system. Compliance rates were in the order of 87-100 %, and client satisfaction rates were high. Conclusions: It is possible to construct and implement a unique, simple, cost-effective HEMR system in a developing world surgical service. This information system is unique in that it combines the discrete functions of an EMR system with an ESR and a CDSS. We identified a number of potential limitations and developed interventions to ameliorate them. This HEMR system provides the necessary platform for ongoing quality improvement programs and clinical research. © 2013 Société Internationale de Chirurgie. | None | developing country; electronic medical record; electronic medical record; general surgery; health care planning; hospital department; human; medical information system; organization and management; program development; program evaluation; South Africa; Developing Countries; Electronic Health Records; General Surgery; Health Information Exchange; Health Plan Implementation; Humans; Medical Records Systems, Computerized; Program Development; Program Evaluation; South Africa; Surgery Department, Hospital | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924145763 | Development of a family physician impact assessment tool in the district health system of the Western Cape Province, South Africa | Pasio K.S., Mash R., Naledi T. | 2014 | BMC Family Practice | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12875-014-0204-7 | Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University, Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Health Programme, Department of Health, Western Cape Government, Western Cape, South Africa | Pasio, K.S., Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University, Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Mash, R., Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University, Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa; Naledi, T., Health Programme, Department of Health, Western Cape Government, Western Cape, South Africa | Background: Policy makers in Africa are ambivalent about the need for family physicians to strengthen district health services. Evidence on the impact of family physicians is therefore needed. The aim was to develop a tool to evaluate the impact of family physicians on district health services according to the six expected roles that have been defined nationally. Methods: Mixed methods were used to develop, validate, pilot and test the reliability of the tool in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. An expert panel validated the content and construction of the tool. The tool was piloted by 94 respondents who evaluated eight family physicians. Cronbach alpha scores were calculated to test the reliability of the tool. The impact of these family physicians in the pilot study was also analysed. Results: A draft tool was successfully developed, validated, and proved reliable (Cronbach alpha >0.8). The overall scores (scale of 1 4) were: Care provider = 3.5, Consultant = 3.4, Leader and champion of clinical governance = 3.4, Capacity builder = 3.3, Clinical trainer and supervisor = 3.2 and Champion of community-orientated primary care (COPC) = 3.1. The impact on COPC was significantly less than the impact of other roles (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The Family Physician Impact Evaluation Tool can be used to measure the impact of family physicians in South Africa. The pilot study shows that the family physicians are having most impact in terms of clinical care and clinical governance, and a lesser impact in terms of clinical training, capacity-building and especially COPC. | Family physicians; Family practice; Physicians role; South africa; Validation studies | community care; general practitioner; health care policy; health service; human; organization and management; physician attitude; reproducibility; South Africa; validation study; Community Health Services; Health Policy; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Physician's Role; Physicians, Family; Reproducibility of Results; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925228378 | Development of a flow cytometric bead immunoassay and its assessment as a possible aid to potency evaluation of enterotoxaemia vaccines | Buys A., Macdonald R., Crafford J., Theron J. | 2014 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 85 | 1 | 10.4102/jsava.v85i1.977 | Quality Control Department, Onderstepoort Biological Products, South Africa; Department Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Buys, A., Quality Control Department, Onderstepoort Biological Products, South Africa; Macdonald, R., Quality Control Department, Onderstepoort Biological Products, South Africa; Crafford, J., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Theron, J., Department Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Enterotoxaemia, an economically important disease of sheep, goats and calves, is caused by systemic effects of the epsilon toxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium perfringens type D. The only practical means of controlling the occurrence of enterotoxaemia is to immunise animals by vaccination. The vaccine is prepared by deriving a toxoid from the bacterial culture filtrate and the potency of the vaccine is tested with the in vivo mouse neutralisation test (MNT). Due to ethical, economic and technical reasons, alternative in vitro assays are needed. In this study an indirect cytometric bead immunoassay (I-CBA) was developed for use in vaccine potency testing and the results were compared with those obtained using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) and the MNT. Sera were collected from guinea pigs immunised with three different production batches of enterotoxaemia vaccine and the levels of anti-epsilon toxin antibodies were determined. Although the intra- and inter-assay variability was satisfactory, epsilon antitoxin levels determined by both the I-ELISA and indirect cytometric bead immunoassay (I-CBA) tests were higher than those of the MNT assay. In contrast to the MNT, all of the serum samples were identified as having antitoxin levels above the required minimum (not less than 5 U/mL). These results indicate that the respective in vitro tests in their current formats are not yet suitable alternatives to the in vivo MNT. The growing demand for a more humane, cost-effective and efficient method for testing the potency of enterotoxaemia vaccines, however, provides a strong impetus for further optimisation and standardisation of the I-CBA assay but further analytical research is required. © 2014. The Authors. | None | antitoxin; bacterial vaccine; enterotoxemia vaccine; toxin antibody; unclassified drug; bacterial toxin; bacterial vaccine; Clostridium perfringens epsilon-toxin; anaerobic bacterium; Article; bacterium culture; Clostridium perfringens; Clostridium perfringens type d; drug potency; drug screening; enterotoxemia; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; flow cytometry; guinea pig; immunoassay; in vitro study; in vivo study; mouse; nonhuman; polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; vaccination; vaccine production; animal; enterotoxemia; flow cytometry; immunoassay; immunology; procedures; randomization; serodiagnosis; veterinary; Animalia; Bacteria (microorganisms); Capra hircus; Cavia; Clostridium perfringens; Ovis aries; Animals; Bacterial Toxins; Bacterial Vaccines; Clostridium perfringens; Enterotoxemia; Flow Cytometry; Guinea Pigs; Immunoassay; Mice; Neutralization Tests; Random Allocation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84964589439 | Development of a fuzzy logicbased model for monitoring cardiovascular risk | Idowu P.A., Ajibola S.O., Balogun J.A., Ogunlade O. | 2015 | International Journal of Healthcare Information Systems and Informatics | 10 | 4 | 10.4018/IJHISI.2015100103 | Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Idowu, P.A., Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ajibola, S.O., Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Balogun, J.A., Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ogunlade, O., Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are top killers with heart failure as one of the most leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries. In Nigeria, the inability to consistently monitor the vital signs ofpatients has led to the hospitalization and untimely death of many as a result of heartfailure. Fuzzy logic models have found relevance in healthcare services due to their ability to measure vagueness associated with uncertainty management in intelligent systems. This study aims to develop a fuzzy logic modelfor monitoring heart failure risk using risk indicators assessed from patients. Following interview with expert cardiologists, the different stages ofheartfailure was identified alongside their respective indicators. Triangular membership functions were used to fuzzify the input and output variables while the fuzzy inference engine was developed using rules elicited from cardiologists. The model was simulated using the MATLAB® Fuzzy Logic Toolbox. Copyright © 2015, IGI Global. | Cardiovascular disease; Fuzzy logic; Heart failure; Monitoring system; Risk modeling | Cardiology; Computer circuits; Developing countries; Diseases; Fuzzy logic; Intelligent systems; Membership functions; Reconfigurable hardware; Risk assessment; Cardio-vascular disease; Healthcare services; Heart failure; Logic-based modeling; Monitoring system; Risk model; Triangular membership functions; Uncertainty management; Fuzzy inference | None |
| WoS | WOS:000277417200015 | Development of a Language-Independent Functional Evaluation | Beier, Klaus P.,Boggess, Tony,Chan, Lilliene,Haig, Andrew J.,Jayarajan, Senthil,Juang, Derek,Kalpakjian, Claire,Loar, Jesse,Maslowski, Eric,Owusu-Ansah, Bertha,Tinney, Melissa,Yamakawa, Karen S. | 2009 | ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION | 90 | 12 | 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.05.025 | Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE), Temple University, University of Ghana, University of Michigan, University of Michigan System, Vet Hosp Huntington | "Beier, Klaus P.: University of Michigan","Beier, Klaus P.: University of Michigan System","Chan, Lilliene: University of Michigan","Chan, Lilliene: University of Michigan System","Haig, Andrew J.: University of Michigan","Haig, Andrew J.: University of Michigan System","Jayarajan, Senthil: Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE)","Jayarajan, Senthil: Temple University","Juang, Derek: University of Michigan","Juang, Derek: University of Michigan System","Loar, Jesse: University of Michigan","Loar, Jesse: University of Michigan System","Maslowski, Eric: University of Michigan","Maslowski, Eric: University of Michigan System","Owusu-Ansah, Bertha: University of Ghana", | Haig AJ, Jayarajan S, Maslowski E, Yamakawa KS, Tinney M, Beier KP, Juang D, Chan L, Boggess T, Loar J, Owusu-Ansah B, Kalpakjian C. Development of a language-independent functional evaluation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009;90:2074-80.
Objective: To design, validate, and critique a tool for self-report of physical functioning that is independent of language and literacy.
Design: Software design and 2 prospective trials followed by redesign.
Setting: United States and African university hospitals.
Participants: Outpatient and inpatient competent adults with diverse physical impairments.
Interventions: (1) Software design process leading to a Preliminary Language-Independent Functional Evaluation (Pre-L.I.F.E.); (2) patient surveys using a printed Pre-L.I.F.E. and a computer-animated Pre-L.I.F.E. tested in random order, followed by a questionnaire version of the standard Barthel Index; and (3) software redesign based on objective and qualitative experiences with Pre-L.I.F.E.
Main Outcome Measures: Validation of the general concept that written and spoken language can be eliminated in assessment of function. Development of a refined Language-Independent Functional Evaluation (LIFE.).
Results: A viable Pre-L.I.F.E. software was built based on design parameters of the clinical team. Fifty Americans and 51 Africans demonstrated excellent (Cronbach alpha>0.8 Americans) and good (alpha>.425 Africans) reliability. In general, the relations between Pre-L.I.F.E. and Barthel scores were excellent in the United States (interclass correlation coefficient for stair climbing, .959) but somewhat less good in Africa, with elimination functions very poorly related. The computer-animated Pre-L.I.F.E. was faster and trended to be more reliable than the printed Pre-L.I.F.E. in both the United States and Africa. Redesign meetings corrected statistical and qualitative challenges, resulting in a new tool, the L.I.F.E.
Conclusions: Literacy and language translation can be eliminated from some aspects of functional assessment. The new LIFE., based on solid empirical evidence and design principles, may be a practical solution to assessment of function in the global culture. | Africa,"DISABILITY EVALUATION","EDUCATIONAL STATUS",EPIDEMIOLOGY,LANGUAGE,"Outcome assessment (health care) Rehabilitation","STROKE REHABILITATION" | None | None |
| None | None | Development of a lateral flow device for in-field detection and evaluation of PCR-based diagnostic methods for Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum, the causal agent of banana xanthomonas wilt | Hodgetts J., Karamura G., Johnson G., Hall J., Perkins K., Beed F., Nakato V., Grant M., Studholme D.J., Boonham N., Smith J. | 2015 | Plant Pathology | 64 | 3 | 10.1111/ppa.12289 | The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; National Agricultural Research Laboratories, PO Box 7064, Kampala, Uganda; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Uganda, PO Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda | Hodgetts, J., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Karamura, G., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, PO Box 7064, Kampala, Uganda; Johnson, G., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Hall, J., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Perkins, K., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Beed, F., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Nakato, V., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Uganda, PO Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda; Grant, M., Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; Studholme, D.J., Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; Boonham, N., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; Smith, J., The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom | Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) is the causal agent of banana xanthomonas wilt, a major threat to banana production in eastern and central Africa. The pathogen is present in very high levels within infected plants and can be transmitted by a broad range of mechanisms; therefore early specific detection is vital for effective disease management. In this study, a polyclonal antibody (pAb) was developed and deployed in a lateral flow device (LFD) format to allow rapid in-field detection of Xcm. Published Xcm PCR assays were also independently assessed: only two assays gave specific amplification of Xcm, whilst others cross-reacted with non-target Xanthomonas species. Pure cultures of Xcm were used to immunize a rabbit, the IgG antibodies purified from the serum and the resulting polyclonal antibodies tested using ELISA and LFD. Testing against a wide range of bacterial species showed the pAb detected all strains of Xcm, representing isolates from seven countries and the known genetic diversity of Xcm. The pAb also detected the closely related Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vasculorum (Xav), primarily a sugarcane pathogen. Detection was successful in both naturally and experimentally infected banana plants, and the LFD limit of detection was 105 cells mL-1. Whilst the pAb is not fully specific for Xcm, Xav has never been found in banana. Therefore the LFD can be used as a first-line screening tool to detect Xcm in the field. Testing by LFD requires no equipment, can be performed by non-scientists and is cost-effective. Therefore this LFD provides a vital tool to aid in the management and control of Xcm. © 2014 British Society for Plant Pathology. | Diagnostics; ELISA; LFD; Polyclonal antibody | antibody; bacterial disease; developmental biology; disease control; disease transmission; genetic differentiation; herb; host-pathogen interaction; polymerase chain reaction; Africa; Bacteria (microorganisms); Oryctolagus cuniculus; Xanthomonas; Xanthomonas axonopodis; Xanthomonas campestris | None |
| None | None | Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. and its evaluation on colonies, culture broths, and stool | Taniuchi M., Walters C.C., Gratz J., Maro A., Kumburu H., Serichantalergs O., Sethabutr O., Bodhidatta L., Kibiki G., Toney D.M., Berkeley L., Nataro J.P., Houpt E.R. | 2012 | Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease | 73 | 2 | 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.03.008 | Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Virginia Department of General Services, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Biotechnology Laboratory, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, PO Box 800386, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States | Taniuchi, M., Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Walters, C.C., Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Virginia Department of General Services, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Gratz, J., Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States, Biotechnology Laboratory, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Maro, A., Biotechnology Laboratory, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Kumburu, H., Biotechnology Laboratory, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Serichantalergs, O., Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Sethabutr, O., Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Bodhidatta, L., Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Kibiki, G., Biotechnology Laboratory, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Toney, D.M., Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Virginia Department of General Services, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Berkeley, L., Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Nataro, J.P., Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, PO Box 800386, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Houpt, E.R., Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, PO Box 801340, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States | Detection of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) typically depends on identification of virulence genes from stool cultures, not on stool itself. We developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that detects key DEC virulence genes (stx1, stx2, eae, bfpA, ipaH, LT, STh, aaiC, aatA). The assay involved a multiplex PCR reaction followed by detection of amplicon(s) using Luminex beads. The assay was evaluated on over 100 colony and broth specimens. We then evaluated the assay using DNA extracted from stool, colony pools, and Gram-negative broths, using stool spiked with known quantities of DEC. Performance of the assay on stool DNA was most quantitative, while stool broth DNA offered the lowest limit of detection. The assay was prospectively evaluated on clinical specimens in Tanzania. Stool DNA yielded higher sensitivity than colony pools compared with broth DNA as the standard. We propose using this assay to screen for DEC directly in stool or stool broths. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. | Diarrhea; Diarrheagenic E. coli; Enteroaggregative E. coli; Enterohemorrhagic E. coli; Enteroinvasive E. coli; Enteropathogenic E. coli; Enterotoxigenic E. coli; Luminex; Multiplex PCR; PCR; Shiga toxin-producing E. coli; Shigella; Virulence genes | DNA; aaiC gene; aatA gene; amplicon; article; bacterial gene; bacterial virulence; bacterium colony; bacterium culture; bacterium detection; bfpA gene; diarrheagenic Escherichia coli; DNA extraction; eae gene; feces; feces culture; gene identification; ipaH gene; limit of detection; LT gene; multiplex polymerase chain reaction; nonhuman; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; Shigella; stx1 gene; stx2 gene; Tanzania; virulence gene; Colony Count, Microbial; Diarrhea; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Escherichia coli; Feces; Humans; Limit of Detection; Molecular Typing; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prospective Studies; Shigella; Statistics, Nonparametric | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35349012079 | Development of an analytical method for the evaluation of N,N-dimethylformamide in dosage form design | Olivier E.I., Du Toit D., Hamman J.H. | 2007 | Pharmazie | 62 | 10 | 10.1691/ph.2007.10.7013 | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Olivier, E.I., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Du Toit, D., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Hamman, J.H., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a well-known chemical entity that is extensively used for pharmaceutical, biomedical and chemical applications. Previous research identified the need for the development of an effective dosage form for the systemic delivery of DMF due to its unique antiviral properties. For purposes of quality control and evaluation during pharmaceutical product development, development of an analytical method was required. A gas chromatographic (GC) method was developed with a flame-ionization detector (FID) on a carbowax packed glass column. 2-Methoxyethanol was used as internal standard. The analytical method proved to be capable of separating DMF and 2-methoxyethanol adequately within a relatively short runtime of 2.5 min. The analytical method described was primarily developed for use in dissolution studies of DMF containing delivery systems. Various physicochemical properties of candidate internal standard materials were correlated with the observed retention times of these compounds. The best correlation (r2 = 0.8077) was obtained between the boiling point and the retention time of the compounds for the current application. The boiling point of an internal standard candidate material may therefore be useful in predicting the retention time of that compound under similar conditions. | None | 2 methoxyethanol; macrogol; n,n dimethylformamide; article; chemical analysis; drug delivery system; gas chromatography; melting point; physical chemistry; pressure; temperature sensitivity; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Chemistry, Physical; Dosage Forms; Excipients; Flame Ionization; Formamides; Indicators and Reagents; Quality Control; Reference Standards | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929990698 | Development of an appropriate methodology for measuring economic impacts of sports events: A case study of the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa | Balkaran R., Tifflin W. | 2013 | Actual Problems of Economics | 146 | 8 | None | Durban University of Technology, South Africa | Balkaran, R., Durban University of Technology, South Africa; Tifflin, W., Durban University of Technology, South Africa | Major international sporting events occur on a daily basis globally and little thought goes into the actual hosts that manage a large part of these events. Many countries view hosting these events as the spin-offs to a city or country providing benefits to them in respect of tourism and its multiplier effects. To many third world countries and cities this is seen as a source of income and a means to create employment and the opportunity to earn foreign capital. Some argue that the costs incurred by the host country/ city for providing specialised infrastructure for these events, do so with the intention of having these costs off-set with the expected benefits from the sports event. It becomes essential therefore to ensure these events are well researched in respect of their benefits and overall impact to a host before committing valuable resources that could otherwise be more appropriately used. Within South African context the major national imperatives would be boosting the economy, employment creation and poverty alleviation. The paper provides various models for measuring economic impacts in the literature and critiques them with the intention of offering a suitable model/ methodology that provides necessary feedback for suitable measurements. A case study of two major Super 14 rugby matches was used in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. © Rishidaw Balkaran, Wayne Tifflin, 2013. | Economic effects of sports; Rugby; South Africa; Sports activities | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929147808 | Development of a novel control for a matrix converter interfaced wind energy conversion system for dynamic performance enhancement | Kumar V., Joshi R.R., Bansal R.C. | 2015 | Electric Power Components and Systems | 43 | 42592 | 10.1080/15325008.2015.1016194 | Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, India; Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Kumar, V., Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, India; Joshi, R.R., Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, India; Bansal, R.C., Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article presents the development of a novel control for matrix converter interfaced permanent magnet wind energy conversion system. Here, an adaptive fuzzy control algorithm incorporated with a reversed matrix converter is proposed to yield maximum energy with enhanced dynamic performance and low harmonic characteristics. The control algorithm is implemented using a dSPACE DS1104 real-time board (dSPACE, Paderborn, Germany). Feasibility of the proposed system has been verified through simulation and experiment results using a laboratory 1.2-kW prototype of a wind energy conversion system under dynamic conditions. © 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | matrix converter; synchronous generator; wind energy conversion system; wind turbine emulator | Algorithms; Energy conversion; Fuzzy control; Matrix converters; Permanent magnets; Power converters; Synchronous generators; Wind turbines; Adaptive fuzzy control; Dspace ds1104; Dynamic condition; Dynamic performance; Low harmonics; Real time boards; Wind energy conversion system; Wind turbine emulator; Wind power | None |
| WoS | WOS:000242694600004 | Development of a participatory monitoring and evaluation strategy | Forde, Sarah,Holte-McKenzie, Merydth,Theobald, Sally | 2006 | EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING | 29 | 4 | 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2006.08.007 | Agriteam Canada Consulting Ltd, Moving Goalposts Kilifi, Univ Liverpool Liverpool Sch Trop Med | None | This paper describes the process of developing a participatory monitoring and evaluation strategy for a Kenyan youth-based NGO. The iterative nature of the study including the process of narrowing down indicators to measure and methods to monitor/evaluate these is well documented. A discussion on the extent to which the process achieved participation and was empowering for the participants reflects on existing power relationships and cultural context of Kenya and points to the need to create opportunities for youth where they engage with the broader community. Lessons that emerge out of the study focus on the importance of prioritizing monitoring and evaluation, the potential of youth to carry out effective monitoring and evaluation, and the need for researchers to engage respectfully with communities and participants. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd. | "capacity building",EMPOWERMENT,evaluation,MONITORING,participatory,YOUTH,HEALTH-CARE,"WOMENS EMPOWERMENT" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-42449099581 | Development of a performance measurement system for manufacturing systems | Oke S.A., Oyedokun I.O., Akanbi O.G., Oyawale F.A. | 2008 | International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering | 3 | 4 | 10.1504/IJISE.2008.017556 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Mezzanine Complex, Akoka-Yaba, Nigeria; Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Engineering Annex Building, Ibadan, Nigeria | Oke, S.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Mezzanine Complex, Akoka-Yaba, Nigeria; Oyedokun, I.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Mezzanine Complex, Akoka-Yaba, Nigeria; Akanbi, O.G., Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Engineering Annex Building, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oyawale, F.A., Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Engineering Annex Building, Ibadan, Nigeria | Taylor and Davis total productivity model has significant advantage over the traditional and more commonly used productivity models its holistic nature. The model incorporates elements of net sales, inventory changes, wages and salary, investor's contribution, working and fixed capital. This paper presents a unique approach in the determination of the total factor productivity for a manufacturing organisation. This study is motivated by the dearth of models comprehensive enough to cover the major aspects of business apart from the usual input-output approach of productivity analysis which is limited to the output items and material/ non-material resources. The results obtained clearly demonstrate the feasibility of applying Lagrange multiplier in optimising the variables and parameters of the model. The research has implications for decision making in several dimensions primarily it aids the utilisation of optimal solutions in arriving at decisions. This would avoid suboptimal decision making and promotes implementation of optimal decisions. This study is new, in that, it presents an enhanced version of a model that has been available to researchers several years back. © 2008, Inderscience Publishers. | Inputs; Lagrange multiplier; Manufacturing system; Output; Performance; Performance Measurement; PM; Productivity; Profitability; Taylor and Davis model | Decision making; Lagrange multipliers; Mathematical models; Optimization; Productivity; Profitability; Taylor series; Performance measurement; Productivity analysis; Manufacture | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-75149191449 | Development of a performance-rating scale for a nutrition knowledge test developed for adolescents | Whati L., Senekal M., Steyn N.P., Lombard C., Nel J. | 2009 | Public Health Nutrition | 12 | 10 | 10.1017/S1368980008004679 | CDL Unit, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa; Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Logistics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Whati, L., CDL Unit, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa; Senekal, M., Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Steyn, N.P., CDL Unit, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa; Lombard, C., Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Nel, J., Department of Logistics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Objective The objectives of the present study were to (i) develop and validate a norm-referenced performance-rating scale to interpret a nutrition knowledge test developed for urban adolescents and (ii) develop a prototype for other researchers to follow when developing nutrition knowledge tests.Design For norm development the nutrition knowledge test (questionnaire) was administered to a sample representative of the questionnaire target group, referred to as the norm group. These included 512 adolescents in grades 8 (n 158), 10 (n 149) and 12 (n 205) at three randomly selected schools in Soweto and Johannesburg. The performance scores (in percentages) obtained by the norm group were transformed to Z-scores which were categorised into stanines using established Z-score cut-off points. For validation purposes the questionnaire was completed by 148 volunteers: sixty university dietetics students, nineteen non-nutrition university students and sixty-nine primary-school teachers.Results As required of an ideal norm group, the Z-scores formed a normal distribution (a bell-shaped curve). To facilitate interpretation of the results, the Z-score cut-off points for these categories were transformed back to performance scores (percentages) so that the performance of a testee could be interpreted directly from his/her performance in percentage. As is recommended, the nine stanine categories were reduced to five: very poor, fair/below average, good/average, very good/above average and excellent. The discriminatory validity of the norms was substantiated by showing that groups with known nutrition knowledge levels were rated appropriately and that the performance ratings of these groups differed significantly, with university dietetics students scoring 98.3 %, primary-school teachers 20.3 % and non-nutrition university students 31.6 %.Conclusions The norm-referenced performance-rating scale can be used with confidence to interpret the performance score achieved by a testee on the nutrition knowledge test developed for urban adolescents in South Africa. The methodology used in the study serves as a prototype for other researchers who are developing knowledge tests. | Adolescents; Knowledge questionnaire; Nutrition knowledge; Rating scale | adolescent; adult; article; attitude to health; human; normal distribution; nutrition; nutritional science; questionnaire; reference value; South Africa; urban population; validation study; Adolescent; Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Normal Distribution; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Sciences; Questionnaires; Reference Values; South Africa; Urban Population; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941254921 | Development of a Single Vial Kit Solution for Radiolabeling of 68Ga-DKFZ-PSMA-11 and Its Performance in Prostate Cancer Patients | Ebenhan T., Vorster M., Marjanovic-Painter B., Wagener J., Suthiram J., Modiselle M., Mokaleng B., Zeevaart J.R., Sathekge M. | 2015 | Molecules | 20 | 8 | 10.3390/molecules200814860 | University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Health Sciences, Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, E-Block 6th Floor, Westville Campus, University Road, Westville, Durban, South Africa; South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Building P1600, Radiochemistry, Pelindaba, Brits, South Africa; Department of Science and Technology, Preclinical Drug Development Platform, North West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Ebenhan, T., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa, School of Health Sciences, Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, E-Block 6th Floor, Westville Campus, University Road, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Vorster, M., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa; Marjanovic-Painter, B., South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Building P1600, Radiochemistry, Pelindaba, Brits, South Africa; Wagener, J., South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Building P1600, Radiochemistry, Pelindaba, Brits, South Africa; Suthiram, J., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Building P1600, Radiochemistry, Pelindaba, Brits, South Africa; Modiselle, M., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa; Mokaleng, B., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa; Zeevaart, J.R., Department of Science and Technology, Preclinical Drug Development Platform, North West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Sathekge, M., University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Crn Malherbe and Steve Biko Rd, Pretoria, South Africa | Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a type II glycoprotein, is highly expressed in almost all prostate cancers. By playing such a universal role in the disease, PSMA provides a target for diagnostic imaging of prostate cancer using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). The PSMA-targeting ligand Glu-NH-CONH- Lys-(Ahx)-HBED-CC (DKFZ-PSMA-11) has superior imaging properties and allows for highly-specific complexation of the generator-based radioisotope Gallium-68 (68Ga). However, only module-based radiolabeling procedures are currently available. This study intended to develop a single vial kit solution to radiolabel buffered DKFZ-PSMA-11 with 68Ga. A 68Ge/68Ga-generator was utilized to yield 68GaCl3 and major aspects of the kit development were assessed, such as radiolabeling performance, quality assurance, and stability. The final product was injected into patients with prostate cancer for PET/CT imaging and the kit performance was evaluated on the basis of the expected biodistribution, lesion detection, and dose optimization. Kits containing 5 nmol DKFZ-PSMA-11 showed rapid, quantitative 68Ga-complexation and all quality measurements met the release criteria for human application. The increased precursor content did not compromise the ability of 68Ga-DKFZ-PSMA-11 PET/CT to detect primary prostate cancer and its advanced lymphaticand metastatic lesions. The 68Ga-DKFZ-PSMA-11 kit is a robust, ready-to-use diagnostic agent in prostate cancer with high diagnostic performance. © 2015 by the authors. | 68Ga-DKFZ-PSMA-11; 68Ga-HBED-CC-(Ahx)Lys-NH-CO-NH-Glu; 68Ga-PSMAHBED; PET/CT; Prostate cancer; PSMA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885752217 | Development of a software solution for solar-PV power systems sizing and monitoring | Odigwe I.A., Nnadi C.I., Agbetuyi A.F., Awelewa A.A., Idachaba F.E. | 2013 | International Journal of Renewable Energy Research | 3 | 3 | None | Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Odigwe, I.A., Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Nnadi, C.I., Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Agbetuyi, A.F., Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Awelewa, A.A., Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Idachaba, F.E., Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Power systems sizing and monitoring are very important design components in determining the overall performance of solar-photovoltaic (PV) systems. These design components represent the pre-installation and post-installation stages of solar-PV systems planning respectively, and paying adequate attention to them can go a long way to increasing the working life of solar-PV system installations. The SolarHelper developed in this work is a small software solution package that monitors and records vital system variables that will give the state and performance of an existing solar-PV installation at any given time; and it is able to accurately provide a simulated output of the required battery storage capacity, and PV array size based on load demands. | Interfacing; Microcontroller; Monitoring; Sizing software solution package; Solar-PV system | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57149095641 | Development of a water state index to assess the severity of impacts on and changes in natural water resources | Suridge A.K.J., Brent A.C. | 2008 | Water Science and Technology | 58 | 8 | 10.2166/wst.2008.741 | Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Suridge, A.K.J., Department of Plant Production and Soil Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Brent, A.C., Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa, Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Lifecycle assessment (LCA) is a standardised methodology that is used to assess the impact of techno-economic systems on the natural environment. By compiling an inventory of energy and material inputs and environmental releases or outputs of a system, and evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with the inventory, one can make an informed decision regarding the sustainability of a techno-economic system in question. However, the current lifecycle impact assessment (LCIA) methodologies that form part of LCA studies do not effectively consider the impacts of techno-economic systems on ground and surface water resources in South Africa (and elsewhere). It is proposed that a microbiology based index method, similar to methods proposed for terrestrial resources, can establish the states of water resources for six classes of current economic exploitation: protected, moderate use, degraded, cultivated, plantation, and urban. It is further suggested that changes in these classes (and states) can be used meaningfully in LCIA methodologies to quantify the extent to which techno-economic interventions may alter natural water resources. Research is recommended to further improve the accuracy and reliability of the water state index. © IWA Publishing 2008. | 16S rDNA; Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE); Environmental impact; Lifecycle assessment (LCA); Microbiology; Polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Water resources | ground water; surface water; accuracy; article; biodegradation; environmental impact assessment; environmental protection; life cycle assessment; microbial diversity; nonhuman; reliability; South Africa; sustainable development; terrestrial surface waters; tillage; urbanization; water quality; water supply; Conservation of Natural Resources; Environment; Water | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863946617 | Development of granular-medium-based impact energy management system | Mwangi F.M., Kanny K. | 2012 | International Journal of Crashworthiness | 17 | 4 | 10.1080/13588265.2012.661658 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | Mwangi, F.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Kanny, K., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | A granular-medium-based impact energy management system has been developed. The system was subjected to low-tomedium velocity regime impacts. Effects of lubrication of granules and defaulting of boundary conditions using Bravais cubic lattice structures have been investigated. Unlike traditional design platforms where heavy reliance is placed on the intrinsic properties of materials, experimental results indicate that the new system effectively relies on the underlying synergistic mechanisms to absorb and dissipate impact energy. Dynamic simulation results validate the system's practical relevance to the automotive industry and similar contexts. © 2012 Taylor & Francis. | Absorption; Bumpers; Dissipation; Granular medium; Impact energy | Cubic lattice; Design platform; Granular medium; Impact energy; Impact energy management; Intrinsic property; Synergistic mechanism; Absorption; Automobile bumpers; Automotive industry; Computer simulation; Energy dissipation; Energy management; Management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745323188 | Development of greenhouse inoculation procedures for evaluation of partial resistance to Cercospora zeae-maydis in Maize inbreds | Asea G., Lipps P.E., Pratt R.C., Gordon S.G., Adipala E. | 2005 | Journal of Phytopathology | 153 | 12-Nov | 10.1111/j.1439-0434.2005.01032.x | Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH, United States; Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH 44691, United States; Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH 44691, United States; Department of Crop Science, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Asea, G., Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH, United States, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH 44691, United States; Lipps, P.E., Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH, United States, Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH 44691, United States; Pratt, R.C., Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH, United States, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH 44691, United States; Gordon, S.G., Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH, United States, Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH 44691, United States; Adipala, E., Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, OARDC, Wooster, OH, United States, Department of Crop Science, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effects of inoculation methods on incubation period, lesion length, percentage leaf area affected and sporulation of Cercospora zeae-maydis on young maize (Zea mays L.) plants inoculated at V3 growth stage. Seedling plants were inoculated by four methods: (i) application of conidial suspension while puncturing the leaves within the whorl several times, (ii) spraying conidial suspension on leaves, (iii) placing colonized agar into lateral slits in leaves and (iv) placing colonized agar into whorls. Analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of genotype and inoculation method on several components of resistance and overall disease severity. Application of conidial suspension while puncturing the whorl was found to be the least laborious method, and it produced characteristic symptoms of gray leaf spot. Consistent trends were observed in classification of inbreds to resistant, susceptible and intermediate classes. Increasing the duration of exposure to high humidity by placing plastic bags over plants for 5 days significantly increased disease severity (P ≤ 0.001). Cercospora zeae-maydis produced conidia in all the lesions examined. Spore production was generally most abundant in lesions on susceptible inbreds that displayed necrotic lesion types (LT) and least abundant in lesions on resistant inbreds that were characterized by chlorotic and fleck LTs. The results demonstrated that inoculations in the greenhouse can provide an indication of inbred responses to C. zeae-maydis and may be useful in evaluating resistance and in studies of host-pathogen interactions. © 2005 Blackwell Verlag. | Gray leaf spot; Host resistance; Inoculation methods | disease resistance; disease severity; genotype; greenhouse effect; host-pathogen interaction; incubation; inoculation; leaf area; lesion; maize; seedling emergence; variance analysis; Bacteria (microorganisms); Cercospora zeae-maydis; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547619591 | Development of performance-based tests for nontraditional road additives | Jones D. | 2007 | Transportation Research Record | 2 | 1989 | 10.3141/1989-58 | Transported, CSIR, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Jones, D., Transported, CSIR, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Nontraditional road additives (chemical stabilizers and dust palliatives) are applied to unsealed roads to reduce dust levels and gravel loss and improve riding quality and all-weather passability. However, the level of research conducted on additives and documentation derived from it are often unsatisfactory. A review of studies revealed that similar procedures were followed, which entailed routine laboratory tests on a locally available material, followed by a field test during which the period of effectiveness was assessed. No documented test methods exist specifically for these additives. Researchers tend to adapt methods developed for cementitious and asphaltic additives or compare before- and after-treatment results on standard indicator tests. Results rarely correlate with field performance, necessitating construction of full-scale experiments before making a decision on applying the additives on a wider scale. Invariably, a new experiment must be constructed each time conditions such as material, traffic, and climate change. A series of performance-based laboratory tests for nontraditional road additives has been developed, and results have been compared with performance in full-scale experiments. Results are compared with untreated controls or traditional stabilizers. The tests have been incorporated into a research protocol as well as a ht-for-purpose certification system for road additives. They are sensitive enough to assess performance at different application rates and to compare the performance of different additives on the same material. Tentative limits for decision making have been developed on the basis of comparisons of test results with performance on full-scale sections. | None | Climate change; Decision making; Dust; Gravel; Roads and streets; Gravel loss; Laboratory tests; Additives | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948148359 | Development of reliable evaluation tools in legal interpreting: A test case | Salaets H., Balogh K. | 2015 | Translation and Interpreting | 7 | 3 | 10.12807/ti.107203.2015.a08 | KU Leuven, Antwerp Campus, Belgium; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Salaets, H., KU Leuven, Antwerp Campus, Belgium, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Balogh, K., KU Leuven, Antwerp Campus, Belgium | In recent decades, test design, assessment and evaluation procedures have received much attention and have focused on concepts such as quality, validity and reliability. Obviously this is also true for the highly complex testing of interpreters' skills, including legal interpreting. In this paper, we will first discuss the significant changes that have been made in the final examination procedure at the end of the LIT (Legal Interpreting and Translation) course at KULeuven, Antwerp campus, which have been complemented by an introductory workshop for the graders. It is important to mention that graders can be language experts as well as external legal experts (judges, prosecutors, police officers, lawyers, etc.) The comparison of the scores of candidates between 2008 and 2013 (a period in which different evaluation grids were used) shows a tendency towards more overall failures. In addition to this, an analysis of the graders' comments demonstrates that results are more consistent and that graders' comments mirror the results better. The new evaluation method clearly leaves less room for grader subjectivity, which presumably points to the fact that candidates are tested in a more transparent and reliable way. Follow-up research (in grader focus groups) and observations of the actual evaluation process will enable us to ensure that graders are comfortable with the new method and to check if they use it in a consistent way. Verifying whether the overall procedure actually produces better and more competent legal interpreters is a further important step needed to complete this research project. | Evaluation procedure; Legal interpreting; Quality; Reliability; Validity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889867606 | Development of the learning programme management and evaluation scale for the South African skills development context | Tshilongamulenzhe M.C., Coetzee M., Masenge A. | 2013 | SA Journal of Industrial Psychology | 39 | 1 | 10.4102/sajip.v39i1.1080 | Department of Human Resource Management, University of South Africa, South Africa; Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of South Africa, South Africa; Office of Graduate Studies and Research, University of South Africa, South Africa | Tshilongamulenzhe, M.C., Department of Human Resource Management, University of South Africa, South Africa; Coetzee, M., Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of South Africa, South Africa; Masenge, A., Office of Graduate Studies and Research, University of South Africa, South Africa | Research purpose: The present study developed and tested the construct validity and reliability of the learning programme management and evaluation (LPME) scale. Motivation for the study: The LPME scale was developed to measure and enhance the effectiveness of the management and evaluation of occupational learning programmes in the South African skills development context. Currently no such instrument exists in the South African skills development context; hence there is a need for it. Research design, approach and method: This study followed a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design using primary data. The LPME scale was administered to a sample of 652 skills development practitioners and learners or apprentices drawn from six organisations representing at least five economic sectors in South Africa. Data were analysed using SPSS and Rasch modelling to test the validity and reliability of the new scale. Main findings: The findings show that the LPME scale is a valid and reliable 11-dimensional measure comprising 81 items. Practical/managerial implications: In view of the seriousness of the skills shortage challenge facing South Africa, this study provides a solid base upon which skills development practitioners can effectively manage and evaluate occupational learning programmes. Furthermore, the newly developed LPME scale provides a basis for further human resource development research in the quest for a solution to the skills shortage challenge. Contribution/value-add: This study contributes by developing a new scale and testing its validity and reliability. As a valid and reliable measure, the LPME scale can be applied with confidence in various South African workplaces. © 2013. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649673081 | Developments at ISO/REMCO and its impact on the production and use of geological reference materials | Botha A. | 2010 | Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research | 34 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1751-908X.2010.00088.x | National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA), Private Bag X34, Lynnwood Ridge 0040, South Africa | Botha, A., National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA), Private Bag X34, Lynnwood Ridge 0040, South Africa | During the past decade the work of ISO/REMCO, the International Organization for Standardization's Technical Committee on Reference Materials, was dedicated to achieving global harmonisation, and true involvement of the member countries. The first major accomplishment was the clarification of the terminology in the definitions for reference material and certified reference material, which were published as an amendment to ISO Guide 30in 2008. The next milestone was the recognition that ISO Guide 34 ('General requirements for the competence of reference material producers') be used in conjunction with ISO/IEC 17025 for the accreditation of reference material producers. The third edition of ISO Guide 34 published in November 2009, clarifies the acceptable procedures for the certification of reference materials. This paper will discuss the role of ISO/REMCO in formalising the procedures for the accreditation of reference material producers and the evolution of the terms reference material and certified reference material. The paper will conclude with a case study, where a primary method in a single laboratory - one of the recognised acceptable metrologically valid procedures according to ISO Guide 34 - was used for the certification of reference materials. The reference materials are South African Reference Material SARM 2 (Syenite), SARM 3 (Lujavrite) and SARM 4 (Norite) from the suite of six NIMROCs that were originally certified by the Council for Mineral Technology (MINTEK) in South Africa in the 1970s. © 2010 The Author. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research © 2010 International Association of Geoanalysts. | Accreditation; Guidance documents; ISO/REMCO; Metrologically valid procedures; Reference materials | Certified reference materials; Geological reference material; Guidance document; International organization for standardizations; ISO/IEC 17025; ISO/REMCO; Lujavrite; Member countries; Metrologically valid procedures; Reference material; Reference materials; South Africa; South African Reference Materials; Technical committees; Accreditation; International cooperation; Nepheline syenite; Materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71749120941 | Device and performance parameters of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2-based solar cells with varying i-ZnO layer thickness | Macabebe E.Q.B., Sheppard C.J., van Dyk E.E. | 2009 | Physica B: Condensed Matter | 404 | 22 | 10.1016/j.physb.2009.09.041 | Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Macabebe, E.Q.B., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa; Sheppard, C.J., Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; van Dyk, E.E., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa | In pursuit of low-cost and highly efficient thin film solar cells, Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2/CdS/i-ZnO/ZnO:Al (CIGSS) solar cells were fabricated using a two-step process. The thickness of i-ZnO layer was varied from 0 to 454 nm. The current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the devices were measured, and the device and performance parameters of the solar cells were obtained from the J-V curves to analyze the effect of varying i-ZnO layer thickness. The device parameters were determined using a parameter extraction method that utilized particle swarm optimization. The method is a curve-fitting routine that employed the two-diode model. The J-V curves of the solar cells were fitted with the model and the parameters were determined. Results show that as the thickness of i-ZnO was increased, the average efficiency and the fill factor (FF) of the solar cells increase. Device parameters reveal that although the series resistance increased with thicker i-ZnO layer, the solar cells absorbed more photons resulting in higher short-circuit current density (Jsc) and, consequently, higher photo-generated current density (JL). For solar cells with 303-454 nm-thick i-ZnO layer, the best devices achieved efficiency between 15.24% and 15.73% and the fill factor varied between 0.65 and 0.67. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Cu(In; Device performance; Ga)(SeS)2; i-ZnO window layer; Parameter extraction; Solar cells; Two-diode model | Device performance; Ga)(SeS)<sub>2</sub>; Two-diode model; Window layer; ZnO; Cells; Copper; Current voltage characteristics; Curve fitting; Cytology; Diodes; Gallium; Multiphoton processes; Parameter extraction; Particle swarm optimization (PSO); Semiconducting selenium compounds; Semiconducting zinc compounds; Silicon solar cells; Switching circuits; Windows; Zinc oxide; Solar cells | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945410130 | Diabetes: knowledge, psychosocial impact, and attitude of patients | Achigbu E.O., Oputa R.N., Achigbu K.I., Ahuche I.U. | 2015 | International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries | 35 | None | 10.1007/s13410-015-0368-2 | Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Achigbu, E.O., Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Oputa, R.N., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Achigbu, K.I., Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ahuche, I.U., Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | The scourge of diabetes has been increasing worldwide with a tendency to double, from 176 to 370 million people by 2030 according to WHO prediction. In Nigeria, only 20 % of the 3.2 million estimated to have diabetes are aware of it. Among those already diagnosed, about 50 % have poor glycaemic control attributable to poor diabetes self-management despite effective medication. Diabetes self-management in addition to medical therapy, lifestyle modification and education are key to the management of diabetes. This study aims to determine the knowledge, psychosocial impact and attitude of people with diabetes to diabetes with a view to make recommendations for a more encompassing patient-based management of diabetes. A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire in the endocrinology clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, interviewed 104 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with diabetes who willingly consented to the study. One hundred and four patients with an equal male to female ratio were interviewed. The 41–60-year (78.8 %) age group and traders (66.3 %) constituted the greatest number. Majority (58.7 %) heard of diabetes prior to their diagnosis, but many (41.3 %) did not. This knowledge was significantly associated with occupation (0.022). Many (84.6 %) were willing to disclose diagnosis to family and friends as well as join a support group (61.5 %). But, the major reason for this inclination was wrong. Many never heard of diabetes prior to their diagnosis. In spite of being aware, a diagnosis of diabetes is associated with different emotional responses and attitudes including willingness to disclose their diagnosis and get support. Appropriate treatment based on current medical knowledge, self-management education and development of diabetic support groups is recommended. © 2015, Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India. | Attitude; Diabetes; Knowledge; Psychology | None | None |
| None | None | Diagnosing Severe Falciparum Malaria in Parasitaemic African Children: A Prospective Evaluation of Plasma PfHRP2 Measurement | Hendriksen I.C.E., Mwanga-Amumpaire J., von Seidlein L., Mtove G., White L.J., Olaosebikan R., Lee S.J., Tshefu A.K., Woodrow C., Amos B., Karema C., Saiwaew S., Maitland K., Gomes E., Pan-Ngum W., Gesase S., Silamut K., Reyburn H., Joseph S., Chotivanich | 2012 | PLoS Medicine | 9 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001297 | Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Epicentre Research Base, Mbarara, Uganda; Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia; National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Centre, Tanga, Tanzania; Medical Research Council Laboratories, Banjul, Gambia; Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kingasani Research Centre, Kinshasa, Congo; Teule Hospital, Muheza, Tanzania; Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Hospital Central da Beira, Beira, Mozambique; National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania; London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council, London, United Kingdom | Hendriksen, I.C.E., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Mwanga-Amumpaire, J., Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Epicentre Research Base, Mbarara, Uganda; von Seidlein, L., Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT, Australia; Mtove, G., National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Centre, Tanga, Tanzania; White, L.J., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Olaosebikan, R., Medical Research Council Laboratories, Banjul, Gambia; Lee, S.J., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Tshefu, A.K., Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kingasani Research Centre, Kinshasa, Congo; Woodrow, C., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Amos, B., Teule Hospital, Muheza, Tanzania; Karema, C., Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda; Saiwaew, S., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Maitland, K., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Gomes, E., Hospital Central da Beira, Beira, Mozambique; Pan-Ngum, W., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Gesase, S., National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania; Silamut, K., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Reyburn, H., London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom; Joseph, S., Medical Research Council, London, United Kingdom; Chotivanich, K., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Fanello, C.I., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Day, N.P.J., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; White, N.J., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Dondorp, A.M., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom | Background: In African children, distinguishing severe falciparum malaria from other severe febrile illnesses with coincidental Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia is a major challenge. P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) is released by mature sequestered parasites and can be used to estimate the total parasite burden. We investigated the prognostic significance of plasma PfHRP2 and used it to estimate the malaria-attributable fraction in African children diagnosed with severe malaria. Methods and Findings: Admission plasma PfHRP2 was measured prospectively in African children (from Mozambique, The Gambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) aged 1 month to 15 years with severe febrile illness and a positive P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH)-based rapid test in a clinical trial comparing parenteral artesunate versus quinine (the AQUAMAT trial, ISRCTN 50258054). In 3,826 severely ill children, Plasmadium falciparum PfHRP2 was higher in patients with coma (p = 0.0209), acidosis (p<0.0001), and severe anaemia (p<0.0001). Admission geometric mean (95%CI) plasma PfHRP2 was 1,611 (1,350-1,922) ng/mL in fatal cases (n = 381) versus 1,046 (991-1,104) ng/mL in survivors (n = 3,445, p<0.0001), without differences in parasitaemia as assessed by microscopy. There was a U-shaped association between log10 plasma PfHRP2 and risk of death. Mortality increased 20% per log10 increase in PfHRP2 above 174 ng/mL (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.21, 95%CI 1.05-1.39, p = 0.009). A mechanistic model assuming a PfHRP2-independent risk of death in non-malaria illness closely fitted the observed data and showed malaria-attributable mortality less than 50% with plasma PfHRP2≤174 ng/mL. The odds ratio (OR) for death in artesunate versus quinine-treated patients was 0.61 (95%CI 0.44-0.83, p = 0.0018) in the highest PfHRP2 tertile, whereas there was no difference in the lowest tertile (OR 1.05; 95%CI 0.69-1.61; p = 0.82). A limitation of the study is that some conclusions are drawn from a mechanistic model, which is inherently dependent on certain assumptions. However, a sensitivity analysis of the model indicated that the results were robust to a plausible range of parameter estimates. Further studies are needed to validate our findings. Conclusions: Plasma PfHRP2 has prognostic significance in African children with severe falciparum malaria and provides a tool to stratify the risk of "true" severe malaria-attributable disease as opposed to other severe illnesses in parasitaemic African children. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary. © 2012 Hendriksen et al. | None | artesunate; Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2; protozoal protein; quinine; unclassified drug; acidosis; adolescent; Africa; anemia; article; child; clinical trial; coma; death; disease severity; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; human; infant; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; microscopy; morbidity; mortality; newborn; parasite load; parasitemia; preschool child; prognosis; prospective study; school child; sensitivity analysis; shock; Adolescent; Africa; Antigens, Protozoan; Artemisinins; Child; Child, Preschool; Demography; Female; Humans; Infant; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Models, Biological; Odds Ratio; Parasitemia; Prospective Studies; Protozoan Proteins; Quinine; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873244465 | Diagnosing Xpert MTB/RIF-negative TB: Impact and cost of alternative algorithms for South Africa | Schnippel K., Meyer-Rath G., Long L., Stevens W.S., Sanne I., Rosen S. | 2013 | South African Medical Journal | 103 | 2 | 10.7196/SAMJ.6182 | Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, United States; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Schnippel, K., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meyer-Rath, G., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, United States; Long, L., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Stevens, W.S., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sanne, I., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, United States; Rosen, S., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, United States | Background. Use of Xpert MTB/RIF is being scaled up throughout South Africa for improved diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). A large proportion of HIV-infected patients with possible TB are Xpert-negative on their initial test, and the existing diagnostic algorithm calls for these patients to have sputum culture (Xpert followed by culture (X/C)). We modelled the costs and impact of an alternative diagnostic algorithm in which these cultures are replaced with a second Xpert test (Xpert followed by Xpert (X/X)). Methods. An existing population-level decision model was used. Costs were estimated from Xpert implementation studies and public sector price and salary data. The number of patients requiring diagnosis was estimated from the literature, as were rates of TB treatment uptake and loss to follow-up. TB and HIV positivity rates were estimated from the national TB register and laboratory databases. Results. At national programme scale in 2014, X/X (R969 million/year) is less expensive than X/C R1 095 million/year), potentially saving R126 million/year (USDoller17.4 million). However, because Xpert is less sensitive than culture, X/X diagnoses 2% fewer TB cases. This is partly offset by higher expected treatment uptake with X/X due to the faster availability of results, resulting in 1% more patients initiating treatment under X/X than X/C. The cost per TB patient initiated on treatment under X/X is R2 682, which is 12% less than under X/C (R3 046). Conclusions. Modifying the diagnostic algorithm from X/C to X/X could provide rapid results, simplify diagnostic processes, improve HIV/TB treatment outcomes, and generate cost savings. | None | isoniazid; rifampicin; acid fast bacterium; algorithm; article; bacterium culture; cost; diagnostic test; Human immunodeficiency virus; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; organization and management; salary; sensitivity analysis; South Africa; thorax radiography; tuberculosis; Xpert test; Algorithms; Cost of Illness; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; South Africa; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant | None |
| None | None | Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of acute kidney injury: A KDIGO summary (Part 1) | Kellum J.A., Lameire N., Aspelin P., Barsoum R.S., Burdmann E.A., Goldstein S.L., Herzog C.A., Joannidis M., Kribben A., Levey A.S., Macleod A.M., Mehta R.L., Murray P.T., Naicker S., Opal S.M., Schaefer F., Schetz M., Uchino S. | 2012 | Critical Care | 17 | 1 | 10.1186/cc11454 | The Crisma Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 604 Scaife Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent B9000, Belgium; Karolinska Institute, Sweden; Cairo University, Egypt; University of São Paulo, Brazil; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, United States; Hennepin County Medical Center, MN, United States; Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany; Tufts University, MA, United States; University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom; University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; University College Dublin, Ireland; University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Brown University, RI, United States; Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany; University of Leuven, Belgium; Jikei University, School of Medicine, Japan | Kellum, J.A., The Crisma Center, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 604 Scaife Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Lameire, N., Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent B9000, Belgium; Aspelin, P., Karolinska Institute, Sweden; Barsoum, R.S., Cairo University, Egypt; Burdmann, E.A., University of São Paulo, Brazil; Goldstein, S.L., Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, United States; Herzog, C.A., Hennepin County Medical Center, MN, United States; Joannidis, M., Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Kribben, A., University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany; Levey, A.S., Tufts University, MA, United States; Macleod, A.M., University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom; Mehta, R.L., University of California, San Diego, CA, United States; Murray, P.T., University College Dublin, Ireland; Naicker, S., University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Opal, S.M., Brown University, RI, United States; Schaefer, F., Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany; Schetz, M., University of Leuven, Belgium; Uchino, S., Jikei University, School of Medicine, Japan | Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious problem affecting millions and causing death and disability for many. In 2012, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes completed the first ever, international, multidisciplinary, clinical practice guideline for AKI. The guideline is based on evidence review and appraisal, and covers AKI definition, risk assessment, evaluation, prevention, and treatment. In this review we summarize key aspects of the guideline including definition and staging of AKI, as well as evaluation and nondialytic management. Contrast-induced AKI and management of renal replacement therapy will be addressed in a separate review. Treatment recommendations are based on systematic reviews of relevant trials. Appraisal of the quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Limitations of the evidence are discussed and a detailed rationale for each recommendation is provided. © 2013 BioMed Central Ltd. | None | albumin; amiloride plus hydrochlorothiazide; aminoglycoside; amphotericin; contrast medium; creatinine; dopamine; fenoldopam mesilate; furosemide; hetastarch; hypertensive factor; insulin; interleukin 18; mannitol; nesiritide; noradrenalin; rolofylline; theophylline; creatine; diuretic agent; glucose blood level; vasoconstrictor agent; vasodilator agent; acute kidney failure; article; blood cell count; burn; contrast induced nephropathy; creatinine blood level; disease severity; fluid resuscitation; follow up; glycemic control; heart surgery; human; hyperglycemia; insulin treatment; kidney function; oxygenation; practice guideline; priority journal; prognosis; renal protection; renal replacement therapy; risk assessment; sepsis; shock; urea nitrogen blood level; urine volume; Acute Kidney Injury; analysis; blood; decision support system; fluid therapy; glucose blood level; nutritional support; off pump coronary surgery; practice guideline; urine; Acute Kidney Injury; Blood Glucose; Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump; Creatine; Decision Support Techniques; Diuretics; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Nutritional Support; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Risk Assessment; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilator Agents | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943570139 | Diagnosis of O. volvulus infection via skin exposure to diethylcarbamazine: Clinical evaluation of a transdermal delivery technology-based patch | Awadzi K., Opoku N.O., Attah S.K., Lazdins-Helds J.K., Kuesel A.C. | 2015 | Parasites and Vectors | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13071-015-1122-9 | Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre, Hohoe, Ghana; Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/ WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Awadzi, K., Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre, Hohoe, Ghana; Opoku, N.O., Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre, Hohoe, Ghana; Attah, S.K., Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre, Hohoe, Ghana, Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Lazdins-Helds, J.K., UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/ WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Kuesel, A.C., UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/ WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Background: Elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa is now regarded as an achievable goal in many areas. This makes monitoring changes in infection prevalence a key component of control programmes. Monitoring is currently based on determining the presence of O. volvulus microfilariae in skin snips, an invasive, labour-intensive method. The Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) had established procedures to detect O. volvulus infections via the localized skin reaction induced by killing of microfilariae upon skin exposure to diethylcarbamazine via a patch (OCP-patch). Large scale OCP - patch use is difficult due to labour-intensive patch preparation. At the request of TDR, a manufacturer specialized in transdermal-delivery systems developed a ready-to-use diethylcarbamazine (DEC) containing patch (LTS-2 patch). To qualify this patch for large scale studies of its sensitivity and specificity, this study evaluated its ease of application, ability to detect infection and DEC exposure related adverse reactions compared to the OCP-patch in 30 infected individuals. Methods: Each participant with 0.2-36.8 O. volvulus microfilariae/mg skin received the OCP-patch and 4 days later the LTS-2 patch at the left and right iliac crest, respectively, for 24 h. Presence and characteristics of local skin reactions were assessed at patch removal and 6 h later. Skin reaction and Mazzotti reaction rates were compared with Fisher's exact and a paired t-test, respectively. Results: The LTS-2 patch could be applied within 10 s. Mild itching occured at 63.3 % of OCP-patch (duration 8.9∈±∈11.8 h) and 26.7 % of LTS-2 patch sites (duration 1.0∈±∈2.5 h) and was the most frequent Mazzotti reaction. At patch removal after 24 h, a diagnostic local skin reaction was present under 90 % of OCP-patches and 83 % of LTS-2 patches; 6 h later, it was present at 93 % of OCP-patch and 100 % of LTS-2 patch sites. Conclusions: The data suggest that safety, tolerability and ability to detect infections of the LTS-2 patch are comparable to those of the OCP-patch. They qualify the LTS-2 patch for field studies to determine LTS-2 patch sensitivity, specificity and utility during large scale use and thus to inform use of the LTS-2 patch by onchocerciasis control programmes to determine prevalence of infection. Trial registration: Current controlled Trials ISRCTN76875372. © 2015 World Health Organization; licensee BioMed Central. | Africa; Diagnosis; Diethylcarbamazine patch; Onchocerciasis; Transdermal-delivery | diethylcarbamazine; adult; Article; clinical article; clinical evaluation; drug effect; drug exposure; drug safety; drug tolerability; female; human; human tissue; iliac crest; male; microfilaria (nematode larva); onchocerciasis; pruritus; sensitivity and specificity; skin edema; skin manifestation; transdermal patch | None |
| None | None | Diagnosis of tuberculosis by trained African giant pouched rats and confounding impact of pathogens and microflora of the respiratory tract | Mgode G.F., Weetjens B.J., Nawrath T., Cox C., Jubitana M., Machang'u R.S., Cohen-Bacrie S., Bedotto M., Drancourt M., Schulz S., Kaufmann S.H.E. | 2012 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 50 | 2 | 10.1128/JCM.01199-11 | Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Anti-Persoonmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikelling (APOPO Vzw), Antwerp, Belgium; Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; URMITE UMR CNRS 6236, IHU POLMIT, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France | Mgode, G.F., Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany, Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Weetjens, B.J., Anti-Persoonmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikelling (APOPO Vzw), Antwerp, Belgium; Nawrath, T., Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; Cox, C., Anti-Persoonmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikelling (APOPO Vzw), Antwerp, Belgium; Jubitana, M., Anti-Persoonmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikelling (APOPO Vzw), Antwerp, Belgium; Machang'u, R.S., Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Cohen-Bacrie, S., URMITE UMR CNRS 6236, IHU POLMIT, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Bedotto, M., URMITE UMR CNRS 6236, IHU POLMIT, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Drancourt, M., URMITE UMR CNRS 6236, IHU POLMIT, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France; Schulz, S., Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; Kaufmann, S.H.E., Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany | Trained African giant-pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis and show potential for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). However, rats' ability to discriminate between clinical sputum containing other Mycobacterium spp. and nonmycobacterial species of the respiratory tract is unknown. It is also unknown whether nonmycobacterial species produce odor similar to M. tuberculosis and thereby cause the detection of smear-negative sputum. Sputum samples from 289 subjects were analyzed by smear microscopy, culture, and rats. Mycobacterium spp. were isolated on Lowenstein-Jensen medium, and nonmycobacterial species were isolated on four different media. The odor from nonmycobacterial species from smear- and M. tuberculosis culture-negative sputa detected by ≥2 rats ("rat positive") was analyzed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry and compared to the M. tuberculosis odor. Rats detected 45 of 56 confirmed cases of TB, 4 of 5 suspected cases of TB, and 63 of 228 TB-negative subjects (sensitivity, 80.4%; specificity, 72.4%; accuracy, 73.9%; positive predictive value, 41.7%; negative predictive value, 93.8%). A total of 37 (78.7%) of 47 mycobacterial isolates were M. tuberculosis complex, with 75.7% from rat-positive sputa. Ten isolates were nontuberculous mycobacteria, one was M. intracellulare, one was M. avium subsp. hominissuis, and eight were unidentified. Rat-positive sputa with Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp. were associated with TB. Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Streptomyces, Staphylococcus, and Candida spp. from rat-positive sputa did not produce M. tuberculosis-specific volatiles (methyl nicotinate, methyl para-anisate, and ortho-phenylanisole). Prevalence of Mycobacterium-related Nocardia and Rhodococcus in smear-negative sputa did not equal that of smear-negative mycobacteria (44.7%), of which 28.6% were rat positive. These findings and the absence of M. tuberculosis-specific volatiles in nonmycobacterial species indicate that rats can be trained to specifically detect M. tuberculosis. Copyright © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | methyl 4 anisate; nicotinic acid methyl ester; phenylanisole; unclassified drug; volatile agent; adolescent; adult; article; bacterium culture; bacterium detection; bacterium isolation; Candida; child; controlled study; Cricetomys gambianus; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; Enterococcus; female; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; mass fragmentography; microflora; Moraxella catarrhalis; Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium avium hominissuis; Mycobacterium intracellulare; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Nocardia; odor; predictive value; preschool child; priority journal; rat; respiratory tract microflora; Rhodococcus; school child; sensitivity and specificity; species distribution; sputum smear; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptomyces; tuberculosis; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animal Experimentation; Animals; Bacteria; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Rats; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Tuberculosis; Young Adult; Candida; Corynebacterineae; Cricetomys gambianus; Enterococcus; Moraxella catarrhalis; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium intracellulare; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex; Nocardia; Rattus; Rhodococcus; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptomyces | None |
| None | None | Diagnostic model for assessing traceability system performance in fish processing plants | Mgonja J.T., Luning P., Van Der Vorst J.G.A.J. | 2013 | Journal of Food Engineering | 118 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2013.04.009 | Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3073, Morogoro, Tanzania; Product Design and Quality Management Group, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Bomenweg 2, NL-6700 EV Wageningen, Netherlands; Logistics and Operations Research, Logistics, Decision and Information Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands | Mgonja, J.T., Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3073, Morogoro, Tanzania; Luning, P., Product Design and Quality Management Group, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Bomenweg 2, NL-6700 EV Wageningen, Netherlands; Van Der Vorst, J.G.A.J., Logistics and Operations Research, Logistics, Decision and Information Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands | This paper introduces a diagnostic tool that can be used by fish processing companies to evaluate their own traceability systems in a systematic manner. The paper begins with discussions on the rationale of traceability systems in food manufacturing companies, followed by a detailed analysis of the most important indicators in the designing and executing traceability systems. The diagnostic tool is presented in four grids through which fish companies can evaluate their own developed traceability system. The paper argues that if a company operates at a higher level of contextual factors, then design and execution of traceability system needs to be at a higher level as well so as to achieve a higher level of traceability system performance. The paper concludes that companies that are able to systematically assess their own developed traceability systems are able to determine food safety problems well in advance, and thereby take appropriate corrective actions. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Fish processing plants; Traceability system design | Contextual factors; Corrective actions; Diagnostic model; Diagnostic tools; Fish processing; Food manufacturing; Safety problems; Traceability systems; Diagnostic products; Fish products; Industry | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901269592 | Diagnostic Performance of Schistosoma Real-Time PCR in Urine Samples from Kenyan Children Infected with Schistosoma haematobium: Day-to-day Variation and Follow-up after Praziquantel Treatment | Vinkeles Melchers N.V.S., van Dam G.J., Shaproski D., Kahama A.I., Brienen E.A.T., Vennervald B.J., van Lieshout L. | 2014 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 8 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002807 | Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc. (Aqua Health Victoria Site), Victoria, PE, Canada | Vinkeles Melchers, N.V.S., Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; van Dam, G.J., Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Shaproski, D., Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Kahama, A.I., Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya, Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc. (Aqua Health Victoria Site), Victoria, PE, Canada; Brienen, E.A.T., Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands; Vennervald, B.J., Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; van Lieshout, L., Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden, Netherlands | Background:In an effort to enhance accuracy of diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium, this study explores day-to-day variability and diagnostic performance of real-time PCR for detection and quantification of Schistosoma DNA compared to other diagnostic tools in an endemic area before and after treatment.Methodology:Previously collected urine samples (N = 390) from 114 preselected proven parasitological and/or clinical S. haematobium positive Kenyan schoolchildren were analyzed by a Schistosoma internal transcribed spacer-based real-time PCR after 14 years of storage. Pre-treatment day-to-day fluctuations of PCR and microscopy over three consecutive days were measured for 24 children using intra-class correlation coefficient. A combined 'gold standard' (PCR and/or microscopy positive) was used to measure sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of several diagnostic tools at baseline, two and 18 months post-treatment with praziquantel.Principal Findings:All 24 repeatedly tested children were PCR-positive over three days with little daily variation in median Ct-values, while 83.3% were found to be egg-positive for S. haematobium at day 1 and 75.0% at day 2 and 3 pre-treatment, signifying daily fluctuations in microscopy diagnosis. Of all 114 preselected schoolchildren, repeated microscopic measurements were required to detect 96.5% versus 100% of positive pre-treatment cases by single PCR. At two months post-treatment, microscopy and PCR detected 22.8% versus 69.3% positive children, respectively. Based on the 'gold standard', PCR showed high sensitivity (>92%) as compared to >31% sensitivity for microscopy, both pre- and post-treatment.Conclusions/Significance:Detection and quantification of Schistosoma DNA in urine by real-time PCR was shown to be a powerful and specific diagnostic tool for detection of S. haematobium infections, with less day-to-day variation and higher sensitivity compared to microscopy. The superior performance of PCR before, and two and 18 months post-treatment provides a compelling argument for PCR as an accurate and reproducible tool for monitoring treatment efficacy. © 2014 Vinkeles Melchers et al. | None | antigen; circulating soluble egg antigen; praziquantel; unclassified drug; article; child; data analysis; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; follow up; hematuria; human; major clinical study; male; predictive value; real time polymerase chain reaction; Schistosoma; schistosomiasis haematobia; sensitivity and specificity; Adolescent; Animals; Anthelmintics; Child; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; Drug Monitoring; Female; Humans; Kenya; Male; Microscopy; Parasitology; Praziquantel; Predictive Value of Tests; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retrospective Studies; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Sensitivity and Specificity; Urine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908133635 | Diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculous lymphadenitis on fine needle aspirates from Ethiopia | Biadglegne F., Mulu A., Rodloff A.C., Sack U. | 2014 | Tuberculosis | 94 | 5 | 10.1016/j.tube.2014.05.002 | College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Institute of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Institute of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM)-Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany | Biadglegne, F., College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Institute of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM)-Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Mulu, A., College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Rodloff, A.C., Institute of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Sack, U., Institute of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM)-Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany | The Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) test is a novel automated molecular diagnostic recently endorsed by the World Health Organization for rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Nevertheless, performance related data from high TB prevalence regions to investigate clinically suspected TB lymphadenitis are limited. To evaluate the performance of Xpert test for direct detection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance in lymph node aspirates, a cross-sectional study was conducted at four main hospitals in northern Ethiopia. Culture served as a reference standard for growth of MTBC and phenotypic and MTBDRplus drug susceptibility testing for detecting RIF resistance. Two-hundred-thirty-one fine needle aspirate (FNAs) specimens were processed simultaneously for smear, culture, and Xpert test. When compared to culture, the Xpert test correctly identified 29 out of 32 culture positive cases, 5 out of 11 contaminated cases, and 56 out of 188 culture negative cases. The overall sensitivity of the test was 93.5% [95% CI, 78.3-98.9%] and specificity 69.2% [95% CI, 66.4-70.0%]. The Xpert test identified the rpoB mutations associated with RIF resistance concordant with GenoType MTBDRplus and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing. In conclusion, the Xpert assay was found to perform well in detecting MTBC and RIF resistance in TB lymphadenitis patients. Furthermore, the test is simple and suitable to use in remote and rural areas for the diagnosis of TB lymphadenitis directly from FNAs in Ethiopia where TB/MDR-TB is rampant. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Fine needle aspirates; TB lymphadenitis; Xpert test | rifampicin; RNA polymerase beta subunit; bacterial protein; diagnostic kit; rifampicin; rpoB protein, Mycobacterium tuberculosis; tuberculostatic agent; adolescent; adolescent; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; antibiotic sensitivity; Article; Article; bacterial growth; bacterial growth; bacterium culture; bacterium culture; bacterium detection; bacterium detection; controlled study; controlled study; cross-sectional study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; diagnostic value; Ethiopia; Ethiopia; female; female; fine needle aspiration biopsy; fine needle aspiration biopsy; gene mutation; gene mutation; human; human; lymph node biopsy; lymph node biopsy; major clinical study; major clinical study; male; male; molecular diagnosis; molecular diagnosis; multicenter study; multicenter study; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis test kit; Mycobacterium tuberculosis test kit; nonhuman; nonhuman; phenotype; phenotype; sensitivity and specificity; sensitivity and specificity; tuberculous lymphadenitis; tuberculous lymphadenitis; antibiotic resistance; cell culture; clinical trial; comparative study; diagnostic kit; drug effects; evaluation study; fine needle aspiration biopsy; genetics; genotype; isolation and purification; lymph node; microbial sensitivity test; microbiology; mutation; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nucleotide sequence; predictive value; prevalence; procedures; real time polymerase chain reaction; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Adolescent; Antitubercular Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Cells, Cultured; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA Mutational Analysis; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Ethiopia; Female; Genotype; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mutation; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Phenotype; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rifampin; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant | DAAD, German Academic Exchange Service |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876242575 | Diagnostic performance of transvesical ultrasound in clinically suspected ectopic pregnancy in a public and tertiary,hospital setup | Abeia A., Assefa G. | 2013 | Ethiopian Medical Journal | 51 | 1 | None | Department of Radiology, Addis Ababa University, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Abeia, A., Department of Radiology, Addis Ababa University, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Assefa, G., Department of Radiology, Addis Ababa University, Medical Faculty, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: Ectopic pregnancy consists 1.2 to 1.4% of all reported pregnancies and an increasing accordance has been documented in many parts of the world. Objective: To evaluate the performance of transvesical ultrasound (TVS) in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in the public hospital setup. Methods: Review of medical records of 117 patients who were admitted to St Paul's Hospital with the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy between the years 2005 and 2008 was made. Data on demographic <H clinical information, and laboratory investigations done and transvesical ultrasound records were collected. Outcomes after Laparotomy were used as confirmations or gold standard for final diagnosis. Results: Of the 117 admitted patients for ectopic pregnancy, 99 (S4.6%) had transvesical ultrasound done & in 65 (65.9%) of those 99 patients, it suggested diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Sixty-four (55%) had pervaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain as presenting complaint. Documentation of uterine, adnexal & cul-de-sac findings (all the three diagnostic variables) was noted in 71/99 (71.7%), two of the three and only one of lhe three diagnostic variables were seen 20.2% and 8./% of the sonographic studies respectively. Of patients whose ultrasound report suggested ectopic pregnancy, in 46 (70.8%) a complex adnexal mass and in 33 (50.8%) moderate to large amount of cul-de-sac fluid, and in 9 (19.8%) patients fluid in the uterine cavity were detected. The overall sensitivity and specificity of transvesical ultrasound study in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy were 83.3% and 33.3% respectively, with positive & negative predictive values of 73.5% and 47.4% respectively and accuracy of 68%. Conclusion: About 83.3% of admitted patients were diagnosed sonographically to have ectopic gestation prior to surgery. Quality of the ultrasound report with respect to completeness in number of sonographic diagnostic variables has a statistically significant (P<0.05) role in enhancing the accuracy of transvesical ultrasonography in the diagnosis and exclusion of ectopic pregnancy. | None | adult; article; echography; ectopic pregnancy; Ethiopia; female; fetus echography; human; predictive value; pregnancy; public hospital; retrospective study; tertiary health care; Adult; Ethiopia; Female; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Retrospective Studies; Tertiary Care Centers; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555193785 | Diagnostic performance of visible severe wasting for identifying severe acute malnutrition in children admitted to hospital in Kenya | Mogeni P., Twahir H., Bandika V., Mwalekwa L., Thitiri J., Ngari M., Toromo C., Maitland K., Berkley J.A. | 2011 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 89 | 12 | 10.2471/BLT.11.091280 | KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medical Research Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya; Coast Provincial General Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya | Mogeni, P., KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medical Research Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya; Twahir, H., Coast Provincial General Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya; Bandika, V., Coast Provincial General Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya; Mwalekwa, L., KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medical Research Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya; Thitiri, J., KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medical Research Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya; Ngari, M., KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medical Research Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya; Toromo, C., KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medical Research Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya; Maitland, K., KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medical Research Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya; Berkley, J.A., KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medical Research Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108, Kenya | Objective To determine the diagnostic value of visible severe wasting in identifying severe acute malnutrition at two public hospitals in Kenya. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of children aged 6 to 59.9months admitted to one rural and one urban hospital. On admission, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight and height were measured and the presence of visible severe wasting was assessed. The diagnostic performance of visible severe wasting was evaluated against anthropometric criteria. Findings Of 11 166 children admitted, 563 (5%) had kwashiorkor and 1406 (12.5%) were severely wasted (MUAC < 11.5cm). The combined sensitivity and specificity of visible severe wasting at the two hospitals, as assessed against a MUAC < 11.5cm, were 54% (95% confidence interval, CI: 51-56) and 96% (95% CI: 96-97), respectively; at one hospital, its sensitivity and specificity against a weight-for-height z-score below-3 were 44.7% (95% CI: 42-48) and 96.5% (95% CI: 96-97), respectively. Severely wasted children who were correctly identified by visible severe wasting were consistently older, more severely wasted, more often having kwashiorkor, more often positive to the human immunodeficiency virus, ill for a longer period and at greater risk of death. Visible severe wasting had lower sensitivity for determining the risk of death than the anthropometric measures. There was no evidence to support measuring both MUAC and weight-for-height z-score. Conclusion Visible severe wasting failed to detect approximately half of the children admitted to hospital with severe acute malnutrition diagnosed anthropometrically. Routine screening by MUAC is quick, simple and inexpensive and should be part of the standard assessment of all paediatric hospital admissions in the study setting. | None | child health; hospital sector; human immunodeficiency virus; malnutrition; age; arm circumference; article; body height; body weight; child; child hospitalization; controlled study; cross-sectional study; death; diagnostic value; disease duration; disease severity; female; hospital admission; hospitalized child; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; kwashiorkor; major clinical study; male; malnutrition; muscle atrophy; predictive value; preschool child; public hospital; scoring system; sensitivity and specificity; weight for height z score; Acute Disease; Body Weight; Chi-Square Distribution; Child Welfare; Child, Preschool; Confidence Intervals; Female; Health Status Indicators; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Infant; Inpatients; Kenya; Male; Malnutrition; Nutritional Status; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Assessment; Rural Population; Urban Population; Wasting Syndrome; World Health; World Health Organization; Kenya; Human immunodeficiency virus | None |
| None | None | Diagnostic X-ray facilities as per quality control performances in Tanzania | Sungita Y.Y., Mdoe S.S.L., Msaki P. | 2006 | Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics | 7 | 4 | None | Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 743, Arusha, Tanzania; Physics Department, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35063, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Sungita, Y.Y., Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 743, Arusha, Tanzania; Mdoe, S.S.L., Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 743, Arusha, Tanzania; Msaki, P., Physics Department, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35063, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Without appropriate quality control (QC) and preventative maintenance (PM) measures for X-ray machines in place, the benefits of reduced dose to the patient and early diagnosis will not be realized. Quality control and PM also make it possible to unify X-ray-imaging practices in the country using international image quality guidelines. The impetus for the present work resulted from the concern that with the recent increase in the numbers of X-ray machines in Tanzania, but with limited technical support to maintain and operate them, can increase radiation risk to patients and lower diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this work is to report on the current status of diagnostic X-ray machines in Tanzania in order to produce the data needed to formulate QC and PM policies and strategies. These policies and strategies are needed to ensure that patients receive the lowest possible radiation risk and maximum health benefits from X-ray examinations. Four QC tests were performed on a total of 196 X-ray units. Accurate beam alignment and collimation were tested on 80 (41%) units, the timer accuracy was tested on 120 (61%) units, and a radiation leakage test was performed on 47(24%) units. Preventative maintenance tests were performed on all 196 X-ray units. The results showed that of the units tested for QC, 59% failed the kilovoltage (kVp) test, 57% failed the timer accuracy test, 60% failed the beam alignment test, and 20% failed the radiation leakage test. Only 13% of the units passed the PM test: 53% of the units were defective, and 34% were out of order. As a result of the PM findings, the government has introduced a rehabilitation project to service X-ray units and replace nonoperational X-ray units. The new units have full support service contracts signed by their suppliers. As a result of the QC findings, X-ray maintenance retraining programs have been introduced. © 2006 Am. Coll. Med. Phys. | Preventative maintenance; Quality control; Repair | article; equipment; evaluation; human; instrumentation; quality control; radiography; social control; standard; Tanzania; total quality management; validation study; Equipment Failure; Facility Regulation and Control; Humans; Quality Control; Radiography; Tanzania; Total Quality Management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952035026 | Diarrhea prevention in people living with HIV: An evaluation of a point-of-use water quality intervention in Lagos, Nigeria | Barzilay E.J., Aghoghovbia T.S., Blanton E.M., Akinpelumi A.A., Coldiron M.E., Akinfolayan O., Adeleye O.A., LaTrielle A., Hoekstra R.M., Gilpin U., Quick R. | 2011 | AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV | 23 | 3 | 10.1080/09540121.2010.507749 | Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States; HOPE worldwide, Lagos, Nigeria; Society for Family Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, United States; | Barzilay, E.J., Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States; Aghoghovbia, T.S., HOPE worldwide, Lagos, Nigeria; Blanton, E.M., Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States; Akinpelumi, A.A., Society for Family Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Coldiron, M.E., Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, United States; Akinfolayan, O., HOPE worldwide, Lagos, Nigeria; Adeleye, O.A., HOPE worldwide, Lagos, Nigeria; LaTrielle, A., Society for Family Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Hoekstra, R.M., Biostatistics Information Management Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States; Gilpin, U., Population Services International, Washington, United States; Quick, R., Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States | Diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Africa. The impact of a point-of-use water chlorination and storage intervention on diarrheal-disease risk in a population of HIV-infected women in Lagos, Nigeria was evaluated. A baseline survey was performed, followed by six weeks of baseline diarrhea surveillance consisting of weekly home visits, distribution of free water chlorination products and safe storage containers to project participants, and continued weekly home-based diarrhea surveillance for 15 additional weeks. To confirm use of the water chlorination product, during each home visit, stored water was tested for residual chlorine. About 187 women were enrolled. At baseline, 80% of women had access to improved water supplies and 95% had access to sanitation facilities. Following distribution of the intervention, water stored in participants' households was observed to have residual chlorine during 50-80% of home visits, a sign of adherence to recommended water-treatment practices. Diarrhea rates in project participants were 36% lower in the post-intervention period than during the baseline period (p=0.04). Diarrhea rates were 46% lower in the post-intervention period than the baseline period among project participants who were confirmed to have residual chlorine in stored water during 85% or more of home visits (p=0.04); there was no significant difference in diarrhea rates between baseline and post-intervention periods in participants confirmed to have residual chlorine in stored water during less than 85% of home visits. The percent change in diarrhea rates between baseline and post-intervention surveillance periods was statistically significant among non-users of prophylactic antibiotics (-62%, p=0.02) and among persons who used neither prophylactic antibiotics nor antiretroviral treatment (-46%, p=0.04). Point-of-use water treatment was associated with a reduced risk of diarrhea in PLHIV. Regular water treatment was required to achieve health benefits. © 2011 Taylor & Francis. | diarrhea; HIV/AIDS; PMTCT; water treatment | adult; article; chlorination; diarrhea; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; priority journal; sanitation; water quality; water supply; water treatment; Adolescent; Adult; Diarrhea; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Patient Compliance; Risk Factors; Sanitation; Water Purification; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58849128160 | Diclofenac Potassium Attenuates Dysmenorrhea and Restores Exercise Performance in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea | Chantler I., Mitchell D., Fuller A. | 2009 | Journal of Pain | 10 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.08.006 | Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Chantler, I., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mitchell, D., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fuller, A., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | We assessed the efficacy of diclofenac potassium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in alleviating menstrual pain and restoring exercise performance to that measured in the late-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Twelve healthy young women with a history of primary dysmenorrhea completed, in a random order, laboratory exercise-testing sessions when they were in the late-follicular (no menstruation, no pain) phase of the menstrual cycle and when they were experiencing dysmenorrhea and receiving, in a double-blinded fashion, either 100 mg of diclofenac potassium or placebo. We assessed the women's leg strength (1-repetition maximum test), aerobic capacity (treadmill walking test), and ability to perform a functional test (task-specific test). Compared with placebo, diclofenac potassium significantly decreased dysmenorrhea on the day of administration (Visual Analog Scale, P < .001 at all times). When receiving placebo for menstrual pain, the women's performance in the tests was decreased significantly, compared with when they were receiving diclofenac potassium for menstrual pain (P < .05) and compared with when they were in the late-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (P < .05 for treadmill test, P < .01 for task-specific test and 1-repetition maximum test). Administration of diclofenac potassium for menstrual pain restored exercise performance to a level not different from that achieved in the late-follicular phase of the cycle. Perspective: In women with primary dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain, if untreated, decreases laboratory-assessed exercise performance. A recommended daily dose of a readily available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac potassium, is effective in relieving menstrual pain and restoring physical performance to levels achieved when the women were in the late-follicular (no menstruation, no pain) phase of the menstrual cycle. © 2009 American Pain Society. | Menstrual pain; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; physical performance | cataflam d; diclofenac potassium; placebo; unclassified drug; aerobic capacity; article; clinical article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; drug efficacy; dysmenorrhea; exercise; female; follicular phase; human; leg; muscle strength; task performance; treadmill exercise; visual analog scale; walking; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Diclofenac; Double-Blind Method; Dysmenorrhea; Exercise; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Physical Endurance; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41349106751 | Diclofenac sodium delivery to the eye: In vitro evaluation of novel solid lipid nanoparticle formulation using human cornea construct | Attama A.A., Reichl S., Müller-Goymann C.C. | 2008 | International Journal of Pharmaceutics | 355 | 02-Jan | 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2007.12.007 | 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 | Attama, 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, Germany | Solid 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 modification | diclofenac; 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 Diffraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744937350 | Dietary and haematological evaluation of adolescent females in Nigeria | Ekpo A.J., Jimmy E.O. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.278.281 | Department of Biochemistry, Faculty Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | Ekpo, A.J., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Jimmy, E.O., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | Four hundred and eighteen adolescent females aged 12-18 years from Akwa Ibom State were studied for the effect of dietary intake and haematological values on the nutrition of adolescents. The mean intake of energy and nutrients calculated were below FAO Standard with an exception of Vitamin C. Iron, folacin and calcium were most deficient in the diets of the adolescents. More than 50% of the adolescent females had acceptable values of plasma protein, albumin and globulin. The haematological and biochemical study revealed low level of anaemia of about 4% among the subjects investigated. The result of the analysis showed positive correlation between protein, vitamin C riboflavin, and albumin (r = 0.95, p<0.01 and r = 0.27; p<0.05). However, calcium intake correlated negatively with haemoglobin level (r=0.27; p<0.05). The findings of the study offer an insight into the nutritional status of the adolescent females in Akwa Ibom State as applied to Nigeria. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Adolescent; Anaemia; Calcium intake; Malnutrition | albumin; ascorbic acid; calcium; folic acid; globulin; hemoglobin; iron; protein; riboflavin; adolescent; adult; albumin blood level; anemia; article; ascorbic acid deficiency; blood analysis; calcium deficiency; calcium intake; calculation; caloric intake; child nutrition; controlled study; correlation analysis; dietary intake; female; folic acid deficiency; hemoglobin determination; human; iron deficiency; major clinical study; Nigeria; nutrient; nutritional assessment; nutritional health; nutritional status; protein blood level; school child | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952403882 | Dietary impact on circulating glucose profiles in the white rhinoceros | Berkeley E.V., Linklater W.L., Dierenfeld E.S. | 2011 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 95 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01047.x | Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand; Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO, United States | Berkeley, E.V., Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand; Linklater, W.L., Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand, Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Dierenfeld, E.S., Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO, United States | Excess dietary glucose may be a factor in several captive wildlife diseases and reproductive abnormalities. The first step in understanding the health consequences of diets high in glucose is to characterize how dietary glucose concentrations change circulating glucose profiles. We adapted the glycemic index approach to detect differences in blood glucose concentrations in white rhinos in response to different meals. Six white rhinos were fasted overnight then randomly assigned to be fed 5kg of grass hay and one of five meals varying in digestible energy (DE) availability and source (10% DE glucose, 5% DE glucose, 10% DE pelleted horse feed, 10% DE lucerne hay, 10% DE grass hay). After eating, the blood glucose response peaked 45-90min later and remained elevated up to 180min. Area under the curve results demonstrated that the blood glucose response was not different between diets. However, at 90min, serum glucose levels in rhinos eating the 10% lucerne hay diet were significantly lower than the 5% glucose and 10% glucose diets but not the 10% pellet nor 10% grass hay diets. The changes in blood glucose responses to different diets were similar in magnitude to reported domestic horse profiles but are higher than predicted by allometric scaling. We conclude that the grass hay, lucerne hay and low glycemic index horse pellets fed in this study resulted in similar blood glucose responses in white rhinos. The validation of the methodology used in this study is a first step towards elucidating the relationship between glucose, obesity, health and reproduction in rhinos. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Ceratotherium simum; Oral glucose tolerance test; Perissodactyla; Zoo nutrition | glucose; animal; animal disease; animal food; article; blood; diet; female; glucose blood level; metabolism; Perissodactyla; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Blood Glucose; Diet; Female; Glucose; Perissodactyla; Ceratotherium simum; Equidae; Equus caballus; Medicago sativa; Perissodactyla | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894104527 | Dietary supplementation with coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed: Effect on growth performance, circulating metabolic substrates, and lipid profile of the liver and visceral adipose tissue in healthy female rats | Nyakudya T., Makaula S., Mkumla N., Erlwanger K. | 2014 | International Journal of Agriculture and Biology | 16 | 1 | None | Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, UNITRA 5117, South Africa | Nyakudya, T., Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa; Makaula, S., School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa, Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, UNITRA 5117, South Africa; Mkumla, N., School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Erlwanger, K., School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa | The rising incidence of metabolic syndrome globally has been attributed to sedentary lifestyles and the consumption of high energy diets with a low omega-3: omega-6 fatty acid ratio. Coriander seeds, commonly used for culinary purposes, have beneficial health effects. We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with coriander seeds on growth performance, hepatic and visceral adipose tissue lipid storage and circulating metabolic substrates in healthy, growing rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats (150-200 g) were fed either standard rat chow (n = 8) or standard rat chow supplemented with crushed coriander seeds (n = 8; 500 mg kg-1 body mass). After five weeks, there were no significant differences in body mass gain, plasma free fatty acids and triglyceride concentrations of the rats (p > 0.05; t-test). Whilst dietary supplementation with coriander did not affect the lipid content of the liver, it significantly increased the amount of monounsaturated (22.62 ± 6.48% vs 0.65 ± 0.32%) and polyunsaturated (54.89 ± 5.10% vs 22.16 ± 7.79%) fatty acids in the visceral adipose tissue where it also decreased the saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05; t-test). Coriander increased the omega 3: omega 6 ratio in the visceral adipose tissue which may explain its health benefits. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers. | Coriander; Liver lipids; Visceral fat | None | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867313610 | Dietary supplementation with recombinant lactoferrampin-lactoferricin improves growth performance and affects serum parameters in piglets | Tang X., Fatufe A.A., Yin Y., Tang Z., Wang S., Liu Z., Xinwu, Li T.-J. | 2012 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 11 | 14 | 10.3923/javaa.2012.2548-2555 | Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China; Graduate School of Chin | Tang, X., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China; Fatufe, A.A., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China, Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Yin, Y., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China; Tang, Z., College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, 400715 Chongqing, China; Wang, S., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China; Liu, Z., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China; Xinwu, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China; Li, T.-J., Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Changsha, 410125 Hunan, China | Up to thirty piglets with an average live body weight of 5.9±0.5 kg were challenged using enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and randomly assigned to three treatment groups fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing either no addition (control group), 0.1 g kg -1 of lactoferrampin-lactoferricin (lactoferrampin-lactofemcin group) or 0.1 g kg -1 of chlortetracyclme (chlortetracycline group) for 21 days. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with lactoferrampin-lactoferricin or chlortetracycline increased the body weight and daily weight gain and decreased the feed to gain ratio, diarrhea rate and serum IgM and lgG levels (p<0.05). The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, diamine oxidase and endothelin-1 were not significantly different among all treatment groups (p>0.05). Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with lactoferrampin-lactoferricin changed the serum concentrations of 10 amino acids (p<0.05); dietary supplementation with chlortetracycline only changed the serum histidine concentration (p<0.05). These results indicate that lactoferrampin-lactoferricin and chlortetracycline have similar effects on piglets weaned at 21 days of age which is expected to have practical applications in the livestock industry. © Medwell Journals, 2012. | Antimicrobial peptide; Bovine lactoferrampin-lactoferricin; China; Growth performance; Piglet | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951194854 | Diet breadth influences how the impact of invasive plants is propagated through food webs | Carvalheiro L.G., Buckley Y.M., Jane M. | 2010 | Ecology | 91 | 4 | 10.1890/08-2092.1 | University of Bristol, School of Biological Sciences, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG, United Kingdom; University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, QLD 4072, Australia; CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia; South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa | Carvalheiro, L.G., University of Bristol, School of Biological Sciences, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG, United Kingdom, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa; Buckley, Y.M., University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, QLD 4072, Australia, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia; Jane, M., University of Bristol, School of Biological Sciences, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG, United Kingdom | Invasive plants are considered a major cause of ecosystem degradation worldwide. While their impacts on native plants have been widely reported, there is little information on how these impacts propagate through food webs and affect species at higher trophic levels. Using a quantitative food web approach we evaluated the impacts of an invasive plant on plant-herbivore-parasitoid communities, asking specifically how diet breadth influences the propagation of such impacts. Measuring the impact of the alien plant at the plant level seriously underestimated the community-level effect of this weed as it also caused changes in the abundance of native herbivores and parasitoids, along with a decrease in parasitoid species richness. The invading plant affected specialist and generalist subsets of communities differently, having significant and strong negative impacts on the abundance of all specialists with no negative effect on generalist consumers. Specialist consumer decline led to further disruptions of top-down regulatory mechanisms, releasing generalist species from competition via shared natural enemies. Plant invasion also significantly increased the evenness of species abundance of all trophic levels in the food webs, as well as the evenness of species interaction frequency. Extending impact evaluation to higher trophic levels and considering changes in trophic diversity within levels is hence essential for a full evaluation of the consequences of invasion by alien plants. Moreover, information on diet breadth of species in the invaded community should be taken into account when evaluating/predicting the impacts on any introduced species. © 2010 by the Ecological Society of America. | Alien plants; Apparent competition; Avon heath country park; Diet breadth; Dorset; Food web; Gaultheria shallon; Herbivore; Parasitoid; Trophic cascade; UK | degradation; dicotyledon; diet; food web; herbivore; invasive species; native species; parasitoid; species richness; trophic cascade; animal; article; classification; diet; environmental protection; feeding behavior; food chain; host parasite interaction; insect; parasitology; physiology; plant; United Kingdom; Animals; Conservation of Natural Resources; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Food Chain; Great Britain; Host-Parasite Interactions; Insects; Plants; Avon; Dorset [England]; England; United Kingdom; Gaultheria shallon | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80855144231 | Diet, morphology and performance in two chameleon morphs: Do harder bites equate with harder prey? | Measey G.J., Rebelo A.D., Herrel A., Vanhooydonck B., Tolley K.A. | 2011 | Journal of Zoology | 285 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2011.00861.x | Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, UMR 7179 C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Paris, France; Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium; Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa | Measey, G.J., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Rebelo, A.D., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa; Herrel, A., Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, UMR 7179 C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Paris, France; Vanhooydonck, B., Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium; Tolley, K.A., Applied Biodiversity Research Division, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa | Ecologically induced morphological variation has been identified as a mainstay in evolutionary theory. Species that inhabit different habitats are likely to display morphological and functional differences related to the exploitation of different dietary resources available in each habitat within limits imposed by trade-offs. Here, we examine two populations of the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion pumilum, from fynbos (heathland) and woodland to investigate whether head morphology and bite performance are related to diet within and between populations. Stomach contents are compared with prey availability to test whether chameleons are selective with respect to prey size, hardness and evasiveness. Our data show that for adult chameleons from the fynbos (Kogelberg; n = 44), mean and maximum prey size are tightly correlated with head morphology and performance. In woodland habitat (Stellenbosch; n = 52), only maximum prey size is correlated with head morphology and performance. Fynbos chameleons showed no preference with respect to prey hardness, while those from woodland ate less hard and/or sedentary prey than available, thus preferring items that were soft and/or evasive. Finally, fynbos chameleons have a diet of sedentary and/or evasive prey similar in proportions to that available. Our results suggest that diet is not directly related to selection on the head morphology and biting performance of B. pumilum in woodland habitat, but that it may be important for selection in fynbos due to a reduction in overall prey availability. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Zoology © 2011 The Zoological Society of London. | Adaptation; Ecomorphs; Foraging mode; Lizards; Performance | adaptation; diet; ecomorphology; evolutionary theory; fynbos; heathland; lizard; performance assessment; prey availability; prey selection; prey size; stomach content; trade-off; woodland; Bradypodion pumilum; Chamaeleonidae; Squamata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56049123222 | Diet quality, intake and growth performance of South African Mutton Merino sheep on Triticum x Secale and Lolium multiflorum pastures at different grazing pressures | Van Niekerk W.A., Hassen A., Coertze R.J. | 2008 | Tropical Grasslands | 42 | 1 | None | 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 | Van 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 Africa | This 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. | None | Animalia; Lolium; Lolium multiflorum; Ovis aries; Triticosecale; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548588355 | Diets containing Escherichia coli-derived phytase on young chickens and turkeys: Effects on performance, metabolizable energy, endogenous secretions, and intestinal morphology | Pirgozliev V., Oduguwa O., Acamovic T., Bedford M.R. | 2007 | Poultry Science | 86 | 4 | None | Avian Science Research Centre, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Syngenta Animal Nutrition Inc., Chestnut House, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1QJ, United Kingdom; University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeo | Pirgozliev, V., Avian Science Research Centre, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Oduguwa, O., Avian Science Research Centre, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Acamovic, T., Avian Science Research Centre, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Bedford, M.R., Syngenta Animal Nutrition Inc., Chestnut House, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1QJ, United Kingdom | The aim of this experiment was to compare the responses of young broiler chickens directly with the responses of turkeys to different dietary phytase concentrations. Nine hundred sixty birds (480 female Ross 308 broilers, and 480 female BUT6 turkeys) were reared in 64 floor pens from 0 to 21 d of age. Each species was fed a nutritionally complete (12.79 MJ/kg of AME, 231 g/kg of CP vs. 11.75 MJ/kg of AME, 285 g/kg of CP for chickens and turkeys, respectively), low-P (28 and 37 g/kg available P for chickens and turkeys, respectively) corn (maize)-soy feed supplemented with either 0, 250, 500, or 2,500 phytase units (phytase/kg of feed) to give a total of 4 diets per species. The study was conducted in a split-plot design and each dietary treatment was replicated 8 times. Performance, AME, sialic acid (SA) excretions, and ileal villus morphology of 21-d-old broiler chickens and turkeys were determined. Overall, chickens grew faster and consumed more than turkeys throughout the study period. Dietary enzyme concentrations linearly increased the feed intake and weight gain of birds. The results were improved, on average, as follows: feed intake by 11.2 and 6.5%, gain by 10.2 and 13.2%, feed efficiency by 0 and 7.6%, AME by 1.4 and 5.7%, and AME intake by 13.1 and 9.8% for chickens and turkeys, respectively. The AME data were subject to a species x phytase interaction, whereby increasing the phytase dosage led to significant increments in parameters for turkeys but not broilers; broilers recovered significantly more energy from the ration than did turkeys. A quadratic relationship existed between dietary AME and phytase concentrations. Turkeys excreted more SA than did chickens in the absence of phytase, whereas supplementation with phytase (250 and 500 phytase units) reduced the excretion of SA in turkeys. Enzyme supplementation did not affect the ileal villus morphometry of the 2 species. We concluded that both species can tolerate phytase concentrations much higher than 1,000 phytase units and that these concentrations have further beneficial effects compared with lower phytase concentrations. The work reported here supports the hypothesis that supplementing turkey diets with phytase will need to be considered independently of chicken diets, considering the components in the diets, such that optimal responses can be obtained. ©2007 Poultry Science Association Inc. | Chicken; Endogenous excretion; Performance; Phytase; Turkey | Aves; Escherichia coli; Gallus gallus; Meleagris gallopavo; Zea mays; phytase; animal; animal food; animal husbandry; article; caloric intake; chicken; digestion; drug effect; energy metabolism; enzymology; Escherichia coli; intestine; physiology; poultry; turkey (bird); weight gain; 6-Phytase; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Chickens; Digestion; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; Escherichia coli; Intestines; Poultry; Turkeys; Weight Gain | None |
| None | None | Difference in blood pressure readings with mercury and automated devices: Impact on hypertension prevalence estimates in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Chiolero A., Gervasoni J.-P., Rwebogora A., Balampama M., Paccaud F., Bovet P. | 2006 | European Journal of Epidemiology | 21 | 6 | 10.1007/s10654-006-9015-z | Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, 17, rue du Bugnon, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland | Chiolero, A., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Gervasoni, J.-P., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Rwebogora, A., Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Balampama, M., Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Paccaud, F., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Bovet, P., Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Lausanne, 17, rue du Bugnon, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland | Objectives: (1) To compare blood pressure (BP) readings with an automated arm cuff oscillometric device (AutoBP) to readings with a mercury sphygmomanometer (HgBP) and (2) to evaluate the impact on the prevalence of hypertension (HBP) in a population-based survey. Methods: (1) In a convenience sample ("Comparison Study"), we measured BP with both AutoBP (Visomat® OZ2) and HgBP and we modeled BP difference (ΔBP = HgBP-AutoBP) with multiple regression analysis. (2) Using ΔBP, we calculated HgBP in a survey previously conducted in Dar es Salaam ("Population Survey") in which BP was measured with the automatic device Visomat® OZ2 and we compared the prevalence of HBP (≥140/90 mmHg or treatment). Results: In the Comparison Study (404 subjects aged 25-64), systolic/diastolic BP was higher by 4.4/4.7 mmHg (SE: 0.4/0.3) with HgBP than AutoBP. The prevalence of HBP was 42% with HgBP and 36% with AutoBP (relative difference of 14%). ΔBP was associated with age, BP and arm circumference. In the Population Survey (9.254 subjects aged 25-64), the prevalence of HBP was 17% with calculated HgBP and 14% with AutoBP (relative difference of 20%). Conclusion: A small systematic bias in BP readings between two different devices had large impact on hypertension prevalence estimates. This suggests that automated devices used in epidemiological studies should be validated with particular care. © Springer 2006. | Blood pressure measurement; Hypertension; Tanzania; Validation protocol | mercury; adult; age; arm circumference; article; automation; blood pressure measurement; body mass; comparative study; controlled study; device; diastolic blood pressure; female; human; hypertension; major clinical study; male; multiple regression; prevalence; sphygmomanometer; systolic blood pressure; Tanzania; validation study; Adult; Blood Pressure; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Mercury; Middle Aged; Oscillometry; Prevalence; Sphygmomanometers; Tanzania | None |
| WoS | WOS:000311232900015 | Differences between self-reported and electronically monitored adherence among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in a resource-limited setting | Bangsberg, David R.,Habyarimana, James P.,Pop-Eleches, Cristian,Sidle, John E.,Siika, Abraham M.,Siripong, Nalyn,Thirumurthy, Harsha,Vreeman, Rachel C. | 2012 | AIDS | 26 | 18 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328359aa68 | Columbia University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana University System, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Moi University, University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, MGH Ctr Global Hlth, Ragon Inst MGH MIT & Harvard | "Habyarimana, James P.: Georgetown University","Pop-Eleches, Cristian: Columbia University","Siika, Abraham M.: Moi University","Siripong, Nalyn: University of North Carolina","Siripong, Nalyn: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Thirumurthy, Harsha: University of North Carolina","Thirumurthy, Harsha: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Vreeman, Rachel C.: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis","Vreeman, Rachel C.: Indiana University System", | Background: Measurement of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) by patient self-report is common in resource-limited settings but widely believed to overstate actual adherence. The extent to which these measures overstate adherence has not been examined among a large patient population.
Methods: HIV-infected adult patients in Kenya who initiated ART within the past 3 months were followed for 6 months. Adherence was measured by participants' self-reports of doses missed in the past 7 days during monthly clinic visits and by continuous Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) in participants' pill bottles. Seven-day self-reported adherence was compared to 7-day MEMS adherence, 30-day MEMS adherence, and adherence more than 90% during each of the first 6 months.
Results: Self-reported and MEMS adherence measures were linked for 669 participants. Mean 7-day self-reported adherence was 98.7% and mean 7-day MEMS adherence was 86.0%, a difference of 12.7% (P < 0.01). The difference between the two adherence measures increased over time due to a decline in 7-day MEMS adherence. However, patients with lower MEMS adherence were in fact more likely to self-report missed doses and the difference between self-reported and MEMS adherence was similar for each number of self-reported missed doses. When analysis was limited to patients who reported rarely or never removing multiple doses at the same time, mean difference was 10.5% (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: There is a sizable and significant difference between self-reported and MEMS adherence. However, a strong relationship between the measures suggests that self-reported adherence is informative for clinical monitoring and program evaluation. (C) 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | ADHERENCE,"adherence measurement","ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY","ELECTRONIC MONITORING",COUNT,HAART,"HIV-INFECTED ADULTS",METAANALYSIS,OUTCOMES,"PROTEASE INHIBITORS","VIRAL SUPPRESSION" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051494047 | Differences in self-monitoring between effective and ineffective leaders in the public sector: A South African study | Kotzé M., Venter I. | 2010 | International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | None | University of the Free State, Free State, South Africa | Kotzé, M., University of the Free State, Free State, South Africa; Venter, I., University of the Free State, Free State, South Africa | Self-monitoring refers to the degree to which individuals monitor (observe and control) expressive behaviour and self-presentation. Self-monitoring as construct encompasses the individual's concern with the appropriateness of self-presentation and the ability to modify self-presentation in particular situations. Self-monitoring has been associated with leadership effectiveness, but inconsistent results have emerged. Some researchers advocate self-monitoring as important in the domain of leadership, whilst others found no relationship between self-monitoring and leadership effectiveness. Some researchers even argue that high self-monitoring stands in the way of moral and authentic leadership.The aim of this study was to determine whether there are significant statistical differences between effective and ineffective leaders with regard to their scores on self-monitoring. The sample included 114 leaders at middle management level in a public sector institution in South Africa. Each leader's effectiveness was rated by themselves (self-rating), as well as by four subordinates, thus involving 570 participants. Snyder's Self Monitoring Scale and Spannenberg and Theron's Leadership Effectiveness Inventory were used in order to measure self-monitoring behaviour and leadership effectiveness respectively. Analysis of variance indicated that effective and ineffective leaders did not differ in terms of their self-monitoring disposition. © Common Ground, Martina Kotzé, Ian Venter, All Rights Reserved. | Impression Management; Leadership; Leadership Effectiveness; Self-monitoring; Self-presentation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646593175 | Differences in the performance and phosphorus-use efficiency of some tropical rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties | Akinrinde E.A., Gaizer T. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 3 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.206.211 | Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation (310), University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | Akinrinde, E.A., Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Gaizer, T., Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation (310), University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | Deficiency of phosphorus (P) is widespread in tropical and temperate acid soils. Six rice (Oryza sativa L) varieties (TOX 4008 - 34, TOX 3499-84, FARO 51, LOCAL CHECK, FAROX 317, and WAT 107 - TGR) were evaluated for their P nutrition capability at 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg-1 levels of P applied in an Alfisol. Plant height (from 3 weeks after planting, WAP), number of tillers (from 4 WAP), as well as dry matter (DM) yields, P concentration and uptake in partitioned plant parts and P - use efficiency parameters were estimated after 6 weeks of growth. Plant height at 4 WAP, content and uptake of P determined in shoot and root were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by P application rates. The varieties also differed significantly in their growth; DM production and P - use efficiency, thus permitting their categorization into efficient or non-efficient and responsive or non-responsive types. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Genotypic differences; Oryza sativa; P application levels; P use efficiency; Phosphorus uptake | phosphorus; article; biomass production; chemical composition; concentration (parameters); controlled study; nonhuman; nutritional value; phase partitioning; plant growth; plant height; plant identification; plant root; planting time; quantum yield; rice; shoot; soil acidity; soil analysis; tropics; varietas; Oryza sativa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892462560 | Differential impact of magnitude, polyfunctional capacity, and specificity of HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses on HIV set point | Riou C., Burgers W.A., Mlisana K., Koup R.A., Roederer M., Abdool Karim S.S., Williamson C., Gray C.M. | 2014 | Journal of Virology | 88 | 3 | 10.1128/JVI.02968-13 | Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Riou, C., Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Burgers, W.A., Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Mlisana, K., Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Koup, R.A., Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Roederer, M., ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Abdool Karim, S.S., Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Williamson, C., Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Gray, C.M., Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Defining the characteristics of HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses that lead to viral control is crucial for vaccine development. We evaluated the differential impact of magnitude, polyfunctional capacity, and specificity of the CD8+ response at approximately 6 months postinfection on the viral set point at 12 months in a cohort of HIV-infected individuals. High frequencies of Gag and Nef responses endowed with four functions were the best predictors of a low viral set point. © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. | None | Gag protein; gamma interferon; interleukin 2; lysosome associated membrane protein 1; macrophage inflammatory protein 1beta; Nef protein; virus envelope protein; virus RNA; article; CD8+ T lymphocyte; cell specificity; controlled study; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; immune response; magnitude estimation method; nonhuman; priority journal; protein modification; viral phenomena and functions; virus load; virus replication; virus set point; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cohort Studies; env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Female; gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Viral Load | NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; AI51794, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI084387, NIH, National Institutes of Health; 67385, National Research Foundation; D43TW00231, NIH, National Institutes of Health; Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902139766 | Differential impacts of coral reef herbivores on algal succession in Kenya | Humphries A.T., McClanahan T.R., McQuaid C.D. | 2014 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 504 | None | 10.3354/meps10744 | Coastal Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Coral Reef Conservation Project, Wildlife Conservation Society, PO Box 99470, Mombasa 80107, Kenya; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, New York, NY 10460, United States | Humphries, A.T., Coastal Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa, Coral Reef Conservation Project, Wildlife Conservation Society, PO Box 99470, Mombasa 80107, Kenya; McClanahan, T.R., Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, New York, NY 10460, United States; McQuaid, C.D., Coastal Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | In shallow-water systems, fisheries management influences herbivory, which mediates ecosystem processes by regulating algal biomass, primary production, and competition between benthic organisms, such as algae and corals. Sea urchins and herbivorous fishes (scrapers, grazers, browsers) are the dominant herbivores in Kenya's fringing coral reef and their grazing influences coral-macroalgal dynamics and dominance. Using experimental substrata and grazer exclusions, we tested the hypothesis that herbivores differentially affect algal composition and succession using 3 levels of fisheries management: fished reefs, community-managed closures (<10 yr old, <0.5 km2), and government-managed closures (20 to 40 yr old, 5 to 10 km2). In fished reefs and government closures, herbivores facilitated maintenance of early successional algal species, such as turfs, associated with sea urchins in the former and scraping fishes in the latter. Crustose coralline algae were only abundant in government closures, and video recordings showed that fish grazing was greatest at these sites, most notably for parrotfishes (scrapers). A combination of sea urchins and small grazing and detritivorous fishes was present in community closures, which allowed macroalgae to quickly develop from turf into early then late successional stages. These reefs may represent an intermediate or transitional system of herbivore dominance characterized by macroalgae. Consequently, reefs in heavily fished seascapes initially protected from fishing may require additional management efforts to facilitate the recovery of larger-bodied scraping fishes, including bans on capturing parrotfishes and restricting gear (e.g. spearguns) that target these species. © Inter-Research 2014. | Animal-plant interactions; Community-based management; Marine protected area and reserves; Niche replacement; Phase shift; Primary succession; Resilience | benthos; coral reef; detritivory; ecosystem resilience; fishery management; herbivory; macroalga; primary production; protected area; shallow water; succession; videography; Kenya | Wildlife Conservation Society; WCS, Wildlife Conservation Society |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943267278 | Different venues, different markets, different experiences: Evidence from live music performances in South Africa | Manners B., Kruger M., Saayman M. | 2015 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 37 | 2 | None | TREES, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Manners, B., TREES, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Kruger, M., TREES, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Saayman, M., TREES, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | The purpose of this research was to determine whether visitors who attend the same live music performance at four different destinations/locations vary and whether their needs were the same for a memorable visitor experience. Two-way frequency tables and Chi-square tests, as well as ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons were used to investigate any significant differences between the four locations of the shows. The results indicate significant statistical differences between the various locations based on visitor profile, economic impact and what factors visitors regarded as important for a memorable visitor experience. Determining these differences not only equips major music event managers with the improved knowledge to develop and manage future concerts at various destinations (cities) and locations (venues), but this research also helps management to ensure the creation of a memorable visitor experience. © 2015 University of Stellenbosch. All rights reserved. | Critical success factors; Destination; Event management; Location; Memorable visitor experience; Neil diamond concert | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650073197 | Diffusion of professional norms: The impact of IFLA in South Africa | Underwood P.G. | 2009 | IFLA Journal | 35 | 2 | 10.1177/0340035209105669 | Centre for Information Literacy, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X01, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | Underwood, P.G., Centre for Information Literacy, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X01, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | A study of the impact of the work of IFLA, including its role in the development of information literacy programmes, on the profession in South Africa, based on the views of South African professionals attending the World Library and Information Congress, 73rd IFLA General Conference, held in Durban, 19-23 August 2007. A series of focus group and other interviews was used. Themes arising from the discussions are: ĝ€¢ That IFLA has a strong role to play in advice, guidance, and the development of standards; its role in national policy development is necessarily limited. ĝ€¢ That the Congress is an important meeting place and its proceedings a source of inspiration to those who have come with a 'prepared mind'. ĝ€¢ That the influence of its work and proceedings could be greater if it were communicated in accessible forms in partnership with existing publications such as the IFLA Journal. ĝ€¢ That, for the younger professional, seeking to become involved, IFLA is a daunting organization. Copyright © 2009 Author. | Durban; IFLA; Impact assessment; Information literacy; South Africa; World Library and Information Congress, 2007 | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859507579 | Digestibility and performance of water hyacinth meal in the diets of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus; Burchell, 1822) | Sotolu A.O., Sule S.O. | 2011 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 14 | 1 | None | Nasarawa State University Keffi, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Sotolu, A.O., Nasarawa State University Keffi, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Sule, S.O., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Water hyacinth meal (WHM) as an alternative protein source was investigated in this study. Whole water hyacinth plant meal (WPM), water hyacinth leaf meal (WLM) and soya bean meal (SBM) were used to compound three isoproteic (40% crude protein) fish diets. Catfish of 11.2 ± 0.3g average weight were used for the 70-day digestibility study. Data were collected forthnightly on fish growth performance and water qualities (dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia and temperature). Fish, feeds, and faecal wastes were analyzed. Fish fed SBM-based diet had superior performance over those fed WHM-based diets with respect to Mean weight gain (MWG), Specific growth rate (SGR), Protein efficiency ratio (PER), Feed conversion ratio (FCR), Nitrogen metabolism (Nm) and digestibility coefficients (ADC). Fish fed all diets exhibited marginal difference in total feed intake but growth performance and nutrient utilization were significantly higher in fish fed WLM than fish fed WPM probably as a result of high fibre content present in WPM. Extremely low value of ammonia was recorded in water under WPM treatment (0.18±0.06 mg/l) while water under WLM and SBM treatment had significantly higher values of ammonia 0.46± 0.13 mg/l and 0.71± 0.10 mg/l respectively. These observations may be due to the presence of significantly higher fibre content in the WPM than other meals. Consequently this could be responsible for its poor digestibility values but high potential for waste water purification. Water hyacinth leaf meal (WLM) would therefore serve a better option for adoption in ensuring maximum utilization potentials of the aquatic plant both for profitable and sustainable fish production. | Catfish; Fish feed; Fish production; Water hyacinth; Water purification | Clarias gariepinus; Eichhornia crassipes; Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899535377 | Dimensionless quantities in the evaluation of novel composite disintegrants | Adeoye O., Alebiowu G. | 2014 | Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology | 24 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-lfe, Nigeria | Adeoye, O., Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-lfe, Nigeria; Alebiowu, G., Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-lfe, Nigeria | Composites of native tapioca starch and mannitol were prepared by co-fusion and co-grinding to produce novel excipients. The disintegrant activity of the novel excipients was evaluated using the disintegration efficiency ratio (DER) in a paracetamol tablet formulation with native tapioca starch as control. Two dimensionless quantities DERN and DERC were then used to assess the efficiency of the novel excipients in enhancing the quality of the paracetamol tablets. The results indicated that the novel excipients would enhance the balance between the mechanical and disintegration properties of tablets as reflected in the DER values. The results suggested that a particular combination of process and formulation variables is required for the optimum activity of the novel disintegrants. The study concluded that the activity of the novel excipients was dependent on the mode of incorporation, compression load and method of compositing. | Co-fusion; Co-grinding; Dimensionless quantities; Disintegration efficiency ratio; Mannitol; Tapioca starch | excipient; mannitol; paracetamol; starch; article; controlled study; productivity; quantitative study; tablet compression; tablet disintegration; tablet formulation; tapioca | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901468604 | Dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation and small and medium enterprise performance in emerging economies | Le Roux I., Bengesi K.M.K. | 2014 | Development Southern Africa | 31 | 4 | 10.1080/0376835X.2014.913474 | Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Le Roux, I., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Bengesi, K.M.K., Department of Business Management, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | The removal of trade barriers has encouraged the entry of new competitors into formerly protected markets. This situation creates pressure on many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies such as Tanzania. Using a survey method and cross-sectional research design, the research examines three dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), namely: pro-activeness, risk-taking and competitive aggressiveness. Understanding their relationships and variance may help to improve our ability to explain SME performance. The findings contribute to how SME performance in emerging economies can be enhanced to enable SMEs to face challenges posed by competitor influx in the context of an open market economy. The findings indicate a strong relationship between EO dimensions and performance, with risk-taking and competitive aggressiveness moderating the effect of pro-activeness. The proposed model could predict 72% of the variance explained in SME performance. © 2014 © 2014 Development Bank of Southern Africa. | emerging economies; entrepreneurial; entrepreneurial orientation dimensions; performance; small business | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923344046 | Direct cost does not impact on young children's spontaneous helping behavior | Nielsen M., Gigante J., Collier-Baker E. | 2014 | Frontiers in Psychology | 5 | DEC | 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01509 | Early Cognitive Development Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Nielsen, M., Early Cognitive Development Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Gigante, J., Early Cognitive Development Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Collier-Baker, E., Early Cognitive Development Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia | The propensity of humans to engage in prosocial behavior is unlike that of any other species. Individuals will help others even when it comes at a cost to themselves, and even when the others are complete strangers. However, to date, scant empirical evidence has been forthcoming on young children's altruistic tendencies. To investigate this 45 4-year-olds were presented with a task in which they had opportunity to help an adult confederate retrieve a reward from a novel box. In a control condition children were given no information about the effect of potential helping behavior. Alternatively they were informed that helping would either cost them (i.e., they would miss out on getting the reward) or benefit them (i.e., they would get the reward). It was hypothesized that children would be less likely, and slower, to help in the cost condition, compared to the other two conditions. This hypothesis was not supported: children across all conditions provided help at near ceiling levels. © 2014 Nielsen, Gigante and Collier-Baker. | Altruism; Helping behavior; Preschool children; Prosocial behavior; Social development | None | DP140101410, ARC, Australian Research Council |
| WoS | WOS:000281343500009 | Direct facility funding as a response to user fee reduction: implementation and perceived impact among Kenyan health centres and dispensaries | Goodman, Catherine,Kabare, Margaret,Molyneux, Sassy,Opwora, Antony | 2010 | HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING | 25 | 5 | 10.1093/heapol/czq009 | University of London, University of Oxford, Ctr Geog Med Res Coast | "Molyneux, Sassy: University of Oxford", | There is increasing pressure for reduction of user fees, but this can have adverse effects by decreasing facility-level funds. To address this, direct facility funding (DFF) was piloted in Coast Province, Kenya, with health facility committees (HFCs) responsible for managing the funds. We evaluated the implementation and perceived impact 2.5 years after DFF introduction.
Quantitative data collection at 30 public health centres and dispensaries included a structured interview with the in-charge, record reviews and exit interviews. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with the in-charge and HFC members at 12 facilities, and with district staff and other stakeholders.
DFF procedures were well established: HFCs met regularly and accounting procedures were broadly followed. DFF made an important contribution to facility cash income, accounting for 47% in health centres and 62% in dispensaries. The main items of expenditure were wages for support staff (32%), travel (21%), and construction and maintenance (18%). DFF was perceived to have a highly positive impact through funding support staff such as cleaners and patient attendants, outreach activities, renovations, patient referrals and increasing HFC activity. This was perceived to have improved health worker motivation, utilization and quality of care.
A number of problems were identified. HFC training was reportedly inadequate, and no DFF documentation was available at facility level, leading to confusion. Charging user fees above those specified in the national policy remained common, and understanding of DFF among the broader community was very limited. Finally, relationships between HFCs and health workers were sometimes characterized by mistrust and resentment.
Relatively small increases in funding may significantly affect facility performance when the funds are managed at the periphery. Kenya plans to scale up DFF nationwide. Our findings indicate this is warranted, but should include improved training and documentation, greater emphasis on community engagement, and insistence on user fee adherence. | "community engagement","HEALTH CARE FINANCING","Health facility committees",KENYA,"USER FEES",CARE,INSURANCE,"LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES" | None | None |
| None | None | Directors' Diversity and Board Performance: Evidence from East African Microfinance Institutions | Mori N. | 2014 | Journal of African Business | 15 | 2 | 10.1080/15228916.2014.920654 | Department of Finance, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Norwegian Centre for Microfinance Research, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway | Mori, N., Department of Finance, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Norwegian Centre for Microfinance Research, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway | Active board participation is one of the main challenges faced by microfinance institutions. This article sets out to explore the effect of board of directors' characteristics (age, gender, and education) on their ability to effectively perform their board roles (monitoring and resource provision). Microfinance policy makers are concerned with the role of boards in terms of the performance of the industry. This study used the agency theory and resource dependence theory to test the relationship between directors' characteristics and boards' performance. The empirical analysis is based on a survey conducted with 105 board directors representing 63 microfinance institutions from three East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda). The results show a positive relationship between directors' age and their ability to monitor and provide the board with resources. The study also shows that the effect of directors' level of education on boards' performance is positive, while no evidence was found with regard to the effect of female directors on boards. The findings imply that board directors need to be appointed based on their personal characteristics and their ability to perform their roles. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | board roles; characteristics; directors; East Africa; microfinance institutions | empirical analysis; financial policy; financial services; industrial performance; institutional framework; microfinance; policy making; Kenya; Tanzania; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915752416 | Direct radiative forcing of urban aerosols over Pretoria (25.75°S, 28.28°E) using AERONET Sunphotometer data: First scientific results and environmental impact | Adesina A.J., Kumar K.R., Sivakumar V., Griffith D. | 2014 | Journal of Environmental Sciences (China) | 26 | 12 | 10.1016/j.jes.2014.04.006 | Discipline of Physics, School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Key Laboratory for Aerosol-Cloud-Precipitation of China Meteorological Administration, School of Atmospheric Physics, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, China; Optronic Sensor Systems, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-DPSS, Pretoria, South Africa | Adesina, A.J., Discipline of Physics, School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Kumar, K.R., Discipline of Physics, School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa, Key Laboratory for Aerosol-Cloud-Precipitation of China Meteorological Administration, School of Atmospheric Physics, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, China; Sivakumar, V., Discipline of Physics, School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Griffith, D., Optronic Sensor Systems, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-DPSS, Pretoria, South Africa | The present study uses the data collected from Cimel Sunphotometer of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) for the period from January to December, 2012 over an urban site, Pretoria (PTR; 25.75°S, 28.28°E, 1449mabove sea level), South Africa. We found that monthly mean aerosol optical depth (AOD, τa) exhibits two maxima that occurred in summer (February) and winter (August) having values of 0.36±0.19 and 0.25±0.14, respectively, high-to-moderate values in spring and thereafter, decreases from autumn with a minima in early winter (June) 0.12±0.07. The Angstrom exponents (α440-870) likewise, have its peak in summer (January) 1.70±0.21 and lowest in early winter (June) 1.38±0.26, while the columnar water vapor (CWV) followed AOD pattern with high values (summer) at the beginning of the year (February, 2.10±0.37cm) and low values (winter) in the middle of the year (July, 0.66±0.21cm). The volume size distribution (VSD) in the fine-mode is higher in the summer and spring seasons, whereas in the coarse mode the VSD is higher in the winter and lower in the summer due to the hygroscopic growth of aerosol particles. The single scattering albedo (SSA) ranged from 0.85 to 0.96 at 440nm over PTR for the entire study period. The averaged aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) computed using SBDART model at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) was -8.78±3.1W/m2, while at the surface it was -25.69±8.1W/m2 leading to an atmospheric forcing of +16.91±6.8W/m2, indicating significant heating of the atmosphere with a mean of 0.47K/day. © 2014 The Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. | AERONET; Aerosol optical depth; Pretoria; Radiative forcing; Single scattering albedo | Atmospheric aerosols; Atmospheric radiation; Environmental impact; Optical properties; Sea level; Solar radiation; AERONET; Aerosol optical depths; Pretoria; Radiative forcings; Single scattering albedo; Urban growth; aerosol; albedo; atmospheric forcing; environmental impact; light scattering; optical depth; radiative forcing; urban atmosphere; Gauteng; Pretoria; South Africa; aerosol; aerosol; analysis; atmosphere; chemistry; environment; light related phenomena; remote sensing; South Africa; weather; Aerosols; Atmosphere; Environment; Optical Phenomena; Remote Sensing Technology; South Africa; Weather | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906091226 | Direct thrust measurement stand with improved operation and force calibration technique for performance testing of pulsed micro-thrusters | Lun J., Law C. | 2014 | Measurement Science and Technology | 25 | 9 | 10.1088/0957-0233/25/9/095009 | School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000 Gauteng, South Africa; South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Space Science Directorate, Hermanus, 7200 Western Cape, South Africa | Lun, J., School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000 Gauteng, South Africa, South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Space Science Directorate, Hermanus, 7200 Western Cape, South Africa; Law, C., School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000 Gauteng, South Africa | A robust stand for directly measuring pulsed thrust from micro-thrusters is presented. The method of electrostatic discs for in situ calibration was improved upon and simplified to allow convenient and accurate thrust measurement. The novel use of frictionless liquid gallium metal power interfaces for μN-level force measurement stands was also demonstrated. A series of detailed verification tests were performed to characterize the thrust stand's overall operating range and accuracy. The stand can test single and multiple thrusters with a total mass of up to 10 kg and was found to be capable of resolving impulse bits between 0.27-600 μNs with 2-4% error in the optimal deflection range. Demonstration of the thrust stand's capability and resilience to electromagnetic interference was accomplished by performing lifetime thrust tests on low-power Vacuum-Arc Thrusters operating with three different cathode fuels. © 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd. | electrostatic calibration; impulse measurement; micro-thruster; micronewton forces; propulsion; thrust stand; thruster | Calibration; Electromagnetic pulse; Propulsion; Impulse measurement; micronewton forces; Microthruster; Thrust stand; thruster; Electrostatics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948957369 | Direct-to-consumer genetic testing for predicting sports performance and talent identification: Consensus statement | Webborn N., Williams A., McNamee M., Bouchard C., Pitsiladis Y., Ahmetov I., Ashley E., Byrne N., Camporesi S., Collins M., Dijkstra P., Eynon N., Fuku N., Garton F.C., Hoppe N., Holm S., Kaye J., Klissouras V., Lucia A., Maase K., Moran C., North K.N., P | 2015 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 49 | 23 | 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095343 | Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, United Kingdom; College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Human Genomics Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States; FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russian Federation; Clinical Genomics Service, Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia; Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Aspetar-Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Institute of Sport, Exercise, and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalVIC, Australia; Coram Chambers, London, United Kingdom; School of Law, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Population Health, Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom; Emeritus of Ergophysiology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Universidad Europea and Research Institute, Madrid, Spain; Elite Sport Unit, Netherlands Olympic Committee and Netherlands Sports Confederation (NOC and NSF), Utrecht, Netherlands; Physiological Epigenetics Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom; International Federation of Sports Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy | Webborn, N., Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; Williams, A., MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, United Kingdom; McNamee, M., College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Bouchard, C., Human Genomics Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States; Pitsiladis, Y., FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; Ahmetov, I., Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russian Federation; Ashley, E., Clinical Genomics Service, Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Byrne, N., Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia; Camporesi, S., Department of Social Science, Health and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Collins, M., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Dijkstra, P., Aspetar-Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Eynon, N., Institute of Sport, Exercise, and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Fuku, N., Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan; Garton, F.C., Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalVIC, Australia; Hoppe, N., Coram Chambers, London, United Kingdom; Holm, S., School of Law, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Kaye, J., Nuffield Department of Population Health, Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom; Klissouras, V., Emeritus of Ergophysiology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Lucia, A., Universidad Europea and Research Institute, Madrid, Spain; Maase, K., Elite Sport Unit, Netherlands Olympic Committee and Netherlands Sports Confederation (NOC and NSF), Utrecht, Netherlands; Moran, C., Physiological Epigenetics Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom; North, K.N., Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalVIC, Australia; Pigozzi, F., International Federation of Sports Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Wang, G., FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom | The general consensus among sport and exercise genetics researchers is that genetic tests have no role to play in talent identification or the individualised prescription of training to maximise performance. Despite the lack of evidence, recent years have witnessed the rise of an emerging market of direct-toconsumer marketing (DTC) tests that claim to be able to identify children's athletic talents. Targeted consumers include mainly coaches and parents. There is concern among the scientific community that the current level of knowledge is being misrepresented for commercial purposes. There remains a lack of universally accepted guidelines and legislation for DTC testing in relation to all forms of genetic testing and not just for talent identification. There is concern over the lack of clarity of information over which specific genes or variants are being tested and the almost universal lack of appropriate genetic counselling for the interpretation of the genetic data to consumers. Furthermore independent studies have identified issues relating to quality control by DTC laboratories with different results being reported from samples from the same individual. Consequently, in the current state of knowledge, no child or young athlete should be exposed to DTC genetic testing to define or alter training or for talent identification aimed at selecting gifted children or adolescents. Large scale collaborative projects, may help to develop a stronger scientific foundation on these issues in the future. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878793540 | Disability Mediates the Impact of Common Conditions on Perceived Health | Alonso J., Vilagut G., Adroher N.D., Chatterji S., He Y., Andrade L.H., Bromet E., Bruffaerts R., Fayyad J., Florescu S., de Girolamo G., Gureje O., Haro J.M., Hinkov H., Hu C., Iwata N., Lee S., Levinson D., Lépine J.P., Matschinger H., Medina-Mora M.E., | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0065858 | IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Shangai Mental Health Center, | Alonso, J., IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain, CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; Vilagut, G., IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain; Adroher, N.D., IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain, CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; Chatterji, S., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; He, Y., Shangai Mental Health Center, Shangai, China; Andrade, L.H., Institute of Psychiatry University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil; Bromet, E., State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, United States; Bruffaerts, R., Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Fayyad, J., Institute for Development Research, Advocacy, and Applied Care, Beirut, Lebanon, St. George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Florescu, S., National School of Public Health Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania; de Girolamo, G., IRCCS Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Gureje, O., University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria; Haro, J.M., Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Hinkov, H., National Center for Public Health Protection, Sofia, Bulgaria; Hu, C., Shenzhen Institute of Mental Health and Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Guangdong Province, China; Iwata, N., Hiroshima International University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan; Lee, S., The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Levinson, D., Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Lépine, J.P., Hôpital Saint-Louis Lariboisière Fernand Widal, Paris, France; Matschinger, H., Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Medina-Mora, M.E., Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente, Mexico City, Mexico; O'Neill, S., University of Ulster, Londonderry, United Kingdom; Hormel, J., University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Posada-Villa, J.A., Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota D.C, Colombia; Ismet Taib, N., Mental Health Center-Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Xavier, M., Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Kessler, R.C., Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States | Background:We examined the extent to which disability mediates the observed associations of common mental and physical conditions with perceived health.Methods and Findings:WHO World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys carried out in 22 countries worldwide (n = 51,344 respondents, 72.0% response rate). We assessed nine common mental conditions with the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), and ten chronic physical with a checklist. A visual analog scale (VAS) score (0, worst to 100, best) measured perceived health in the previous 30 days. Disability was assessed using a modified WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS), including: cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, role functioning (life activities), family burden, stigma, and discrimination. Path analysis was used to estimate total effects of conditions on perceived health VAS and their separate direct and indirect (through the WHODAS dimensions) effects.Twelve-month prevalence was 14.4% for any mental and 51.4% for any physical condition. 31.7% of respondents reported difficulties in role functioning, 11.4% in mobility, 8.3% in stigma, 8.1% in family burden and 6.9% in cognition. Other difficulties were much less common. Mean VAS score was 81.0 (SD = 0.1). Decrements in VAS scores were highest for neurological conditions (9.8), depression (8.2) and bipolar disorder (8.1). Across conditions, 36.8% (IQR: 31.2-51.5%) of the total decrement in perceived health associated with the condition were mediated by WHODAS disabilities (significant for 17 of 19 conditions). Role functioning was the dominant mediator for both mental and physical conditions. Stigma and family burden were also important mediators for mental conditions, and mobility for physical conditions.Conclusions:More than a third of the decrement in perceived health associated with common conditions is mediated by disability. Although the decrement is similar for physical and mental conditions, the pattern of mediation is different. Research is needed on the benefits for perceived health of targeted interventions aimed at particular disability dimensions. © 2013 Alonso et al. | None | adult; article; attitude to health; bipolar disorder; cognition; Composite International Diagnostic Interview; daily life activity; depression; disability; family burden; family life; female; human; male; mental disease; movement (physiology); named inventories, questionnaires and rating scales; neurologic disease; physical disease; prevalence; role functioning; self care; social discrimination; stigma; visual analog scale; world health organization; World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule; adolescent; aged; clinical trial; disabled person; health survey; mental disease; middle aged; multicenter study; psychology; quality of life; self evaluation; statistics and numerical data; very elderly; Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Disabled Persons; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Self Care; Self-Assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649766739 | Disability status and academic performance in a nigerian university: Instructional implications for inclusive distance education practice | Lagoke B.A., Komolafe M.D., Ige N.A., Oladejo M.A. | 2010 | European Journal of Social Sciences | 17 | 3 | None | Federal College of Education (sp), Nigeria; Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Nigeria | Lagoke, B.A., Federal College of Education (sp), Nigeria; Komolafe, M.D., Federal College of Education (sp), Nigeria; Ige, N.A., Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Nigeria; Oladejo, M.A., Federal College of Education (sp), Nigeria | The need for Inclusive distance education in order to ensure that both abled and non-abled persons are included in the educational provision has become imperative to guarantee access to equal educational opportunities. In recent time, the academic performance of nonabled students has been a source of concern to stakeholders in the field of distance education This study therefore, provided a causal explanation of academic performance through the analysis of students' disability status at the National Open University of Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive research design of the 'ex-post facto' type. Stratified 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 questionnaire during the 2009 contact session. Two research questions and one hypothesis were answered and tested in the study. Pearson correlation, regression analysis and t-test were employed for data analysis. Students' disability status has significant contribution to academic performance. There was also a significant difference in students' academic performance based on disability status (t=2.39, df= 1488, P<0.05). Institutional providers should provide for adequate special support services and personnel for the exceptional students who may be disadvantaged in the programme. | Academic performance; Disability status; Distance education; Open university | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908137311 | Discontinuities effect on drilling condition and performance of selected rocks in Nigeria | Adebayo B., Bello W.A. | 2014 | International Journal of Mining Science and Technology | 24 | 5 | 10.1016/j.ijmst.2014.07.008 | Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Adebayo, B., Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Bello, W.A., Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | The study examined joint discontinuity spacing effect on drilling condition and performance in selected rocks in Ilorin and Ibese areas, Nigeria. Five samples for each rock type (gneiss and limestone) were tested in the laboratory for chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Dip direction and joint spacing were measured using compass clinometers. The chemical composition was determined using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. The results show that gneiss has SiO2 of 61.88% and limestone has CaO content of 52.3%. The average dry density of gneiss and limestone are 2.6 and 2.39 g/cm3, respectively. The uniaxial compressive strength of gneiss and limestone are 195 and 93.83 MPa, respectively. These rocks are classified as strong and moderately strong rock. Gneiss and limestone have mean joint discontinuity spacing of 0.79 and 0.25 m, which classified them as moderate and wide joint spacing respectively. Joint spacing was correlated with specific energy, bit wear and uniaxial compressive using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The regression model has multiple coefficient of correlation of R2 = 0.791 and R2 = 0.995 for gneiss and limestone, respectively. The variation in joint spacing could be attributed to specific energy, bit wear and uniaxial compressive strength which affect drilling condition and performance. Ultimately, as joint spacing gets closer, the drilling velocity increases, drill string will be stable. © 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining & Technology. | Composition; Gneiss; Joint spacing; Limestone; Regression | Limestone; Gneiss; Joint spacing; Nigeria; Regression; Chemical analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936756651 | Discordant Impact of HLA on Viral Replicative Capacity and Disease Progression in Pediatric and Adult HIV Infection | Adland E., Paioni P., Thobakgale C., Laker L., Mori L., Muenchhoff M., Csala A., Clapson M., Flynn J., Novelli V., Hurst J., Naidoo V., Shapiro R., Huang K.-H.G., Frater J., Prendergast A., Prado J.G., Ndung’u T., Walker B.D., Carrington M., Jooste P., Go | 2015 | PLoS Pathogens | 11 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004954 | Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom; HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Paediatric Department, Kimberley Hospital, Northern Cape, South Africa; Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond St Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; The Institute for Emerging Infections, The Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom; Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain; The Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany; Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States | Adland, E., Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom; Paioni, P., Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom; Thobakgale, C., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Laker, L., Paediatric Department, Kimberley Hospital, Northern Cape, South Africa; Mori, L., Paediatric Department, Kimberley Hospital, Northern Cape, South Africa; Muenchhoff, M., Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom, HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Csala, A., Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom; Clapson, M., Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond St Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; Flynn, J., Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond St Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; Novelli, V., Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond St Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; Hurst, J., The Institute for Emerging Infections, The Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom, Oxford National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom; Naidoo, V., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Shapiro, R., Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Huang, K.-H.G., The Institute for Emerging Infections, The Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom; Frater, J., The Institute for Emerging Infections, The Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom, Oxford National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom; Prendergast, A., Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Prado, J.G., AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain; Ndung’u, T., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, The Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States, KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany; Walker, B.D., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, The Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Carrington, M., The Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States; Jooste, P., Paediatric Department, Kimberley Hospital, Northern Cape, South Africa; Goulder, P.J.R., Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom, HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond St Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom | HLA class I polymorphism has a major influence on adult HIV disease progression. An important mechanism mediating this effect is the impact on viral replicative capacity (VRC) of the escape mutations selected in response to HLA-restricted CD8+ T-cell responses. Factors that contribute to slow progression in pediatric HIV infection are less well understood. We here investigate the relationship between VRC and disease progression in pediatric infection, and the effect of HLA on VRC and on disease outcome in adult and pediatric infection. Studying a South African cohort of >350 ART-naïve, HIV-infected children and their mothers, we first observed that pediatric disease progression is significantly correlated with VRC. As expected, VRCs in mother-child pairs were strongly correlated (p = 0.004). The impact of the protective HLA alleles, HLA-B*57, HLA-B*58:01 and HLA-B*81:01, resulted in significantly lower VRCs in adults (p<0.0001), but not in children. Similarly, in adults, but not in children, VRCs were significantly higher in subjects expressing the disease-susceptible alleles HLA-B*18:01/45:01/58:02 (p = 0.007). Irrespective of the subject, VRCs were strongly correlated with the number of Gag CD8+ T-cell escape mutants driven by HLA-B*57/58:01/81:01 present in each virus (p = 0.0002). In contrast to the impact of VRC common to progression in adults and children, the HLA effects on disease outcome, that are substantial in adults, are small and statistically insignificant in infected children. These data further highlight the important role that VRC plays both in adult and pediatric progression, and demonstrate that HLA-independent factors, yet to be fully defined, are predominantly responsible for pediatric non-progression. © 2015 Adland et al. | None | Gag protein; gamma interferon; HLA antigen class 1; HLA B antigen; nevirapine; adult; Article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; CD8+ T lymphocyte; child; controlled study; correlation analysis; disease course; disease predisposition; disease transmission; flow cytometry; gene expression; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; outcome assessment; phylogeny; protein expression; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; RNA isolation; sequence analysis; virus load; virus replication | WT104748MA, Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646550544 | Discovery of a 25-cm asteroid clast in the giant Morokweng impact crater, South Africa | Maier W.D., Andreoli M.A.G., McDonald I., Higgins M.D., Boyce A.J., Shukolyukov A., Lugmair G.W., Ashwal L.D., Gräser P., Ripley E.M., Hart R.J. | 2006 | Nature | 441 | 7090 | 10.1038/nature04751 | Sciences de la Terre, Université du Québec À Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, Que. G7H 2B1, Canada; Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, South Africa; School of Earth, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3YE, United Kingdom; Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride G75 0QF, United Kingdom; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, United States; Department of Geological Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7000, United States; Ithemba LABS - Gauteng, Wits 2050, South Africa | Maier, W.D., Sciences de la Terre, Université du Québec À Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, Que. G7H 2B1, Canada, Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Andreoli, M.A.G., South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, South Africa; McDonald, I., School of Earth, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3YE, United Kingdom; Higgins, M.D., Sciences de la Terre, Université du Québec À Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, Que. G7H 2B1, Canada; Boyce, A.J., Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride G75 0QF, United Kingdom; Shukolyukov, A., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, United States; Lugmair, G.W., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, United States; Ashwal, L.D., School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, South Africa; Gräser, P., Department of Geology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Ripley, E.M., Department of Geological Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7000, United States; Hart, R.J., Ithemba LABS - Gauteng, Wits 2050, South Africa | Meteorites provide a sample of Solar System bodies and so constrain the types of objects that have collided with Earth over time. Meteorites analysed to date, however, are unlikely to be representative of the entire population and it is also possible that changes in their nature have occurred with time 1. Large objects are widely believed to be completely melted or vaporized during high-angle impact with the Earth2,3. Consequently, identification of large impactors relies on indirect chemical tracers, notably the platinum-group elements4. Here we report the discovery of a large (25-cm), unaltered, fossil meteorite, and several smaller fragments within the impact melt of the giant (>70 km diameter), 145-Myr-old Morokweng crater, South Africa. The large fragment (clast) resembles an LL6 chondrite breccia, but contains anomalously iron-rich silicates, Fe-Ni sulphides, and no troilite or metal. It has chondritic chromium isotope ratios and identical platinum-group element ratios to the bulk impact melt. These features allow the unambiguous characterization of an impactor at a large crater. Furthermore, the unusual composition of the meteorite suggests that the Morokweng asteroid incorporated part of the LL chondrite parent body not represented by objects at present reaching the Earth. © 2006 Nature Publishing Group. | None | Earth (planet); Melting; Meteorites; Palladium; Radioactive tracers; Silicates; Vaporization; Chondritic chromium isotope ratios; Iron-rich silicates; Morokweng impact crater; Platinum-group element ratios; Solar system; chromium; iron; metal; platinum; silicate; sulfide; asteroid; astrobleme; chondrite; meteorite; platinum group element; solar system; article; astronomy; geochemistry; mineralogy; priority journal; South Africa; vaporization; velocity; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957638886 | Discrete fracture in high performance fibre reinforced concrete materials | Denneman E., Wu R., Kearsley E.P., Visser A.T. | 2011 | Engineering Fracture Mechanics | 78 | 10 | 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2011.04.008 | University of California Pavement Research Center, 1353 South 46th Street, Bldg. 452, Richmond, CA 94804, United States; Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; CSIR Built Environment, Meiring Naudé Road, Pretoria, 0184, South Africa | Denneman, E., University of California Pavement Research Center, 1353 South 46th Street, Bldg. 452, Richmond, CA 94804, United States, CSIR Built Environment, Meiring Naudé Road, Pretoria, 0184, South Africa; Wu, R., University of California Pavement Research Center, 1353 South 46th Street, Bldg. 452, Richmond, CA 94804, United States; Kearsley, E.P., Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Visser, A.T., Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | In this paper a simple, but effective methodology to simulate opening mode fracture in high performance fibre reinforced concrete is presented. The main contribution of the paper is a technique to extrapolate the load displacement curves of three point bending experiments on fibre reinforced concrete. The extrapolation allows the full work of fracture to be determined, from which the fracture energy may be obtained. The fracture energy is used in the definition of a cohesive softening function with crack tip singularity. The softening relation is implemented in an embedded discontinuity method, which is employed for the numerical simulation of three point bending experiments. The experimental work includes a size effect study on three point bending specimens. The numerical simulation provides a satisfactory prediction of the flexural behaviour and the size effect observed in the experiments. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Civil engineering structures; Concrete; Crack tip singularity; Embedded discontinuity method; Fibre reinforced materials | Civil engineering structures; Discrete fractures; Embedded discontinuity; Embedded discontinuity method; Fibre reinforced concrete; Fibre reinforced materials; High-performance fibres; Load-displacement curve; Numerical simulation; Opening mode fracture; Satisfactory predictions; Size effects; Three point bending; Three-point-bending experiments; Work of fracture; Civil engineering; Computer simulation; Concrete buildings; Crack tips; Cracks; Experiments; Extrapolation; Fibers; Fracture; Fracture energy; Numerical methods; Reinforced concrete; Fiber reinforced materials | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951133657 | Discrimination practices during workplace learning: Their extent and impact on student learning and lives | Ramrathan L., Ramrathan S. | 2009 | International Journal of Learning | 16 | 10 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Ramrathan, L., University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Ramrathan, S., Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Workplace learning is currently a crucial component of most programmes leading to professional and technical careers. Universities of Technologies expect their students to spend up to a year of their training programme at the site of envisaged work, while professional programmes in, e.g. teaching, are requiring a longer period of time to be spent in schools. The new framework for teacher education in South Africa gazetted in 2007 requires a student teacher to be in schools for up to a year. In fact, the length of school-based placement within teacher development programmes is central to the conceptualizations of theoretical models (e.g. master-apprentice model, applied science model and professional model fo teacher development) that frame teacher development across the centuries. This signals that workplace learning, either through internships or bouts of school placements spread across the programme, is now being conceptualized as a crucial component of learning. Currently, the major focus on workplace learning is on curriculum, policy and process issues. Little research has focused on discriminatory practices that impact on students learning and lives when students go on these workplace learning activities. This paper draws on empirical evidence from two different occupational specific training programme (Hospitality training and teaching), using surveys and narrative enquiry with students and staff of industries and schools, to identify the major forms of discriminatory practices that students are exposed to during their workplace learning and its resultant impact on their learning and lives. The paper finally alludes to curriculum intervention in the learning programme to help address theses gaps in training programmes. © Common Ground, Labby Ramrathan, Sathishah Ramrathan. | Discriminatory practices; Workplace learning | None | None |
| None | None | Discriminative ability of the generic and condition-specific Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child-OIDP) by the Limpopo-Arusha School Health (LASH) Project: A cross-sectional study | Mbawalla H.S., Mtaya M., Masalu J.R., Brudvik P., Astrom A.N. | 2011 | BMC Pediatrics | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2431-11-45 | Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Clinical Dentistry-Orthodontics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Mbawalla, H.S., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Mtaya, M., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Masalu, J.R., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Brudvik, P., Department of Clinical Dentistry-Orthodontics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Astrom, A.N., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Background: Generic and condition-specific (CS) oral-health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL) instruments assess the impacts of general oral conditions and specific oral diseases. Focusing schoolchildren from Arusha and Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania, this study compared the discriminative ability of the generic Child OIDP with respect to dental caries and periodontal problems across the study sites. Secondly, the discriminative ability of the generic-and the CS Child OIDP attributed to dental caries, periodontal problems and malocclusion was compared with respect to various oral conditions as part of a construct validation.Methods: In Arusha, 1077 school children (mean age 14.9 years, range 12-17 years) and 1601 school children in Dar es Salaam (mean age 13.0 years, range 12-14 years) underwent oral clinical examinations and completed the Kiswahili version of the generic and CS Child-OIDP inventories. The discriminative ability was assessed as differences in overall mean and prevalence scores between groups, corresponding effect sizes and odd ratios, OR.Results: The differences in the prevalence scores and the overall mean generic Child-OIDP scores were significant between the groups with (DMFT > 0) and without (DMFT = 0) caries experience and with (simplified oral hygiene index [OHI-S] > 1) and without periodontal problems (OHI-S ≤ 1) in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. In Dar es Salaam, differences in the generic and CS Child-OIDP scores were observed between the groups with and without dental caries, differences in the generic Child-OIDP scores were observed between the groups with and without periodontal problems, and differences in the CS Child-OIDP scores were observed between malocclusion groups. The adjusted OR for the association between dental caries and the CS Child-OIDP score attributed to dental caries was 5.4. The adjusted OR for the association between malocclusion and CS Child-OIDP attributed to malocclusion varied from 8.8 to 2.5.Conclusion: The generic Child-OIDP discriminated equally well between children with and without dental caries and periodontal problems across socio-culturally different study sites. Compared with its generic form, the CS Child-OIDP discriminated most strongly between children with and without dental caries and malocclusion. The CS Child OIDP attributed to dental caries and malocclusion seems to be better suited to support clinical indicators when estimating oral health needs among school children in Tanzania. © 2011 Mbawalla et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adolescent; article; child; child health; cross-sectional study; dental caries; discriminative stimulus; female; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; malocclusion; mouth examination; mouth hygiene; needs assessment; performance measurement system; periodontal disease; prevalence; quality of life; school child; scoring system; Tanzania; task performance; validation process; clinical trial; comparative study; daily life activity; dental caries; health; health survey; multicenter study; periodontal disease; questionnaire; standard; statistics; Tanzania; Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Caries; Dental Health Surveys; Female; Humans; Male; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Diseases; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61449110163 | Disease, predation and demography: Assessing the impacts of bovine tuberculosis on African buffalo by monitoring at individual and population levels | Cross P.C., Heisey D.M., Bowers J.A., Hay C.T., Wolhuter J., Buss P., Hofmeyr M., Michel A.L., Bengis R.G., Bird T.L.F., Du Toit J.T., Getz W.M. | 2009 | Journal of Applied Ecology | 46 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2008.01589.x | Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, US Geological Survey, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States; Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States; US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, United States; Ecoleges, Environmental Consultants, PO Box 40091, The Village 1218, South Africa; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Southern African Wildlife College, Private Bag X3015, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa; Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X 680, Pretoria, South Africa; South African National Parks, Skukuza, PO Box 402, South Africa; Bacteriology Section, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag x05, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Veterinary Investigation Centre, P.O. Box 12, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa; Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, 5230 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-5230, United States; Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States | Cross, P.C., Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, US Geological Survey, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States, Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States; Heisey, D.M., US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, United States; Bowers, J.A., Ecoleges, Environmental Consultants, PO Box 40091, The Village 1218, South Africa, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hay, C.T., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Southern African Wildlife College, Private Bag X3015, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa; Wolhuter, J., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X 680, Pretoria, South Africa; Buss, P., South African National Parks, Skukuza, PO Box 402, South Africa; Hofmeyr, M., South African National Parks, Skukuza, PO Box 402, South Africa; Michel, A.L., Bacteriology Section, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag x05, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Bengis, R.G., Veterinary Investigation Centre, P.O. Box 12, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa; Bird, T.L.F., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Du Toit, J.T., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, 5230 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-5230, United States; Getz, W.M., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States | 1. Understanding the effects of disease is critical to determining appropriate management responses, but estimating those effects in wildlife species is challenging. We used bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in the African buffalo Syncerus caffer population of Kruger National Park, South Africa, as a case study to highlight the issues associated with estimating chronic disease effects in a long-lived host. 2. We used known and radiocollared buffalo, aerial census data, and a natural gradient in pathogen prevalence to investigate if: (i) at the individual level, BTB infection reduces reproduction; (ii) BTB infection increases vulnerability to predation; and (iii) at the population level, increased BTB prevalence causes reduced population growth. 3. There was only a marginal reduction in calving success associated with BTB infection, as indexed by the probability of sighting a known adult female with or without a calf (P = 0·065). 4. Since 1991, BTB prevalence increased from 27 to 45% in the southern region and from 4 to 28% in the central region of Kruger National Park. The prevalence in the northern regions was only 1·5% in 1998. Buffalo population growth rates, however, were neither statistically different among regions nor declining over time. 5. Lions Panthera leo did not appear to preferentially kill test-positive buffalo. The best (Akaike's Information Criterion corrected for small sample size) AICc model with BTB as a covariate [exp(β) = 0·49; 95% CI = (0·24-1·02)] suggested that the mortality hazard for positive individuals was no greater than for test-negative individuals. 6. Synthesis and applications. Test accuracy, time-varying disease status, and movement among populations are some of the issues that make the detection of chronic disease impacts challenging. For these reasons, the demographic impacts of bovine tuberculosis in the Kruger National Park remain undetectable despite 6 years of study on known individuals and 40 years of population counts. However, the rainfall and forage conditions during this study were relatively good and the impacts of many chronic diseases may be a non-linear function of environmental conditions such that they are only detectable in stressful periods. © 2008 British Ecological Society. | Bovine tuberculosis; Detection; Disease; Population growth; Predator; Syncerus caffer | Akaike information criterion; bovine tuberculosis; cattle; census; demography; detection method; disease prevalence; host-pathogen interaction; mortality; national park; population growth; vulnerability; wildlife management; Africa; Kruger National Park; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Bovinae; Panthera; Panthera leo; Syncerus caffer | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927667258 | Diseases and economic performance: Evidence from panel data | Nor N.M., Sirag A., Thinng W.B.K., Waziri S.I. | 2015 | Asian Social Science | 11 | 9 | 10.5539/ass.v11n9p198 | Department of Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Economics, Bauchi State University, Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Nor, N.M., Department of Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Sirag, A., Department of Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Thinng, W.B.K., Department of Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Waziri, S.I., Department of Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Department of Economics, Bauchi State University, Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria | The current study aims to estimate to what extent economic performance is affected by different types of diseases. Particularly, we intend to examine the impact of diseases such as dengue, TB and HIV on GDP per capita in selected Southeast Asian countries. The panel data analysis and cointegration estimation technique are adopted to achieve the objectives of the study. The findings reveal that the variables move together in the long-run, and the results confirmed by three cointegration tests: Johansen-Fisher, Kao and Pedroni. Additionally, the coefficients estimated using FMOLS and confirmed by DOLS. Most importantly, it has been shown that shocks to human capital (diseases) have a large adverse impact on economic performance, especially; dengue, TB and HIV. The second major finding was that the role of human capital is found to be very crucial expressed by education and labor. The findings of this study suggest that reduction of diseases can lead to considerable improvement in economic performance. © 2015, Canadian Center of Science and Education. All rights reserved. | Cointegration; Communicable diseases; Economic performance; Human capital; Southeast Asia | None | None |
| None | None | Dispensary level pilot implementation of rapid diagnostic tests: An evaluation of RDT acceptance and usage by providers and patients - Tanzania, 2005 | Williams H.A., Causer L., Metta E., Malila A., O'Reilly T., Abdulla S., Kachur S.P., Bloland P.B. | 2008 | Malaria Journal | 7 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-7-239 | International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mail Stop F-60, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Australia; Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre (IHRDC), Tanzania; Malaria Branch, CDC, United States | Williams, H.A., International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mail Stop F-60, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Causer, L., National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Australia; Metta, E., Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre (IHRDC), Tanzania; Malila, A., Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre (IHRDC), Tanzania; O'Reilly, T., Malaria Branch, CDC, United States; Abdulla, S., National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Australia; Kachur, S.P., Malaria Branch, CDC, United States; Bloland, P.B., Malaria Branch, CDC, United States | Background. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) may assist in diagnosis, improve prescribing practices and reduce potential drug resistance development. Without understanding operational issues or acceptance and usage by providers and patients, the costs of these tests may not be justified. Objectives. To evaluate the impact of RDTs on prescribing behaviours, assess prescribers' and patients' perceptions, and identify operational issues during implementation. Methods. Baseline data were collected at six Tanzanian public dispensaries. RDTs were implemented for eight weeks and data collected on frequency of RDT use, results, malaria diagnoses and the prescription of antimalarials. Patients referred for RDTs completed a standardised exit interview. Qualitative methods assessed attitudes toward and satisfaction with RDTs, perceptions about the test and operational issues related to implementation. Results. Of 595 patients at baseline, 200 (33%) were diagnosed clinically with malaria but had a negative RDT. Among the 2519 RDTs performed during implementation, 289 (11.5%) had a negative result and antimalarials prescribed. The proportion of "over-prescriptions" at baseline was 54.8% (198/365). At weeks four and eight this decreased to 16.1% (27/168) and 16.4% (42/256) respectively. A total of 355 patient or parent/caregiver and 21 prescriber individual interviews and 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Patients, caregivers and providers trusted RDT results, agreed that use of RDTs was feasible at dispensary level, and perceived that RDTs improved clinical diagnosis. Negative concerns included community suspicion and fear that RDTs were HIV tests, the need for additional supervision in interpreting the results, and increased work loads without added compensation. Conclusion. Overprescriptions decreased over the study period. There was a high degree of patient/caregiver and provider acceptance of and satisfaction with RDTs. Implementation should include community education, sufficient levels of training and supervision and consideration of the need for additional staff. © 2008 Williams et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antimalarial agent; ambulatory care; article; caregiver; clinical evaluation; diagnostic test; diagnostic value; health care personnel; health care utilization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; information processing; interview; major clinical study; malaria; parental attitude; patient attitude; patient referral; perception; prescription; preventive health service; Tanzania; workload; attitude to health; health center; malaria; pilot study; psychological aspect; sensitivity and specificity; standard; statistics; Tanzania; Community Health Centers; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel; Humans; Malaria; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Pilot Projects; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949115388 | Dispersion of asphaltenes in petroleum with ionic liquids: Evaluation of molecular interactions in the binary mixture | Ogunlaja A.S., Hosten E., Tshentu Z.R. | 2014 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 53 | 48 | None | Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Ogunlaja, A.S., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Hosten, E., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Tshentu, Z.R., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Ionic liquids containing imidazolium cations 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, and 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-carboxybenzoate were successfully synthesized and employed for the dispersion of asphaltenes in heavy oil, which is becoming a necessity during oil recovery and transportation. Molecular interaction studies indicated that 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride displayed a small HOMO-LUMO energy gap, which best explains its higher polarizability and reactivity as compared with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate and 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-carboxybenzoate. Dispersion indices obtained from the experiments were in agreement with the modeling studies. Maximum asphaltene dispersion indices (%) of 78, 70, and 53 were obtained for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, and 1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-carboxybenzoate, respectively, when using an ionic liquid-toasphaltenes molarity ratio of 9:1. The excellent performance displayed by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride is based on the thermodynamic interaction energy and HOMO-LUMO energy it holds. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903646974 | Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Followed by Capillary High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of Six Sulfonylurea Herbicides in Fruit Juices | Gure A., Lara F.J., Megersa N., del Olmo-Iruela M., García-Campaña A.M. | 2014 | Food Analytical Methods | 7 | 7 | 10.1007/s12161-013-9775-5 | Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Gure, A., Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain, Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Lara, F.J., Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain; Megersa, N., Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; del Olmo-Iruela, M., Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain; García-Campaña, A.M., Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain | In this study a simple, rapid, and efficient method has been developed for the determination of six sulfonylurea herbicides (SUHs): triasulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, chlorsulfuron, flazasulfuron, chlorimuron-ethyl, and primisulfuron-methyl in commercial grape and apple juice samples, using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with capillary high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Various parameters that influence the extraction efficiency, such as the type and volume of extraction and disperser solvents, sample pH, and salt addition, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, limits of detection and quantification of the method were in the ranges of 2-9 and 8-29 μg L-1, respectively, lower than the maximum residue limits set by the European Union for the raw fruits, such as grape and apple. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations varied from 1.0 to 8.2 and 1.8 to 9.8 %, respectively, with recoveries between 72.0 and 109.5 % for commercial grape (both white and red) and apple juice samples, showing satisfactory accuracy for the determination of SUHs in fruit juices. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Capillary HPLC/DAD; Commercial grape and apple juice samples; Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction; Sulfonylurea herbicides | Chromatography; Fruit juices; Herbicides; High performance liquid chromatography; Weed control; Apple juice; Capillary high-performance liquid chromatography; Capillary HPLC; Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction; Extraction efficiencies; Maximum residue limits; Relative standard deviations; Sulfonylurea herbicides; Solvent extraction; Malus x domestica; Vitaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934441126 | Displacement, Deprivation and Development: The Impact of Relocation on Income and Livelihood of Tribes in Similipal Tiger and Biosphere Reserve, India | Mahapatra A.K., Tewari D.D., Baboo B. | 2015 | Environmental Management | 56 | 2 | 10.1007/s00267-015-0507-z | Forest and Environment Department, Regional Plant Resource Center, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India; University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, Richards Bay, South Africa | Mahapatra, A.K., Forest and Environment Department, Regional Plant Resource Center, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India; Tewari, D.D., University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, Richards Bay, South Africa; Baboo, B., Forest and Environment Department, Regional Plant Resource Center, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India | A large volume of literature describes adverse consequences of conservation-induced displacement on indigenous communities depended on natural resources of wildlife habitat. Resettlement policies in protected areas the world over are mainly designed and implemented without consideration of social and economic costs of exclusion. This study examined income and poverty profile of tribal residents in Similipal Tiger and Biosphere Reserve in India, relative to the households relocated out of the reserve. The income from different sources and livelihood diversification of displaced reserve dwellers reflected changes resulting from the loss of access to natural and household assets. The results contradicted common perception about impoverishment outcome of relocation. It showed an increase in the per capita income for poorer segments with an overall 8 % increase in absolute household income and corresponding improvement in the poverty ratio (head count ratio) and FGT index (0.241) for the relocated community. Contrary to other studies, the finding did not observe social alignment or marginalization; however, on-farm livelihood diversification reduced with increased dependence on off-farm sources. Expulsion of people from forest reserves to support conservation is inadequate in restricting habitat use of locals unless suitable alternative livelihood options are available for forest dependent was proven from the study. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. | Forest income; Household economy; Park dwellers; Resettlement | Biospherics; Ecosystems; Forestry; Alternative livelihoods; Biosphere reserve; Forest income; Household economy; Indigenous community; Per capita income; Resettlement; Wildlife habitats; Conservation; adult; cost; demography; economics; ecosystem; environmental protection; family size; forest; human; income; India; population group; procedures; rural population; Adult; Conservation of Natural Resources; Costs and Cost Analysis; Ecosystem; Family Characteristics; Forests; Humans; Income; India; Population Groups; Residence Characteristics; Rural Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900405443 | Disrupted rapid eye movement sleep predicts poor declarative memory performance in post-traumatic stress disorder | Lipinska M., Timol R., Kaminer D., Thomas K.G.F. | 2014 | Journal of Sleep Research | 23 | 3 | 10.1111/jsr.12122 | Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Lipinska, M., Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Timol, R., Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kaminer, D., Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Thomas, K.G.F., Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Successful memory consolidation during sleep depends on healthy slow-wave and rapid eye movement sleep, and on successful transition across sleep stages. In post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep is disrupted and memory is impaired, but relations between these two variables in the psychiatric condition remain unexplored. We examined whether disrupted sleep, and consequent disrupted memory consolidation, is a mechanism underlying declarative memory deficits in post-traumatic stress disorder. We recruited three matched groups of participants: post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 16); trauma-exposed non-post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 15); and healthy control (n = 14). They completed memory tasks before and after 8 h of sleep. We measured sleep variables using sleep-adapted electroencephalography. Post-traumatic stress disorder-diagnosed participants experienced significantly less sleep efficiency and rapid eye movement sleep percentage, and experienced more awakenings and wake percentage in the second half of the night than did participants in the other two groups. After sleep, post-traumatic stress disorder-diagnosed participants retained significantly less information on a declarative memory task than controls. Rapid eye movement percentage, wake percentage and sleep efficiency correlated with retention of information over the night. Furthermore, lower rapid eye movement percentage predicted poorer retention in post-traumatic stress disorder-diagnosed individuals. Our results suggest that declarative memory consolidation is disrupted during sleep in post-traumatic stress disorder. These data are consistent with theories suggesting that sleep benefits memory consolidation via predictable neurobiological mechanisms, and that rapid eye movement disruption is more than a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. © 2014 European Sleep Research Society. | Memory; Post-traumatic stress disorder; REM; Sleep | adult; arousal; article; clinical article; controlled study; correlational study; declarative memory; electroencephalography; female; human; memory consolidation; mental task; posttraumatic stress disorder; predictive value; priority journal; REM sleep deprivation; sleep disorder; sleep quality; sleep stage; memory; post-traumatic stress disorder; REM; sleep; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Electroencephalography; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Memory; Memory Disorders; Polysomnography; Rape; Retention (Psychology); Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Sleep, REM; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress, Psychological | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919876992 | Dissecting indices of aridity for assessing the impacts of global climate change | Girvetz E.H., Zganjar C. | 2014 | Climatic Change | 126 | 04-Mar | 10.1007/s10584-014-1218-9 | 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 | Girvetz, 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 States | There 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. | None | Climate models; Dissection; Evapotranspiration; Moisture; Aridity index; Future climate; General circulation; Global climate changes; Moisture deficit; Precipitation change; Rising temperatures; Water cycling; Climate change | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919871364 | Dissociation between running economy and running performance in elite Kenyan distance runners | Mooses M., Mooses K., Haile D.W., Durussel J., Kaasik P., Pitsiladis Y.P. | 2015 | Journal of Sports Sciences | 33 | 2 | 10.1080/02640414.2014.926384 | University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom | Mooses, M., University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Mooses, K., University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Haile, D.W., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Durussel, J., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Kaasik, P., University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Pitsiladis, Y.P., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom | The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between running economy (RE) and performance in a homogenous group of competitive Kenyan distance runners. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) (68.8 ± 3.8 ml∙kg−1∙min−1) was determined on a motorised treadmill in 32 Kenyan (25.3 ± 5.0 years; IAAF performance score: 993 ± 77 p) distance runners. Leg anthropometry was assessed and moment arm of the Achilles tendon determined. While Achilles moment arm was associated with better RE (r2 = 0.30, P = 0.003) and upper leg length, total leg length and total leg length to body height ratio were correlated with running performance (r = 0.42, P = 0.025; r = 0.40, P = 0.030 and r = 0.38, P = 0.043, respectively), RE and maximal time on treadmill (tmax) were not associated with running performance (r = −0.01, P = 0.965; r = 0.27; P = 0.189, respectively) in competitive Kenyan distance runners. The dissociation between RE and running performance in this homogenous group of runners would suggest that RE can be compensated by other factors to maintain high performance levels and is in line with the idea that RE is only one of many factors explaining elite running performance. © 2014, © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | Achilles moment arm; anthropometric characteristics; Kenyan distance runners; maximal oxygen uptake; running economy; running performance | achilles tendon; adult; anatomy and histology; body height; body mass; competitive behavior; endurance; exercise test; human; Kenya; leg; male; oxygen consumption; physiology; running; young adult; Achilles Tendon; Adult; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Competitive Behavior; Exercise Test; Humans; Kenya; Leg; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Running; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875965348 | Distinguishing the impact of postponement, spacing and stopping on birth intervals: Evidence from a model with heterogeneous fecundity | TimÆus I.M., Moultrie T.A. | 2013 | Journal of Biosocial Science | 45 | 3 | 10.1017/S0021932012000648 | Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | TimÆus, I.M., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Moultrie, T.A., Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper investigates the impact on birth intervals of three distinct birth control strategies: stopping childbearing, spacing births and the postponement of further childbearing for reasons unrelated to women's family-building histories. A macro-simulation model of the family-building process is described that incorporates heterogeneity in fecundability. This model is used to demonstrate that the postponement of further childbearing has a distinctive impact on schedules of duration-specific fertility rates that differs from that of both family-size limitation and birth spacing. In particular, the simulation results, supplemented by an analytical exposition, show that reductions in fertility due to spacing are a function of interval duration and its log, while reductions due to postponement are a function of interval duration and its square. This provides a way to test statistically for the presence of, and distinguish between, differential postponement and spacing in regression analyses of birth history data. © 2012 Cambridge University Press. | None | age; contraception; family planning; family size; female; fertility; human; parity; pregnancy; statistical model; statistics and numerical data; article; contraception; family planning; statistics; Age Factors; Birth Intervals; Contraception; Family Characteristics; Female; Fertility; Humans; Models, Statistical; Parity; Pregnancy; Age Factors; Birth Intervals; Contraception; Family Characteristics; Female; Fertility; Humans; Models, Statistical; Parity; Pregnancy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951025712 | Distribution and potential source evaluation of heavy metals in prominent soils of Accra Plains, Ghana | Eze P.N., Udeigwe T.K., Stietiya M.H. | 2010 | Geoderma | 156 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.geoderma.2010.02.032 | Department of Soil Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 245, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Northeast Research Station, Louisiana State University AgCenter, P.O. Box 438, St. Joseph, LA 71366, United States; School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, 104 M.B. Sturgis Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States | Eze, P.N., Department of Soil Science, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 245, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Udeigwe, T.K., Northeast Research Station, Louisiana State University AgCenter, P.O. Box 438, St. Joseph, LA 71366, United States; Stietiya, M.H., School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, 104 M.B. Sturgis Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States | Environmental contamination by heavy metals remains a major threat to health and agricultural productivity, particularly in developing countries. This study evaluated the distribution, controlling variables, and potential sources of heavy metals in the soils of the Legon hill catena, prominent soils of Accra Plains, Ghana, West Africa. Soil samples were collected from the profiles of five dominant soil series, comprising four Alfisols and one Vertisol, developed on different physiographic positions. Samples were characterized for various soil properties including total elemental analysis. Variations in major physical and chemical characteristics among the soils were chiefly attributed to physiographic position and parent materials. Dominant heavy metals and concentration ranges observed were Co (22.0-260 mg kg- 1), Cu (9.80-72.9 mg kg- 1), Ni (22.8-201 mg kg-1), Pb (9.30-45.0 mg kg- 1), and Zn (5.80-69.8 mg kg- 1), with averages of 76.8, 35.5, 66.3, 26.0, and 44.0 mg kg- 1, respectively. Except in a few occasions, the concentrations of these metals generally increased with depth. All the soils were dominated by SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3. Copper and Zn were positively correlated with Fe2O3 (R2 ≥ 0.67, P < 0.001), but negatively correlated with SiO2 (R2 ≥ 0.71, P < 0.001). Principal component and correlation analyses suggested that Cu, Pb, and Zn contents of this region could be of similar lithogenic origin, while Co and Ni were attributed to a different geogenic source. Evidence gathered from this study further suggested that the metal contents of these soils were generally below the maximum allowable limits set by most countries. | Depth distribution of metals; Desilication; Elemental composition; Parent materials; Topography | Agricultural productivity; Alfisols; Concentration ranges; Correlation analysis; Depth distribution; Desilication; Elemental analysis; Elemental compositions; Environmental contamination; Geogenic; Metal content; Parent materials; Physical and chemical characteristics; Potential sources; Principal Components; Soil property; Soil sample; Vertisols; West Africa; Zn content; Chemical analysis; Developing countries; Health risks; Lead; Metals; Principal component analysis; Productivity; Silicon compounds; Soil surveys; Zinc; Soils; agricultural production; Alfisol; correlation; developing world; health risk; heavy metal; parent material; physicochemical property; principal component analysis; soil pollution; soil property; topography; vertical distribution; Accra; Ghana; Greater Accra | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859107308 | Distribution-free exponentially weighted moving average control charts for monitoring unknown location | Graham M.A., Mukherjee A., Chakraborti S. | 2012 | Computational Statistics and Data Analysis | 56 | 8 | 10.1016/j.csda.2012.02.010 | Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India; Department of Information Systems, Statistics and Management Science, University of Alabama, United States | Graham, M.A., Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Mukherjee, A., Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India; Chakraborti, S., Department of Information Systems, Statistics and Management Science, University of Alabama, United States | Distribution-free (nonparametric) control charts provide a robust alternative to a data analyst when there is lack of knowledge about the underlying distribution. A two-sided nonparametric Phase II exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart, based on the exceedance statistics (EWMA-EX), is proposed for detecting a shift in the location parameter of a continuous distribution. The nonparametric EWMA chart combines the advantages of a nonparametric control chart (known and robust in-control performance) with the better shift detection properties of an EWMA chart. Guidance and recommendations are provided for practical implementation of the chart along with illustrative examples. A performance comparison is made with the traditional (normal theory) EWMA chart for subgroup averages and a recently proposed nonparametric EWMA chart based on the WilcoxonMannWhitney statistics. A summary and some concluding remarks are given. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Binomial; Markov chain; Nonparametric; Quality control; Robust; Run-length; Search algorithm; Simulation | Binomial; Non-parametric; Robust; Run length; Search Algorithms; Simulation; Markov processes; Quality control; Flowcharting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748498933 | Distribution of two Striga species and their relative impact on local and resistant sorghum cultivars in East Ethiopia | Hussien T. | 2006 | Tropical Science | 46 | 3 | 10.1002/ts.70 | Department of Plant Sciences, Alemaya University, PO Box 165, Ethiopia | Hussien, T., Department of Plant Sciences, Alemaya University, PO Box 165, Ethiopia | In five districts of east Ethiopia, only Striga hermonthica was identified in sorghum fields in three districts, and only S. asiatica in two. When the Striga-resistant sorghum variety Gubiye/P9401 was grown there was indicated scanty occurrence of Striga (1 to 4/m2), whereas local varieties showed 133 to 288/m2. Such severe infestation of the local cultivars with Striga resulted in drastic yield reductions of sorghum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | East Ethiopia; Soil types; Sorghum; Striga occurrence | Striga; Striga asiatica; Striga hermonthica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929659246 | Distributon and impact of the alien anemone Sagarta ornata in the West Coast Natonal Park | Robinson T.B., Swart C. | 2015 | Koedoe | 57 | 1 | 10.4102/koedoe.v57i1.1246 | Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Robinson, T.B., Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Swart, C., Department of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Sagartia ornata is an alien anemone that occurs intertidally within the West Coast National Park (WCNP). Whilst baseline distributional data was gathered in 2001, the range and abundance of this alien has not been reassessed. The present study aimed to determine the current status and distribution of this anemone, to assess its diet so as to establish the role it may play as predator and to investigate its impact on sandy-shore communities. Sagartia ornata was found to be restricted to the WCNP, where it occurred in densities of up to 508 ± 218 individuals per m2. Within the park the distribution of this anemone had changed. Populations were recorded in Nanozostera capensis seagrass beds for the frst time and this alien was absent from two areas in which it had previously occurred. Diet analysis revealed indigenous polychaetes and amphipods as the dominant prey items consumed by S. ornata. This alien was found to signifcantly alter sandy-shore community structure, with differences caused primarily by increases in the abundance and biomass of the tanaid Anatanais gracilis and the polychaete Orbinia angrapequensis. Additionally, invaded areas supported signifcantly greater invertebrate diversity, density and biomass. It is concluded that whilst this anemone negatively affects native biota, its current dependence on restricted habitats precludes widespread impacts with the park. Conservation implications: With regard to conservation implications, this invasion should be routinely monitored outside the WCNP as in its native range S. ornata occurs on rocky shores and kelp holdfasts, suggesting a potential for spread along the west coast of South Africa. © 2015. The Authors. | None | abundance; biological invasion; introduced species; polyp; rocky shore; seagrass; sessile species; spatial distribution; South Africa; West Coast National Park; Western Cape; Amphipoda; Anemone; Invertebrata; Orbinia; Polychaeta; Sagartia ornata; Tanaidae; Zeuxo phytalensis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875617700 | Disturbances impact on longevity of grass seeds, semi-arid South African Rangeland | Snyman H.A. | 2013 | Rangeland Ecology and Management | 66 | 2 | 10.2111/REM-D-11-00145.1 | Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Snyman, H.A., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | The effect of plant and soil disturbances on seed density, species richness, and seed longevity of the soil seed bank was quantified for a semi-arid rangeland, over a 5-yr period (2002/2003-2006/2007 growing seasons). The different soil and plant treatments included fire, tillage (intended as a trampling surrogate), and blocked seed rain (simulating heavy grazing). These three experimental factors were combined in a factorial arrangement. Seed responses were evaluated in the soil seed bank before the new seed set, after the first seed production event, and after the second seed production event. Before disturbance (physical impact on the plant and soil), soil seed bank was dominated by early successional species: conversely, aboveground vegetation was mainly dominated by perennial grasses. After only 4 yr of blocked seed rain, seedling emergence of Decreaser grass species ceased totally both in the field and seed bank, with lower effect on Increaser grass species. Emergence of both Decreaser and Increaser grass species decreased in the seed bank with tillage, whereas the opposite occurred in the field. By contrast, tillage increased the emergence of weeds in the seed bank. The decrease in emergence of Decreaser grass species in both seed bank and field was still evident 4 yr after the rangeland was burnt. The grass species Themeda triandra was the most sensitive to fire in terms of seedling emergence. Blocked seed rain treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) species richness. Regardless of treatments applied, there was poor similarity between aboveground vegetation and the associated seed bank. Differences in the soil seed bank are likely to reflect manifested properties rather than short-term changes. Several characteristics of seed banks (species composition, seed abundance, and longevity) must be considered in order to understand the dynamics of plant communities following disturbances. © 2013 The Society for Range Management. | blocked seed rain; fire; seedling emergence; species richness; tillage | aboveground biomass; community dynamics; dominance; environmental disturbance; experimental study; grass; grazing; longevity; perennial plant; rangeland; seed bank; seed rain; seed set; seedling emergence; semiarid region; soil profile; species richness; tillage; South Africa; Poaceae; Themeda triandra | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44249121715 | Diurnal blood pressure variation in the evaluation of early onset severe pre-eclampsia | Steyn D.W., Odendaal H.J., Hall D.R. | 2008 | European Journal of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology | 138 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2007.08.010 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital, the University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa | Steyn, D.W., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital, the University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Odendaal, H.J., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital, the University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Hall, D.R., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tygerberg Hospital, the University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa | Objective: : To study the association between diurnal variation in blood pressure, the mean daily blood pressure and various complications of pregnancy in patients presenting with severe pre-eclampsia before 34 weeks' gestation. Study design: : Forty-four women presenting to a tertiary hospital in South Africa with severe pre-eclampsia between 28 and 34 weeks' gestation were managed expectantly for at least 8 days. We measured maternal blood pressure every 30 min with the pregnancy validated Spacelabs 90209 automated blood pressure monitor for 24 h periods on alternative days. The mean 24-h diastolic blood pressure measurement, the mean diastolic blood pressure for daytime and nighttime, the day-night blood pressure difference and the night-day ratio were compared with the occurrence of abruptio placentae, gestational age at delivery, neonatal intensive care unit admission, birth weight, abnormal umbilical artery Doppler FVW and reason for delivery. Results: : One hundred and seventy-six 24-h studies were analyzed. The day-night blood pressure difference decreased with increasing mean diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.323, p < 0.0001). A combination of normal mean diastolic blood pressure and normal day-night blood pressure difference was associated with increased gestational age and lower caesarean section rates. Conclusion: : The combination of mean diastolic blood pressure and day-night blood pressure difference may be a supplementary measurement of disease severity in early onset severe pre-eclampsia and seems to be of prognostic value. © 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring; Diurnal blood pressure variation; Early onset; Pre-eclampsia | methyldopa; nifedipine; prazosin; adult; article; birth weight; blood pressure measurement; blood pressure variability; cesarean section; circadian rhythm; clinical article; diagnostic value; diastolic blood pressure; disease course; disease severity; Doppler flowmeter; Doppler flowmetry; early diagnosis; female; fetus monitoring; gestation period; gestational age; human; informed consent; maternal age; maternal hypertension; newborn intensive care; parity; patient monitoring; preeclampsia; pregnancy complication; pregnant woman; priority journal; prognosis; solutio placentae; South Africa; tertiary health care; Adult; Blood Pressure; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Humans; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947292047 | Diversity and potential impact of Calonectria species in Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil | Alfenas R.F., Lombard L., Pereira O.L., Alfenas A.C., Crous P.W. | 2015 | Studies in Mycology | 80 | None | 10.1016/j.simyco.2014.11.002 | Department of Plant Pathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil; CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, CT Utrecht, Netherlands; Clonar Resistência a Doenças Florestais, CENTEV, Viçosa, MG, Brazil; Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, CH Utrecht, Netherlands | Alfenas, R.F., Department of Plant Pathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil, Clonar Resistência a Doenças Florestais, CENTEV, Viçosa, MG, Brazil; Lombard, L., CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, CT Utrecht, Netherlands; Pereira, O.L., Department of Plant Pathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil; Alfenas, A.C., Department of Plant Pathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil; Crous, P.W., CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, CT Utrecht, Netherlands, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, CH Utrecht, Netherlands | Species in the genus Calonectria (Hypocreales) represent an important group of plant pathogenic fungi that cause serious losses to plant crops in tropical and subtropical climates. Calonectria leaf blight is currently one of the main impediments to Eucalyptus cultivation in Brazil, and various species of Calonectria have been associated with this disease. Since most previous identifications were solely based on morphological characters, much of the published literature needs to be re-evaluated. The aim of this study was thus to identify and determine the phylogenetic relationships among species that occur in the Eucalyptus growing regions of Brazil by using partial sequences of the β-tubulin, calmodulin, translation elongation factor 1-α and histone H3 gene regions. Based on extensive collections from soil and infected eucalypt leaf samples from plantations, phylogenetic inference revealed the Ca. pteridis complex to be the most common species complex present in Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. By elucidating taxa in the Ca. pteridis, Ca. cylindrospora and Ca. candelabra species complexes, 20 novel Calonectria species were identified, and a new name in Calonectria provided for Cylindrocladium macrosporum as Ca. pseudopteridis. © 2014 CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre. | Calonectria leaf blight; Cylindrocladium; Damping-off; Diversity; Taxonomy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897446615 | Diversity in Puccinia triticina detected on wheat from 2008 to 2010 and the impact of new races on South African wheat germplasm | Terefe T.G., Visser B., Herselman L., Prins R., Negussie T., Kolmer J.A., Pretorius Z.A. | 2014 | European Journal of Plant Pathology | 139 | 1 | 10.1007/s10658-013-0368-3 | Agricultural 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 States | Terefe, 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 Africa | Samples 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; Race | cultivar; disease resistance; fungal disease; gene expression; genetic marker; germplasm; seedling; species diversity; vulnerability; wheat; South Africa; Puccinia triticina; Triticosecale; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893073387 | Diversity of aflatoxin-producing fungi and their impact on food safety in sub-Saharan Africa | Probst C., Bandyopadhyay R., Cotty P.J. | 2014 | International Journal of Food Microbiology | 174 | None | 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2013.12.010 | The University of Arizona, School of Plant Sciences, Tucson 85721, United States; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IIITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; USDA-ARS, The University of Arizona, School of Plant Sciences, Tucson 85721, United State | Probst, C., The University of Arizona, School of Plant Sciences, Tucson 85721, United States; Bandyopadhyay, R., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IIITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Cotty, P.J., The University of Arizona, School of Plant Sciences, Tucson 85721, United States, USDA-ARS, The University of Arizona, School of Plant Sciences, Tucson 85721, United States | Crops frequently contaminated by aflatoxins are important sources of revenue and daily nourishment in many portions of sub-Saharan Africa. In recent years, reports have associated aflatoxins with diminished human health and export opportunities in many African Nations. Aflatoxins are highly carcinogenic metabolites mainly produced by members of Aspergillus sect. Flavi. The current study examined aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with maize grain intended for human consumption in 18 sub-Saharan African countries. 4469 Aspergillus sect. Flavi isolates were obtained from 339 samples. The majority (75%) of isolates belonged to the L strain morphotype of A. flavus. Minor percentages were A. tamarii (6%), A. parasiticus (1%), and isolates with S strain morphology (3%). No A. bombycis or A. nomius isolates were detected. Phylogenetic analyses of partial sequences of the nitrate reductase gene (niaD, 1.3kb) and the aflatoxin pathway transcription factor gene (aflR, 1.7kb) were used to verify isolate assignments into species and lineages. Phylogenetics resolved S strain isolates producing only B aflatoxins into two lineages fully supported by sizes of deletions in the gene region spanning the aflatoxin biosynthesis genes cypA (aflU) and norB (aflF). One lineage was the A. flavus S strain with either 0.9 or 1.5kb deletions. The second lineage, recently described from Kenya, has a 2.2kb deletion. Taxa with S strain morphology differed in distribution with strain SBG limited to West Africa and both A. minisclerotigenes and the new lineage from Kenya in Central and East Africa. African A. flavus L strain isolates formed a single clade with L strain isolates from other continents. The sampled maize frequently tested positive for aflatoxins (65%), fumonisins (81%), and deoxynivalenol (40%) indicating the presence of fungi capable of producing the respective toxins. Percentage of samples exceeding US limits for total aflatoxins (regulatory limit), fumonisins (advisory limit), and deoxynivalenol (advisory limit) were 47%, 49%, 4%, respectively. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Aflatoxin; Africa; Aspergillus flavus; Food security; Maize; Mycotoxins | aflatoxin; fumonisin; nitrate reductase; transcription factor; vomitoxin; Africa south of the Sahara; article; Aspergillus; cypa gene; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; extraction; food intake; food safety; fungus; fungus isolation; gene; gene amplification; gene deletion; in vitro study; indel mutation; limit of detection; limit of quantitation; maize; microbial diversity; mycotoxin extraction; nonhuman; norb gene; parsimony analysis; phylogeny; plant structures; Aflatoxin; Africa; Aspergillus flavus; Food security; Maize; Mycotoxins; Aflatoxins; Africa South of the Sahara; Aspergillus; Base Sequence; Food Microbiology; Food Safety; Genes, Fungal; Humans; Phylogeny; Sequence Deletion; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931269184 | Diversity of honey stores and their impact on pathogenic bacteria of the honeybee, Apis mellifera | Erler S., Denner A., Bobiş O., Forsgren E., Moritz R.F.A. | 2014 | Ecology and Evolution | 4 | 20 | 10.1002/ece3.1252 | Departamentul de Apicultură şi Sericicultură, Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Institut für Biologie, Molekulare Ökologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, Halle, Germany; Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7044, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Erler, S., Departamentul de Apicultură şi Sericicultură, Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Institut für Biologie, Molekulare Ökologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, Halle, Germany; Denner, A., Departamentul de Apicultură şi Sericicultură, Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Institut für Biologie, Molekulare Ökologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, Halle, Germany; Bobiş, O., Departamentul de Apicultură şi Sericicultură, Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Forsgren, E., Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7044, Uppsala, Sweden; Moritz, R.F.A., Departamentul de Apicultură şi Sericicultură, Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Institut für Biologie, Molekulare Ökologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, Halle, Germany, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Honeybee colonies offer an excellent environment for microbial pathogen development. The highest virulent, colony killing, bacterial agents are Paenibacillus larvae causing American foulbrood (AFB), and European foulbrood (EFB) associated bacteria. Besides the innate immune defense, honeybees evolved behavioral defenses to combat infections. Foraging of antimicrobial plant compounds plays a key role for this "social immunity" behavior. Secondary plant metabolites in floral nectar are known for their antimicrobial effects. Yet, these compounds are highly plant specific, and the effects on bee health will depend on the floral origin of the honey produced. As worker bees not only feed themselves, but also the larvae and other colony members, honey is a prime candidate acting as self-medication agent in honeybee colonies to prevent or decrease infections. Here, we test eight AFB and EFB bacterial strains and the growth inhibitory activity of three honey types. Using a high-throughput cell growth assay, we show that all honeys have high growth inhibitory activity and the two monofloral honeys appeared to be strain specific. The specificity of the monofloral honeys and the strong antimicrobial potential of the polyfloral honey suggest that the diversity of honeys in the honey stores of a colony may be highly adaptive for its "social immunity" against the highly diverse suite of pathogens encountered in nature. This ecological diversity may therefore operate similar to the well-known effects of host genetic variance in the arms race between host and parasite. © 2014 The Authors. | Paenibacillus larvae; American foulbrood; Antimicrobial activity; Disease ecology; European foulbrood; Host-parasite interaction; Self-medication | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949115259 | Diversity performance of a wavelet-packet-based multicarrier multicode CDMA communication system | Akho-Zahieh M.M., Ugweje O.C. | 2008 | IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology | 57 | 2 | 10.1109/TVT.2007.906360 | Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Applied Science University, Amman 11931, Jordan; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3904, United States; Digital Bridge Institute, Abuja, Nigeria | Akho-Zahieh, M.M., Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Applied Science University, Amman 11931, Jordan; Ugweje, O.C., Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3904, United States, Digital Bridge Institute, Abuja, Nigeria | In this paper, we propose and analyze a novel multicarrier (MC) multicode (MCD) code-division multiple-access (CDMA) system employing wavelet packets (WPs) for modulation. This system can achieve robust performance against multipath fading due to the localization of WPs in the time and frequency domains. The analytical framework is presented, and the system performance with diversity is evaluated by means of bit error rates and the outage probability out. Since WPs have lower sidelobes compared to sinusoidal carriers, our system is very effective in reducing the problem of intercarrier interference. The effects of system parameters (e.g., order of diversity, fading parameters, and WP type) were investigated. The major contribution is to compare the performance of the system to that of the MC/MCD-CDMA system that is based on sinusoidal carriers. The results reveal a considerable performance improvement of our proposed system over the MC/MCD-CDMA system. © 2008 IEEE. | BER; Bit error rate (BER); Diversity; Multicarrier; Multicarrier (MC); Multicode; Multicode (MCD); Outage probability; Wavelet packets; Wavelet packets (WPs) | Bit error rate; Diversity reception; Multicarrier modulation; Multipath fading; Packet switching; Probability; Wave interference; Wavelet analysis; Intercarrier interference; Multicarrier; Multicode; Outage probability; Wavelet packets; Code division multiple access | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880850493 | Dive tourism and local communities: Active participation or subject to impacts? Case studies from malaysia | Daldeniz B., Hampton M.P. | 2013 | International Journal of Tourism Research | 15 | 5 | 10.1002/jtr.1897 | Kent Business School, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom; University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Daldeniz, B.; Hampton, M.P., Kent Business School, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Dive tourism impacts were examined in three Malaysian islands: Perhentian (backpackers), Redang (package tourism) and Mabul (upmarket dive tourism). Qualitative local participation approaches were applied to investigate whether host communities were merely reactive to dive tourism's impacts. Dive tourism affected many aspects of community life. Besides physical/ environmental impacts (new infrastructure), research found varied economic impacts including employment/business opportunities and differing economic linkages. Participation varied between locations, and obstacles to increased participation were revealed. Mainly negative socio-cultural impacts were observed with minimal participation in cultural productions (handicrafts, performances). However, positive educational impacts emerged, especially environmental awareness and English language acquisition. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Dive tourism; Economic impacts; Host communities; Local participation | culture; diving; economic impact; employment; environmental impact; local participation; social impact; tourism; East Malaysia; Mabul Island; Malaysia; Redang; Sabah; Terengganu; West Malaysia | None |
| WoS | WOS:000310316200030 | Divinity and Distress: The Impact of Religion and Spirituality on the Mental Health of HIV-Positive Adults in Tanzania | Kershaw, Trace,Mosha, John S.,Ng, Reuben,Steglitz, Jeremy | 2012 | AIDS AND BEHAVIOR | 16 | 8 | 10.1007/s10461-012-0261-7 | Yale University, Primary Hlth Care Inst Iringa | "Ng, Reuben: Yale University", | This study examined the relationship between religiosity, spirituality and mental health in the context of a stress-coping framework. Participants were 135 rural, low-income HIV-positive adults in Iringa, Tanzania. The relationships between religiosity, spirituality, coping responses, social support, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) were examined using structural equation modeling. Religiosity was related to decreased avoidant coping and increased social support, which in turn were related to psychological distress. Spirituality was positively related to active coping and social support. Results suggest that coping strategies and social support may mediate the relationship between religiosity and spirituality and psychological distress. Interventions to reduce psychological distress among HIV-positive individuals in Tanzania might incorporate strategies to reduce avoidant coping and increase social support. According to the present findings, this may be accomplished through faith-based approaches that incorporate religious and spiritual activities into HIV prevention programs. | COPING,HIV/AIDS,"PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS",religiosity/spirituality,Tanzania,ADOLESCENTS,"COPING STYLE",HIV/AIDS,INFECTION,"LIFE STRESSORS",LONG,"PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS","SOCIAL SUPPORT",STRATEGIES,WOMEN | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649948771 | DNA repair and DNA triplet repeat expansion: The impact of abasic lesions on triplet repeat DNA energetics | Völker J., Plum G.E., Klump H.H., Breslauer K.J. | 2009 | Journal of the American Chemical Society | 131 | 26 | 10.1021/ja902161e | Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; IBET Inc., 1507 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212, United States; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7800, South Africa; Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States | Völker, J., Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; Plum, G.E., Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States, IBET Inc., 1507 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212, United States; Klump, H.H., Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7800, South Africa; Breslauer, K.J., Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 610 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States | Enhanced levels of DNA triplet expansion are observed when base excision repair (BER) of oxidative DNA base damage (e.g., 8-oxo-dG) occurs at or near CAG repeat sequences. This observation suggests an interplay between processing mechanisms required for DNA repair and expansion pathways that yield genotypes associated with many neurological/developmental disorders. It has been proposed that DNA expansion involves the transient formation within the triplet repeat domains of non-native slipped DNA structures that are incorrectly processed by the BER machinery of repair during DNA synthesis. We show here that replacement within a triplet repeat bulge loop domain of a guanosine residue by an abasic site, the universal BER intermediate, increases the population of slipped/looped DNA structures relative to the corresponding lesion-free construct. Such abasic lesion-induced energetic enhancement of slipped/ looped structures provides a linkage between BER and DNA expansion. We discuss how the BER machinery of repair may be influenced by abasic-induced energetic alterations in the properties of regions proximal to and/or within triplet repeat domains, thereby potentially modulating levels of DNA expansion. © 2009 American Chemical Society. | None | Base excision repairs; DNA repair; DNA structure; DNA synthesis; Guanosine; Looped structures; Non-native; Transient formation; DNA; Expansion; Genes; Machinery; Nucleic acids; Repair; Synthesis (chemical); DNA sequences; DNA base; guanosine; repetitive DNA; tetrahydrofuran; article; DNA damage; DNA repair; DNA structure; DNA synthesis; energy transfer; excision repair; molecular dynamics; DNA; DNA Repair; Guanosine; Hot Temperature; Nucleic Acid Conformation; Nucleic Acid Denaturation; Thermodynamics; Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649119135 | Do boards and CEOs matter for bank performance? A comparative analysis of banks in Ghana | Kyereboah-Coleman A., Biekpe N. | 2006 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 4 | 0.041666666667 | None | University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Kyereboah-Coleman, A., University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa; Biekpe, N., Centre for Investment Analysis, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | In 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; Ghana | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79651470475 | Docking, Synthesis, and in vitro Evaluation of Antimitotic Estrone Analogs | Stander A., Joubert F., Joubert A. | 2011 | Chemical Biology and Drug Design | 77 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2010.01064.x | Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Unit, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Stander, A., Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Joubert, F., Department of Biochemistry, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Unit, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Joubert, A., Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | In the present study, Autodock 4.0 was employed to discover potential carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors that are able to interfere with microtubule dynamics by binding to the Colchicine binding site of tubulin. Modifications at position 2' of estrone were made to include moieties that are known to improve the antimitotic activity of estradiol analogs. 2-ethyl-3-O-sulphamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10),15-tetraen-3-ol-17-one estronem (C9) and 2-ethyl-3-O-sulphamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10)16-tetraene (C12) were synthesized and tested in vitro. Growth studies were conducted utilizing spectrophotometrical analysis with crystal violet as DNA stain. Compounds C9 and C12 were cytotoxic in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 tumorigenic and metastatic breast cancer cells, SNO non-keratinizing squamous epithelium cancer cells and HeLa cells after 48 h exposure. Compounds C9 inhibited cell proliferation to 50% of the vehicle-treated controls from 110 to 160nm and C12 at concentrations ranging from 180 to 220nm. Confocal microscopy revealed abnormal spindle morphology in mitotic cells. Cell cycle analysis showed an increase in the number of cells in the G 2/M fraction after 24h and an increase in the number of cell in the sub-G 1 fraction after 48h, indicating that the compounds are antimitotic and able to induce apoptosis. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. | Biological screening; Mechanism-based drug design; Virtual screening | 2 ethyl 3 o sulphamoy lestra 1,3,5(10), 15 tetraen 3 ol 17 one estronem; 2 ethyl 3 o sulphamoyl estra 1,3,5(10) 16 tetraene; 3,4 methylenedioxyamphetamine; antimitotic agent; carbonate dehydratase inhibitor; colchicine; crystal violet; tubulin; unclassified drug; apoptosis; article; breast cancer; cancer cell culture; cancer inhibition; cell count; cell cycle G1 phase; cell cycle G2 phase; cell cycle M phase; cell fractionation; cell strain MCF 7; concentration (parameters); confocal microscopy; controlled study; cytotoxicity; drug binding site; drug screening; drug synthesis; HeLa cell; human; human cell; in vitro study; microtubule assembly; mitosis inhibition; mitosis rate; molecular docking; priority journal; spectrophotometry; squamous cell carcinoma; Antigens, Neoplasm; Antimitotic Agents; Binding Sites; Breast Neoplasms; Carbonic Anhydrase II; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Carbonic Anhydrases; Cell Division; Cell Line, Tumor; Colchicine; Computer Simulation; Drug Design; Estrone; Female; G2 Phase; Humans; Software; Tubulin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902885581 | Do core self-evaluations and coping style influence the perception of job insecurity? | Låstad L., Berntson E., Näswall K., Sverke M. | 2014 | European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology | 23 | 5 | 10.1080/1359432X.2013.800678 | Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand; WorkWell: Research Unit for People, Policy and Performance, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Låstad, L., Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Berntson, E., Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Näswall, K., Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand; Sverke, M., Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, WorkWell: Research Unit for People, Policy and Performance, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Over the last few decades, increased flexibility and lack of stability in employment has made job insecurity a work stressor that affects more and more employees. Since worrying about potential job loss (quantitative job insecurity) or possible loss of valued job features (qualitative job insecurity) constitutes a subjective perception, it has been claimed that personality factors may be decisive for job insecurity perceptions. Furthermore, the perception of a stressor, in this case job insecurity, could be argued to be dependent on appraisals of available coping resources. This study investigates whether core self-evaluations predict job insecurity perceptions, and whether coping mediates this relationship, in a two-wave data set from a Swedish sample of white-collar workers (N = 425). The results show that core self-evaluations had a negative total effect on both qualitative and quantitative job insecurity. Core self-evaluations were positively related to problem-focused coping but not to emotion-focused coping. However, there was no mediating effect of coping style on the association between core self-evaluations and job insecurity. © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | Coping; Core self-evaluations; Job insecurity; Mediation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892382973 | Doctoral training in Uganda: Evaluation of mentoring best practices at Makerere university college of health sciences | Nakanjako D., Katamba A., Kaye D.K., Okello E., Kamya M.R., Sewankambo N., Mayanja-Kizza H. | 2014 | BMC Medical Education | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1472-6920-14-9 | Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda | Nakanjako, D., Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Katamba, A., Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Kaye, D.K., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Okello, E., Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Kamya, M.R., Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Sewankambo, N., Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Mayanja-Kizza, H., Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda | Background: Good mentoring is a key variable for determining success in completing a doctoral program. We identified prevailing mentoring practices among doctoral students and their mentors, identified common challenges facing doctoral training, and proposed some solutions to enhance the quality of the doctoral training experience for both candidates and mentors at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS). Methods. This cross-sectional qualitative evaluation was part of the monitoring and evaluation program for doctoral training. All doctoral students and their mentors were invited for a half-day workshop through the MakCHS mailing list. Prevailing doctoral supervision and mentoring guidelines were summarised in a one-hour presentation. Participants were split into two homogenous students' (mentees') and mentors' groups to discuss specific issues using a focus group discussion (FGD) guide, that highlighted four main themes in regard to the doctoral training experience; what was going well, what was not going well, proposed solutions to current challenges and perceived high priority areas for improvement. The two groups came together again and the note-takers from each group presented their data and discussions were recorded by a note-taker. Results: Twelve out of 36 invited mentors (33%) and 22 out of 40 invited mentees (55%) attended the workshop. Mentors and mentees noted increasing numbers of doctoral students and mentors, which provided opportunities for peer mentorship. Delays in procurement and research regulatory processes subsequently delayed students' projects. Similarly, mentees mentioned challenges of limited; 1) infrastructure and mentors to support basic science research projects, 2) physical office space for doctoral students and their mentors, 3) skills in budgeting and finance management and 4) communication skills including conflict resolution. As solutions, the team proposed skills' training, induction courses for doctoral students-mentor teams, and a Frequently Asked Questions' document, to better inform mentors', mentees' expectations and experiences. Conclusion: Systemic and infrastructural limitations affect the quality of the doctoral training experience at MaKCHS. Clinical and biomedical research infrastructure, in addition to training in research regulatory processes, procurement and finance management, communication skills and information technology, were highlighted as high priority areas for strategic interventions to improve mentoring within doctoral training of clinician scientists. © 2014 Nakanjako et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Capacity building; Doctoral training; Health care; Low and middle income countries; Mentorship; Supervision; Uganda | academic achievement; article; evaluation study; methodology; organization and management; program evaluation; qualitative research; school; standard; teacher; Uganda; Education, Graduate; Mentors; Program Evaluation; Qualitative Research; Schools, Health Occupations; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891399474 | Do diagnosis delays impact receipt of test results? Evidence from the HIV early infant diagnosis program in Uganda | Mugambi M.L., Deo S., Kekitiinwa A., Kiyaga C., Singer M.E. | 2013 | PLoS ONE | 8 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0078891 | Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India; Baylor College of Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb Children's Clinical Center of Excellence, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda | Mugambi, M.L., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Deo, S., Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India; Kekitiinwa, A., Baylor College of Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb Children's Clinical Center of Excellence, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; Kiyaga, C., AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Singer, M.E., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States | Background: There is scant evidence on the association between diagnosis delays and the receipt of test results in HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) programs. We determine the association between diagnosis delays and other health care system and patient factors on result receipt. Methods: We reviewed 703 infant HIV test records for tests performed between January 2008 and February 2009 at a regional referral hospital and level four health center in Uganda. The main outcome was caregiver receipt of the test result. The primary study variable was turnaround time (time between sample collection and result availability at the health facility). Additional variables included clinic entry point, infant age at sample collection, reported HIV status and receipt of antiretroviral prophylaxis for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. We conducted a pooled analysis in addition to separate analyses for each facility. We estimated the relative risk of result receipt using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Results: Overall, the median result turnaround time, was 38 days. 59% of caregivers received infant test results. Caregivers were less likely to receive results at turnaround times greater than 49 days compared to 28 days or fewer (ARR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.70-0.98). Caregivers were more likely to receive results at the PMTCT clinic (ARR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.40-2.33) and less likely at the pediatric ward (ARR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.37-0.81) compared to the immunization clinic. At the level four health center, result receipt was half as likely among infants older than 9 months compared to 3 months and younger (ARR= 0.47; 95% CI = 0.25-0.93). Conclusion: In this study setting, we find evidence that longer turnaround times, clinic entry point and age at sample collection may be associated with receipt of infant HIV test results. © 2013 Mugambi et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; age distribution; article; caregiver; clinic entry point; controlled study; delayed diagnosis; diagnostic error; early diagnosis; evidence based medicine; female; health care system; health center; health program; high risk infant; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; major clinical study; male; medical parameters; pediatric ward; retrospective study; turnaround time; Uganda; vertical transmission; HIV Infections; newborn; Poisson distribution; post exposure prophylaxis; prevention and control; regression analysis; time; Anti-HIV Agents; Early Diagnosis; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Male; Poisson Distribution; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Regression Analysis; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors; Uganda | None |
| None | None | Does a cassava research-for-development program have impact at the farm level? Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo | Rusike J., Mahungu N.M., Lukombo S.S., Kendenga T., Bidiaka S.M., Alene A., Lema A., Manyong V.M. | 2014 | Food Policy | 46 | None | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2014.03.012 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; IITA, Chitedze Research Station, PO Box 30258, Lilongwe 3, Malawi; Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Kinshasa, BP117, Kinshasa 11, Congo | Rusike, J., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mahungu, N.M., IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; Lukombo, S.S., IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; Kendenga, T., IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; Bidiaka, S.M., IITA-Democratic Republic of Congo Avenue des Cliniques 13, Batiment INERA Commune de la GombeKinshasa, Congo; Alene, A., IITA, Chitedze Research Station, PO Box 30258, Lilongwe 3, Malawi; Lema, A., Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Kinshasa, BP117, Kinshasa 11, Congo; Manyong, V.M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-Tanzania, PO Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This paper evaluates the impact of a cassava research-for-development program on farm level outcomes. The program was implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2009. We apply propensity score matching, Rosenbaum bounds on treatment effects, Altonji et al. method of selection on observables and unobservables and endogenous switching regression to farm survey data collected during the 2009 cropping season. We use these methods to test whether the R4D program has a statistically significant effect on outcomes of interest and if these are not driven by selection on unobservables. Using propensity score matching, we find statistically significant positive effects on household participation in cassava markets, adoption of improved varieties and crop management practices and household food adequacy; and no statistically significant effects on yields and profits. The results show that bias due to selection on unobservables is not severe enough to invalidate the impact estimates. Bias may still be a problem that is present in the analysis. But there is evidence that it is not substantial. Although the program does not have a statistically significant positive effect on yields and profits, the significant program effects on market participation, variety adoption, and food adequacy merit further promotion of the program since these positive outcomes tend to be pre-conditions for realizing long-term yield and profit benefits. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Agricultural research-for-development; Cassava; Democratic Republic of Congo; Selection bias; Treatment effects | agricultural research; cassava; crop yield; research and development; Democratic Republic Congo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923026014 | Does developmental aid impact or impede on growth: Evidence from Nigeria | Olanrele I.A., Ibrahim T.M. | 2015 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 5 | 1 | None | Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria | Olanrele, I.A., Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria; Ibrahim, T.M., Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, Nigeria | This paper examines the effect of four different types of developmental aid on economic growth in Nigeria utilizing the Two-Stage Least Square (2SLS) estimation technique between 1970 and 2012. The empirical estimates show that multilateral aid had more impact on growth compared to bilateral aid from Nigerian’s trading partners, top-five CDI ranked countries, and Nordic countries. Our findings support the need for stringent conditionalities and standard monitoring and evaluation framework by donors in order to promote meaningful impact of developmental aid on economic growth. © 2015, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Developmental aid; Economic growth; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906685694 | Does education mitigate the adverse impact of bridewealth on women's reproductive autonomy? | Dodoo F.N.-A., Horne C., Biney A. | 2014 | Genus | 70 | 1 | None | University of Ghana, Ghana; Pennsylvania State University, United States; Washington State University, United States | Dodoo, F.N.-A., University of Ghana, Ghana, Pennsylvania State University, United States; Horne, C., Washington State University, United States; Biney, A., University of Ghana, Ghana | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929273115 | Does forgiveness mediate the impact of school bullying on adolescent mental health? | Van Rensburg E.J., Raubenheimer J. | 2015 | Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 27 | 1 | 10.2989/17280583.2014.955502 | Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Humanities Building, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Biostatistics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Van Rensburg, E.J., Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Humanities Building, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, South Africa; Raubenheimer, J., Department of Biostatistics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Objective: The link between both bullying and victimisation and psychopathology has been well established. Forgiveness has been associated with better mental health. However, few studies have examined the relationship between adolescent forgiveness, psychopathology and bullying/ victimisation. This study investigated forgiveness as a mediator of the adverse mental health problems experienced by bullies and victims of bullying. Method: Participants were 355 Year 10 or Year 11 pupils (age = 14.9 years) from two British secondary schools in 2007, who completed self-administered measures on bullying and victimisation, mental health, forgiveness of self and others, and forgivingness. The mediating influence of forgiveness on the impact of bullying/victimisation on mental health was tested with a structural equation model. Results: Data from 55.6% of the 639 eligible pupils were analysed. Results confirmed an association between bullying/victimisation, forgiveness and psychopathology. Forgiveness scores were found to play a mediating role between bullying/victimisation and psychopathology. Conclusions: Victimised adolescents who were better able to forgive themselves were more likely to report lower levels of psychopathology, while bullying adolescents who were unable to forgive others were more likely to report higher levels of psychopathology. This suggests a greater role for forgiveness within future research, intervention and policy on bullying. Forgiveness can form a valuable part of preventative and educational anti-bullying programmes. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | None | adolescent; Article; bullying; female; forgiveness; high school; human; male; mental disease; mental health; prevalence; self esteem; adolescent health; bullying; crime victim; forgiveness; Mental Disorders; physiology; psychology; school; statistics and numerical data; United Kingdom; Adolescent; Adolescent Health; Bullying; Crime Victims; Female; Forgiveness; Great Britain; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Schools | None |
| None | None | Does globalisation impact SME development in Africa? | Mutalemwa D.K. | 2015 | African Journal of Economic and Management Studies | 6 | 2 | 10.1108/AJEMS-01-2015-0012 | Dar-es-Salaam Campus College, Mzumbe University, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania | Mutalemwa, D.K., Dar-es-Salaam Campus College, Mzumbe University, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding and knowledge of the impact of globalisation on African small and medium enterprise (SME) development. The contribution of SMEs to manufacturing industrialisation can be viewed in the context of the changing setting of globalisation. Globalisation is a description as well as a prescription. It can be broadly defined as closer economic integration as a result of rapid advances in technology, growth of world trade and competition, and policy changes towards economic liberalisation. Globalisation can also pose a challenge on how SMEs in Africa should brace themselves to respond to – and take advantages of – the changes, and carve an appropriate position in the global competitive economy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews and synthesises the eclectic literature and also draws from the experiences of both developed and developing economies. Findings – The evidence from the literature points to several stumbling blocks that prevent African manufacturing SMEs from participating successfully in the global economy. These include problems with exports, technology, competitiveness and inter-firm linkages as well as barriers in the institutional and policy environments. Originality/value – The paper will be useful to businesses, researchers, policy makers, civil society and others interested in understanding the impact of globalisation on manufacturing SME development. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Africa; Globalization; Industrialization; SMEs | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899501565 | Does information and communication technologies contribute to organization performance? Evidence from Nigerian universities | Binuyo A.O., Brevis-Landsberg T. | 2014 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 12 | 1 | None | Department of Business Management, College of Economics and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa | Binuyo, A.O., Department of Business Management, College of Economics and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa; Brevis-Landsberg, T., Department of Business Management, College of Economics and Management Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa | This study assessed the relationship between ICT investments in relation to organizational performance with specific focus on knowledge-imbibed organizations - universities. The study focusses on drawing possible relationships between ICT investment and ICT cost efficiency and, various indicators of organization performance such as return on capital employed, net profit margin and return on assets. The study uses data generated from the annual report of 37 universities in South West Nigeria over the period between 2001 and 2010 in dynamic panel environment. Controlling for structural differences and time-varying dynamics among these universities, the analyses show varying effects of ICT investment on performance. The findings indicate that ICT investment and ICT cost efficiency have positive and significant relationship with performance indicators. The study recommends that ICT investment should be guided in order to stimulate organizational performance. © Adekunle Oluwole Binuyo, Tersia Brevis-Landsberg, 2014. | Firm performance; ICT cost efficiency; ICT investment; Resource-based theory; South West Nigeria; University business unit | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888010002 | Does integrating family planning into HIV care and treatment impact intention to use contraception? Patient perspectives from HIV-infected individuals in Nyanza Province, Kenya | Newmann S.J., Grossman D., Blat C., Onono M., Steinfeld R., Bukusi E.A., Shade S., Cohen C.R. | 2013 | International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics | 123 | SUPPL.1 | 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.08.001 | Bixby Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Ibis Reproductive Health, Oakland, United States; Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for AIDS Prevention, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, United States | Newmann, S.J., Bixby Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Grossman, D., Bixby Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States, Ibis Reproductive Health, Oakland, United States; Blat, C., Bixby Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Onono, M., Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Steinfeld, R., Bixby Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Bukusi, E.A., Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Shade, S., Center for AIDS Prevention, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, United States; Cohen, C.R., Bixby Center for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States | Objective To evaluate whether HIV-infected women and men in HIV care and not using highly effective methods of contraception thought they would be more likely to use contraception if it were available at the HIV clinic. Methods A face-to-face survey assessing family-planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices was conducted among 976 HIV-infected women and men at 18 public-sector HIV clinics in Nyanza, Kenya. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations. Results The majority of women (73%) and men (71%) thought that they or their partner would be more likely to use family planning if it were offered at the HIV clinic. In multivariable analysis, women who reported making family-planning decisions with their partner (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-6.80) and women aged 18-25 years who were not currently using family planning (aOR 4.76; 95% CI, 2.28-9.95) were more likely to think they would use contraception if integrated services were available. Women who perceived themselves to be infertile (aOR 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02-0.31) and had access to a cell phone (aOR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.25-0.63) were less likely to think that integrated services would change their contraceptive use. Men who were not taking antiretroviral medications (aOR 3.30; 95% CI, 1.49-7.29) were more likely, and men who were unsure of their partner's desired number of children (aOR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17-0.76), were not currently using family planning (aOR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22-0.73), and were living in a peri-urban setting (aOR 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21-0.99) were less likely to think their partner would use contraception if available at the HIV clinic. Conclusions Integrating family planning into HIV care would probably have a broad impact on the majority of women and men accessing HIV care and treatment. Integrated services would offer the opportunity to involve men more actively in the contraceptive decision-making process, potentially addressing 2 barriers to family planning: access to contraception and partner uncertainty or opposition. © 2013 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. | Contraception; Decision making; Family planning; HIV; Integration | adult; article; attitude; contraception; decision making; family planning; female; health care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; major clinical study; male; mobile phone; priority journal; Contraception; Decision making; Family planning; HIV; Integration; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Contraception; Contraception Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Data Collection; Decision Making; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Family Planning Services; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Kenya; Logistic Models; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Sexual Partners; Young Adult | National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928988140 | Does learning orientation matter for nonprofit organization performance? Empirical evidence from Ghana | Baba Y. | 2015 | Leadership and Organization Development Journal | 36 | 3 | 10.1108/LODJ-05-2013-0056 | University of Ghana Business School, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Baba, Y., University of Ghana Business School, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Purpose – Many changes taking place in the nonprofit sector have created an environment in which organizational learning could be regarded as representing a high-profile notion with strategic importance for nonprofit organizations (NPOs), but its application in the nonprofit sector has not received adequate research attention. The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical test of the relationship between learning orientation and NPO performance. Design/methodology/approach – Literature on organizational learning is briefly reviewed and a marketing-focussed perspective on learning is adopted. Then drawing from resource-based theory and relationship marketing, a conceptual model is developed that links learning orientation to NPO performance, predicting that noneconomic performance would mediate between learning orientation and economic performance. Using Baron and Kenny’s mediation regression procedure, this prediction is subjected to an empirical test with survey data collected on 118 NPOs operating in Ghana. Findings – The paper finds a general support for the view that noneconomic performance is the primary organizational feature that drives economic performance and that learning orientation is an outgrowth of this characteristic. Originality/value – This study addresses the important question of whether paying attention to their mission helps NPOs acquire critical resources from their funding entities, discussing this issue in the context of organizational learning to respond to RBT scholars’ call for more research that highlight the underlying processes through which strategic resources (such as organizational learning) contribute to the organization’s financial outcomes. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Ghana; Learning orientation; Nonprofit organizations; Organizational learning; Organizational performance; Strategic orientation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920659894 | Does massive funding support of researchers work?: Evaluating the impact of the South African research chair funding initiative | Fedderke J.W., Goldschmidt M. | 2015 | Research Policy | 44 | 2 | 10.1016/j.respol.2014.09.009 | Pennsylvania State University, United States; Economic Research Southern Africa, South Africa; South African Reserve Bank, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Fedderke, J.W., Pennsylvania State University, United States, Economic Research Southern Africa, South Africa, South African Reserve Bank, South Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Goldschmidt, M., Pennsylvania State University, United States | In this study we evaluate whether a substantial increase in public funding to researchers is associated with a material difference in their productivity. We compare performance measures of researchers who were granted substantial funding against researchers with similar scholarly standing who did not receive such funding. We find that substantial funding is associated with raised researcher performance - though the increase is moderate, is strongly conditional on the quality of the researcher who receives the funding, and is greater in some disciplines than others. Moreover the cost per additional unit of output is such as to raise questions about the usefulness of the funding model. The implication is that public research funding will be more effective in raising research output where selectivity of recipients of funding is strongly conditional on the established track record of researchers. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Funding allocation for research; Impact bibliometric measures of research performance; Impact research; Output research; Productivity of research; Public research funding | Productivity; Performance measure; Public funding; Public research funding; Research outputs; Research performance; Track record; Finance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897137420 | Does ownership structure affect firm performance? Evidence from Nigerian listed companies | Tsegba I.N., Achua J.K. | 2011 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 9 | 1 F | None | Department of Accounting, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria | Tsegba, I.N., Department of Accounting, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria; Achua, J.K., Department of Accounting, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria | This paper examines the relationship between ownership structure and firm performance from the perspective of listed Nigerian companies. The sample comprises 73 companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange for which relevant financial data is available for the period 2001 to 2007. The empirical results obtained through ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis provide evidence which suggests that dominant shareholding, ownership concentration, and foreign ownership structures have no significant effect on firm performance. However, insider ownership is inversely related to firm performance. Two major policy implications emerge from the results of this study. First, since ownership structures such as, dominant shareholding, concentrated ownership, and foreign ownership have no significant effect on firm performance, government emphasis on them is misplaced. Second, insider ownership of Nigerian firms is to be monitored closely by shareholders due to the adverse effect of this ownership structure on firm performance. | Corporate governance; Corporate ownership structure; Dominant shareholder; Firm performance; Foreign ownership; Insider ownership; Nigeria; Ownership concentration | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78349305507 | Does plot size affect the performance of GIS-based species distribution models? | Pandit S.N., Hayward A., de Leeuw J., Kolasa J. | 2010 | Journal of Geographical Systems | 12 | 4 | 10.1007/s10109-010-0106-8 | ITC, International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, P. O. Box 6, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands; Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8S4K1, Canada; Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1350 Oxford St, Halifax, NS B3H 4J1, Canada; Department of Biology, University of Florida, P. O. Box 118525, Gainesville, FL, United States; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P. O. Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada | Pandit, S.N., ITC, International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, P. O. Box 6, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands, Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8S4K1, Canada, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada; Hayward, A., Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1350 Oxford St, Halifax, NS B3H 4J1, Canada, Department of Biology, University of Florida, P. O. Box 118525, Gainesville, FL, United States; de Leeuw, J., ITC, International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, P. O. Box 6, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P. O. Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Kolasa, J., Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8S4K1, Canada | Species distribution models are used extensively in predicting the distribution of vegetation across a landscape. Accuracy of the species distribution maps produced by these models deserves attention, since low accuracy maps may lead to erroneous conservation decisions. While plot size is known to influence measures of species richness, its effect on our ability to predict species distribution ranges has not been tested. Our aim is to test whether the accuracy of the distribution maps produced depend on the size of the plot (quadrat) used to collect biological data in the field. In this study, the presences of four plant species were recorded in five sizes of circular plots, with radii ranging from 8 to 100 m. Logistic regression-based models were used to predict the distributions of the four plant species based on empirical evidence of their relationship with eight environmental predictors: distance to river, slope, aspect, altitude, and four principle component axes derived using reflectance values from Aster images. We found that plot size affected the probability of recording the four species, with reductions in plot size generally increasing the frequency of recorded absences. Plot size also significantly affected the likelihood of correctly predicting the distribution of species whenever plot size was below the minimum size required to consistently record species' presence. Furthermore, the optimal plot size for fitting species distribution models varied among species. Finally, plot size had little impact on overall accuracy, but a strong, positive impact on Kappa accuracy (which provides a stronger measure of model accuracy by accounting for the effects of chance agreements between predictions and observations). Our results suggest that optimal plot size must be considered explicitly in the creation of species distribution models if they are to be successfully adopted into conservation efforts. © 2010 Springer-Verlag. | Kappa; Logistic regression models; Map accuracy; Namibia; Species distribution; Species frequency curve | environmental factor; GIS; mapping; numerical model; regression analysis; spatial distribution; species richness; vegetation; Namibia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889006647 | Does Regulation in Credit, Labour and Business Matter for Bank Performance in the EU-10 Economies? | Mamatzakis E., Kalyvas A.N., Piesse J. | 2013 | International Journal of the Economics of Business | 20 | 3 | 10.1080/13571516.2013.835981 | Department of Business, School of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9SL, United Kingdom; Department of Management, Executive Business Centre, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, BH8 8EB, United Kingdom; University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Mamatzakis, E., Department of Business, School of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9SL, United Kingdom; Kalyvas, A.N., Department of Business, School of Business, Management and Economics, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9SL, United Kingdom; Piesse, J., Department of Management, Executive Business Centre, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, BH8 8EB, United Kingdom, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Cost efficiency scores for banks in ten new EU member countries of Central and Eastern Europe are estimated using a parametric approach (data envelopment analysis) for the period prior to and immediately following their accession (2000-2010). These are then used in both fixed effects and dynamic panels to estimate the impact of regulation on bank specific efficiency in the transition economies of the EU. Using the Fraser Index of Economic Freedom (Gwartney, Hall, and Lawson 2012) we find that, among all the indices of economic freedom, the composite regulation index that includes regulation in credit, labour and business has more importance for the banking sector as results suggest a positive and statistically significant impact on bank efficiency. By decomposing the regulation index into its three components (credit, business and labour regulation) we find that strict labour regulation is associated with lower bank cost efficiency while certain aspects of credit regulation such as foreign ownership and competition as well as private ownership are significantly associated with improved efficiency. The dynamic panel vector autoregression (VAR) results using impulse response functions and variance decomposition further support the validity of these results. These findings are valuable for both academics and policy makers in their attempts to understand the drivers of bank efficiency. © 2013 © 2013 International Journal of the Economics of Business. | Bank Cost Efficiency; New EU Member States; Regulation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845650264 | Does the location of arts festivals matter for the economic impact? | Saayman M., Saayman A. | 2006 | Papers in Regional Science | 85 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1435-5957.2006.00094.x | Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; School of Economics, Risk Management and International Trade, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Saayman, M., Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Saayman, A., School of Economics, Risk Management and International Trade, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | While cultural events are primarily hosted to enhance, expand and celebrate a certain culture, the economic role that these events play in the host towns are often overlooked. The economic importance stems from the expenditure by attendants that filters through the local economy, stimulating output in the economy. This note makes use of primary data obtained from visitor (demand side) and business (supply side) surveys to determine the local economic impact of the three leading arts festivals in South Africa. The results indicate that the location and size of the town is an important factor in the impact of the event on the town and the region. © 2006 the author(s). Journal compilation © 2006 RSAI. | Economics of the arts; Impact analysis; South Africa; Tourism | art; economic impact; festival; local economy; tourism economics; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| None | None | Does the spectrum model accurately predict trends in adult mortality? Evaluation of model estimates using empirical data from a rural HIV community cohort study in north-western Tanzania | Michael D., Kanjala C., Calvert C., Pretorius C., Wringe A., Todd J., Mtenga B., Isingo R., Zaba B., Urassa M. | 2014 | Global Health Action | 7 | 1 | 10.3402/gha.v7.21783 | Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, National Institute for Medical Research-Mwanza Center, Mwanza, Tanzania; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom; Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States | Michael, D., Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, National Institute for Medical Research-Mwanza Center, Mwanza, Tanzania; Kanjala, C., Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, National Institute for Medical Research-Mwanza Center, Mwanza, Tanzania, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom; Calvert, C., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom; Pretorius, C., Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States; Wringe, A., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom; Todd, J., Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, National Institute for Medical Research-Mwanza Center, Mwanza, Tanzania, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom; Mtenga, B., Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, National Institute for Medical Research-Mwanza Center, Mwanza, Tanzania; Isingo, R., Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, National Institute for Medical Research-Mwanza Center, Mwanza, Tanzania; Zaba, B., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom; Urassa, M., Sexual and Reproductive Health Program, National Institute for Medical Research-Mwanza Center, Mwanza, Tanzania, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom | Introduction: Spectrum epidemiological models are used by UNAIDS to provide global, regional and national HIV estimates and projections, which are then used for evidence-based health planning for HIV services. However, there are no validations of the Spectrum model against empirical serological and mortality data from populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Serologic, demographic and verbal autopsy data have been regularly collected among over 30,000 residents in north-western Tanzania since 1994. Five-year age-specific mortality rates (ASMRs) per 1,000 person years and the probability of dying between 15 and 60 years of age (45Q15,) were calculated and compared with the Spectrum model outputs. Mortality trends by HIV status are shown for periods before the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (1994-1999, 2000-2005) and the first 5 years afterwards (2005-2009). Results: Among 30-34 year olds of both sexes, observed ASMRs per 1,000 person years were 13.33 (95% CI: 10.75-16.52) in the period 1994-1999, 11.03 (95% CI: 8.84-13.77) in 2000-2004, and 6.22 (95% CI; 4.75- 8.15) in 2005-2009. Among the same age group, the ASMRs estimated by the Spectrum model were 10.55, 11.13 and 8.15 for the periods 1994-1999, 2000-2004 and 2005-2009, respectively. The cohort data, for both sexes combined, showed that the 45Q15 declined from 39% (95% CI: 27-55%) in 1994 to 22% (95% CI: 17- 29%) in 2009, whereas the Spectrum model predicted a decline from 43% in 1994 to 37% in 2009. Conclusion: From 1994 to 2009, the observed decrease in ASMRs was steeper in younger age groups than that predicted by the Spectrum model, perhaps because the Spectrum model under-estimated the ASMRs in 30-34 year olds in 1994-99. However, the Spectrum model predicted a greater decrease in 45Q15 mortality than observed in the cohort, although the reasons for this over-estimate are unclear. © 2014 Denna Michael et al. | Adult mortality; Cohort; HIV; Spectrum model | adolescent; adult; adult mortality; age; article; cohort; cohort analysis; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; middle aged; mortality; retracted article; rural population; Spectrum model; statistical model; statistics; Tanzania; young adult; adult mortality; cohort; HIV; Spectrum model; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Statistical; Mortality; Rural Population; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38849151065 | Does the spillage of petroleum products in Anopheles breeding sites have an impact on the pyrethroid resistance? | Djouaka R.F., Bakare A.A., Bankole H.S., Doannio J.M.C., Coulibaly O.N., Kossou H., Tamo M., Basene H.I., Popoola O.K., Akogbeto M.C. | 2007 | Malaria Journal | 6 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-6-159 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Cotonou, 08BP0932, Benin; Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Benin; National Institute of Public Health, BPV47 Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Ministry of Health, 05BP | Djouaka, R.F., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Cotonou, 08BP0932, Benin, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou, 06 BP 2604, Benin; Bakare, A.A., Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Bankole, H.S., Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Benin; Doannio, J.M.C., National Institute of Public Health, BPV47 Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Coulibaly, O.N., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Cotonou, 08BP0932, Benin; Kossou, H., Ministry of Health, 05BP2099 Cotonou, Benin; Tamo, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Cotonou, 08BP0932, Benin; Basene, H.I., Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Popoola, O.K., Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Akogbeto, M.C., Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou, 06 BP 2604, Benin | Background. The emergence of Anopheles populations capable of withstanding lethal doses of insecticides has weakened the efficacy of most insecticide based strategies of vector control and, has highlighted the need for further studies on the mechanisms of insecticide resistance and the various factors selecting resistant populations of mosquitoes. This research targeted the analysis of breeding sites and the oviposition behaviour of susceptible and resistant populations of Anopheles in localities of spilled petroleum products. The aim was to establish the possible contribution of oil spillage in the selection of pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors. Methods. Anopheles breeding sites were identified and the insecticide susceptibility of the Anopheles gambiae populations mapped in 15 localities of South Western Nigeria. The presence of oil particles as well as the turbidity, the dissolved oxygen and the pH of each identified breeding site was recorded. Data were cross-analysed to correlate the habitat types and the insecticide susceptibility status of emerging mosquitoes. The second phase of this study was basically a laboratory model to provide more information on the implication of the spillage of petroleum on the selection of pyrethroid resistance in An. gambiae. Results. Moderate levels of resistance following exposure to permethrin-impregnated papers were recorded with the majority of An. gambiae samples collected in the South Western Nigeria. Data from this study established a link between the constituency of the breeding sites and the resistance status of the emerging Anopheles. Conclusion. This study has revealed the segregational occupation of breeding habitats by pyrethroid resistant and susceptible strains of An. gambiae in south-western Nigeria. Compiled results from field and laboratory research point out clear relationships between oil spillage and pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors. The identification of this factor of resistance could serve as strong information in the management of insecticide resistance in some West African settings. © 2007 Djouaka et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | dissolved oxygen; petroleum derivative; pyrethroid; petroleum; Anopheles; Anopheles gambiae; article; breeding; egg laying; insecticide resistance; malaria; pH; spillage; turbidity; vector control; animal; disease carrier; drug effect; ecosystem; mosquito; Nigeria; physiology; soil pollutant; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Breeding; Ecosystem; Insect Vectors; Insecticide Resistance; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Nigeria; Petroleum; Pyrethrins; Soil Pollutants | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891783179 | Does total quality management affect the performance of small and medium enterprises? A case of manufacturing smes in Ghana | Agbola R.M. | 2013 | World Applied Sciences Journal | 28 | 13 | 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.28.efmo.27001 | Department of Management Studies, Central University College, P.O. Box: 2305, Tema, Ghana | Agbola, R.M., Department of Management Studies, Central University College, P.O. Box: 2305, Tema, Ghana | The paper examines the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the performance and profitability of these businesses in Ghana. With the use of a mixed research method consisting of descriptive and inferential statistics the researchers found that differences exist between SMEs in relation to managerial education level, TQM awareness, managerial commitment to TQM principles of continuous improvement, use of new technology, putting the customer first, effective supervision and enforcement of quality practices. The study also shows a statistically significant association between the implementation of TQM and the SMEs' financial and organisational performance. The implication of the findings is that the government of Ghana should pursue policies aimed at encouraging training and improving the managerial skills of SME owner/managers as well as creating the enabling environment for the development of improved modern technologies to transform the business processes of these vital industries. The Ghana Standards Board must also sit up and enforce quality regimes to ensure goods and services produced meet international standards. © IDOSI Publications, 2013. | Ghana; Growth; Performance; Profitability; Small medium enterprises | None | None |
| None | None | Does training on performance based financing make a difference in performance and quality of health care delivery? Health care provider's perspective in Rungwe Tanzania | Manongi R., Mushi D., Kessy J., Salome S., Njau B. | 2014 | BMC Health Services Research | 14 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-14-154 | Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P. O. Box 3010, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania | Manongi, R., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P. O. Box 3010, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Mushi, D., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Kessy, J., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Salome, S., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P. O. Box 3010, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Njau, B., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P. O. Box 3010, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P. O. Box 2240, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania | Background: In recent years, Performance Based Financing (PBF); a form of result based financing, has attracted a global attention in health systems in developing countries. PBF promotes autonomous health facilities, motivates and introduces financial incentives to motivate health facilities and health workers to attain pre-determined targets. To achieve this, the Tanzanian government through the Christian Social Services Commission initiated a PBF pilot project in Rungwe district, Mbeya region. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center was given the role of training health workers on PBF principles in Rungwe. The aim of this study was to explore health care providers' perception on a three years training on PBF principles in a PBF pilot project at Rungwe District in Mbeya, Tanzania. Methods. This was an explorative qualitative study, which took place at Rungwe PBF pilot area in October 2012. Twenty six (26) participants were purposively selected. Six took part in- depth interviews (IDIs) and twenty (20) in the group discussions. Both the IDIs and the GDs explored the perceived benefit and challenges of implementing PBF in their workplace. Data were manually analyzed using content analysis approach. Results: Overall informants had positive perspectives on PBF training. Most of the health facilities were able to implement some of the PBF concepts in their work places after the training, such as developing job descriptions for their staff, creating quarterly business plans for their facilities, costing for their services and entering service agreement with the government, improved record keeping, customer care and involving community as partners in running their facilities. The most common principle of paying individual performance bonuses was mentioned as a major challenge due to inadequate funding and poor design of Rungwe PBF pilot project. Conclusion: Despite poor design and inadequate funding, our findings have shown some promising results after PBF training in the study area. The findings have highlighted the potential of PBF to act as leverage for initiating innovative and proactive actions, which may motivate health personnel performance and quality of care in the study setting with minimal support. However, key policy issues at the national level should be addressed in order to exploit this opportunity. © 2014 Manongi et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | PBF pilot project; Performance based financing; Rungwe; Tanzania | adult; female; health care financing; health care policy; health care quality; human; in service training; male; nonbiological model; qualitative research; reimbursement; Tanzania; Adult; Female; Health Care Reform; Healthcare Financing; Humans; Inservice Training; Male; Models, Organizational; Qualitative Research; Quality of Health Care; Reimbursement, Incentive; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892177582 | Does volatility in crude oil price precipitate macroeconomic performance in Nigeria? | Omojolaibi J.A. | 2013 | International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy | 3 | 2 | None | Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Omojolaibi, J.A., Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study examines the effects of crude oil price changes on economic activity in an oil dependent economy-Nigeria. A small open economy structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) technique is employed to study the macroeconomic dynamics of domestic price level, economic output, money supply and oil price in Nigeria. The sample covers the data from 1985:q1 to 2010:q4. The Impulse Response Functions (IRFs) and the Forecast Error Variance Decompositions (FEVDs) results suggest that domestic policies, instead of oil-boom should be blamed for inflation. Also, oil price variations are driven mostly by oil shocks, however, domestic shocks are responsible for a reasonable portion of oil price variations. | Fiscal policy; Inflation; Monetary policy; Nigeria; Oil price | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650330818 | Do export status and export intensity increase firm performance? | Abor J. | 2011 | Thunderbird International Business Review | 53 | 1 | 10.1002/tie.20386 | University of Ghana Business School, Legon; and Researcher, African Economic Research Consortium, Ghana | Abor, J., University of Ghana Business School, Legon; and Researcher, African Economic Research Consortium, Ghana | This study examines the effects of export status and export intensity on the performance of firms in Ghana. Our measures of performance include productivity and profitability. Using the Regional Project on Enterprise Development (RPED) dataset covering the period 1991-2002, the results of this study indicate that export status and export intensity have positive effects on productivity, confirming the learning-by-exporting hypothesis. Competition on the international market exposes exporting firms to new technologies, and this has the potential of increasing their productivity. Thus, economic policy initiatives should be directed at encouraging firms to enter the export market. Existing exporters should also be motivated to intensify their exporting efforts by exporting more of their output to foreign markets. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887355721 | Do gender differentials play any role in university physics students' performance? | Mundalamo F.J., Netswera F.G. | 2013 | International Journal of Learner Diversity and Identities | 19 | 3 | None | Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; University of Limpopo, South Africa | Mundalamo, F.J., Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Netswera, F.G., University of Limpopo, South Africa | Against international literature that indicates that gender differences exist in the performance in introductory physics level students, this paper has examined the prospects of gender based differences in students' performance in introductory physics at the university level in South Africa. The study was conducted at four South African universities using a sample of 194 students. A third (68) of the participants in this research were female students. Student performance was measured through two instruments, namely 1) The Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation (FMCE) tests adapted from Thornton and Sokoloff (1998) and 2) the student's introductory physics mechanics marks. Both FMCE and mechanics courses lay the foundation for other physics courses. Student performances on the two instruments were analysed. The students' outcomes on these tests suggest that in the South African context, gender differentials do not necessarily predict performance in physics. In conclusion, this paper discusses other factors which in the context of South Africa need attention as possible barriers to general outcomes in physics. © Common Ground, Fhatuwani J. Mundalamo, Fulufhelo Godfrey Netswera. | Gender; Performance; Physics; University | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904136808 | Do learning styles influence students' understanding of concepts and academic performance in chemistry? | Kidanemariam D.A., Atagana H.I., Engida T. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 16 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p256 | Institute of Education, Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia; Institute for Science and Technology Education, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Pretoria, South Africa; Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia | Kidanemariam, D.A., Institute of Education, Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia; Atagana, H.I., Institute for Science and Technology Education, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Pretoria, South Africa; Engida, T., Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia | Learning styles and instruction have been reported to affect students' academic performance and achievement in science. These reports, however, are too generalized for application to chemistry education specifically. The reports did not take into consideration the combined effects of the nature of chemistry and students learning styles on chemistry instructions and subsequently on students' academic performance. This study was conducted on 167 grade 11 natural science students in two preparatory schools in Ethiopia. It was designed to predict the extent of variation in academic performance in some fundamental chemistry concepts in the topics: Atomic structure & periodic table, and chemical bonding and structure from variations in Felder-Silverman's learning styles. Data were collected through Amharic version of Felder-Soloman's Index of Learning Style (ILS) questionnaire and chemistry tests. The data showed that 1.2% variation in academic performance in the fundamental concepts in chemistry was linked to the variations in Felder-Silverman's learning styles, and this variation was not statistically significant at α=0.05. This implies that the role of learning styles on academic performance on the fundamental concepts considered in this study was not statistically significant. Hence, from this study it is possible to conclude that the influence of learning styles on academic performance is less likely to be the same across fundamental concepts in chemistry. | Academic performance; Chemistry concepts; Chemistry education; Learning styles | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-14744274444 | Do organizational and spatial proximity impact on firm performance? | Oerlemans L.A.G., Meeus M.T.H. | 2005 | Regional Studies | 39 | 1 | 10.1080/0034340052000320896 | Department of Organization Studies, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, Tilburg NL-5000 LE, Netherlands; Dept. of Engineering/Technol. Policy, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Innovation Studies, Utrecht University, PO Box 80125, Utrecht NL-3508 TC, Netherlands | Oerlemans, L.A.G., Department of Organization Studies, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, Tilburg NL-5000 LE, Netherlands, Dept. of Engineering/Technol. Policy, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Meeus, M.T.H., Department of Innovation Studies, Utrecht University, PO Box 80125, Utrecht NL-3508 TC, Netherlands | Recent theoretical developments in organizational science, economic geography and regional economics have emphasized the importance of organizational and geographical proximity for the performance of firms. Empirical evidence on these relationships is scarce, though. The paper asks to what extent firm-specific resources, network activity, proximity and industry factors influence innovative and economic outcomes. We used a theoretical synthesis of regional and organizational science, and economic geography to build a research model that enabled us to derive several hypotheses on the influence of different forms of proximity on outcomes, taking other relevant predictors for performance into account. The empirical findings specify the importance of proximity especially for innovative outcomes. We found that in particular intraand interregional relations with buyers and suppliers are conducive for firm performance. Moreover, innovation strategy (dis)similarity has interesting effects on relative firm performance. Finally, sectoral research and development spillovers influence outcomes in a positive way. © 2005 Regional Studies Association. | Enquête; Enterprise; Geographical proximity; Innovation; Performance; Theory of the dependence of resources | industrial performance; industrial practice; innovation; regional economy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898034540 | Do other cardiovascular risk factors influence the impact of age on the association between blood pressure and mortality? the MORGAM Project | Vishram J.K.K., Borglykke A., Andreasen A.H., Jeppesen J., Ibsen H., Jørgensen T., Broda G., Palmieri L., Giampaoli S., Donfrancesco C., Kee F., Mancia G., Cesana G., Kuulasmaa K., Salomaa V., Sans S., Ferrieres J., Tamosiunas A., Söderberg S., McElduff P | 2014 | Journal of Hypertension | 32 | 5 | 10.1097/HJH.0000000000000133 | Cardiovascular Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Unit, Denmark; Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Division of Cardiology, Holbaek University Hospital, Holbaek, Denmark; Department of Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland; Cerebro and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Promotion of Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI), Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Clinica Medica e Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Research Centre on Chronic Degenerative Diseases (Osp. S. Gerardo), Monza, Italy; National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland; Department of Health, Institute of Health Studies, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Cardiology, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse University School of Medicine, Toulouse, France; Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology and Heart Centre, Umea University, Umea, Sweden; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New-Castle, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Department of Epidemiology and Population Studies, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University of Medical College, Krakow, Poland; Department of Endocrinology, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Preventive Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Vishram, J.K.K., Cardiovascular Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Unit, Denmark, Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Borglykke, A., Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Andreasen, A.H., Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Jeppesen, J., Cardiovascular Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Unit, Denmark; Ibsen, H., Division of Cardiology, Holbaek University Hospital, Holbaek, Denmark; Jørgensen, T., Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Nordre Ringvej 57, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Broda, G., Department of Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland; Palmieri, L., Cerebro and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Promotion of Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; Giampaoli, S., Cerebro and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Promotion of Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; Donfrancesco, C., Cerebro and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, National Centre of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Promotion of Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy; Kee, F., UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI), Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Mancia, G., Clinica Medica e Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Cesana, G., Research Centre on Chronic Degenerative Diseases (Osp. S. Gerardo), Monza, Italy; Kuulasmaa, K., National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland; Salomaa, V., National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland; Sans, S., Department of Health, Institute of Health Studies, Barcelona, Spain; Ferrieres, J., Department of Cardiology, Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse University School of Medicine, Toulouse, France; Tamosiunas, A., Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania; Söderberg, S., Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology and Heart Centre, Umea University, Umea, Sweden; McElduff, P., School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New-Castle, NSW, Australia; Arveiler, D., Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Pajak, A., Department of Epidemiology and Population Studies, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University of Medical College, Krakow, Poland; Olsen, M.H., Department of Endocrinology, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Preventive Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | OBJECTIVE: To investigate age-related shifts in the relative importance of SBP and DBP as predictors of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality and whether these relations are influenced by other cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Using 42 cohorts from the MORGAM Project with baseline between 1982 and 1997, 85772 apparently healthy Europeans and Australians aged 19-78 years were included. During 13.3 years of follow-up, 9.2% died (of whom 7.2% died due to stroke and 21.1% due to coronary heart disease, CHD). RESULTS: Mortality risk was analyzed using hazard ratios per 10-mmHg/5-mmHg increase in SBP/DBP by multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions, including SBP and DBP simultaneously. Because of nonlinearity, SBP and DBP were analyzed separately for blood pressure (BP) values above and below a cut-point wherein mortality risk was the lowest. For the total population, significantly positive associations were found between stroke mortality and SBP [hazard ratio=1.19 (1.13-1.25)] and DBP at least 78mmHg [hazard ratio=1.08 (1.02-1.14)], CHD mortality and SBP at least 116mmHg [1.20 (1.16-1.24)], and all-cause mortality and SBP at least 120mmHg [1.09 (1.08-1.11)] and DBP at least 82mmHg [1.03 (1.02-1.05)]. BP values below the cut-points were inversely related to mortality risk. Taking into account the age×BP interaction, there was a gradual shift from DBP (19-26 years) to both DBP and SBP (27-62 years) and to SBP (63-78 years) as risk factors for stroke mortality and all-cause mortality, but not CHD mortality. The age at which the importance of SBP exceeded DBP was for stroke mortality influenced by sex, cholesterol, and country risk. CONCLUSION: Age-related shifts to the superiority of SBP exist for stroke mortality and all-cause mortality, and for stroke mortality was this shift influenced by other cardiovascular risk factors. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health / Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | age; blood pressure; epidemiology; mortality; risk factors | antihypertensive agent; cholesterol; adult; aged; article; blood pressure; body mass; cardiovascular mortality; cardiovascular risk; cerebrovascular accident; cholesterol blood level; cohort analysis; coronary artery bypass graft; diabetes mellitus; diastolic blood pressure; female; follow up; heart infarction; human; ischemic heart disease; major clinical study; male; prediction; priority journal; self report; smoking; systolic blood pressure; transluminal coronary angioplasty; age; blood pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; middle aged; mortality; pathophysiology; risk factor; young adult; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cohort Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Young Adult | None |
| WoS | WOS:000302023400006 | Do peer educators make a difference? An evaluation of a youth-led HIV prevention model in Zambian Schools | Bratt, J.,Denison, J. A.,Kabaso, M.,Torpey, K.,Tsui, S.,Weaver, M. A. | 2012 | HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH | 27 | 2 | 10.1093/her/cyr093 | Family Hlth Int | None | Restless Development's youth-led model places trained Volunteer Peer Educators (VPEs), aged 18-25 years, in schools to teach HIV prevention and reproductive health (RH). VPEs also run youth centers, extracurricular and community-based activities. This evaluation assesses (i) program effects on students' HIV/RH knowledge, attitudes and behaviors using a non-randomized quasi-experimental design among 2133 eighth and ninth grade students in 13 intervention versus 13 matched comparison schools and (ii) program costs. Intervention students had significantly higher levels of knowledge related to HIV [odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-2.19; P < 0.01] and RH (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.21-2.49; P < 0.01), more positive attitudes toward people living with HIV and greater self-efficacy to refuse unwanted sex and access condoms. No evidence of differences in ever having had sex was found (28% in the intervention; 29% in the comparison schools). However, intervention students were more likely not to have had sex in the previous year (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; P < 0.05) and to have had only one sex partner ever (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.00-2.03; P < 0.05). The average annual cost of the program was US$21 per beneficiary. In conclusion, the youth-led model is associated with increased HIV and RH knowledge and self-efficacy and lowered levels of stigma and sexual risk-taking behaviors. | ,ADOLESCENTS,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,"HIV/AIDS PREVENTION",INTERVENTIONS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938520071 | Do Stock Prices Impact Consumption and Interest Rate in South Africa? Evidence from a Time-varying Vector Autoregressive Model | Aye G.C., Gupta R., Modise M.P. | 2015 | Journal of Emerging Market Finance | 14 | 2 | 10.1177/0972652715584267 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, G.C., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Gupta, R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Modise, M.P., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article investigates the existence of spillovers from stock prices onto consumption and the interest rate for South Africa using a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) model with stochastic volatility. In this regard, we estimate a three-variable TVP-VAR model comprising real consumption growth rate, the nominal three-months Treasury bill rate and the growth rate of real stock prices. We find that the impact of a real stock price shocks on consumption is in general positive, with large and significant effects observed at the one-quarter-ahead horizon. However, there is also evidence of significant negative spillovers from the stock market to consumption during the financial crisis, at both short and long horizons. The monetary policy response to stock price shocks has been persistent, and strong especially post the financial liberalisation in 1985, but became weaker during the financial crisis. Overall, we provide evidence of significant time-varying spillovers on consumption and interest rate from the stock market. JEL Classification: C11, C15, C32, E31, E32, E44, E52 © 2015, © 2015 Institute for Financial Management and Research. | Bayesian inference; consumption; Markov chain Monte Carlo; monetary policy; stochastic volatility; stock price; structural vector autoregression; time-varying parameter | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000268766900003 | Do the socioeconomic impacts of antiretroviral therapy vary by gender? A longitudinal study of Kenyan agricultural worker employment outcomes | Bii, Margret,Fox, Mathew P.,Larson, Bruce A.,McCoy, Kelly,Rosen, Sydney,Sawe, Fredrick,Shaffer, Douglas,Sigei, Carolyne,Simon, Jonathan L.,Wasunna, Monique | 2009 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-9-240 | Boston University, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr, Walter Reed Project | None | Background: As access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has grown in Africa, attention has turned to evaluating the socio-economic impacts of ART. One key issue is the extent to which improvements in health resulting from ART allows individuals to return to work and earn income. Improvements in health from ART may also be associated with reduced impaired presenteeism, which is the loss of productivity when an ill or disabled individual attends work but accomplishes less at his or her usual tasks or shifts to other, possibly less valuable, tasks.
Methods: Longitudinal data for this analysis come from company payroll records for 97 HIV-infected tea estate workers (the index group, 56 women, 41 men) and a comparison group of all workers assigned to the same work teams (n = 2485, 1691 men, 794 women) for a 37-month period covering two years before and one year after initiating ART. We used nearest neighbour matching methods to estimate the impacts of HIV/AIDS and ART on three monthly employment outcomes for tea estate workers in Kenya - days plucking tea, days assigned to non-plucking assignments, and kilograms harvested when plucking.
Results: The female index group worked 30% fewer days plucking tea monthly than the matched female comparison group during the final 9 months pre-ART. They also worked 87% more days on non-plucking assignments. While the monthly gap between the two groups narrowed after beginning ART, the female index group worked 30% fewer days plucking tea and about 100% more days on non-plucking tasks than the comparison group after one year on ART. The male index group was able to maintain a similar pattern of work as their comparison group except during the initial five months on therapy.
Conclusion: Significant impaired presenteeism continued to exist among the female index group after one year on ART. Future research needs to explore further the socio-economic implications of HIV-infected female workers on ART being less productive than the general female workforce over sustained periods of time. | ,ADULTS,HIV/AIDS,HIV-INFECTION,ILLNESS,PERFORMANCE,PRESENTEEISM,PREVALENCE,SECTOR,SICK,SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937859588 | Do we care about the distance to the CMB? Clarifying the impact of second-order lensing | Bonvin C., Clarkson C., Durrer R., Maartens R., Umeh O. | 2015 | Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics | 2015 | 6 | 10.1088/1475-7516/2015/06/050 | CERN, Theory Division, Geneva, Switzerland; Astrophysics, Cosmology and Gravity Centre, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Département de Physique Théorique, Center for Astroparticle Physics, Université de Genève, Quai E. Ansermet 24, Genève 4, Switzerland; Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom | Bonvin, C., CERN, Theory Division, Geneva, Switzerland; Clarkson, C., Astrophysics, Cosmology and Gravity Centre, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Durrer, R., Département de Physique Théorique, Center for Astroparticle Physics, Université de Genève, Quai E. Ansermet 24, Genève 4, Switzerland; Maartens, R., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Umeh, O., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa | It has recently been shown that second-order corrections to the background distance-redshift relation can build up significantly at large redshifts, due to an aggregation of gravitational lensing events. This shifts the expectation value of the distance to the CMB by 1%. In this paper we show that this shift is already properly accounted for in standard CMB analyses. We clarify the role that the area distance to the CMB plays in the presence of second-order lensing corrections. © 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd and Sissa Medialab srl . | CMBR theory; cosmological parameters from CMBR; gravitational lensing | None | SNSF, Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76849089667 | Downsizing the Mjølnir impact structure, Barents Sea, Norway | Werner S.C., Torsvik T.H. | 2010 | Tectonophysics | 483 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.036 | Norwegian Geological Survey, Leiv Eirikssons vei 39, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; PGP, University of Oslo, Norway; Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa | Werner, S.C., Norwegian Geological Survey, Leiv Eirikssons vei 39, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway, PGP, University of Oslo, Norway; Torsvik, T.H., Norwegian Geological Survey, Leiv Eirikssons vei 39, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway, PGP, University of Oslo, Norway, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa | Stratigraphic relationships indicate that the submarine Mjølnir impact structure in the SW Barents Sea is of Cretaceous age (~ 142 Ma) and the impact palaeolatitude is estimated at 56°N. Though the crater has been intensively studied, its dimensions at depth are uncertain. Density and magnetic susceptibility measurements of core samples are presented and used to interpret a newly available aeromagnetic survey and gravity data, and to model the potential field anomaly data of the area jointly, so as to constrain better the signature of the crater. Forward modelling suggests that the crater diameter is about 20 km, and thus needs downscaling to about half of the earlier proposed size. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Density and susceptibility measurements; Impact crater; Potential field interpretation | Aeromagnetic surveys; Barents sea; Crater diameter; Cretaceous age; Down-scaling; Forward modelling; Gravity data; Impact craters; Impact structures; Magnetic susceptibility measurements; Potential field; Susceptibility measurements; Magnetic susceptibility; Stratigraphy; aeromagnetic survey; crater; Cretaceous; impact structure; magnetic susceptibility; paleolatitude; potential field; Arctic Ocean; Barents Sea; Mjolnir Crater | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36949001095 | Do working children have worse academic performance? | Fetuga M.B., Njokanma O.F., Ogunlesi T.A. | 2007 | Indian Journal of Pediatrics | 74 | 10 | 10.1007/s12098-007-0172-1 | Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, P.O. Box 358, Sagamu 121001, Nigeria | Fetuga, M.B., Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Nigeria, Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, P.O. Box 358, Sagamu 121001, Nigeria; Njokanma, O.F., Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Nigeria; Ogunlesi, T.A., Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Nigeria | Objective. To examine the effect of child labor on school children's academic performance. Methods. Primary school children engaged in child labor were compared with age, sex and school-matched controls for absence from school and scores obtained at sessional examination in English language, Mathematics, Sciences and Social studies. Results. There was no significant difference in the mean rate of school absence (p = 0.80), mean aggregate examination scores (p = 0.1) and proportion of class repeaters (p = 0.16) among working school children and the controls. However, a significantly higher proportion of the controls had high (>75%) average examination scores compared with the working school children (p = 0.017). Similarly, the controls performed better than working school childre nin each of four core subjects but significant differences were observed only in Social Studies and Science (p = 0.006 and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion. There is some undermining of academic performance among children who combine schooling with child labor despite comparable school absence with the controls. © 2007 Dr. K C Chaudhuri Foundation. | Academic performance; Child labor | academic achievement; article; child; controlled study; human; job performance; major clinical study; primary school; Absenteeism; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing Countries; Educational Status; Employment; Female; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Underachievement | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927799281 | Drafting's improvement of 3000-m running performance in elite athletes: Is it a placebo effect? | Zouhal H., BenAbderrahman A., Prioux J., Knechtle B., Bouguerra L., Kebsi W., Noakes T.D. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance | 10 | 2 | 10.1123/ijspp.2013-0498 | Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Higher Inst of Sport and Physical Education of Tunis, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia; Inst of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Zouhal, H., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; BenAbderrahman, A., Higher Inst of Sport and Physical Education of Tunis, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia; Prioux, J., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Knechtle, B., Inst of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Bouguerra, L., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Kebsi, W., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Noakes, T.D., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose: To determine the effect of drafting on running time, physiological response, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during 3000-m track running. Methods: Ten elite middle- and long-distance runners performed 3 track-running sessions. The 1st session determined maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic speed using a lightweight ambulatory respiratory gas-exchange system (K4B<inf>2</inf>). The 2nd and the 3rd tests consisted of nondrafting 3000-m running (3000-mND) and 3000-m running with drafting for the 1st 2000 m (3000-mD) performed on the track in a randomized counterbalanced order. Results: Performance during the 3000-mND (553.59 ± 22.15 s) was significantly slower (P < .05) than during the 3000-mD (544.74 ± 18.72 s). Cardiorespiratory responses were not significantly different between the trials. However, blood lactate concentration was significantly higher (P < .05) after the 3000-mND (16.4 ± 2.3 mmol/L) than after the 3000-mD (13.2 ± 5.6 mmol/L). Athletes perceived the 3000-mND as more strenuous than the 3000-mD (P < .05) (RPE = 16.1 ± 0.8 vs 13.1 ± 1.3). Results demonstrate that drafting has a significant effect on performance in highly trained runners. Conclusion: This effect could not be explained by a reduced energy expenditure or cardiorespiratory effort as a result of drafting. This raises the possibility that drafting may aid running performance by both physiological and nonphysiological (ie, psychological) effects. © 2015 Human Kinetics, Inc. | Endurance; Highly trained; Pacing; Rating of perceived exertion; Track running | lactic acid; adult; biomechanics; blood; endurance; energy metabolism; exercise; heart rate; human; lung ventilation; male; oxygen consumption; perception; physiology; placebo effect; psychology; running; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Energy Metabolism; Heart Rate; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Perception; Physical Endurance; Physical Exertion; Placebo Effect; Pulmonary Ventilation; Running | None |
| None | None | Dried blood spots perform well in viral load monitoring of patients who receive antiretroviral treatment in rural Tanzania | Johannessen A., Garrido C., Zahonero N., Sandvik L., Naman E., Kivuyo S.L., Kasubi M.J., Gundersen S.G., Bruun J.N., De Mendoza C. | 2009 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 49 | 6 | 10.1086/605502 | Ulleval Department of Infectious Diseases, Norway; Ulleval Centre for Clinical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit, Sorlandet Hospital HF, Norway; Centre for Development Studies, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway; Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway; Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; HIV Care and Treatment Centre, Haydom Lutheran Hospital, Tanzania; National Institute for Medical Research, Haydom Research Station, Mbulu; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ulleval Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, 0407 Oslo, Norway | Johannessen, A., Ulleval Department of Infectious Diseases, Norway, Ulleval Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, 0407 Oslo, Norway; Garrido, C., Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Zahonero, N., Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Sandvik, L., Ulleval Centre for Clinical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Naman, E., HIV Care and Treatment Centre, Haydom Lutheran Hospital, Tanzania; Kivuyo, S.L., National Institute for Medical Research, Haydom Research Station, Mbulu; Kasubi, M.J., Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Gundersen, S.G., Research Unit, Sorlandet Hospital HF, Norway, Centre for Development Studies, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway; Bruun, J.N., Ulleval Department of Infectious Diseases, Norway, Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway; De Mendoza, C., Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain | Background. Monitoring or antiretroviral treatment (ART) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral loads, as recommended in industrialized countries, is rarely available in resource-limited settings because of the high costs and stringent requirements for storage and transport of plasma. Dried blood spots (DBS) can be an alternative to plasma, but the use of DBS has not been assessed under field conditions in rural Africa. The present study investigates the performance of DBS in HIV viral load monitoring of patients who received ART in rural Tanzania. Patients and Methods. From November 2007 through June 2008, parallel plasma and DBS specimens were obtained from patients who received ART at Haydom Lutheran Hospital in rural Tanzania. DBS specimens were stored at tropical room temperature for 3 weeks before testing with the NucliSENS EasyQ HIV-1 v1.2 assay. Results obtained with DBS were compared with results obtained with use of a gold-standard plasma assay. Results. Ninety-eight plasma-DBS pairs were compared, and plasma viral loads ranged from <40 to >1,000,000 copies/mL. The correlation between plasma and DBS viral load was strong (R 2 = 0.75). The mean difference (± standard deviation) was 0.04 ± 0.57 log 10 copies/mL, and only 8 samples showed >1 log 10 copies/mL difference. HIV type 1 RNA was detected in 7%, 60%, and 100% of DBS specimens with corresponding plasma viral loads of 40-999, 1000-2999, and ≥3000 copies/mL, respectively. Conclusions. DBS, in combination with the NucliSENS EasyQ HIV-1 v1.2 asay, performed well in monitoring HIV viral loads in patients who received ART in rural Tanzania, although the sensitivity was reduced when viral burden was low. The use of DBS can simplify virological monitoring in resource-limited settings. © 2009 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; adult; aged; article; blood sampling; blood storage; child; controlled study; dried blood spot; drug treatment failure; female; gold standard plasma assay; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intermethod comparison; laboratory test; major clinical study; male; patient monitoring; preschool child; priority journal; room temperature; rural area; Tanzania; viremia; virus load; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Blood; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing Countries; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Plasma; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Rural Population; Sensitivity and Specificity; Specimen Handling; Tanzania; Viral Load; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84959542660 | Drive performance for able-bodied and disabled golfers | Kenny I.C., Campbell M.J., Surmon S., Bressan L. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching | 10 | 4 | None | Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Limerick, Ireland; Centre for Human Performance Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Kenny, I.C., Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Limerick, Ireland; Campbell, M.J., Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Limerick, Ireland; Surmon, S., Centre for Human Performance Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Bressan, L., Centre for Human Performance Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Golf is a popular leisure and competitive activity for individuals with disabilities. The current golf handicap system does not take into account the possible challenges of playing golf with any form of physical disability. The aim of this study was to examine golf driving performance measures, comparing golfers with various types of physical disabilities to able-bodied golfers. Through drive shot ball launch analysis, this study compared amputees (single leg, below and above knee), deaf, visually impaired, polio, Les Autres and arthrogryposis golfers to able-bodied golfers with similar golf handicaps. Twenty-seven able-bodied (handicap category 3, 12.4 ± 7.0) and 15 disabled (handicap category 3, 18.2 ± 9.2) hit 10 drives each. Able-bodied golfers presented longer but less accurate drives (208.1 m carry, 4.6 m lateral deviation), and concomitant higher club head and ball velocity than disabled golfers (157.6 m carry, 6.O m lateral deviation) [p<O.OO1]. The apparent difference in outcome performance cannot be fully accounted for by the small difference in golf handicap score, thus disabled golfers appear to be penalised/disadvantaged by the current golf handicap classification rules. | Amputee; Arthrogryposis; Deaf; Disabled golf; Golf shot performance analysis; Lés Autres; Post-polio syndrome | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053052278 | Drivers and impacts of land-use change in the Maasai Steppe of northern Tanzania: An ecological, social and political analysis | Msoffe F.U., Kifugo S.C., Said M.Y., Neselle M.O., van Gardingen P., Reid R.S., Ogutu J.O., Herero M., de Leeuw J. | 2011 | Journal of Land Use Science | 6 | 4 | 10.1080/1747423X.2010.511682 | International Livestock Research Institute, Theme: People, Livestock and Environment, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for the Study of Environmental Change and Sustainability, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Simanjiro, Maasai Steppe, C\o ILRI, PLE, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Collaborative Conservation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States | Msoffe, F.U., International Livestock Research Institute, Theme: People, Livestock and Environment, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for the Study of Environmental Change and Sustainability, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Kifugo, S.C., International Livestock Research Institute, Theme: People, Livestock and Environment, Nairobi, Kenya; Said, M.Y., International Livestock Research Institute, Theme: People, Livestock and Environment, Nairobi, Kenya; Neselle, M.O., Simanjiro, Maasai Steppe, C\o ILRI, PLE, Nairobi, Kenya; van Gardingen, P., Centre for the Study of Environmental Change and Sustainability, School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Reid, R.S., Centre for Collaborative Conservation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States; Ogutu, J.O., International Livestock Research Institute, Theme: People, Livestock and Environment, Nairobi, Kenya; Herero, M., International Livestock Research Institute, Theme: People, Livestock and Environment, Nairobi, Kenya; de Leeuw, J., International Livestock Research Institute, Theme: People, Livestock and Environment, Nairobi, Kenya | In this article, we discuss the drivers, causes, and impacts of land-use change in the Maasai Steppe of northern Tanzania. Remote sensing data were used to analyze land-use change, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was used to link-up with wildlife population dynamics and livestock distribution data derived from aerial censuses. Agriculture increased fivefold between 1984 and 2000, while human population increased exponentially from 3.3% p.a. in 1988 to 3.4% p.a. in the same period. Wildlife migratory routes declined from nine in 1964 to five in 2000, out of which three were seriously threatened with blockage by the extensive cultivation. Recurrent droughts and diseases have contributed to the declining livestock economy over the years due to livestock loss and the unpredictable and erratic rainfall has limited their recovery. To reverse the on-going trends in land use, proper land-use plans should be instituted in parallel with community-based wildlife ventures to maintain long-term ecosystem viability. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | agriculture; drivers of change; land-use change; landscape fragmentation; semi-arid environment; spatial analysis | GIS; habitat fragmentation; land use change; land use planning; livestock farming; population decline; population dynamics; semiarid region; spatial analysis; steppe; wildlife management; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929832464 | Driving factors-based approach for identifying performance indicators in sugarcane supply and processing systems | Sanjika T.M., Bezuidenhout C.N. | 2015 | British Food Journal | 117 | 6 | 10.1108/BFJ-09-2014-0323 | School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa | Sanjika, T.M., School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa; Bezuidenhout, C.N., School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a driving factors-based approach for identifying and ranking performance indicators in integrated sugarcane supply and processing systems (ISSPSs) on an on-going basis. Design/methodology/approach – The research included a literature review, development of an approach, testing of the approach in four ISSPSs and checking the tests’ results for consistency with Southern Africa sugar industry benchmarks and external knowledge of the four ISSPSs. Findings – The research offers a systematic approach for identifying and ranking performance indicators based on existing driving factors in ISSPSs. Results obtained from the application of the approach in four ISSPSs are consistent with industry benchmarks and external knowledge of the ISSPSs. Research limitations/implications – The approach was tested in only four ISSPSs. It is recommended that the approach should be tested in other complex systems to further validate its effectiveness. It is further recommended that the approach should be systematically compared with existing approaches that are used for identifying and ranking performance indicators. Originality/value – This research is of academic value and of practical value to practitioners in ISSPSs. The research blends knowledge from network theory and cause-and-effect analysis to come up with a systematic approach for identifying and ranking performance indicators in ISSPSs on an on-going basis. Further, the approach identifies and ranks performance indicators as part of one data set. This approach has never, to the authors’ knowledge, been used in agro-industry before. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Agriculture; Decision making; Food processing industry; Performance indicators; Supply chain | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893231756 | Drop weight impact studies of woven fibers reinforced modified polyester composites | Isa M.T., Ahmed A.S., Aderemi B.O., Taib R.M., Akil H.M., Mohammed-Dabo I.A. | 2014 | Leonardo Electronic Journal of Practices and Technologies | 13 | 24 | None | Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810261, Nigeria; School of Materials and Mineral Resources, University of Sains Malaysia, 14300, Nibong Tebal Penang, Malaysia | Isa, M.T., Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810261, Nigeria; Ahmed, A.S., Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810261, Nigeria; Aderemi, B.O., Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810261, Nigeria; Taib, R.M., School of Materials and Mineral Resources, University of Sains Malaysia, 14300, Nibong Tebal Penang, Malaysia; Akil, H.M., School of Materials and Mineral Resources, University of Sains Malaysia, 14300, Nibong Tebal Penang, Malaysia; Mohammed-Dabo, I.A., Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810261, Nigeria | Low velocity impact tests were conducted on modified unsaturated polyester reinforced with four different woven fabrics using hand-layup method to investigate the effect of fiber type and fiber combinations. The time-load curves were analysed and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the surface of the impacted composite laminates. The results indicated that all the composites had ductility index (DI) of above two for the test conducted at impact energy of 27J with the monolithic composite of Kevlar having the highest DI. The damage modes observed were mainly matrix cracks and fiber breakages. Hybridization of the fibers in the matrix was observed to minimize these damages. | Ductility index; Fibers; Hybrid; Impact; Lay-up; Microstructures | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878359028 | Drought impact assessment from monitoring the seasonality of vegetation condition using long-term time-series satellite images: A case study of Mt. Kenya region | Song Y., Njoroge J.B., Morimoto Y. | 2013 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 185 | 5 | 10.1007/s10661-012-2854-z | Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya; Faculty of Bioenvironmental Science, Kyoto Gakuen University, Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan | Song, Y., Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Njoroge, J.B., Faculty of Agriculture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya; Morimoto, Y., Faculty of Bioenvironmental Science, Kyoto Gakuen University, Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan | Drought-induced anomalies in vegetation condition over wide areas can be observed by using time-series satellite remote sensing data. Previous methods to assess the anomalies may include limitations in considering (1) the seasonality in terms of each vegetation-cover type, (2) cumulative damage during the drought event, and (3) the application to various types of land cover. This study proposed an improved methodology to assess drought impact from the annual vegetation responses, and discussed the result in terms of diverse landscape mosaics in the Mt. Kenya region (0.4 N 35.8 E ~ 1.6 S 38.4 E). From the 30-year annual rainfall records at the six meteorological stations in the study area, we identified 2000 as the drought year and 2001, 2004, and 2007 as the normal precipitation years. The time-series profiles of vegetation condition in the drought and normal precipitation years were obtained from the values of Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI; Huete et al. 2002), which were acquired from Terra MODIS remote sensing dataset (MOD13Q1) taken every 16 days at the scale of 250-m spatial resolution. The drought impact was determined by integrating the annual differences in EVI profiles between drought and normal conditions, per pixel based on nearly same day of year. As a result, we successfully described the distribution of landscape vulnerability to drought, considering the seasonality of each vegetation-cover type at every MODIS pixel. This result will contribute to the large-scale landscape management of Mt. Kenya region. Future study should improve this method by considering land-use change occurred during the long-term monitoring period. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Drought assessment; EVI; MODIS; Phenology; Remote sensing | Enhanced vegetation index; EVI; Landscape management; Long term monitoring; Meteorological station; MODIS; Phenology; Satellite remote sensing data; Forestry; Pixels; Radiometers; Remote sensing; Satellite imagery; Vegetation; Drought; rain; assessment method; drought; land cover; MODIS; phenology; precipitation (climatology); remote sensing; satellite imagery; seasonality; time series analysis; vegetation cover; vegetation type; article; case study; drought; environmental impact assessment; Kenya; land use; landscape; precipitation; seasonal variation; telecommunication; time series analysis; vegetation; environmental monitoring; equipment; methodology; plant; remote sensing; season; space flight; Kenya; Mount Kenya; Droughts; Environmental Monitoring; Kenya; Plants; Remote Sensing Technology; Seasons; Spacecraft | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855167416 | Drought impacts and related risk management by smallholder farmers in developing countries: Evidence from Awash River Basin, Ethiopia | Murendo C., Keil A., Zeller M. | 2011 | Risk Management | 13 | 4 | 10.1057/rm.2011.17 | International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany; Rural Development Theory and Policy, Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany | Murendo, C., International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Keil, A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany; Zeller, M., Rural Development Theory and Policy, Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany | In this article, we analyze the effects of drought on Ethiopian rural households' food security and associated risk management strategies. Severe droughts have led to a significant depression of crop yields and death of livestock in the past. Droughts have drastically increased the proportion of food-insecure households and lengthened the duration of food insecurity in the area. Ex-ante adaptation strategies widely practised in the area include storage of crop residues as fodder for livestock, rearing of drought tolerant livestock, mixed cropping, use of short-duration crop varieties, and adoption of soil and water conservation practices. Ex-post coping strategies utilized by households include sale of assets and reliance on support from informal networks. Training farmers in the production and conservation of livestock fodder as well as in soil and water conservation practices appear to be key options relevant to strengthen farmers capacity to adapt to and cope with drought. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45549101645 | Drought induced xylem embolism in four riparian trees from the Western Cape Province: Insights and implications for planning and evaluation of restoration | Swift C.C., Jacobs S.M., Esler K.J. | 2008 | South African Journal of Botany | 74 | 3 | 10.1016/j.sajb.2008.01.169 | Department of Biology, Whittier College, Whittier, CA, United States; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Swift, C.C., Department of Biology, Whittier College, Whittier, CA, United States; Jacobs, S.M., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Esler, K.J., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa | In Mediterranean climates, rainfall is restricted to periods of low evaporative demand, leaving plants to survive the summer drought. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of drought tolerance to the distribution of riparian species. These physiological insights will assist in developing target species lists for restoration of riparian ecosystems in the Western Cape, currently heavily degraded due to land clearing and invasive aliens. We estimated P50 and P100 from vulnerability curves and Ψx in four species across a range of summer water availability estimated by streamflow. As expected, decreasing streamflow resulted in lower predawn and mid-day xylem water potential, and species identified in previous studies as having broad distributions, such as Brabejum stellatifolium and Metrosideros angustifolia, sustained greater decreases in mid-day xylem water potential and were less vulnerable to cavitation than Rapanea melanophloeos or Brachyleana neriifolia, species with more restricted distributions. These results provide preliminary evidence that a consideration of drought tolerance might be useful in refining lists of target species for active restoration and evaluation of restoration success across projects in streams and rivers with different fluvial regimes. © 2008 SAAB. | Drought tolerance; Embolism; Fynbos-riparian ecotone; Vulnerability to cavitation | dicotyledon; drought resistance; drought stress; ecotone; evaporation; fynbos; Mediterranean environment; physiology; population distribution; restoration ecology; riparian vegetation; streamflow; tolerance; vulnerability; water availability; xylem; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Western Cape; Brabejum stellatifolium; Metrosideros angustifolia; Rapanea melanophloeos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650392878 | Drying of organic solvents: Quantitative evaluation of the efficiency of several desiccants | Williams D.B.G., Lawton M. | 2010 | Journal of Organic Chemistry | 75 | 24 | 10.1021/jo101589h | Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Williams, D.B.G., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Lawton, M., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Various commonly used organic solvents were dried with several different drying agents. A glovebox-bound coulometric Karl Fischer apparatus with a two-compartment measuring cell was used to determine the efficiency of the drying process. Recommendations are made relating to optimum drying agents/conditions that can be used to rapidly and reliably generate solvents with low residual water content by means of commonly available materials found in most synthesis laboratories. The practical method provides for safer handling and drying of solvents than methods calling for the use of reactive metals, metal hydrides, or solvent distillation. © 2010 American Chemical Society. | None | Commonly used; Drying agent; Drying process; Gloveboxes; Karl Fischer; Measuring cells; Metal hydrides; Practical method; Quantitative evaluation; Reactive metals; Residual water content; Curing; Distillation; Driers (materials); Hydrides; Organic solvents; Water content; Drying; desiccant; metal; organic solvent; water; article; cell assay; coulometry; distillation; drying; high temperature procedures; quantitative analysis; reliability; synthesis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952412141 | Dual Path Platform HIV 1/2 assay: Evaluation of a novel rapid test using oral fluids for HIV screening at the National Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria | Iregbu K.C., Esfandiari J., Nnorom J., Sonibare S.A., Uwaezuoke S.N., Eze S.O., Abdullahi N., Lawal A.O., Durogbola B.S. | 2011 | Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease | 69 | 4 | 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2010.10.011 | Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria; Chembio Diagnostics, Medford, NY, United States; Chembio Diagnostics, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Pathology, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria; Depart | Iregbu, K.C., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria; Esfandiari, J., Chembio Diagnostics, Medford, NY, United States; Nnorom, J., Chembio Diagnostics, Abuja, Nigeria; Sonibare, S.A., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria; Uwaezuoke, S.N., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria; Eze, S.O., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria; Abdullahi, N., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria; Lawal, A.O., Department of Chemical Pathology, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria; Durogbola, B.S., Department of Haematology, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria | HIV/AIDS disease is endemic in Nigeria and associated with stigmatization. Availability of a reliable rapid testing kit and procedure will increase uptake of services. The study aimed to determine the correlation between detection of HIV antibodies in blood to that in oral fluid and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Dual Path Platform (DPP) testing kit using oral fluid samples. HIV antibodies detected in oral mucosa transudate and whole capillary blood from HIV-positive, high-risk and low-risk participants were compared with results obtained with whole venous blood from the same participants tested with Determine and Western blot (for discordant cases). Oral fluid test has sensitivity and specificity of 100% relative to Determine rapid assay, while whole capillary blood test has sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99.5%. DPP oral fluid test is a reliable point-of-care test and may be deployed in large-scale screening exercises. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. | Dual Path Pathway; HIV screening; National Hospital; Nigeria; Oral fluid | Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; adult; analytical equipment; antibody detection; article; capillary blood; controlled study; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; Dual Path Platform HIV 1/2 assay; female; high risk patient; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mouth mucosa; Nigeria; nonhuman; point of care testing; predictive value; priority journal; screening; sensitivity and specificity; venous blood; Adolescent; Adult; Blotting, Western; Female; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HIV-2; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Nigeria; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-52049115654 | Dual response surface optimization with hard-to-control variables for sustainable gasifier performance | Coetzer R.L.J., Rossouw R.F., Lin D.K.J. | 2008 | Journal of the Royal Statistical Society. Series C: Applied Statistics | 57 | 5 | 10.1111/j.1467-9876.2008.00631.x | Sasol Technology Research and Development, Sasolburg, South Africa; Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States; Reaction Technology and Industrial Statistics, Sasol Technology Research and Development, 1 Klasie Havenga Road, Sasolburg, 1947, South Africa | Coetzer, R.L.J., Sasol Technology Research and Development, Sasolburg, South Africa, Reaction Technology and Industrial Statistics, Sasol Technology Research and Development, 1 Klasie Havenga Road, Sasolburg, 1947, South Africa; Rossouw, R.F., Sasol Technology Research and Development, Sasolburg, South Africa; Lin, D.K.J., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States | Dual response surface optimization of the Sasol-Lurgi fixed bed dry bottom gasification process was carried out by performing response surface modelling and robustness studies on the process variables of interest from a specially equipped full-scale test gasifier. Coal particle size distribution and coal composition are considered as hard-to-control variables during normal operation. The paper discusses the application of statistical robustness studies as a method for determining the optimal settings of process variables that might be hard to control during normal operation. Several dual response surface strategies are evaluated for determining the optimal process variable conditions. It is shown that a narrower particle size distribution is optimal for maximizing gasification performance which is robust against the variability in coal composition. © Journal compilation © 2008 Royal Statistical Society. | Desirability functions; Dual response surface; Gasification; Robustness studies | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747076416 | Dual-task processing: Effects of task difficulty and stimulus similarity on dual-task performance | Chipunza C., Mandeya A. | 2005 | South African Journal of Psychology | 35 | 4 | None | Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Department of Statistics, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | Chipunza, C., Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Mandeya, A., Department of Statistics, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | Previous research on factors that influence divided attention have focused on resource allocation, age of participants, task difficulty and familiarity, practice effects as well as brain areas that control dual task performance. The present study examined the effects of task difficulty and stimulus similarity on dual-task performance. One hundred and twenty participants, divided into four equal groups were asked to read a typewritten passage and at the same time to listen to an auditory message. The tasks for each group differed in terms of similarity and difficulty. The results showed no significant main effect of task difficulty (F(1.116) = 1.36, p>0.05) and a significant main effect of stimulus similarity (F(1.116) = 51.51, p<0.05). Performance in the conditions was dependent on stimulus similarity and information type. In terms of significant interaction effects, interference effects were observed more in the easy-dissimilar and difficult-dissimilar conditions than in the easy-similar and difficult-similar conditions. The results are discussed in the context of language processing and dual-task processing. Suggestions for future research are made. © Psychological Society of South Africa. All rights reserved. | Attention; Dual-task interference; Dual-task performance; Language processing; Memory; Task difficulty | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863696212 | Durability index performance of high strength concretes made based on different standard portland cements | Ekolu S.O., Murugan S. | 2012 | Advances in Materials Science and Engineering | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/410909 | School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ready-Mix, Lafarge Industries SA (Pty) Ltd., 35 Westfield Road, Longmeadow Business Estate Ext. 11, Gallo Manor 2052, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ekolu, S.O., School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Murugan, S., Ready-Mix, Lafarge Industries SA (Pty) Ltd., 35 Westfield Road, Longmeadow Business Estate Ext. 11, Gallo Manor 2052, Johannesburg, South Africa | A consortium of three durability index test methods consisting of oxygen permeability, sorptivity and chloride conductivity were used to evaluate the potential influence of four (4) common SANS 10197 cements on strength and durability of concrete. Twenty four (24) concrete mixtures of water-cement ratios (w/c's) = 0.4, 0.5, 0.65 were cast using the cement types CEM I 42.5N, CEM II/A-M (V-L) 42.5N, CEM IV/B 32.5R and CEM II/A-V 52.5N. The concretes investigated fall in the range of normal strength, medium strength and high strength concretes. It was found that the marked differences in oxygen permeability and sorptivity results observed at normal and medium strengths tended to vanish at high concrete strengths. Also, the durability effects attributed to use of different cement types appear to diminish at high strengths. Cements of low strength and/or that contained no extenders (CEM 32.5R, CEM I 42.5N) showed greater sensitivity to sorptivity, relative to other cement types. Results also show that while concrete resistance to chlorides generally improves with increase in strength, adequately high chloride resistance may not be achieved based on high strength alone, and appropriate incorporation of extenders may be necessary. Copyright © 2012 Stephen O. Ekolu and Sheena Murugan. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861678536 | Durability performance of a range of marine concretes and the applicability of the South African Service Life Prediction Model | Githachuri K., Alexander M., Moyo P. | 2012 | Materials and Structures/Materiaux et Constructions | 45 | 42371 | 10.1617/s11527-011-9759-0 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Githachuri, K., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Alexander, M., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Moyo, P., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | The paper describes a study that examined and compared the potential durability performance of various geographically distinct South African marine concrete mix types. Mix proportions were designed at two water/binder ratios (0.40 and 0.55) for different material combinations of binder and aggregate types. Sampling was done at 28, 91 and 182 days. Durability performance was inferred from durability index (DI) tests that measure the resistance of concrete to ion, gas and fluid penetration. Comparison was made on the basis of regional concrete type, w/b ratio and mix constituents (binder and aggregate type). All the concrete mixes were further compared to plain CEM I control concrete mixes at each w/b ratio. Results indicate that low w/b ratio and blended binder concrete mixes have low penetrability characteristics. Aggregate type was seen not to have an appreciable influence on the transport properties of concrete. Across the range of geographically different mixes, it was found that with a given concrete grade and binder type, marine concrete mixes are practically comparable. This permits the existing Service Life Prediction Model to be more confidently applied for all marine zones in South Africa with possible application in other geographic regions following further research. © RILEM 2011. | Aggregate type; Binder type; Concrete; Durability; Penetrability; Water/binder ratio | Aggregate type; Concrete grades; Concrete types; Durability performance; Fluid penetration; Geographic regions; Marine concrete; Material combination; Mix proportions; Penetrability; Service life prediction; South Africa; Water/binder ratios; Aggregates; Binders; Concrete mixers; Concrete mixtures; Concretes; Mathematical models; Transport properties; Durability | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883637090 | Durability performance potential and strength of blended Portland limestone cement concrete | Githachuri K., Alexander M.G. | 2013 | Cement and Concrete Composites | 39 | None | 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2013.03.027 | Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa | Githachuri, K., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Alexander, M.G., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa | This paper describes a study on the durability potential and strength of composite Portland-limestone cement (PLC) concrete mixtures blended with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and/or fly ash (FA). Their performance was compared against ordinary Portland cement, plain PLC and Portland-slag cement concrete mixtures. Using the South African Durability Index approach, results indicate reductions in the penetrability of the composite PLC blends compared to the other mixtures. The durability indicators are chloride conductivity, gas (oxygen) permeability and water sorptivity. Compressive strength of the composite PLC mixtures containing both GGBS and FA showed competitive performance with the comparative mixtures, but FA blended PLC mixtures had diminished compressive strength values. The paper also presents considerations on the practical implications of using blended PLC concrete mixtures. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Durability; Fly ash; Limestone; Slag; Strength | Cement concrete; Competitive performance; Durability performance; Ground granulated blast furnace slag; Limestone cement concretes; Ordinary Portland cement; Strength; Water sorptivity; Blast furnaces; Chlorine compounds; Compressive strength; Durability; Fly ash; Gas permeability; Limestone; Slag cement; Slags; Mixtures | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880254832 | Duration of diabetes and glycemic control: Impact on echocardiography findings in children and young adults with diabetes mellitus in Lagos | Adeniyi O.F., Oduwole A.O., Okoromah C.A.N., Ekure E., Fajolu I.B., Ladapo T.A. | 2013 | International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries | 33 | 2 | 10.1007/s13410-013-0116-4 | Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Adeniyi, O.F., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Oduwole, A.O., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Okoromah, C.A.N., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Ekure, E., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Fajolu, I.B., Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Ladapo, T.A., Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | The influence of disease duration and glycemic control on cardiac function in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients remains controversial. There is little data on young patients in the Sub-Saharan continent. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of disease duration and glycemic control on the cardiac function of children and adolescents with diabetes using echocardiography. In this cross sectional study, 26 T1DM subjects and 33 matched controls had conventional echocardiography done. The relationship between their cardiac parameters, disease duration and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was assessed with correlation and regression analysis. Five (19.2 %) subjects had evidence of abnormal fractional shortening. There was no significant difference in systolic function between the diabetics and controls. The isovolumic relaxation time and Deceleration time were significantly prolonged in the diabetics (P = 0.034, P = 0.001 respectively). There was a significant correlation between disease duration and end diastolic diameter (EDD) (P = 0.000) and Left ventricular mass (P = 0.000). Disease duration was also an independent predictor of EDD (P = 0.007), even after adjusting for age, body mass index and mean arterial pressure. There were no significant correlations between HbA1c and measures of cardiac structure or function. The right ventricular diastolic function was poorer in the T1DM subjects compared to the controls. Thus, the disease duration independently predicts left ventricular enlargement in this population of Sub-Saharan youths (who have relatively poor glycemic control). © 2013 Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India. | Cardiac; Left ventricular dysfunction; Sub saharan | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887852698 | Dyeing performance of aqueous extract and flavanone glycosides from the flowers of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze | Semwal R.B., Semwal D.K., Badoni P.P., Kapoor P. | 2014 | Records of Natural Products | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria-0001, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, HNB Garhwal University, Pauri Campus 646001, Uttarakhand, India | Semwal, R.B., Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria-0001, South Africa; Semwal, D.K., Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria-0001, South Africa; Badoni, P.P., Department of Chemistry, HNB Garhwal University, Pauri Campus 646001, Uttarakhand, India; Kapoor, P., Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India | Aqueous extract and two flavanone glycosides named 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy flavanone-5-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(l-→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 5,5'-dihydroxy-4',7-dimethoxyflavanone-5,5'-di-0-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) obtained from the flowers of Butea monosperma were studied for evaluate their dyeing properties on cotton fibers. The stem bark of Myrica esculenta was used as natural mordant whereas SnCl2 and FeCl3 as synthetic mordants. The combination of dye with mordants showed interesting shades with excellent washing and light fastness properties. © 2014 ACG Publications. All rights reserved. | Butea monosperma; Flavanone glycosides; Light fastness; Myrica esculenta; Natural dyes | 5,5' dihydroxy 4',7 dimethoxyflavanone 5,5' di o beta dextro glucopyranoside; 5,7 dihydroxy 4' methoxyflavanone 5 beta dextro glucopyranosy (1-2) beta dextro glucopyranoside; dye; flavanone; natural product; unclassified drug; absorption; article; bark; Butea monosperma; chemical analysis; chemical structure; cotton; flower; hydrolysis; methanolysis; plant stem; temperature | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921880399 | Dynamic changes in DNA methylation status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells following an acute bout of exercise: Potential impact of exercise-induced elevations in interleukin-6 concentration | Robson-Ansley P.J., Saini A., Toms C., Ansley L., Walshe I.H., Nimmo M.A., Curtin J.A. | 2014 | Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents | 28 | 3 | None | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom; Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; School of Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom; School of Sport, Exercise and Health, Loughborough, United Kingdom; University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom | Robson-Ansley, P.J., Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom, Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Saini, A., Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; Toms, C., Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom; Ansley, L., Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom; Walshe, I.H., School of Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom; Nimmo, M.A., School of Sport, Exercise and Health, Loughborough, United Kingdom; Curtin, J.A., University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom | The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations and DNA methylation in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of trained runners after a bout of prolonged, strenuous exercise. Eight healthy trained males completed a treadmill run at 60% vVO<inf>2max</inf> for 120 min followed by a 5-km time trial in a fasted condition. Whole blood samples were taken prior to, immediately before and 24 h following exercise. From these samples, PBMCs were isolated for analysis and plasma IL-6 concentrations were measured. The methylation status of DNA extracted from PBMCs was analysed using the Illumina 27k methylation beadchip platform. Global DNA methylation status was unaltered immediately and up to 24 hours following a bout of prolonged exercise in comparison to pre-exercise. Despite no change in global DNA methylation, plasma IL-6 concentrations were significantly related to the DNA methylation status of 11 genes. Our study demonstrates that the methylome is stable, while discovering a novel link between exercise-induced increases in circulating IL-6 and the DNA methylation status of 11 individual genes. Based on our preliminary findings, the mechanisms by which changes in plasma IL-6 concentrations and DNA methylation in response to exercise interact require further study. Copyright © by BIOLIFE, s.a.s. | DNA methylation; Exercise; Interleukin-6 | DNA; interleukin 6; IL6 protein, human; interleukin 6; adult; Article; blood sampling; controlled study; DNA extraction; DNA methylation; endurance training; genetic association; human; human cell; male; normal human; peripheral blood mononuclear cell; protein blood level; protein DNA interaction; running; transcription regulation; treadmill; treadmill exercise; blood; clinical trial; DNA methylation; exercise; metabolism; mononuclear cell; physiology; Adult; DNA Methylation; Exercise; Humans; Interleukin-6; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Running | Loughborough University |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856367846 | Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in head-and-neck cancer: The impact of region of interest selection on the intra- and interpatient variability of pharmacokinetic parameters | Craciunescu O.I., Yoo D.S., Cleland E., Muradyan N., Carroll M.D., MacFall J.R., Barboriak D.P., Brizel D.M. | 2012 | International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics | 82 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2011.05.059 | Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; GECAD Ghana Ltd., Acra, Ghana; ICAD Inc., Nashua, NH, United States; Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States | Craciunescu, O.I., Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Yoo, D.S., Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; Cleland, E., GECAD Ghana Ltd., Acra, Ghana; Muradyan, N., ICAD Inc., Nashua, NH, United States; Carroll, M.D., Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States; MacFall, J.R., Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Barboriak, D.P., Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Brizel, D.M., Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States | Purpose: Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI-extracted parameters measure tumor microvascular physiology and are usually calculated from an intratumor region of interest (ROI). Optimal ROI delineation is not established. The valid clinical use of DCE-MRI requires that the variation for any given parameter measured within a tumor be less than that observed between tumors in different patients. This work evaluates the impact of tumor ROI selection on the assessment of intra- and interpatient variability. Method and Materials: Head and neck cancer patients received initial targeted therapy (TT) treatment with erlotinib and/or bevacizumab, followed by radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin with synchronous TT. DCE-MRI data from Baseline and the end of the TT regimen (Lead-In) were analyzed to generate the vascular transfer function (K trans), the extracellular volume fraction (v e), and the initial area under the concentration time curve (iAUC 1 min). Four ROI sampling strategies were used: whole tumor or lymph node (Whole), the slice containing the most enhancing voxels (SliceMax), three slices centered in SliceMax (Partial), and the 5% most enhancing contiguous voxels within SliceMax (95Max). The average coefficient of variation (aCV) was calculated to establish intrapatient variability among ROI sets and interpatient variability for each ROI type. The average ratio between each intrapatient CV and the interpatient CV was calculated (aRCV). Results: Baseline primary/nodes aRCVs for different ROIs not including 95Max were, for all three MR parameters, in the range of 0.14-0.24, with Lead-In values between 0.09 and 0.2, meaning a low intrapatient vs. interpatient variation. For 95Max, intrapatient CVs approximated interpatient CVs, meaning similar data dispersion and higher aRCVs (0.6-1.27 for baseline) and 0.54-0.95 for Lead-In. Conclusion: Distinction between different patient's primary tumors and/or nodes cannot be made using 95Max ROIs. The other three strategies are viable and equivalent for using DCE-MRI to measure head and neck cancer physiology. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. | DCE-MRI; Head and neck cancer; Pharmacokinetic analysis; ROI | Bevacizumab; Clinical use; Coefficient of variation; Concentration-time; Concurrent cisplatin; Contrast-enhanced; Data dispersion; DCE-MRI; Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI; Erlotinib; Extracellular volumes; Head-and-neck cancer; Lymph node; Microvascular; Pharmacokinetic analysis; Pharmacokinetic parameters; Region of interest; ROI; Sampling strategies; Diseases; Patient treatment; Pharmacokinetics; Physiology; Platinum compounds; Tumors; bevacizumab; cisplatin; erlotinib; tarceval; unclassified drug; add on therapy; adjuvant therapy; article; chemoradiotherapy; clinical trial; contrast enhancement; dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging; head and neck cancer; human; molecularly targeted therapy; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; parameters; physiology; priority journal; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Area Under Curve; Chemoradiotherapy; Cisplatin; Contrast Media; Gadolinium DTPA; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Image Enhancement; Lymphatic Metastasis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Microcirculation; Molecular Targeted Therapy; North Carolina; Quinazolines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955799757 | Dynamic mechanical and perforation impact behavior of all-pp composites containing beta-nucleated random pp copolymer as matrix and stretched pp homopolymer tape as reinforcement: Effect of draw ratio of the tape | Abraham T.N., Wanjale S., Siengchin S., Karger-Kocsis J. | 2011 | Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials | 24 | 3 | 10.1177/0892705710391402 | Defence Laboratory, Ratanada Palace, Jodhpur, 342011, India; Polymer Science and Engineering Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pashan road, Pune 411008, India; Department of Production Engineering, Sirindhorn Intl. Thai Ger. Grad. Sch. of Eng. King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Abraham, T.N., Defence Laboratory, Ratanada Palace, Jodhpur, 342011, India; Wanjale, S., Polymer Science and Engineering Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pashan road, Pune 411008, India; Siengchin, S., Department of Production Engineering, Sirindhorn Intl. Thai Ger. Grad. Sch. of Eng. King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand; Karger-Kocsis, J., Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Cross-ply all-polypropylene (PP) composite laminates were prepared by hot consolidation after tape winding combined with film stacking. Alpha (α) PP tapes of different draw ratios (DR = 8 and 12), produced by online extrusion stretching, served as reinforcements. Beta (β)-nucleated random PP copolymer, introduced in the form of a film, composed the matrix. The E-modulus of the PP tapes increased whereas their density decreased with increasing DR. The volume fraction of the reinforcement and the void content were estimated using optical microscopic images. The all-PP composites were subjected to dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, flexural, and instrumented falling weight impact tests. It was found that with increasing draw ratio of the α-PP tapes, the stiffness, strength, and perforation resistance of the composites were improved. © The Author(s), 2010. | all-polypropylene composite; draw ratio.; dynamic mechanical thermal analysis; instrumented falling weight impact; polypropylene | all-polypropylene composite; Composite laminate; Cross-ply; draw ratio.; Dynamic mechanical; dynamic mechanical thermal analysis; E-modulus; Falling weight impact; Film-stacking; Homopolymers; Impact behavior; matrix; Microscopic image; Online extrusion; Tape winding; Void contents; Copolymerization; Copolymers; Dynamic mechanical analysis; Dynamics; Laminates; Plastic products; Reinforcement; Thermoanalysis; Thermoplastics; Polymer matrix composites | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937199630 | Dynamics, impact, and feasibility of self-monitoring of blood glucose in the rural, resource-constrained setting of western Kenya | Pastakia S.D., Cheng S.Y., Kirui N.K., Kamano J.H. | 2015 | Clinical Diabetes | 33 | 3 | 10.2337/diaclin.33.3.136 | Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Purdue Kenya Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya; Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya; Moi University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya | Pastakia, S.D., Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Purdue Kenya Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya, Moi University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya; Cheng, S.Y., Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Purdue Kenya Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya; Kirui, N.K., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya, Moi University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Kamano, J.H., Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya, Moi University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya | [No abstract available] | None | glucose; hemoglobin A1c; insulin; insulin lispro; isophane insulin; adolescent; adult; Article; blood glucose monitoring; diabetes mellitus; feasibility study; female; food insecurity; glycemic control; health program; human; Kenya; major clinical study; male; molecular dynamics; observational study; questionnaire; retrospective study | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645850125 | Dynamics of grazing policy and practice: Environmental and social impacts in three communal areas of southern Africa | Rohde R.F., Moleele N.M., Mphale M., Allsopp N., Chanda R., Hoffman M.T., Magole L., Young E. | 2006 | Environmental Science and Policy | 9 | 3 | 10.1016/j.envsci.2005.11.009 | Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh, 21 George Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; GEF-UNDP Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Project, University of Botswana, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana; Department of Sociology, University of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho; ARC-Range and Forage Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales Bangor, Bangor, United Kingdom; 11 Belmont Avenue, Cape Town 8001, South Africa | Rohde, R.F., Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh, 21 George Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 11 Belmont Avenue, Cape Town 8001, South Africa; Moleele, N.M., GEF-UNDP Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Project, University of Botswana, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana; Mphale, M., Department of Sociology, University of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho; Allsopp, N., ARC-Range and Forage Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Chanda, R., Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 00704, Gaborone, Botswana; Hoffman, M.T., Leslie Hill Institute for Plant Conservation, Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Magole, L., GEF-UNDP Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Project, University of Botswana, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana; Young, E., Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales Bangor, Bangor, United Kingdom | This paper traces the history of grazing policy, its conceptual basis, practical implementations and outcomes, in three southern African countries. In spite of the divergent environmental conditions facing pastoralists in the Highlands of Lesotho, Botswana's southern Kalahari and the Namaqualand succulent karoo in South Africa, they have all been subjected to similar grazing and rangeland management policies. The theoretical underpinnings of such policies have their origins in a development paradigm and ecological theory derived from northern temperate environments and are directly related to two persistent and powerful narratives: 'land degradation' and 'the tragedy of the commons'. Policy and development initiatives were implemented in order to overcome the perceived causes of these negative scenarios, such as overstocking, open access tenure and low output subsistence production. They typically ignored the multi-purpose goals of traditional pastoral systems and emphasized commercialisation of livestock farming and privatisation of communal land, which resulted in the weakening or destruction of local, traditional land management institutions. Such policies have survived the transitions from colonial rule to independence and from apartheid to democracy. We argue that these powerful and pervasive ideas, when applied to grazing policies, have caused the very problems they were formulated to prevent. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Communal land; Pastoralism; Rangeland ecology; Rangeland management | agricultural worker; article; commercial phenomena; environmental impact; environmental sustainability; government regulation; grazing management; land use; livestock; political system; priority journal; program development; socioeconomics; South Africa; sustainable agriculture; sustainable development | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948807634 | Dyspepsia prevalence and impact on quality of life among Rwandan healthcare workers: A cross-sectional survey | Bitwayiki R., Orikiiriza J.T., Kateera F., Bihizimana P., Karenzi B., Kyamanywa P., Walke T.D. | 2015 | South African Medical Journal | 105 | 12 | 10.7196/SAMJ.2015.v105i12.9482 | University Teaching Hospital, Butare, Rwanda; School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Infectious Diseases Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland | Bitwayiki, R., University Teaching Hospital, Butare, Rwanda, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Orikiiriza, J.T., Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda, Infectious Diseases Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; Kateera, F., Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Bihizimana, P., University Teaching Hospital, Butare, Rwanda, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Karenzi, B., Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Kyamanywa, P., School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Walke, T.D., University Teaching Hospital, Butare, Rwanda, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda | Background. Dyspepsia has been demonstrated worldwide to have major personal and societal impacts, but data on the burden of this disease in Africa are lacking. Objective. To document the prevalence of dyspepsia and its quality-of-life impact among healthcare workers (HCWs) at Butare University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Rwanda. Methods. A cross-sectional survey among consenting HCWs at BUTH was conducted. Multilingual interviewers guided participants through validated questionnaires, including the Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ), to detect the presence and frequency of dyspeptic symptoms, and the Short-Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index (SF-NDI), to examine the impact of dyspepsia on quality of life. Results. The study included 378 enrolled HCWs, all of whom provided responses to the SF-LDQ and 356 of whom responded to the SF-NDI. The prevalence of dyspepsia in the study population was 38.9% (147/378). Of these 147 HCWs, 79 (53.7%) had very mild dyspepsia, 33 (22.4%) had mild dyspepsia, 20 (13.6%) had moderate dyspepsia and 15 (10.2%) had severe dyspepsia. Females were more likely to complain of dyspepsia than males (98/206 v. 49/172; odds ratio (OR) 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5 - 3.5; p<0.001). Participants with dyspepsia of at least mild severity had SF-NDI scores reflecting reduced quality of life when compared with non-dyspeptic participants (OR 17.0; 95% CI 5.0 - 57.1; p<0.001), with most marked effects on the ‘tension’ and ‘eating and drinking’ subdomains of the SF-NDI. Conclusion. The prevalence of dyspepsia among HCWs in Rwanda is high and is associated with lowered quality of life. © 2015, South African Medical Association. All rights reserved. | Africa; Dyspepsia; Healthcare workers; Quality of life | adult; Article; cross-sectional study; dyspepsia; female; health care personnel; heartburn; human; indigestion; major clinical study; male; middle aged; nausea; prevalence; quality of life; questionnaire; Rwandan | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38149031631 | Early effects of antiretroviral therapy on work performance: Preliminary results from a cohort study of Kenyan agricultural workers | Larson B.A., Fox M.P., Rosen S., Bii M., Sigei C., Shaffer D., Sawe F., Wasunna M., Simon J.L. | 2008 | AIDS | 22 | 3 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e3282f3cc0c | Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; United States Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, 85 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States | Larson, B.A., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States, Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, 85 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States; Fox, M.P., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Rosen, S., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Bii, M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Sigei, C., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Shaffer, D., United States Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Sawe, F., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Wasunna, M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Simon, J.L., Center for International Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States | OBJECTIVE: This paper estimates the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on days harvesting tea per month for tea-estate workers in Kenya. Such information is needed to assess the potential economic benefits of providing treatment to working adults. METHODS: Data for this analysis come from company payroll records for 59 HIV-infected workers and a comparison group of all workers assigned to the same work teams (reference group, n = 1992) for a period covering 2 years before and 1 year after initiating ART. Mean difference tests were used to obtain overall trends in days harvesting tea by month. A difference in difference approach was used to estimate the impact of HIV/AIDS on days working in the pre-ART period. Information on likely trends in the absence of the therapy was used to estimate the positive impacts on days harvesting tea over the initial 12 months on ART. RESULTS: No significant difference existed in days plucking tea each month until the ninth month before initiating ART, when workers worked -2.79 fewer days than references (15% less). This difference grew to 5.09 fewer days (27% less) in the final month before initiating ART. After 12 months on ART, we conservatively estimate that workers worked at least twice as many days in the month than they would have in the absence of ART. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment had a large, positive impact on the ability of workers to undertake their primary work activity, harvesting tea, in the first year on ART. © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | AIDS; Antiretroviral therapy; HIV; Kenya; Work performance | antiretrovirus agent; absenteeism; adult; agricultural worker; article; controlled study; female; harvesting; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; job performance; Kenya; major clinical study; male; priority journal; tea; Absenteeism; Adult; Agriculture; Anti-HIV Agents; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Kenya; Male; Prevalence; Tea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751627054 | Early establishment performance of local and hybrid maize under two water stress regimes | Mabhaudhi T., Modi A.T. | 2010 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 27 | 4 | None | School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Mabhaudhi, T., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Modi, A.T., School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Maize (Zea mays L.) is the major grain crop in South Africa where most subsistence farmers still plant landraces. The objective of this study was to compare two landrace selections of maize with two hybrids popular among small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, for seed performance and water stress tolerance during seedling establishment. Two variations of a local landrace, white (Land A) and dark red (Land B), were compared to two hybrids, SC701 and SR52. Standard germination test and electrical conductivity were used to assess seed quality under laboratory conditions. Seedling emergence was performed in seedling trays using pine bark at 25% and 75% field capacity (FC), respectively, over a period of 21days. All seed types showed high germination capacity (>93%). There were highly significant differences (p<0.001) among seed types with respect to daily germination and germination velocity index (GVI). Landraces germinated slower than the hybrids. Landraces showed a 20% better root length and 41% lower electrolyte leakage than hybrids. There were differences (p<0.001 ) in seedling emergence between 25%FC and 75%FC. Hybrids showed better emergence at 75% FC. At 25% FC seedling emergence was drastically reduced (>5% in all varieties). Hybrids emerged faster than the landraces in both water regimes. Landraces performed better than hybrids under stress conditions. This study showed that landraces may have the same viability as hybrids and a better tolerance to stress during early establishment of the crop. | Conductivity; Emergence; Germination; Hybrids; Landrace | crop yield; electrical conductivity; field capacity; germination; hybrid; maize; seedling emergence; seedling establishment; subsistence; water stress; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903174071 | Early impact of oil palm planting density on vegetative and oil yield variables in West Africa | Bonneau X., Vandessel P., Buabeng M., Erhahuyi C. | 2014 | OCL - Oilseeds and fats | 21 | 4 | 10.1051/ocl/2014009 | CIRAD, TA B-34, 02 Avenue Agropolis, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France; SIAT, Presco-plc, km 22 Benin-Sapele road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Bonneau, X., CIRAD, TA B-34, 02 Avenue Agropolis, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Vandessel, P., SIAT, Presco-plc, km 22 Benin-Sapele road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Buabeng, M., SIAT, Presco-plc, km 22 Benin-Sapele road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Erhahuyi, C., SIAT, Presco-plc, km 22 Benin-Sapele road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | A range of various different planting distances (from 7.5 to 9.5 m) between oil palms were tested using an equilateral triangle design in a plantation density experiment which was settled in an oil palm commercial plantation in Nigeria. Climatic conditions were quite stable, with two seasons and around 2000 mm of annual rainfall. The soil was of desaturated ferralitic type, sandy on the surface, deep and without coarse elements. The early impact of plantation density was analysed at eight years after planting. Some early signs of depressive effect on yields were found for high planting densities (180 and 205 p/ha). Such a negative impact was not severe enough to counteract the effects of a higher number of palms per hectare. As a consequence, a gradient could be observed as yields (in tons of bunches per hectare) increased with density. We can anticipate that the competition effect between palms will increase over time with high densities, so that the counteracting point ought to be reached in a few years. A thinning treatment has been included in the protocol. Thinning was carried out at the end of the eight-year period. © 2014 published by EDP Sciences. | Oil palm; Planting density; Spacing; Thinning; Yield | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858766258 | Early impacts of orphaning: Health, nutrition, and food insecurity in a cohort of school-going adolescents in South Africa | DeSilva M.B., Skalicky A., Beard J., Cakwe M., Zhuwau T., Quinlan T., Simon J. | 2012 | Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies | 7 | 1 | 10.1080/17450128.2011.648968 | Center 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 Africa | DeSilva, 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 States | We 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 Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869088741 | Early infection dynamics after experimental challenge with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in calves reveal limited calf-to-calf transmission and no impact of Hsp70 vaccination | Santema W.J., Poot J., Segers R.P.A.M., Van den Hoff D.J.P., Rutten V.P.M.G., Koets A.P. | 2012 | Vaccine | 30 | 49 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.09.065 | Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Microbiological R and D, MSD Animal Health, Boxmeer, Netherlands; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Netherlands | Santema, W.J., Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Poot, J., Microbiological R and D, MSD Animal Health, Boxmeer, Netherlands, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Netherlands; Segers, R.P.A.M., Microbiological R and D, MSD Animal Health, Boxmeer, Netherlands; Van den Hoff, D.J.P., Microbiological R and D, MSD Animal Health, Boxmeer, Netherlands; Rutten, V.P.M.G., Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Koets, A.P., Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands | Efficient control of bovine paratuberculosis is hampered by lack of a vaccine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy of a candidate vaccine, consisting of recombinant Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) Hsp70 with DDA adjuvant, in calves experimentally infected with MAP. Four groups of 14 animals each were used. Animals in group 1 and 2 were all vaccinated with Hsp70/DDA at day 0, 84, 168 and 357, and those in group 3 and 4 were non-vaccinated controls. In each group half (n=. 7) of the animals were challenged and the remaining half served as contacts. Blood and fecal samples were collected at three week intervals until day 588, and subsequently all animals were subjected to necropsy. The primary outcomes assessed were fecal culture (FC) of MAP, tissue colonization of MAP, and transmission of infection to contact animals. The kinetics of MAP shedding in feces of challenged animals showed a peak around 130 days post-challenge, irrespective of vaccination status. At necropsy no differences in the level of tissue colonization between vaccinated animals and controls were observed in the challenged groups. Only one contact animal (non-vaccinated) was positive at necropsy, indicating limited to no transmission within groups. These findings indicate that Hsp70/DDA vaccination does not influence early infection dynamics after experimental infection. However, early shedding of MAP in calves did not result in efficient transmission of infection to contact animals. The latter implies that introduction of an infected calf in a cohort of susceptibles has limited consequences for spread of infection. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Cattle; Efficacy; Hsp70; Paratuberculosis; Subunit vaccine; Transmission | bacterial vaccine; recombinant mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis heat shock protein 70; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; autopsy; bacterial colonization; bacterial shedding; blood sampling; calf (bovine); controlled study; disease transmission; feces analysis; feces culture; female; male; Mycobacterium paratuberculosis; nonhuman; paratuberculosis; priority journal; vaccination; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Bacterial Vaccines; Cattle; Disease Models, Animal; Feces; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis; Paratuberculosis; Vaccination; Vaccines, Subunit | None |
| None | None | Early performance of Azadirachta indica provenances at Mkundi and Chamwino, Tanzania | Mugasha A.G., Chamshama S.A.O., Singo K.I., Mgangamundo M.A. | 2005 | Journal of Tropical Forest Science | 17 | 1 | None | Sokoine University of Agriculture, Fac. of Forest. and Nat. Conserv., Department of Forest Biology, P.O. Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; National Tree Seed Programme, P.O. Box 373, Morogoro, Tanzania | Mugasha, A.G., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Fac. of Forest. and Nat. Conserv., Department of Forest Biology, P.O. Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Chamshama, S.A.O., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Fac. of Forest. and Nat. Conserv., Department of Forest Biology, P.O. Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania; Singo, K.I., National Tree Seed Programme, P.O. Box 373, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mgangamundo, M.A., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Fac. of Forest. and Nat. Conserv., Department of Forest Biology, P.O. Box 3010, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania | Two trials to evaluate the performance of 20 provenances and one land race of Azadiracnia indica A. Juss (neem) from 10 countries were established in January 1996 at two contrasting sites in Tanzania. Assessments were carried out at the ages of 17 and 53 months after field planting. Both assessments involved survival, root-collar diameter (RCD) and height while branch number, leaf mass, foliar nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and contents were assessed at 17 months only. At all assessment occasions except for survival, significant (p < 0.05) variation among the provenances was detected for the tested parameters. Overall, the Ban Nong (Thailand), Vietianne (Vietnam), Ban Bo (Thailand), Ramanaguda (India) and Doi Tao (Thailand) were the best performing provenances for Chamwino site while for Mkundi site, the best performers were Doi Tao (Thailand), Ban Bo (Thailand), Ban Nong (Thailand), Ghaati (India) and Vietianne (Vietnam) provenances. These provenances should be used as seed sources and for the establishment of pilot plantations in the respective sites and other areas with similar environmental conditions. | Genetic variation; Nutrient content; Root-collar diameter; Survival | Agriculture; Diseases; Environmental engineering; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Plants (botany); Sawdust; Timber; Foliar nitrogen; Genetic variation; Nutrient content; Root-collar diameter (RCD); Forestry; Agriculture; Azadirachta; Forestry; Forests; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Sawing; Survival; Azadirachta indica; Azadirachta juss | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875987666 | Early-Stage Performance of Cocoa Clones Relative to Their Progenitor Ortets: Implications for Large-Scale Clone Selection | Padi F.K., Takrama J., Opoku S.Y., Dadzie A.M., Assuah M.K. | 2013 | Journal of Crop Improvement | 27 | 3 | 10.1080/15427528.2013.768319 | Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New-Tafo, Akim, Ghana | Padi, F.K., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New-Tafo, Akim, Ghana; Takrama, J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New-Tafo, Akim, Ghana; Opoku, S.Y., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New-Tafo, Akim, Ghana; Dadzie, A.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New-Tafo, Akim, Ghana; Assuah, M.K., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New-Tafo, Akim, Ghana | Clone development in cocoa is an essential step and a long-term goal in crop improvement programs. Selection theory suggests that ortet selection within high-yielding families will lead to development of productive clones. The present study aims to verify the relationship between clones and their progenitor ortets and source families for yield. Eight clones obtained from four families (two ortets per family) and five clones used as parents for these families were evaluated at two locations. Though a positive correlation for tree vigor was observed between the two locations, genotype × location interaction was indicated by rank changes for two of the 13 clones. A significant genetic correlation (rg = 0.76) was observed between vigor and yield. Ranking of ortets and of source families for yield was different from that of their descendant clones; ranking for vigor was, however, consistent between clones and progenitor ortets. Ortets that had high juvenile-stage vigor produced clones with the highest bean yields. Clones descended from the same family were similar in both vigor and yield, indicating that within-family genetic variances were low. The present results provided evidence that ortet selection for yield will be more effective in families where the progenitor clones combine good phenotypic value and favorable general combining ability for vigor and yield. Selecting within families based solely on the yield ranking of the families without considering these attributes of the progenitor clones will lead to less than expected genetic gains. © Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | bean yield; trunk cross-sectional area; vigor | Theobroma cacao | None |
| WoS | WOS:000303341300009 | Early Warning Indicators for Population-Based Monitoring of HIV Drug Resistance in 6 African Countries | Botes, Mariette E.,de Wit, Tobias F. Rinke,Geskus, Ronald B.,Hamers, Raph L.,Ive, Prudence,Kityo, Cissy,Labib, Moheb,Mandaliya, Kishor,Menke, Jack,Osibogun, Akin,PharmAccess African Studies Evalu,Sigaloff, Kim C. E.,Siwale, Margaret,Stevens, Wendy S.,van | 2012 | CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 54 | None | 10.1093/cid/cir1015 | Joint Clinic Research Center - United Arab Emirates, University of Amsterdam, University of Lagos, University of Witwatersrand, Coast Prov Gen Hosp, Copt Hosp, Lusaka Trust Hosp, Muelmed Hosp, Newlands Clin | "de Wit, Tobias F. Rinke: University of Amsterdam","Geskus, Ronald B.: University of Amsterdam","Hamers, Raph L.: University of Amsterdam","Ive, Prudence: University of Witwatersrand","Kityo, Cissy: Joint Clinic Research Center - United Arab Emirates","Osibogun, Akin: University of Lagos","Sigaloff, Kim C. E.: University of Amsterdam","Stevens, Wendy S.: University of Witwatersrand", | Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA testing and HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) testing are not routinely available for therapeutic monitoring of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. World Health Organization HIVDR early warning indicators (EWIs) assess ART site factors known to favor the emergence of HIVDR. HIV drug resistance EWI monitoring was performed within the PharmAccess African Studies to Evaluate Resistance Monitoring (PASER-M) study, comprising 13 ART sites in 6 African countries. Early warning indicator assessment in the PASER network identified vulnerable aspects of ART programs and triggered interventions aimed at minimizing HIVDR emergence. Additionally, data suggest an advantage of medication possession ratio over on-time antiretroviral drug pickup in identifying patients at risk for HIVDR development. | ,ADHERENCE,ADULTS,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY","INFECTED PATIENTS",OUTCOMES,PREDICTORS,PREVENTION,SURVIVAL,"TREATMENT FAILURE","VIRAL LOAD" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883830215 | Earnings per share as a measure of financial performance: Does it obscure more than it reveals? | de Wet J. | 2013 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 10 | 4 C,CONT2 | None | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | de Wet, J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The well-known earnings per share measure is simultaneously very popular but also potentially misleading. This study briefly discusses the popularity of EPS and then outlines three limitations, namely the inability of EPS to reflect shareholder value, EPS management and an inherent bias towards positive EPS growth. A case study approach is used to analyze the EPS growth of three listed companies and the four major components of EPS growth are identified. These are inflation, increased asset investment due to retained profit and debt, operating leverage and financial leverage. It is indicated how an "excess" EPS growth can be determined and it was found that none of the three case study companies was able to generate positive "excess" EPS growth. | Earnings management; Earnings per share (EPS); EPS growth; Financial leverage; Operating leverage; Shareholder value; Sustainable growth rate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84933035582 | Earth observation in support of malaria control and epidemiology: MALAREO monitoring approaches | Franke J., Gebreslasie M., Bauwens I., Deleu J., Siegert F. | 2015 | Geospatial Health | 10 | 1 | 10.4081/gh.2015.335 | Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH, Baierbrunn, Germany; School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Nazka mapps bvba, Hever, United Kingdom; EUROSENSE, Wemmel, Belgium; Biology Department II, GeoBioCenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg, Germany | Franke, J., Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH, Baierbrunn, Germany; Gebreslasie, M., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bauwens, I., Nazka mapps bvba, Hever, United Kingdom; Deleu, J., EUROSENSE, Wemmel, Belgium; Siegert, F., Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH, Baierbrunn, Germany, Biology Department II, GeoBioCenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg, Germany | Malaria affects about half of the world’s population, with the vast majority of cases occuring in Africa. National malaria control programmes aim to reduce the burden of malaria and its negative, socioeconomic effects by using various control strategies (e.g. vector control, environmental management and case tracking). Vector control is the most effective transmission prevention strategy, while environmental factors are the key parameters affecting transmission. Geographic information systems (GIS), earth observation (EO) and spatial modelling are increasingly being recognised as valuable tools for effective management and malaria vector control. Issues previously inhibiting the use of EO in epidemiology and malaria control such as poor satellite sensor performance, high costs and long turnaround times, have since been resolved through modern technology. The core goal of this study was to develop and implement the capabilities of EO data for national malaria control programmes in South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. High- and very high resolution (HR and VHR) land cover and wetland maps were generated for the identification of potential vector habitats and human activities, as well as geoinformation on distance to wetlands for malaria risk modelling, population density maps, habitat foci maps and VHR household maps. These products were further used for modelling malaria incidence and the analysis of environmental factors that favour vector breeding. Geoproducts were also transferred to the staff of national malaria control programmes in seven African countries to demonstrate how EO data and GIS can support vector control strategy planning and monitoring. The transferred EO products support better epidemiological understanding of environmental factors related to malaria transmission, and allow for spatio-temporal targeting of malaria control interventions, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of interventions. © Copyright M. Eckardt et al. | Disease monitoring; Health; Malaria risk; Remote sensing; Vector control | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955575010 | Earthworm impacts on soil organic matter and fertilizer dynamics in tropical hillside agroecosystems of Honduras | Fonte S.J., Barrios E., Six J. | 2010 | Pedobiologia | 53 | 5 | 10.1016/j.pedobi.2010.03.002 | Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, United States; TSBF Institute of CIAT, Cali, Colombia; World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi 00100, Kenya | Fonte, S.J., Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, United States; Barrios, E., TSBF Institute of CIAT, Cali, Colombia, World Agroforestry Centre, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Six, J., Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, United States | Earthworms are important processors of soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient turnover in terrestrial ecosystems. In agroecosystems, they are often seen as beneficial organisms to crop growth and are actively promoted by farmers and extension agents, yet their contribution to agroecosystem services is uncertain and depends largely on management. The Quesungual slash-and-mulch agroforestry system (QSMAS) of western Honduras has been proposed as a viable alternative to traditional slash-and-burn (SB) practices and has been shown to increase earthworm populations, yet the effect of earthworms on soil fertility and SOM in QSMAS is poorly understood. This study examined the role of Pontoscolex corethrurus in QSMAS by comparing their influence on aggregate-associated SOM and fertilizer dynamics with their effects under SB and secondary forest in a replicated field trial. Both the fertilized QSMAS and SB treatments had plots receiving additions of inorganic 15N and P, as well as plots with no inorganic N additions. Earthworm populations were manipulated in field microcosms at the beginning of the rainy season within each management treatment via additions of P. corethrurus or complete removal of existing earthworm populations. Microcosms were destructively sampled at harvest of Zea mays and soils were wet-sieved (using 53, 250 and 2000γm mesh sizes) to isolate different aggregate size fractions, which were analyzed for total C, N and 15N. The effects of management system were smaller than expected, likely due to disturbance associated with the microcosm installation. Contrary to our hypothesis that earthworms would stabilize organic matter in soil aggregates, P. corethrurus decreased total soil C by 3% in the surface layer (0-15cm), predominantly through a decrease in the C concentration of macroaggregates (>250γm) and a corresponding depletion of C in coarse particulate organic matter occluded within macroaggregates. Earthworms also decreased bulk density by over 4%, but had no effect on aggregate size distribution. Within the two fertilized treatments, the QSMAS appeared to retain slightly more fertilizer derived N in smaller aggregate fractions (<250γm) than did SB, while earthworms greatly reduced the recovery of fertilizer N (34% decrease) in both systems. Although management system did not appear to influence the impact of P. corethrurus on SOM or nutrient dynamics, we suggest the lack of differences may be due to artificially low inputs of fresh residue C to microcosms within all management treatments. Our findings highlight the potential for P. corethrurus to have deleterious impacts on soil C and fertilizer N dynamics, and emphasize the need to fully consider the activities of soil fauna when evaluating agroecosystem management options. © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. | Nitrogen; Pontoscolex corethrurus; Quesungual agroforestry system; Residue inputs; Soil aggregates; Soil organic matter | agricultural management; alternative agriculture; crop performance; earthworm; growth rate; microcosm; nutrient dynamics; residual soil; soil aggregate; soil fertility; soil organic matter; terrestrial ecosystem; Honduras; Pontoscolex corethrurus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872360882 | Echocardiographic screening for subclinical rheumatic heart disease remains a research tool pending studies of impact on prognosis | Zühlke L., Mayosi B.M. | 2013 | Current Cardiology Reports | 15 | 3 | 10.1007/s11886-012-0343-1 | Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Old Groote Schuur Hospital, Groote Schuur Drive, Observatory, 7945, Cape Town, South Africa | Zühlke, L., Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Medicine, Old Groote Schuur Hospital, Groote Schuur Drive, Observatory, 7945, Cape Town, South Africa; Mayosi, B.M., Department of Medicine, Old Groote Schuur Hospital, Groote Schuur Drive, Observatory, 7945, Cape Town, South Africa | The application of portable echocardiography to the screening of asymptomatic children and young adults for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in developing countries indicates that the disease may affect 62 million to 78 million individuals worldwide, which could potentially result in 1.4 million deaths per year from RHD and its complications. The World Heart Federation has developed a guideline for the echocardiographic diagnosis of RHD in asymptomatic individuals without a history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in order to ensure the reliability, comparability, and reproducibility of findings of the echocardiographic screening studies. Early studies suggest that a third of individuals with asymptomatic subclinical RHD revert to normal echocardiographic findings on repeat testing after 6-12 months, suggesting that repeat echocardiography may be necessary to confirm the findings prior to consideration of interventions such as antibiotic prophylaxis. It is not known, however, whether echocardiographic screening for asymptomatic subclinical RHD or the introduction of antibiotic prophylaxis for affected individuals improves the prognosis of RHD. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of this screening method has not been established in the vast majority of affected countries. Therefore, echocardiographic screening for asymptomatic subclinical RHD remains a research tool until studies of impact on prognosis and cost-effectiveness are conducted. © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013. | Echocardiographic screening; Rheumatic heart disease; Subclinical carditis; World Heart Federation guidelines | antibiotic prophylaxis; article; asymptomatic disease; clinical protocol; comparative effectiveness; cost effectiveness analysis; developing country; disease activity; disease classification; disease course; disease surveillance; echocardiography; health care cost; human; practice guideline; prognosis; reliability; repeat procedure; reproducibility; rheumatic heart disease | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875478818 | Eco-hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus in the semi humid Ethiopian Highlands: The Lake Tana Plain | Chanie T., Collick A.S., Adgo E., Lehmann C.J., Steenhuis T.S. | 2013 | Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics | 61 | 1 | 10.2478/johh-2013-0004 | Cornell 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, Ethiopia | Chanie, 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, Ethiopia | Eucalyptus 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 repellency | Croton 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 mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952953159 | Ecological and financial impacts of illegal bushmeat trade in Zimbabwe | Lindsey P.A., Romañach S.S., Tambling C.J., Chartier K., Groom R. | 2011 | ORYX | 45 | 1 | 10.1017/S0030605310000153 | Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; African Wildlife Conservation Fund, 57th Street, Doral, FL 33178, United States; African Wildlife Conservation Fund, Doral, United States; Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; University of Florida, Davie, FL, United States | Lindsey, P.A., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, African Wildlife Conservation Fund, 57th Street, Doral, FL 33178, United States; Romañach, S.S., African Wildlife Conservation Fund, Doral, United States; Tambling, C.J., Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Chartier, K., University of Florida, Davie, FL, United States; Groom, R., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, African Wildlife Conservation Fund, 57th Street, Doral, FL 33178, United States | Under conditions of political instability and economic decline illegal bushmeat hunting has emerged as a serious conservation threat in Zimbabwe. Following settlement of game ranches by subsistence farming communities, wildlife populations have been eradicated over large areas. In several areas still being managed as game ranches illegal hunting is causing further declines of wildlife populations (including threatened species such as the wild dog Lycaon pictus and black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis), threatening the viability of wildlife-based land uses. From August 2001 to July 2009 in Savé Valley Conservancy 10,520 illegal hunting incidents were recorded, 84,396 wire snares removed, 4,148 hunters caught, 2,126 hunting dogs eliminated and at least 6,454 wild animals killed. Estimated future financial losses from illegal hunting in the Conservancy exceed USD 1.1 million year-1. Illegal hunters- earnings account for 0.31-0.52% of the financial losses that they impose and the bushmeat trade is an inefficient use of wildlife resources. Illegal hunting peaks during the late dry season and is more frequent close to the boundary, near areas resettled during land reform and close to water. Illegal hunting with dogs peaks during moonlight periods. Our study highlights several management and land-use planning steps required to maximize the efficacy of anti-poaching and to reduce the likelihood of high impacts of illegal hunting. Anti-poaching efforts should be aligned with the regular temporal and spatial patterns of illegal hunting. Leases for hunting and tourism concessions should ensure minimum adequate investment by operators in anti-poaching. Reserve designers should minimize the surface area to volume ratio of parks. Fences should not be constructed using wire that can be made into snares. Land reform involving game ranches should integrate communities in wildlife-based land uses and ensure spatial separation between land for wildlife and human settlement. Means are required to create stake-holdings for communities in wildlife and disincentives for illegal hunting. © 2011 Fauna & Flora International. | Fences; game ranching; land reform; poaching; private land; Savé Valley Conservancy; snaring; Zimbabwe | bushmeat; conservation management; ecological approach; economic analysis; endangered species; estimation method; finance; habitat conservation; hunting; land use planning; mammal; population decline; population structure; private land; spatiotemporal analysis; stakeholder; trade-environment relations; wild population; wildlife management; Zimbabwe; Animalia; Canis familiaris; Diceros bicornis; Lycaon pictus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43149102054 | Ecological engineering by a mega-grazer: White Rhino impacts on a south African savanna | Waldram M.S., Bond W.J., Stock W.D. | 2008 | Ecosystems | 11 | 1 | 10.1007/s10021-007-9109-9 | 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, Australia | Waldram, 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, Australia | Herbivory 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 Rhino | ecosystem engineering; experimental study; extinction; grass; grazing; herbivory; keystone species; Pleistocene; savanna; ungulate; wildfire; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Mammalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874704926 | Ecological impact of Prosopis species invasion in Turkwel riverine forest, Kenya | Muturi G.M., Poorter L., Mohren G.M.J., Kigomo B.N. | 2013 | Journal of Arid Environments | 92 | None | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2013.01.010 | Kenya Forestry Research Institute, P. O. Box 20412, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Forest Ecology and Management Group, Wageningen University, P. O. Box 47, AA Wageningen, Netherlands | Muturi, G.M., Kenya Forestry Research Institute, P. O. Box 20412, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya, Forest Ecology and Management Group, Wageningen University, P. O. Box 47, AA Wageningen, Netherlands; Poorter, L., Forest Ecology and Management Group, Wageningen University, P. O. Box 47, AA Wageningen, Netherlands; Mohren, G.M.J., Forest Ecology and Management Group, Wageningen University, P. O. Box 47, AA Wageningen, Netherlands; Kigomo, B.N., Kenya Forestry Research Institute, P. O. Box 20412, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya | The impact of Prosopis species invasion in the Turkwel riverine forest in Kenya was investigated under three contrasting: Acacia, Prosopis and Mixed species (Acacia and Prosopis) canopies. Variation amongst canopies was assessed through soil nutrients and physical properties, tree characteristics and canopy closure. Invasion impact was evaluated by comparing herbaceous species cover and diversity, and occurrence of indigenous tree seedlings. Soil characteristics under Prosopis and Mixed species canopies were similar except in pH and calcium content, and had lower silt and carbon contents than soil under Acacia canopy. Tree density was higher under Prosopis intermediate under Mixed and lower under Acacia canopies. Prosopis trees had lower diameters than Acacia tortilis trees. Diameter classes' distribution in Mixed species canopy revealed invasion of Prosopis into mature A. tortilis stands. Herbaceous species cover and diversity were negatively correlated to Prosopis tree density; thus explaining the lower herbaceous species cover and diversity under Prosopis than under Acacia and Mixed species canopies. The study suggests a gradual conversion of herbaceous rich A. tortilis woodland to herbaceous poor Prosopis species woodland or thickets, through indiscriminate Prosopis invasion. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Acacia tortilis; Herbaceous species cover; Herbs diversity; Soil nutrients | biological invasion; ecological impact; forest canopy; herb; legume; soil nutrient; species diversity; woodland; Kenya | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928746776 | Ecological impact of river impoundment on zooplankton | Alhassan E.H., Ofori-Danson P.K., Samman J. | 2015 | Zoology and Ecology | 25 | 2 | 10.1080/21658005.2015.1012322 | Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana; Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; School of Applied Sciences, Central University College, Accra, Ghana | Alhassan, E.H., Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana; Ofori-Danson, P.K., Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Samman, J., School of Applied Sciences, Central University College, Accra, Ghana | The current study was carried out to assess the ecological impact of impoundment using zooplankton as indicators. Sampling was conducted at two stations Bui and Bamboi that are located upstream and downstream of the dam, respectively. Sixteen species of zooplankton belonging to the order Cladocera (suborder Copepoda) were identified. Cladocerans were dominated by Leptodora sp. while copepods by Cyclops sp. Cladoceran densities increased from 29.67 ind./m3 in the pre-impoundment period to 1179.4 ind./m3 in the immediate post-impoundment period with a significant difference (p < 0.05) between these periods recorded. Hence, the abundance of Cladocerans varied following the Bui dam impoundment on the Black Volta River. The study into seasonal zooplankton distribution showed that zooplankton abundance reached the highest values during the wet season. Abundance of zooplankton groups at the upstream station was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that at the downstream station, indicating the impact of impoundment on zooplankton ecology downstream. Since zooplankton was more abundant during the wet season, factors such as climatic changes and/or dam construction that modify the flooding pattern of the river will also alter zooplankton community structure in the newly created Bui reservoir and may have serious implications for fish production in the entire Black Volta ecosystem. © 2015 Nature Research Centre. | Black Volta; Bui dam; river impoundment; zooplankton and macroinvertebrates | Cladocera; Copepoda; Cyclops (crustacean); Leptodora | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926169725 | Ecological impacts of invasive alien species along temperature gradients: Testing the role of environmental matching | Iacarella J.C., Dick J.T.A., Alexander M.E., Ricciardi A. | 2015 | Ecological Applications | 25 | 3 | 10.1890/14-0545.1.sm | Group for Interuniversity Research in Limnology and Aquatic Environment, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, Canada; Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Iacarella, J.C., Group for Interuniversity Research in Limnology and Aquatic Environment, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, Canada; Dick, J.T.A., Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Alexander, M.E., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Ricciardi, A., Group for Interuniversity Research in Limnology and Aquatic Environment, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, Redpath Museum and Department of Biology, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, Canada | Invasive alien species (IAS) can cause substantive ecological impacts, and the role of temperature in mediating these impacts may become increasingly significant in a changing climate. Habitat conditions and physiological optima offer predictive information for IAS impacts in novel environments. Here, using meta-analysis and laboratory experiments, we tested the hypothesis that the impacts of IAS in the field are inversely correlated with the difference in their ambient and optimal temperatures. A meta-analysis of 29 studies of consumptive impacts of IAS in inland waters revealed that the impacts of fishes and crustaceans are higher at temperatures that more closely match their thermal growth optima. In particular, the maximum impact potential was constrained by increased differences between ambient and optimal temperatures, as indicated by the steeper slope of a quantile regression on the upper 25th percentile of impact data compared to that of a weighted linear regression on all data with measured variances. We complemented this study with an experimental analysis of the functional response (the relationship between predation rate and prey supply) of two invasive predators (freshwater mysid shrimp, Hemimysis anomala and Mysis diluviana) across relevant temperature gradients; both of these species have previously been found to exert strong community-level impacts that are corroborated by their functional responses to different prey items. The functional response experiments showed that maximum feeding rates of H. anomala and M. diluviana have distinct peaks near their respective thermal optima. Although variation in impacts may be caused by numerous abiotic or biotic habitat characteristics, both our analyses point to temperature as a key mediator of IAS impact levels in inland waters and suggest that IAS management should prioritize habitats in the invaded range that more closely match the thermal optima of targeted invaders. ©2015 by the Ecological Society of America. | Environmental matching; Functional response; Impact; Inland waters; Meta-analysis; Nonnative species; Thermal optima | crustacean; ecological impact; experimental study; fish; functional response; growth rate; invasive species; meta-analysis; optimization; regression analysis; temperature gradient; Crustacea; Decapoda (Crustacea); Hemimysis anomala; Mysida; Mysis diluviana; Pisces; fresh water; animal; Crustacea; ecosystem; environmental monitoring; introduced species; meta analysis; physiology; procedures; statistical model; temperature; Animals; Crustacea; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Fresh Water; Introduced Species; Logistic Models; Temperature | NERC, Natural Environment Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954281475 | Ecological impacts of small dams on South African rivers part 1: Drivers of change - water quantity and quality | Mantel S.K., Hughes D.A., Muller N.W.J. | 2010 | Water SA | 36 | 3 | None | Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | Mantel, S.K., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Hughes, D.A., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Muller, N.W.J., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | Impacts of large dams are well-known and quantifiable, while small dams have generally been perceived as benign, both socially and environmentally. The present study quantifies the cumulative impacts of small dams on the water quality (physico-chemistry and invertebrate biotic indices) and quantity (discharge) of downstream rivers in 2 South African regions. The information from 2 South African national databases was used for evaluating the cumulative impacts on water quality and quantity. Physico-chemistry and biological data were obtained from the River Health Programme, and discharge data at stream flow gauges was obtained from the Hydrological Information System. Multivariate analyses were conducted to establish broad patterns for cumulative impacts of small dams across the 2 regions - Western Cape (winter rainfall, temperate, south-western coast) and Mpumalanga (summer rainfall, tropical, eastern coast). Multivariate analyses found that the changes in macroinvertebrate indices and the stream's physico-chemistry were more strongly correlated with the density of small dams in the catchment (as a measure of cumulative impact potential) relative to the storage capacity of large dams. T-tests on the data, not including samples with upstream large dams, indicated that the high density of small dams significantly reduced low flows and increased certain physico-chemistry variables (particularly total dissolved salts) in both the regions, along with associated significant reductions in a macroinvertebrate index (SASS4 average score per taxon). Regional differences were apparent in the results for discharge reductions and the macroinvertebrate index. The results suggest that the cumulative effect of a high number of small dams is impacting the quality and quantity of waters in South African rivers and that these impacts need to be systematically incorporated into the monitoring protocol of the environmental water requirements. | Average score per taxon; Cumulative impacts; Macroinvertebrate indices; Measures of small-dam impact potential; Regional comparison | Biological data; Biotic Index; Cumulative effects; Cumulative impacts; Ecological impacts; Environmental water requirements; High density; Large dams; Low flow; Macroinvertebrates; Monitoring protocol; Multi variate analysis; River health; Small dams; Storage capacity; Summer rainfall; T-tests; Total dissolved salts; Water quantities; Winter rainfall; Catchments; Dams; Decision making; Dissolution; Hydraulics; Multivariant analysis; Rain; Runoff; Stream flow; Water pollution; Water quality; Rivers; catchment; dam; database; ecological impact; macroinvertebrate; multivariate analysis; physicochemical property; water quality; Mpumalanga; South Africa; Western Cape; Invertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954279945 | Ecological impacts of small dams on South African rivers part 2: Biotic response - abundance and composition of macroinvertebrate communities | Mantel S.K., Muller N.W.J., Hughes D.A. | 2010 | Water SA | 36 | 3 | None | Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality - Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | Mantel, S.K., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality - Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Muller, N.W.J., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality - Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Hughes, D.A., Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality - Institute for Water Research (UCEWQ-IWR), Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | This paper investigates the cumulative impacts of small dams on invertebrate communities in 2 regions of South Africa - the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. Previous research found reduced discharge, increased total dissolved salts, and a decrease in average score per taxon (ASPT; collected using SASS4 methods) at sites with high density of small dams in their catchment. These changes in ASPT are investigated using the invertebrate abundance data available in the River Health Programme. Multivariate analyses found differences in invertebrate communities in rivers with high densities of small dams in their catchment in foothill-gravel streams (in both Western Cape and Mpumalanga) and in foothill-cobble streams (in Western Cape only). Opportunistic taxa that are tolerant of pollution, and capable of exploiting various habitats, and those that prefer slower currents increased in numbers, while other taxa that are sensitive to pollution and disturbance declined in numbers. Some regional differences were noted possibly reflecting climatic differences between the regions. Since the results of this study are correlative, it highlights the need for a systematic (by sites and seasons) and detailed (at species level) collection of data to verify the results of cumulative effects of small dams. This can further the development of a framework for small-dam construction and management that will limit their impact on river catchments. | Cumulative impacts; Environmental water quality; Ephemeroptera; Reduced low flows; Trichoptera | Cumulative effects; Cumulative impacts; Dam construction; Ecological impacts; Environmental water; High density; Invertebrate communities; Low flow; Macroinvertebrate community; Multi variate analysis; River catchment; River health; Small dams; South Africa; Total dissolved salts; Trichoptera; Catchments; Dams; Decision making; Dissolution; Environmental impact; Multivariant analysis; Pesticide effects; Runoff; Water pollution; Water quality; Rivers; abundance; biotic factor; community composition; dam; ecological impact; macroinvertebrate; pollution effect; population decline; river pollution; water quality; Mpumalanga; South Africa; Western Cape; Ephemeroptera; Invertebrata; Trichoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909979890 | Ecological succession and its impact on malaria vectors and their predators in borrow pits in western Ethiopia | Kiszewski A.E., Teffera Z., Wondafrash M., Ravesi M., Pollack R.J. | 2014 | Journal of Vector Ecology | 39 | 2 | 10.3376/i1081-1710-39-414 | Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, United States; School of Graduate Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN, United States; Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States | Kiszewski, A.E., Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, United States; Teffera, Z., School of Graduate Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wondafrash, M., Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ravesi, M., Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN, United States; Pollack, R.J., Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States | Soil pits excavated for home construction are important larval habitats for malaria vectors in certain parts of Africa. Borrow pits in diverse stages of ecological succession in a maize-farming region of Western Ethiopia were surveyed to assess the relationships between stage of succession and the structure and composition of invertebrate and plant communities, with particular attention to Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. coustani, the primary local malaria vectors. An array of 82 borrow pits was identified in a multi-lobed drainage basin in the community of Woktola. Each pit was evaluated on its physical features and by faunal and floral surveys during August, 2011, at the height of the longer rainy season (kiremt). Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. coustani were the sole immature anophelines collected, often coexisting with Culex spp. Sedges were the most common plants within these pits, and included Cyperus elegantulus, C. flavescens, C. erectus and C. assimilis. The legume Smithia abyssinica, Nile grass (Acroceras macrum), cutgrass (Leersia hexandra), clover (Trifolium spp.), and the edible herb Centella asiatica, were also common in these habitats. No plant species in particular was strongly and consistently predictive of the presence or absence of mosquito immatures, particularly with regard to An. coustani. The presence of An.gambiae s.l. immatures in borrow pit habitats was negatively correlated with the presence of backswimmers (Notonectidae) (Z = -2.34, P = 0.019). Young (freshly excavated) borrow pits more likely contained immature An. gambiae s.l. (Z =-2.86, P=0.004). Ecological succession was apparent in older pits, and as they aged, they became less likely to serve as habitats for An. gambiae s.l. (Z=0.26, P=0.796), and more likely to support An. coustani (Z=0.728, P=0.007). As borrow pits age they become less suitable for An. gambiae s.l. breeding and more likely to harbor An. coustani. The abundance of notonectids in habitats was a negative indicator for An. gambiae s.l. abundance. Plant species are not reliable indicators for the presence or absence of malaria vectors in borrow pits. © 2014. | Anopheles gambiae s.l.; Borrow pits; Community ecology; Habitat; Mosquito; Predators | Anopheles gambiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58049090543 | Ecological thresholds in the Savanna landscape: Developing a protocol for monitoring the change in composition and utilisation of large trees | Druce D.J., Shannon G., Page B.R., Grant R., Slotow R. | 2008 | PLoS ONE | 3 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0003979 | Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Scientific Services, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa | Druce, D.J., Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Shannon, G., Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Page, B.R., Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa; Grant, R., Scientific Services, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Slotow, R., Amarula Elephant Research Programme, Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa | Background: Acquiring greater understanding of the factors causing changes in vegetation structure - particularly with the potential to cause regime shifts - is important in adaptively managed conservation areas. Large trees (≥5 m in height) play an important ecosystem function, and are associated with a stable ecological state in the African savanna. There is concern that large tree densities are declining in a number of protected areas, including the Kruger National Park, South Africa. In this paper the results of a field study designed to monitor change in a savanna system are presented and discussed. Methodology/Principal Findings: Developing the first phase of a monitoring protocol to measure the change in tree species composition, density and size distribution, whilst also identifying factors driving change. A central issue is the discrete spatial distribution of large trees in the landscape, making point sampling approaches relatively ineffective. Accordingly, fourteen 10 m wide transects were aligned perpendicular to large rivers (3.0-6.6 km in length) and eight transects were located at fixed-point photographic locations (1.0-1.6 km in length). Using accumulation curves, we established that the majority of tree species were sampled within 3 km. Furthermore, the key ecological drivers (e.g. fire, herbivory, drought and disease) which influence large tree use and impact were also recorded within 3 km. Conclusions/Significance: The technique presented provides an effective method for monitoring changes in large tree abundance, size distribution and use by the main ecological drivers across the savanna landscape. However, the monitoring of rare tree species would require individual marking approaches due to their low densities and specific habitat requirements. Repeat sampling intervals would vary depending on the factor of concern and proposed management mitigation. Once a monitoring protocol has been identified and evaluated, the next stage is to integrate that protocol into a decision-making system, which highlights potential leading indicators of change. Frequent monitoring would be required to establish the rate and direction of change. This approach may be useful in generating monitoring protocols for other dynamic systems. © 2008 Druce et al. | None | article; conservation biology; controlled study; ecosystem restoration; environmental planning; environmental protection; landscape ecology; nonhuman; plant density; plant ecology; population size; savanna; species distribution; tree; animal; biodiversity; chemistry; ecosystem; elephant; environmental monitoring; environmental protection; evaluation; geography; health care quality; methodology; physiology; population density; South Africa; tree; Animals; Biodiversity; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Elephants; Environmental Monitoring; Geography; Population Density; Program Evaluation; South Africa; Trees | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887140341 | Economic analysis of climate variability impact on malaria prevalence: The case of Ghana | Akpalu W., Codjoe S.N.A. | 2013 | Sustainability (Switzerland) | 5 | 10 | 10.3390/su5104362 | Farmingdale State College, State University of New York, 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735, United States; Center for Environmental Economics Research and Consultancy (CEERAC), P. O. Box CS 9379, Tema, Ghana; Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 96, Legon, Ghana | Akpalu, W., Farmingdale State College, State University of New York, 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735, United States, Center for Environmental Economics Research and Consultancy (CEERAC), P. O. Box CS 9379, Tema, Ghana; Codjoe, S.N.A., Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 96, Legon, Ghana | A number of studies exist on the relationship between climatic factors and malaria prevalence. However, due to scarcity of data, most of the studies are based on biophysical experiments and do not control for socioeconomic covariates. This research, which uses data on Ghana, contributes to the thin literature that addresses this limitation. We found that humidity and rainfall predict malaria prevalence. Furthermore, our results suggest that malaria prevalence increases with rainfall, the proportion of middle income households, and the proportion of households with no formal education. The corresponding elasticity coefficients are 0.67, 0.12 and 0.66, respectively. Significant differences in the prevalence rate have also been observed across regions. © 2013 by the authors. | Climate change; Ghana; Granger-causality; Malaria prevalence; Maximum entropy | climate effect; climate variation; disease prevalence; economic analysis; educational attainment; Granger causality test; humidity; malaria; maximum entropy analysis; precipitation (climatology); socioeconomic status; Ghana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955953372 | Economic analysis of the impact of policy reforms on the South African automobile industry | Damoense M.Y., Agbola F.W. | 2009 | International Journal of Economic Perspectives | 3 | 4 | None | School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, South Africa Campus, 144 Peter Road, Ruimsig, Roodepoort, 1725, South Africa; Newcastle Business School, Faculty of Business and Law, The University of Newcastle - Australia, 1 University Drive, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia | Damoense, M.Y., School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, South Africa Campus, 144 Peter Road, Ruimsig, Roodepoort, 1725, South Africa; Agbola, F.W., Newcastle Business School, Faculty of Business and Law, The University of Newcastle - Australia, 1 University Drive, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia | After years of intense protection, the South African automobile industry has undergone major policy reforms. This paper investigates the impact of policy reforms on the welfare of consumers, producers and society as a whole. The results of the simulation analysis indicate that, following the removal of domestic content requirements and reduction in tariffs, there has been significant reduction in consumer welfare loss and societal deadweight loss in the automobile industry, while tariff revenue to the South African government has significantly decreased. The results demonstrate that further reduction in tariffs on completely built-up units and completely knocked-down units is likely to result in further reduction in efficiency loss, thus leading to an improvement in the performance of South Africa's automobile industry. © International Economic Society. | Automobile industry; Policy reforms; South Africa; Welfare gains and losses | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941317538 | Economic and environmental evaluation of landfill gas utilisation: A multi-period optimisation approach for low carbon regions | Ahmed S.I., Johari A., Hashim H., Lim J.S., Jusoh M., Mat R., Alkali H. | 2015 | International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation | 102 | None | 10.1016/j.ibiod.2015.04.008 | Institute of Hydrogen Economy, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Process System Engineering Centre (PROSPECT), Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Mala | Ahmed, S.I., Institute of Hydrogen Economy, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Chemical Engineering Dept., Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria; Johari, A., Institute of Hydrogen Economy, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Hashim, H., Process System Engineering Centre (PROSPECT), Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Lim, J.S., Process System Engineering Centre (PROSPECT), Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Jusoh, M., Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Mat, R., Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Alkali, H., Institute of Hydrogen Economy, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia | Landfill gas (LFG) is composed essentially of the most problematic greenhouse gases (GHGs) namely methane (50%) and carbon dioxide (45%). However, due to its methane content, LFG can be utilised as a renewable energy source, but utilising LFG is met with a lot of challenges such as choice for LFG grade (low, medium or high grade), LFG utilisation equipment (gas engines, gas turbines etc.) and product type (electricity, heat etc.). The study estimates LFG capture and develops tool for the utilisation of LFG as a renewable energy resource. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change model outcome shows that an average annual LFG capture of 17,200 tonnes was obtained for Iskandar Malaysia and the optimal results indicate that the LFG is best utilised as a medium grade LFG for combined heat and power generation using steam turbines. The profitability evaluation shows that mean annual profit of US$5.6 million has been achieved with a payback period of 12.3 years and net present value of US$111 million, which is reasonable because the project can be classified as medium to large-scale. Additionally, the study provides insight into the viability of various LFG utilisation technologies and strategies for waste disposal to landfill. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Greenhouse gas; Landfill gas; Malaysia; Renewable energy; Waste | Biogas; Carbon; Carbon dioxide; Climate change; Climate models; Cogeneration plants; Energy resources; Gas turbines; Gases; Greenhouse gases; Heat engines; Investments; Land fill; Methane; Profitability; Steam turbines; Waste disposal; Wastes; Combined heat and power generation; Disposal to landfills; Environmental evaluation; Intergovernmental panel on climate changes; Landfill gas; Malaysia; Renewable energies; Renewable energy source; Renewable energy resources | 05H04, MOHE, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; Q.J130000.2709.01K08, UTM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; R.J1300000.7301.4B145, UTM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649210111 | Economic assessment of the performance of trypanotolerant cattle breeds in a pastoral production system in Kenya | Maichomo M.W., Kosura W.O., Gathuma J.M., Gitau G.K., Ndung'u J.M., Nyamwaro S.O. | 2009 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 80 | 3 | None | Trypanosomiasis Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Clinical Studies, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Labouratories, PO Box 14733, Nairobi, Kenya; Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, 71 Avenue Louis Casai, 1216 Cointrin, Switzerland; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kiboko Research Centre, PO Box 12-90138, Makindu, Kenya | Maichomo, M.W., Trypanosomiasis Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Kosura, W.O., Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Gathuma, J.M., Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Gitau, G.K., Department of Clinical Studies, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Ndung'u, J.M., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Labouratories, PO Box 14733, Nairobi, Kenya, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, 71 Avenue Louis Casai, 1216 Cointrin, Switzerland; Nyamwaro, S.O., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kiboko Research Centre, PO Box 12-90138, Makindu, Kenya | Cattle are the major source of food security and income for pastoral farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. However, infectious and parasitic diseases remain a major constraint to improved cattle productivity in the region. The use of animal health economics to support decision-making on cost-effective disease control options is increasingly becoming important in the developing world. Trypanotolerant indigenous Orma/zebu cattle in a trypanosomosis-endemic area of Kenya were evaluated for economic performance using gross-margin analysis and partial-farm budgeting. Orma/zebu and Sahiwal/zebu cross-bred cattle were exposed to similar husbandry practices and monitored for growth rate, incidence of common infections (trypanosomosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, East Coast Fever and helminthosis) and the cost of treatment assessed. Interview questionnaires were also used to assess the preference rating of the 2 breeds. Results indicated that incidence of infection was trypanosomosis 3 %, anaplasmosis 58 %, babesiosis 11 %, East Coast Fever 22 % and helminthosis 28 %, with no significant difference between breeds. The Orma/zebu and Sahiwal/zebu breeds had comparable economic benefits, hence a pastoralist in Magadi division is likely to get similar returns from both breeds. This study therefore recommends adoption of not only the Sahiwal/zebu but also the Orma/zebu breed for cattle improvement in trypanosomosis endemic areas and conservation of indigenous genetic resources. | Agro-pastoralists; Gross-margin analysis; Orma/zebu; Partial-farm budget analysis; Sahiwal/zebu; Trypanotolerance | anaplasmosis; article; babesiosis; budget; cattle; cattle farming; conservation genetics; East Coast fever; economic evaluation; endemic disease; growth rate; helminthiasis; interview; Kenya; nonhuman; questionnaire; Trypanosoma; animal; breeding; cost benefit analysis; cross breeding; economics; female; genetic predisposition; genetics; immunology; innate immunity; male; nagana; species difference; Animalia; Bos; antitrypanosomal agent; Animals; Breeding; Cattle; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Crosses, Genetic; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Immunity, Innate; Kenya; Male; Species Specificity; Trypanocidal Agents; Trypanosomiasis, Bovine | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300245500017 | Economic Evaluation of a Child Health Days Strategy to Deliver Multiple Maternal and Child Health Interventions in Somalia | Durry, Elias,Everard, Marthe,Kamadjeu, Raoul,Mirza, Imran Raza,Nandy, Robin,Vijayaraghavan, Maya,Wallace, Aaron | 2012 | JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 205 | None | 10.1093/infdis/jir772 | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, United Nations Childrens Fund, World Hlth Org Somalia Liaison Off | None | Introduction. Child Health Days (CHDs) are increasingly used by countries to periodically deliver multiple maternal and child health interventions as time-limited events, particularly to populations not reached by routine health services. In countries with a weak health infrastructure, this strategy could be used to reach many underserved populations with an integrated package of services. In this study, we estimate the incremental costs, impact, cost-effectiveness, and return on investment of 2 rounds of CHDs that were conducted in Somalia in 2009 and 2010.
Methods. We use program costs and population estimates reported by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund to estimate the average cost per beneficiary for each of 9 interventions delivered during 2 rounds of CHDs implemented during the periods of December 2008 to May 2009 and August 2009 to April 2010. Because unstable areas were unreachable, we calculated costs for targeted and accessible beneficiaries. We model the impact of the CHDs on child mortality using the Lives Saved Tool, convert these estimates of mortality reduction to life years saved, and derive the cost-effectiveness ratio and the return on investment.
Results. The estimated average incremental cost per intervention for each targeted beneficiary was $0.63, with the cost increasing to $0.77 per accessible beneficiary. The CHDs were estimated to save the lives of at least 10 000, or 500 000 life years for both rounds combined. The CHDs were cost-effective at $34.00/life year saved. For every $1 million invested in the strategy, an estimated 615 children's lives, or 29 500 life years, were saved. If the pentavalent vaccine had been delivered during the CHDs instead of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, an additional 5000 children's lives could have been saved.
Conclusions. Despite high operational costs, CHDs are a very cost-effective service delivery strategy for addressing the leading causes of child mortality in a conflict setting like Somalia and compare favorably with other interventions rated as health sector "best buys" in sub-Saharan Africa. | ,COST,EPIDEMIOLOGY,MORTALITY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915784151 | Economic evaluation of a cluster randomized trial of interventions to improve health workers' practice in diagnosing and treating uncomplicated malaria in cameroon | Mangham-Jefferies L., Wiseman V., Achonduh O.A., Drake T.L., Cundill B., Onwujekwe O., Mbacham W. | 2014 | Value in Health | 17 | 8 | 10.1016/j.jval.2014.07.010 | Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, University of Yaoundé i, Biotechnology Center, Yaoundé, Came | Mangham-Jefferies, L., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Wiseman, V., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Achonduh, O.A., Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, University of Yaoundé i, Biotechnology Center, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Drake, T.L., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Rajwithi Road, Bangkok, Thailand; Cundill, B., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Onwujekwe, O., Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria (Enugu Campus), Enugu, Nigeria; Mbacham, W., Laboratory for Public Health Research Biotechnologies, University of Yaoundé i, Biotechnology Center, Yaoundé, Cameroon | Background Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are a valid alternative to malaria testing with microscopy and are recommended for the testing of febrile patients before prescribing an antimalarial. There is a need for interventions to support the uptake of RDTs by health workers.Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of introducing RDTs with basic or enhanced training in health facilities in which microscopy was available, compared with current practice.Methods A three-arm cluster randomized trial was conducted in 46 facilities in central and northwest Cameroon. Basic training had a practical session on RDTs and lectures on malaria treatment guidelines. Enhanced training included small-group activities designed to change health workers' practice and reduce the consumption of antimalarials among test-negative patients. The primary outcome was the proportion of febrile patients correctly treated: febrile patients should be tested for malaria, artemisinin combination therapy should be prescribed for confirmed cases, and no antimalarial should be prescribed for patients who are test-negative. Individual patient data were obtained from facility records and an exit survey. Costs were estimated from a societal perspective using project reports and patient exit data. The analysis used bivariate multilevel modeling and adjusted for imbalance in baseline covariates.Results Incremental cost per febrile patient correctly treated was $8.40 for the basic arm and $3.71 for the enhanced arm. On scale-up, it was estimated that RDTs with enhanced training would save $0.75 per additional febrile patient correctly treated.Conclusions Introducing RDTs with enhanced training was more cost-effective than RDTs with basic training when each was compared with current practice. © 2014 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). | Cameroon cluster-randomized trial; cost-effectiveness analysis; health worker training; malaria practice; words | antimalarial agent; artemisinin; adolescent; adult; Article; Cameroon; child; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; economic evaluation; female; health care cost; health care facility; health care personnel; human; infant; major clinical study; malaria; malaria rapid test; male; medical education; microscopy; outcome assessment; practice guideline; randomized controlled trial; scale up | ACT, Arts and Culture Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052092788 | Economic evaluation of a combined microfinance and gender training intervention for the prevention of intimate partner violence in rural South Africa | Jan S., Ferrari G., Watts C.H., Hargreaves J.R., Kim J.C., Phetla G., Morison L.A., Porter J.D., Barnett T., Pronyk P.M. | 2011 | Health Policy and Planning | 26 | 5 | 10.1093/heapol/czq071 | George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, Missenden Rd., Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Bureau for Development Policy, UNDP, United Kingdom; University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom; Earth Institute, Columbia University, United States | Jan, S., George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, Missenden Rd., Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Ferrari, G., London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom; Watts, C.H., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Hargreaves, J.R., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Kim, J.C., Bureau for Development Policy, UNDP, United Kingdom; Phetla, G., University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Morison, L.A., University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom; Porter, J.D., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Barnett, T., London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Pronyk, P.M., University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Earth Institute, Columbia University, United States | Objective Assess the cost-effectiveness of an intervention combining microfinance with gender and HIV training for the prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV) in South Africa. Methods We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a cluster-randomized trial. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of the intervention in both the trial and initial scale-up phase. Results We estimated the cost per DALY gained as US$7688 for the trial phase and US$2307 for the initial scale-up. The findings were sensitive to the statistical uncertainty in effect estimates but otherwise robust to other key assumptions employed in the analysis. Conclusions The findings suggest that this combined economic and health intervention was cost-effective in its trial phase and highly cost-effective in scale-up. These estimates are probably conservative, as they do not include the health and development benefits of the intervention beyond IPV reduction. © The Author 2010; all rights reserved. | empowerment; health behaviour; health economics; Violence against women | article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; domestic violence; economics; female; health care quality; human; male; randomized controlled trial; risk reduction; rural population; sexuality; South Africa; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Domestic Violence; Female; Humans; Male; Program Evaluation; Risk Reduction Behavior; Rural Population; Sexual Partners; South Africa | None |
| None | None | Economic evaluation of an alternative drug to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine as intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy | Sicuri E., Fernandes S., Macete E., González R., Mombo-Ngoma G., Massougbodgi A., Abdulla S., Kuwawenaruwa A., Katana A., Desai M., Cot M., Ramharter M., Kremsner P., Slustker L., Aponte J., Hanson K., Menéndez C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125072 | ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné(CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d'Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin; Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States; Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Paris, France; Université René Descartes, Paris, France; Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria | Sicuri, E., ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Fernandes, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Macete, E., Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique; González, R., ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique; Mombo-Ngoma, G., Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné(CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Massougbodgi, A., Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d'Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin; Abdulla, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kuwawenaruwa, A., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Katana, A., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Desai, M., Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Cot, M., Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Paris, France, Université René Descartes, Paris, France; Ramharter, M., Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné(CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Kremsner, P., Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné(CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Slustker, L., Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Aponte, J., ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique; Hanson, K., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Menéndez, C., ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique | Background: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended in HIV-negative women to avert malaria, while this relies on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (CTXp) in HIV-positive women. Alternative antimalarials are required in areas where parasite resistance to antifolate drugs is high. The cost-effectiveness of IPTp with alternative drugs is needed to inform policy. Methods: The cost-effectiveness of 2-dose IPTp-mefloquine (MQ) was compared with IPTp-SP in HIV-negative women (Benin, Gabon, Mozambique and Tanzania). In HIV-positive women the cost-effectiveness of 3-dose IPTp-MQ added to CTXp was compared with CTXp alone (Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania). The outcomes used were maternal clinical malaria, anaemia at delivery and non-obstetric hospital admissions. The poor tolerability to MQ was included as the value of women's loss of working days. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated and threshold analysis undertaken. Results: For HIV-negative women, the ICER for IPTp-MQ versus IPTp-SP was 136.30 US$ (2012 US$) (95%CI 131.41; 141.18) per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted, or 237.78 US$ (95%CI 230.99; 244.57), depending on whether estimates from Gabon were included or not. For HIV-positive women, the ICER per DALY averted for IPTp-MQ added to CTXp, versus CTXp alone was 6.96 US$ (95%CI 4.22; 9.70). In HIV-negative women, moderate shifts of variables such as malaria incidence, drug cost, and IPTp efficacy increased the ICERs above the cost-effectiveness threshold. In HIV-positive women the intervention remained cost-effective for a substantial (up to 21 times) increase in cost per tablet. Conclusions: Addition of IPTp with an effective antimalarial to CTXp was very cost-effective in HIV-positive women. IPTp with an efficacious antimalarial was more cost-effective than IPTp-SP in HIV-negative women. However, the poor tolerability of MQ does not favour its use as IPTp. Regardless of HIV status, prevention of malaria in pregnancy with a highly efficacious, well tolerated antimalarial would be cost-effective despite its high price. Trials Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 00811421; Pan African Trials Registry PACTR2010020001429343 and PACTR2010020001813440. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | cotrimoxazole; mefloquine; pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; anemia; Article; Benin; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; disability adjusted life year; drug cost; drug efficacy; drug safety; drug tolerability; economic evaluation; female; Gabon; hospital admission; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; monotherapy; Mozambique; outcome assessment; pregnancy; pregnancy outcome; quality of life; Tanzania; working time | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054735115 | Economic evaluation of antibacterial usage in ear, nose and throat infections in a Nigerian teaching hospital | Suleiman I.A., Tayo F. | 2011 | International Journal of Health Research | 4 | 1 | None | Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Medicine Campus, Idi-Araba, PMB 12003 Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria | Suleiman, I.A., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Medicine Campus, Idi-Araba, PMB 12003 Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Tayo, F., Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Medicine Campus, Idi-Araba, PMB 12003 Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria | Purpose: To carry out economic evaluation of antibacterial usage for Ear, Nose and Throat infections in a tertiary health care facility in Nigeria. Methods: Antibacterial utilisation evaluation was carried out retrospectively over one year period by reviewing 122 case notes containing 182 prescriptions of patient with Ear Nose and Throat infections. Relevant data including demographics, diagnosis, prescribed drugs, dosages, were extracted and the associated costs analysed. Results: Highest prevalent rate of Ear, Nose and Throat infections occurred in children under 10 years of age (59.3%) with otitis media predominating (45.0%). Average antibacterial cost per case was N1971.37 (US$15.16). Penicillins were the most frequently prescribed (35.5%) at a cost of N89,468.00 (US$688.22) representing 24.9% of the total antibacterial cost. Cephalosporins were used at a rate of 12.1% with a percentage total antibacterial cost of 48.4% (N173,554.00, US$1335.03). Conclusion: The average cost of antibacterial agents to patients studied is high. This call for prudent use of these agents which should be evidence based and closely monitored. © Poracom Academic Publishers. All rights reserved. | Antibacterial Therapy; Antibacterial Utilization Studies; Infectious diseases; Pharmacoeconomics | amikacin; aminoglycoside antibiotic agent; amoxicillin; amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid; ampicillin; ampicillin plus cloxacillin; antiinfective agent; ceftazidime; ceftriaxone; cefuroxime; cephalosporin derivative; ciprofloxacin; cloxacillin; cotrimoxazole; erythromycin; gentamicin; imidazole derivative; macrolide; metronidazole; penicillin derivative; quinoline derived antiinfective agent; roxithromycin; sulfonamide; acute otitis media; adolescent; adult; age distribution; article; bronchopneumonia; child; chronic suppurative otitis media; controlled study; demography; drug choice; drug cost; drug monitoring; drug use; ear infection; economic evaluation; evidence based medicine; female; health care cost; high risk population; human; infant; infection rate; major clinical study; male; newborn; Nigeria; nose infection; otitis media; pharyngitis; preschool child; prescription; prevalence; retrospective study; school child; teaching hospital; tertiary health care; tonsillitis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929353059 | Economic evaluation of hybrid energy systems for rural electrification in six geo-political zones of Nigeria | Olatomiwa L., Mekhilef S., Huda A.S.N., Ohunakin O.S. | 2015 | Renewable Energy | 83 | None | 10.1016/j.renene.2015.04.057 | Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (PEARL), Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Tech | Olatomiwa, L., Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (PEARL), Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria; Mekhilef, S., Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (PEARL), Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Huda, A.S.N., Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (PEARL), Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Ohunakin, O.S., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Rural electrification improves the quality of life of rural dwellers having limited or non-access to electricity through decentralized electricity coverage. Since the price of oil is unstable and fluctuating day by day and grid expansion is not also a cost effective solution, integrating renewable energy sources thus become an important alternative for rural electrification. The present study investigated the feasibility of different power generation configurations comprising solar array, wind turbine and diesel generator in different locations within the geo-political zones of Nigeria. Six rural communities were randomly chosen from each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria with the intention that the results of the study could be replicated in other remote locations of the selected zones with similar terrains. HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable) simulation software was used to determine the economic feasibility of the systems. The simulations concentrated on the net present costs, cost of energy and renewable fraction of the given hybrid configurations for all the climatic zones. The analysis indicates that the PV/diesel/battery hybrid renewable system configuration is found as optimum architecture for both sensitivity cases of 1.1 and $1.3/l of diesel. It also displayed better performance in fuel consumption and CO<inf>2</inf> reduction. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Economic evaluation; Hybrid system; Nigeria; Optimization; Rural electrification | Computer software; Cost effectiveness; Costs; Economic analysis; Electric power transmission networks; Electric utilities; Hybrid systems; Optimization; Renewable energy resources; Solar cell arrays; Wind turbines; Cost-effective solutions; Decentralized electricity; Economic evaluations; Economic feasibilities; Nigeria; Optimum architectures; Renewable energy source; Rural electrification; Rural areas; carbon dioxide; economic analysis; fuel consumption; geopolitics; hybrid; optimization; quality of life; renewable resource; rural area; rural electrification; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866134258 | Economic evaluation of task-shifting approaches to the dispensing of anti-retroviral therapy | Foster N., McIntyre D. | 2012 | Human Resources for Health | 10 | None | 10.1186/1478-4491-10-32 | Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Foster, N., Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa; McIntyre, D., Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: A scarcity of human resources for health has been identified as one of the primary constraints to the scale-up of the provision of Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART). In South Africa there is a particularly severe lack of pharmacists. The study aims to compare two task-shifting approaches to the dispensing of ART: Indirectly Supervised Pharmacist's Assistants (ISPA) and Nurse-based pharmaceutical care models against the standard of care which involves a pharmacist dispensing ART.Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods study design was used. Patient exit interviews, time and motion studies, expert interviews and staff costs were used to conduct a costing from the societal perspective. Six facilities were sampled in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and 230 patient interviews conducted.Results: The ISPA model was found to be the least costly task-shifting pharmaceutical model. However, patients preferred receiving medication from the nurse. This related to a fear of stigma and being identified by virtue of receiving ART at the pharmacy.Conclusions: While these models are not mutually exclusive, and a variety of pharmaceutical care models will be necessary for scale up, it is useful to consider the impact of implementing these models on the provider, patient access to treatment and difficulties in implementation. © 2012 Foster and McIntyre; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Anti-retroviral therapy; Pharmaceutical care models; Skills mix; Task-shifting | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59749091289 | Economic evaluation of the proposed road between gobabis and grootfontein, namibia | Pienaar W.J. | 2008 | South African Journal of Economics | 76 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2008.00220.x | Department of Logistics, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Pienaar, W.J., Department of Logistics, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa | First, a cost-benefit analysis is presented of reconstructing the existing road section between Gobabis and Otjinene in Namibia. Second, a cost-benefit analysis is presented of constructing a new direct road link between Otjinene and Grootfontein, coupled with the above-mentioned road upgrading between Gobabis and Otjinene as one project. The proposed link will shorten the existing route from Gobabis via Windhoek to Grootfontein by approximately 300km. The following economic indicators are shown in the two cost-benefit analyses: (i) Net Present Value, (ii) Benefit/Cost Ratio, and (iii) Internal Rate of Return. Third, the general economic impact that construction and operation of the entire road will have on non-road users within Namibia is evaluated. This analysis is divided into two parts: The first part deals with the once-off income-multiplier effect triggered by the initial investment in the road, while the second part addresses the recurring income accelerator effect that usage of the road is expected to have within Namibia. © Journal compilation © 2008 The Economic Society of South Africa. | Cost-benefit analysis; Economic evaluation; Income accelerator; Regional multiplier; Road-user benefits | cost-benefit analysis; economic impact; investment; transportation economics; Africa; Namibia; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925969577 | Economic evaluation of typhoid vaccination in a prolonged typhoid outbreak setting: The case of Kasese district in Uganda | Carias C., Walters M.S., Wefula E., Date K.A., Swerdlow D.L., Vijayaraghavan M., Mintz E. | 2015 | Vaccine | 33 | 17 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.02.027 | Office of Science and Integrated Programs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; IHRC Inc, Atlanta, GA, United States; Epidemic Intelligence Service, Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Kilembe Mines Hospital, Kasese, Uganda; Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States | Carias, C., Office of Science and Integrated Programs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States, IHRC Inc, Atlanta, GA, United States; Walters, M.S., Epidemic Intelligence Service, Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Wefula, E., Kilembe Mines Hospital, Kasese, Uganda; Date, K.A., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Swerdlow, D.L., Office of Science and Integrated Programs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Vijayaraghavan, M., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Mintz, E., Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background: Vaccination has been increasingly promoted to help control epidemic and endemic typhoid fever in high-incidence areas. Despite growing recognition that typhoid incidence in some areas of sub-Saharan Africa is similar to high-incidence areas of Asia, no large-scale typhoid vaccination campaigns have been conducted there. We performed an economic evaluation of a hypothetical one-time, fixed-post typhoid vaccination campaign in Kasese, a rural district in Uganda where a large, multi-year outbreak of typhoid fever has been reported. Methods: We used medical cost and epidemiological data retrieved on-site and campaign costs from previous fixed-post vaccination campaigns in Kasese to account for costs from a public sector health care delivery perspective. We calculated program costs and averted disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and medical costs as a result of vaccination, to calculate the cost of the intervention per DALY and case averted. Results: Over the 3 years of projected vaccine efficacy, a one-time vaccination campaign was estimated to avert 1768 (90%CI: 684-4431) typhoid fever cases per year and a total of 3868 (90%CI: 1353-9807) DALYs over the duration of the immunity conferred by the vaccine. The cost of the intervention per DALY averted was US$ 484 (90%CI: 18-1292) and per case averted US$ 341 (90%CI: 13-883). Conclusion: We estimated the vaccination campaign in this setting to be highly cost-effective, according to WHO's cost-effective guidelines. Results may be applicable to other African settings with similar high disease incidence estimates. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Cost-effectiveness; Typhoid; Typhoid vaccination; Uganda | typhoid vaccine; typhoid paratyphoid vaccine; Article; disability adjusted life year; economic evaluation; epidemic; health care cost; human; priority journal; quality of life; rural area; typhoid fever; Uganda; vaccination; adolescent; child; cost benefit analysis; economics; epidemic; female; male; practice guideline; preschool child; quality adjusted life year; rural population; statistics and numerical data; time; typhoid fever; vaccination; world health organization; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Male; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Rural Population; Time Factors; Typhoid Fever; Typhoid-Paratyphoid Vaccines; Uganda; Vaccination; World Health Organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949693563 | Economic evaluations of adult male circumcision for prevention of heterosexual acquisition of HIV in men in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review | Uthman O.A., Popoola T.A., Uthman M.M.B., Aremu O. | 2010 | PLoS ONE | 5 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0009628 | West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration (WMHTAC), Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Research and Evaluation, Center for Evidence-Based Global Health, Birming | Uthman, O.A., West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration (WMHTAC), Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Popoola, T.A., Research and Evaluation, Center for Evidence-Based Global Health, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Uthman, M.M.B., Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Aremu, O., Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Social Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden | Background: There is conclusive evidence from observational data and three randomized controlled trials that circumcised men have a significantly lower risk of becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to systematically review economic evaluations on adult male circumcision (AMC) for prevention of heterosexual acquisition of HIV in men. Methods and Findings: Studies were identified from the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Library (Wiley's internet version), NHS EED and DARE Office of Health Economics HEED. The searches were conducted in November 2009. The Drummond 10-point checklist was used for methodological critique of the economic evaluations. Cost data were inflated and converted to 2008 US dollars (US$). Of 264 identified papers, only five met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies were published between 2006 and 2009. Most of the studies were carried out from the perspective of government healthcare payer. The time horizon ranged from 10 to 20 years. All studies reported that AMC is cost-effective. The reported cost per HIV infection averted ranged from US$174 to US$2808. The key driver of the cost-effectiveness models was circumcision efficacy. Conclusions: All published economic evaluations offered the same conclusion that AMC is cost-effective and potentially cost-saving for prevention of heterosexual acquisition of HIV in men. On these grounds, AMC may be seen as a promising new form of strategy for prevention of HIV and should be implemented in conjunction with other evidence-based prevention methods. © 2010 Uthman et al. | None | Africa; article; circumcision; Cochrane Library; cost effectiveness analysis; economic evaluation; EMBASE; evidence based practice; government; health care cost; heterosexuality; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; MEDLINE; systematic review; adult; Africa south of the Sahara; bibliographic database; cost benefit analysis; economics; evidence based medicine; heterosexuality; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intervention study; male; methodology; multivariate analysis; outcome assessment; randomized controlled trial (topic); review; time; Human immunodeficiency virus; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Circumcision, Male; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Databases, Bibliographic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Heterosexuality; HIV Infections; Humans; Intervention Studies; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923091825 | Economic globalization and economic performance dynamics: Some new empirical evidence from Nigeria | Verter N., Osakwe C.N. | 2015 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 6 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1p87 | Department of Regional and Business Economics, Mendel University in Brno, Nigeria; Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Nigeria | Verter, N., Department of Regional and Business Economics, Mendel University in Brno, Nigeria; Osakwe, C.N., Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Nigeria | The study focuses on the macro-economic impact of leading economic globalization indicators on the Nigerian economy, during the period from 1980 to 2012. The findings from this study lend credence to the FDI-led growth hypothesis in developing economies. Moreover, migrants’ remittances inflow was found to be positively associated with economic performance, albeit in the short-run only. In contrast, the KOF dimension of economic globalization index (ECGI) was found to have an adverse effect on economic performance in the long-run and equally showed proof of a negative relationship in the short-run even though it was statistically insignificant. Similarly, real effective exchange rate and trade openness were found to be statistically insignificant in the short-run and long-run. Policy makers in Nigeria should endeavour to create robust legislation and credible institutional frameworks that would not only encourage more capital flows into the shores of Nigeria, but also would protect the country’s ‘interest’ in the midst of ongoing economic globalization. © 2015 Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. All rights received. | ARDL approach; Cointegration; Development; Economic growth; FDI | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36749054748 | Economic impact assessment for technology: The case of improved soybean varieties in southwest Nigeria | Ogunsumi L.O., Adegbite A.A., Oyekan P.O. | 2007 | Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics | 108 | 1 | None | Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogunsumi, L.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adegbite, A.A., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oyekan, P.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Nigeria | The Study on economic impact assessment for the production of improved soybean varieties in Nigeria was carried out in Nigeria using the agronomic data on yield of the nationally coordinated soybean research from two major zones namely the southwest and the middle belt. The study assesses the economic returns due to improved soybean varieties. Primary data were collected with the use of structured and validated questionnaires. A sample of 288 respondents was drawn from four states namely Oyo, Ogun, Kwara and Niger State at 72 respondents per state. Secondary data were collected from Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, (IAR & T), National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and Federal Office of Statistics (FOS). An internal rate of return (IRR) of 38 percent was estimated from the stream of netted real social gains at 1985 constant. The return to investment in soybean production technology is attractive and justifies the investments made on the technologies. The policy implication is that there is under-investment in soybean production research. | Economic impact assessment; Improved varieties; Nigeria; Soybean | Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749518067 | Economic impact of a provincial fuel levy: A CGE analysis | Mcdonald S., Reynolds S., van Schoor M. | 2006 | South African Journal of Economics | 74 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2006.00078.x | University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, South Africa | Mcdonald, S., University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Reynolds, S., Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, South Africa; van Schoor, M., University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom | Provincial governments in South Africa, commencing with the Western Cape, are expected to institute provincial fuel levies in addition to the existing national fuel levy in future. This paper presents results from a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model calibrated with a detailed Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) to evaluate the effects of a 3 per cent provincial fuel levy implemented simultaneously in all provinces. The results are presented for the petroleum products market, government, the macro economy, industries, factor income (including employment) and household income and expenditure. Results indicate that although the impact of the fuel levy is not drastic, it is large relative to the expected revenue gain. The impact is distributed more uniformly than was expected. © 2006 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2006 Economic Society of South Africa. | CGE model; Fuel levy; Fuel tax; Policy analysis; SAM | computable general equilibrium analysis; economic impact; fuel; petroleum; policy analysis; tax system; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67651111694 | Economic impact of climate change on crop production in ethiopia: Evidence from cross-section measures | Deressa T.T., Hassan R.M. | 2009 | Journal of African Economies | 18 | 4 | 10.1093/jae/ejp002 | Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Deressa, T.T., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Hassan, R.M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, Agric. Annexe, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | This study used the Ricardian approach that captures farmer adaptations to varying environmental factors to analyze the impact of climate change on crop farming in Ethiopia. By collecting data from farm households in different agro-ecological zones of the county, net crop revenue per hectare was regressed on climate, household and soil variables. The results show that these variables have a significant impact on the net crop revenue per hectare of farmers under Ethiopian conditions. The seasonal marginal impact analysis indicates that marginally increasing temperature during summer and winter would significantly reduce crop net revenue per hectare whereas marginally increasing precipitation during spring would significantly increase net crop revenue per hectare. Moreover, the net crop revenue impact of predicted climate scenarios from three models (CGM2, HaDCM3 and PCM) for the years 2050 and 2100 indicated that there would be a reduction in crop net revenue per hectare by the years 2050 and 2100. Moreover, the reduction in net revenue per hectare by the year 2100 would be more than the reduction by the year 2050 indicating the damage that climate change would pose increases with time unless this negative impact is abated through adaptation. Additionally, results indicate that the net revenue impact of climate change is not uniformly distributed across the different agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia. © The author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. | None | agroecology; climate change; crop damage; crop production; crop yield; cross section; economic impact; environmental factor; nature-society relations; precipitation (climatology); spring (season); temperature anomaly; temperature effect; Africa; East Africa; Ethiopia; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905051742 | Economic impact of foot and mouth disease outbreaks on smallholder farmers in Ethiopia | Jemberu W.T., Mourits M.C.M., Woldehanna T., Hogeveen H. | 2014 | Preventive Veterinary Medicine | 116 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.06.004 | Business Economics Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands; Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia; Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Jemberu, W.T., Business Economics Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands, Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia; Mourits, M.C.M., Business Economics Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands; Woldehanna, T., Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Hogeveen, H., Business Economics Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, Netherlands | Foot and mouth disease is endemic in Ethiopia with occurrences of several outbreaks every year. Quantitative information about the impact of the disease on smallholder farming systems in the country is, however, scarce. This study presents a quantitative assessment of the clinical and direct economic impacts of foot and mouth disease outbreaks on household level in smallholder livestock farming systems. Impacts were assessed based on data obtained from case outbreaks in cattle in crop-livestock mixed and pastoral smallholder farming systems that occurred in 2012 and 2013. Data were collected by using questionnaires administered to 512 smallholder farmers in six districts within two administrate zones that represent the two smallholder farming systems. Foot and mouth disease morbidity rates of 85.2% and 94.9% at herd level; and 74.3% and 60.8% at animal level in the affected herds were determined for crop-livestock mixed system and pastoral system, respectively. The overall and calf specific mortality rates were 2.4% and 9.7% for the crop-livestock mixed system, and 0.7% and 2.6% for the pastoral system, respectively. Herd level morbidity rate was statistically significantly higher in the pastoral system than in the crop-livestock mixed system (P<. 0.001). The economic losses of foot and mouth disease outbreak due to milk loss, draft power loss and mortality were on average USD 76 per affected herd and USD 9.8 per head of cattle in the affected herds in crop-livestock mixed system; and USD 174 per affected herd and USD 5.3 per head of cattle in the affected herds in the pastoral system. The herd level economic losses were statistically significantly higher for the pastoral system than for the crop-livestock mixed system (P<. 0.001). The major loss due to the disease occurred as a result of milk losses and draft power losses whereas mortality losses were relatively low. Although the presented estimates on the economic losses accounted only for the visible direct impacts of the disease on herd level, these conservative estimates signify a potential socioeconomic gain from a control intervention. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Cattle; Economic; Ethiopia; Foot and mouth disease; Morbidity; Smallholder farming system | Animalia; Bos; Bovinae; animal; animal husbandry; bovine; Cattle Diseases; economics; epidemic; Ethiopia; Foot and mouth disease virus; Foot-and-Mouth Disease; physiology; veterinary; virology; Bovinae; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Disease Outbreaks; Ethiopia; Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349126596 | Economic impact of ticks and tick-borne diseases on cattle production systems around Lake Mburo National Park in South Western Uganda | Ocaido M., Muwazi R.T., Opuda J.A. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-008-9245-z | Department of Wildlife and Animal Resource Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology, Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Ocaido, M., Department of Wildlife and Animal Resource Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Muwazi, R.T., Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Opuda, J.A., Department of Epidemiology, Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | A longitudinal economic impact study of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases (TTBDs) in cattle around Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP) was done. Impact was valued using Uganda Shilling (Ug. Shs) (exchange rate of 1USD to Ug. Shs 1,420). The costs for controlling TTBDs was constituting 85.6∈±∈3.2% (pastoral) and 73.8∈±∈4.2% (ranches) to total disease control costs. The main costs were on tick control, constituting 83.1% (ranches) and 87.9% (pastoral). In pastoral herds, the costs were negatively correlated to herd size (r∈=∈-0.99). The mean annual cost per cattle for controlling TTBDs for ranch and pastoral herds was similar Ug. Shs 5, 900∈±∈545. The mean annual Economic Cost (EC) of TTBDs per cattle was not significantly different (p∈>∈0.05) between pastoral (Ug. Shs 6,700∈±∈580) and ranch herds (Ug. Shs 7,600∈±∈970). The mean annual EC per cattle was negatively correlated (r∈=∈-0.99) with herd size in pastoral systems contrary to positive correlation (r∈=∈0.99) observed among the ranches. The major component of EC of TTBDs of 88.2% (pastoral) and 78.6% (ranches) was due to their control. The other component was owed to mortality, which was positively correlated (p∈<∈0.01) to the ranch herd size. The total annual EC of TTBDs around LMNP was Ug. Shs 437,754,600 (USD 308,144). © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Economic cost; Lake Mburo Area; Pastoral and ranch cattle herds; Ticks and tick borne diseases | animal; animal disease; article; cattle; cattle disease; cost benefit analysis; economics; female; growth, development and aging; insect control; longitudinal study; male; parasitology; questionnaire; rural population; tick; tick borne disease; Uganda; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Tick Control; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks; Uganda; Bos; Hexapoda; Ixodida | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947239009 | Economic impact of Turnip mosaic virus, Cauliflower mosaic virus and Beet mosaic virus in three Kenyan vegetables | Spence N.J., Phiri N.A., Hughes S.L., Mwaniki A., Simons S., Oduor G., Chacha D., Kuria A., Ndirangu S., Kibata G.N., Marris G.C. | 2007 | Plant Pathology | 56 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1365-3059.2006.01498.x | Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom; CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Agriculture, Reading University, P O Box 236, Reading, RG6 6AT, United Kingdom; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Katumani, P O Box 340, Machakos, Kenya | Spence, N.J., Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom; Phiri, N.A., CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Hughes, S.L., Department of Agriculture, Reading University, P O Box 236, Reading, RG6 6AT, United Kingdom; Mwaniki, A., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Katumani, P O Box 340, Machakos, Kenya; Simons, S., CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Oduor, G., CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Chacha, D., CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Kuria, A., CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Ndirangu, S., CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Kibata, G.N., CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Marris, G.C., Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom | Screenhouse experiments conducted in Kenya showed that inoculation of cabbage seedlings with Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), either alone, or in combination with Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), reduced the number and weight of marketable harvested heads. When viruses were inoculated simultaneously, 25% of cabbage heads were non-marketable, representing 20-fold loss compared with control. By contrast, inoculation with CaMV alone had insignificant effects on cabbage yield. This suggests that TuMV is the more detrimental of these pathogens, and its management should be a priority. Early exposure to TuMV produced cabbages that were 50% lighter than non-infected plants, but later infection was less damaging suggesting that controlling virus infection at the seedling stage is more important. TuMV was far less damaging to kale than it was to cabbage; although high proportions of TuMV-inoculated kale plants showed symptoms (>90%), the marketability and quality of leaves were not significantly reduced, and no clear relationship existed between timing of infection and subsequent crop losses. Early inoculation of Swiss chard with Beet mosaic virus (BtMV) significantly impaired leaf quality (∼50% reduction in marketable leaf production), but the impact of disease was greatest in plants that had been inoculated at maturity, where average leaf losses were two and a half times those recorded in virus-free plants. Disease-management of BtMV in Swiss chard is important, therefore, not only at the seedling stage, but particularly when plants are transplanted from nursery to field. © 2006 British Crown Copyright. | Cabbage; Caulimovirus; Kale; Kenya; Potyvirus; Swiss chard | crop yield; disease control; economic impact; host use; host-pathogen interaction; inoculation; leafy vegetable; pathogenicity; root vegetable; viral disease; virus; yield response; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; Beet mosaic virus; Beta vulgaris cicla; Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris; Brassica oleracea var. capitata; Brassica rapa subsp. rapa; Cauliflower mosaic virus; Caulimovirus; Potyvirus; Turnip mosaic virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928267085 | Economic impacts of future changes in the energy system—global perspectives | Glynn J., Fortes P., Krook-Riekkola A., Labriet M., Vielle M., Kypreos S., Lehtilä A., Mischke P., Dai H., Gargiulo M., Helgesen P.I., Kober T., Summerton P., Merven B., Selosse S., Karlsson K., Strachan N., Gallachóirn B.Ó. | 2015 | Lecture Notes in Energy | 30 | None | 10.1007/978-3-319-16540-0_19 | Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; CENSE, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Business Administration, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden; Eneris Environment Energy Consultants, Madrid, Spain; Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland; VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland; Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; National Institute of Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan; Energy Engineering Economic Environment Systems Modelling and Analysis, Turin, Italy; Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), Policy Studies Department, Petten, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cambridge Econometrics, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre de Mathématicues Appliquèes, MINES ParisTech, Paris, France; Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Energy Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom | Glynn, J., Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Fortes, P., CENSE, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Krook-Riekkola, A., Department of Business Administration, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden; Labriet, M., Eneris Environment Energy Consultants, Madrid, Spain; Vielle, M., Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Kypreos, S., Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland; Lehtilä, A., VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland; Mischke, P., Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Dai, H., National Institute of Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan; Gargiulo, M., Energy Engineering Economic Environment Systems Modelling and Analysis, Turin, Italy; Helgesen, P.I., Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Kober, T., Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), Policy Studies Department, Petten, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Summerton, P., Cambridge Econometrics, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Merven, B., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Selosse, S., Centre de Mathématicues Appliquèes, MINES ParisTech, Paris, France; Karlsson, K., Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Strachan, N., Energy Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Gallachóirn, B.Ó., Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland | In a climate constrained future, hybrid energy-economy model coupling gives additional insight into interregional competition, trade, industrial delocalisation and overall macroeconomic consequences of decarbonising the energy system. Decarbonising the energy system is critical in mitigating climate change. This chapter summarises modelling methodologies developed in the ETSAP community to assess economic impacts of decarbonising energy systems at a global level. The next chapter of this book focuses on a national perspective. The range of economic impacts is regionally dependent upon the stage of economic development, the level of industrialisation, energy intensity of exports, and competition effects due to rates of relative decarbonisation. Developed nation’s decarbonisation targets are estimated to result in a manageable GDP loss in the region of 2 % by 2050. Energy intensive export driven developing countries such as China and India, and fossil fuel exporting nations can expect significantly higher GDP loss of up to 5 % GDP per year by mid-century. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. | None | Civil aviation; Climate change; Climate models; Competition; Decarbonization; Developing countries; Economic and social effects; Economics; China and India; Competition effects; Economic development; Economic impacts; Energy intensity; Global perspective; Industrialisation; Modelling methodology; Industrial economics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928229180 | Economic impacts of future changes in the energy system—national perspectives | Glynn J., Fortes P., Krook-Riekkola A., Labriet M., Vielle M., Kypreos S., Lehtilä A., Mischke P., Dai H., Gargiulo M., Helgesen P.I., Kober T., Summerton P., Merven B., Selosse S., Karlsson K., Strachan N., Gallachóirn B.Ó. | 2015 | Lecture Notes in Energy | 30 | None | 10.1007/978-3-319-16540-0_20 | Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; CENSE, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Business Administration, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden; Eneris Environment Energy Consultants, Madrid, Spain; Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland; VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland; Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; National Institute of Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan; Energy Engineering Economic Environment Systems Modelling and Analysis (E4SMA s.r.l.), Turin, Italy; Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), Policy Studies Department, Petten, Netherlands; Cambridge Econometrics, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre de Mathématicues Appliquèes, MINES ParisTech, Paris, France; Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Energy Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom | Glynn, J., Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Fortes, P., CENSE, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Krook-Riekkola, A., Department of Business Administration, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden; Labriet, M., Eneris Environment Energy Consultants, Madrid, Spain; Vielle, M., Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Kypreos, S., Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland; Lehtilä, A., VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland; Mischke, P., Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Dai, H., National Institute of Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan; Gargiulo, M., Energy Engineering Economic Environment Systems Modelling and Analysis (E4SMA s.r.l.), Turin, Italy; Helgesen, P.I., Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Kober, T., Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN), Policy Studies Department, Petten, Netherlands; Summerton, P., Cambridge Econometrics, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Merven, B., Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Selosse, S., Centre de Mathématicues Appliquèes, MINES ParisTech, Paris, France; Karlsson, K., Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Strachan, N., Energy Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Gallachóirn, B.Ó., Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland | In a climate constrained future, hybrid energy-economy model coupling gives additional insight into interregional competition, trade, industrial delocalisation and overall macroeconomic consequences of decarbonising the energy system. Decarbonising the energy system is critical in mitigating climate change. This chapter summarises modelling methodologies developed in the ETSAP community © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. | None | Climate change; Competition; Decarbonising; Delocalisation; Economic impacts; Energy systems; Hybrid energy; Modelling methodology; Climate models | None |
| WoS | WOS:000316322300003 | Economic Impacts of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria | Adekunle, Adolphus Adekunle,Adeyemo, Victoria Adeyemi,Akinola, Akinboye Adebayo,Ayanwale, Adeolu Babatunde | 2013 | AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW-REVUE AFRICAINE DE DEVELOPPEMENT | 25 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1467-8268.2013.12011.x | Obafemi Awolowo University, Forum Agr Res Africa | "Adeyemo, Victoria Adeyemi: Obafemi Awolowo University","Akinola, Akinboye Adebayo: Obafemi Awolowo University","Ayanwale, Adeolu Babatunde: Obafemi Awolowo University", | This paper assesses the potential economic impacts of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) conceived to address observed low productivity, prevailing poverty level, slow growth and general underperformance of the agricultural sector associated with the traditional agricultural and rural development (ARD) approach. The economic surplus analysis suggested that IAR4D research and extension, with respect to maize production, could achieve returns ranging from 30 to 38 per cent and a maximum adoption of 25 to 50 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively. Similarly, with the same range of maximum adoption, the approach could yield returns ranging from 22 to 29 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively in millet production. However, the same range of adoption could result in 29 to 37 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively in sorghum production. The estimated benefits are sensitive to expected adoption rates but much less so to changes in research and extension costs. However, the estimates indicate that the production of all the crops was socially profitable under the IAR4D option. Our results were consistent with earlier economic analyses which showed that IAR4D was more productive, profitable and acceptable to farmers than the conventional Research for Development (R&D) approach. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954553103 | Economic, organizational and budget impact of a new diagnostic plan for HCV detection: what’s “new”? | Monari M., Foglia E., Montanelli A., Assandri R., Lagioia M., Ferrario L., Garagiola E., Porazzi E., Croce D. | 2015 | Rivista Italiana della Medicina di Laboratorio | 11 | 4 | 10.1007/s13631-015-0098-y | Clinical Investigation Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management—CREMS, University Carlo Cattaneo—LIUC, Corso Matteotti 22, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Medical Superintendent, Health Directorate Humanitas, Rozzano, MI, Italy; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Monari, M., Clinical Investigation Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Foglia, E., Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management—CREMS, University Carlo Cattaneo—LIUC, Corso Matteotti 22, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Montanelli, A., Clinical Investigation Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Assandri, R., Clinical Investigation Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Lagioia, M., Medical Superintendent, Health Directorate Humanitas, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Ferrario, L., Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management—CREMS, University Carlo Cattaneo—LIUC, Corso Matteotti 22, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Garagiola, E., Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management—CREMS, University Carlo Cattaneo—LIUC, Corso Matteotti 22, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Porazzi, E., Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management—CREMS, University Carlo Cattaneo—LIUC, Corso Matteotti 22, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Croce, D., Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management—CREMS, University Carlo Cattaneo—LIUC, Corso Matteotti 22, Castellanza, VA, Italy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background.: Hepatitis C (HCV) is a liver inflammation which, through the activation of the immune defense system, causes the death of liver cells (liver necrosis). Like Hepatitis B, it can become chronic, turning into a long term pathology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new technology useful to diagnose HCV, based on a serological kit HCVAg, comparing it with the standard technology, according to a multi-dimensional approach. Methods.: In order to analyze the differences between the two technologies, three dimensions were considered: (i) process costs, (ii) organizational aspects and (iii) budget impact. Data were collected by observational analysis and supported with administrative data. Activity Based Costing methodology (ABC), and a Budget Impact Analysis approach (BIA) were implemented. Results.: The new technology reduced the time needed to complete a medical report to 90 minutes, with a positive organizational impact, and allowed an immediate definition of the presence or absence of HCV infection, with quantitative results. Data showed that its introduction would bring economic savings to the Regional and National Health Service: a hospital could reduce the direct and indirect costs by 47.90% each and contribute to a reduction in funding at Regional or National level by 26.96%. Conclusions.: The introduction of the new technology, if compared with the standard one, would give similar effectiveness, with a lower organizational and economic impact, both for a hospital and for a Regional/National Health Service, with a good equity impact for HCV infected patients. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Italia. | Economic evaluation; Economic savings; HCV; Multi-dimensional approach; Serological kit | Article; budget; cost control; cost utility analysis; diagnostic kit; diagnostic procedure; economic aspect; health care organization; hepatitis C; Hepatitis C virus; human; major clinical study; observational study; serology; virus detection | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349141478 | Economic performance assessment of two ROM ore milling circuit controllers | Wei D., Craig I.K. | 2009 | Minerals Engineering | 22 | 42623 | 10.1016/j.mineng.2009.02.013 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Wei, D., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Craig, I.K., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Economic performance assessment of control systems is receiving increasing attention in both academia and industry. A relevant framework is proposed in Bauer and Craig (Bauer, M., Craig, I.K., 2008. Economic assessment of advanced process control - a survey and framework. Journal of Process Control 18 (1), 2-18) based on a comprehensive survey of the methods for economic analysis of advanced process control systems. The framework provides a formal procedure for the economic assessment of control systems. A practically motivated simulation study is used to cast the economic performance assessment of a nonlinear model predictive controller and three single-loop PID controllers for a run-of-mine milling circuit into this framework. Performance functions of the milling circuit, which dynamically relate the circuit process variables to monetary values, are developed based on a survey study on milling circuits and an in-depth literature study. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flotation; Grinding; Mineral economics; Mineral processing; Particle size; Process control | Advanced Process Control; Economic assessments; Economic performance; Grinding; Milling circuits; Mineral processing; Monetary value; Non-linear model; Performance functions; PID controllers; Process Variables; Simulation studies; Control system analysis; Controllers; Economic analysis; Electric network analysis; Flotation; Grinding (comminution); Grinding (machining); Intelligent control; Milling (machining); Minerals; Mining; Particle size; Proportional control systems; Silicate minerals; Surveys; Three term control systems; Process control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-31544457587 | Economic performance of case study dairy farm in Southern Ethiopia | Ergano K., Nurfeta A. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 1 | None | Debub 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, Ethiopia | Ergano, 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, Ethiopia | Focus 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; Ethiopia | Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956171320 | Economic performance of small ruminants in mixed-farming systems of Southern Ethiopia | Legesse G., Siegmund-Schultze M., Abebe G., Zárate A.V. | 2010 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 42 | 7 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9603-5 | Department of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hohenheim University, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia; Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada | Legesse, G., Department of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hohenheim University, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Siegmund-Schultze, M., Department of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hohenheim University, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany; Abebe, G., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia; Zárate, A.V., Department of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Hohenheim University, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany | This study evaluates the household income contribution and the profitability of traditional small ruminant enterprises in two mixed-farming systems of southern Ethiopia (viz. Adilo and Kofele). Small ruminant production is an integral part of mixed systems in the Ethiopian highlands. The assessment of the current economic performance of small ruminants indicates production-related opportunities and constraints and provides baseline data against which the success of future interventions can be measured. Detailed information on economic parameters was gathered through a 1-year period of flock and household monitoring (155 households) between September 2005 and August 2006. Structured surveys were conducted with the participating households to elicit information on incomeexpense details of small ruminant and other agricultural enterprises. Small ruminants contributed considerably to cash income and to a limited extent to human nutrition especially when other sources were in short supply. The annual profit per animal ranged from 20 to 37 Ethiopian Birr. The return to capital was 17% in Kofele and 29% in Adilo, with both values vastly exceeding the national interest rate. The sale of small ruminants contributed to 39% and 23% of total farm cash income among small ruminant keepers in Adilo and Kofele, respectively. Sale prices are highest before holidays. Researches should target at how to use available feed resources in a timely and cost-effective fashion to make use of the seasonal market opportunities. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Economic performance; Enterprise budgeting; Ethiopia; Marketing; Mixed farming; Small ruminants | animal; animal husbandry; article; commercial phenomena; cost; economics; Ethiopia; family size; goat; human; income; methodology; season; sheep; statistics; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Commerce; Costs and Cost Analysis; Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Goats; Humans; Income; Seasons; Sheep; Animalia; Bovidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41249087968 | Economic performance of the 'push-pull' technology for stemborer and Striga control in smallholder farming systems in western Kenya | Khan Z.R., Midega C.A.O., Njuguna E.M., Amudavi D.M., Wanyama J.M., Pickett J.A. | 2008 | Crop Protection | 27 | 7 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2008.01.005 | International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 25093, Nairobi, 00625, Kenya; Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton 20107, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kitale, P.O. Box 450, Kitale 30200, Kenya; Biological Chemistry Division, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom | Khan, Z.R., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Midega, C.A.O., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Njuguna, E.M., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 25093, Nairobi, 00625, Kenya; Amudavi, D.M., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton 20107, Kenya; Wanyama, J.M., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kitale, P.O. Box 450, Kitale 30200, Kenya; Pickett, J.A., Biological Chemistry Division, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom | The 'push-pull' technology (PPT), developed in Africa, offers effective control of cereal stemborers and Striga weed in maize-based cropping systems. It involves intercropping maize with desmodium, Desmodium uncinatum, with Napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum, planted as border around this intercrop. Desmodium repels the stemborer moths (push) that are subsequently attracted to the Napier grass (pull). Desmodium also suppresses and eliminates Striga. We assessed economic performance of this technology compared to the conventional maize mono- and maize-bean intercropping systems in six districts in western Kenya over 4-7 years. Ten farmers were randomly recruited in each district and each planted three plots representing the three cropping systems. The cost-benefit analyses were carried out, together with the systems' net returns to land and labour and their discounted net present values (NPV). Maize grain yields and associated gross margins from the PPT system were significantly higher than those in the other two systems. Although the production costs were significantly higher in the PPT than in the two cropping systems in the first cropping year, these reduced to either the same level or significantly lower than in the maize-bean intercrop from the second year onwards in most of the districts. Similarly, the net returns to land and labour with the PPT were significantly higher than with the other two systems. The PPT consistently produced positive NPV when the incremental flows of its benefits compared to those of the two conventional systems were discounted at 10-30%, indicating that PPT is more profitable than the other two systems under realistic production assumptions. PPT is thus a viable option for enhancing productivity and diversification for smallholder farmers who largely depend on limited land resource. Hence, enhancing farmers' access to less costly planting materials and promoting quality education and training in the use of this knowledge-intensive technology could stimulate its successful adoption. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Gross margins; Kenya; Push-pull; Stemborer; Striga | agricultural worker; comparative study; cost-benefit analysis; crop production; crop yield; dicotyledon; grass; intercropping; parasitic plant; pest control; recruitment (population dynamics); stem borer; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa; Desmodium; Desmodium uncinatum; Lepidoptera; Nucleopolyhedrovirus; Pennisetum glaucum; Pennisetum purpureum; Striga; Zea mays | None |
| WoS | WOS:000244888900007 | Economics, adoption determinants, and impacts of micro-irrigation technologies: empirical results from India | Nagar, R. K.,Namara, R. E.,Upadhyay, B. | 2007 | IRRIGATION SCIENCE | 25 | 3 | 10.1007/s00271-007-0065-0 | Elecon, Int Water Management Inst | None | Micro-irrigation technologies are promoted for various reasons in India. Despite the reported significant economic advantages, and the concerted support of the government and NGOs, the current micro-irrigation area in India remains an insignificant proportion of its potential. This paper analyzes: (1) the economics of alternative micro-irrigation technologies, (2) the determinants of adoption, (3) the poverty outreach of the different micro-irrigation systems, and (4) the sustainability implications of micro-irrigation adoption. In line with the findings of other studies, this study indicates that micro-irrigation technologies result in a significant productivity and economic gains. The most important determinants of micro-irrigation adoption include access to groundwater, cropping pattern, availability of cash, and level of education, the social status and poverty status of the farmer. Contrary to the expectations, the majority of the current adopters of low-cost micro-irrigation systems are the better-off farmers. The study indicates that the impact of micro-irrigation systems on the sustainability of groundwater resources depends upon the magnitude of the overall productivity gain following the shift from traditional irrigation method to micro-irrigation system, the pattern of use of the saved water, and the type and potential number of adopters. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879424243 | Economics of brucellosis impact and control in low-income countries | McDermott J., Grace D., Zinsstag J. | 2013 | OIE Revue Scientifique et Technique | 32 | 1 | None | International Food Policy Research Institute, 2033 K St NW, Washington, DC, 20006, United States; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, P.O. Box 4002, Basel, Switzerland | McDermott, J., International Food Policy Research Institute, 2033 K St NW, Washington, DC, 20006, United States; Grace, D., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Zinsstag, J., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, P.O. Box 4002, Basel, Switzerland | Most data and evidence on the economic burden of brucellosis and the benefits of its control are from high-income and middle-income countries. However, the burden of brucellosis is greatest in low-income countries. This paper focuses on estimating the economic burdens of brucellosis in low-income countries in tropical Asia and Africa. The prospects for national, technically feasible, and economically viable, national brucellosis control programmes in most low-income countries are limited. However, some targeted control programmes will be beneficial and can probably be feasibly managed and provide good economic returns. More ambitious control will require a more general strengthening of Veterinary Services and livestock-sector capacity, using risk-management-based approaches. | Africa; Asia; Brucellosis; Costs; Economics; Low-income countries; One Health -Programme impact; Zoonosis | Brucella vaccine; animal; animal disease; article; brucellosis; developing country; economics; health; human; immunology; Animals; Brucella Vaccine; Brucellosis; Developing Countries; Humans; World Health | DFID, Department for International Development; ESRC, Economic and Social Research Council; NERC, Natural Environment Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902740981 | Economic support to improve tuberculosis treatment outcomes in South Africa: A qualitative process evaluation of a cluster randomized controlled trial | Lutge E., Lewin S., Volmink J. | 2014 | Trials | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/1745-6215-15-236 | Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Francie van Zyl Drive, Parrow 7505, South Africa; Cochrane Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zyl Drive, Parrow 7505, South Africa | Lutge, E., Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Lewin, S., Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Francie van Zyl Drive, Parrow 7505, South Africa; Volmink, J., Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa, Cochrane Centre, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zyl Drive, Parrow 7505, South Africa | Background: Poverty undermines the adherence of patients to tuberculosis treatment. A pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the extent to which economic support in the form of a voucher would improve patients' adherence to treatment, and their treatment outcomes. Although the trial showed a modest improvement in the treatment success rates of the intervention group, this was not statistically significant, due in part to the low fidelity to the trial intervention. A qualitative process evaluation, conducted in the final few months of the trial, explained some of the factors that contributed to this low fidelity.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with patients who received vouchers, nurses in intervention clinics, personnel in shops who administered the vouchers, and managers of the TB Control Programme. These interviews were analyzed thematically.Results: The low fidelity to the trial intervention can be explained by two main factors. The first was nurses' tendency to 'ration' the vouchers, only giving them to the most needy of eligible patients and leaving out those eligible patients whom they felt were financially more comfortable. The second was logistical issues related to the administration of the voucher as vouchers were not always available for patients on their appointed clinic dates, necessitating further visits to the clinics which they were not always able to make.Conclusions: This process evaluation identifies some of the most important factors that contributed to the results of this pragmatic trial. It highlights the value of process evaluations as tools to explain the results of randomized trials and emphasizes the importance of implementers as 'street level bureaucrats' who may profoundly affect the way an intervention is administered.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN50689131, registered 21 April 2009.The trial protocol is available at the following web address: http://www.hst.org.za/publications/study-protocol-economic-incentives-improving-clinical-outcomes-patients-tb-south-africa. © 2014 Lutge et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Economic; Enablers; Incentives; Qualitative process evaluation; RCT; Support; Tuberculosis | adult; article; clinical article; controlled study; female; health economics; human; male; patient compliance; qualitative research; randomized controlled trial; social justice; South Africa; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; tuberculosis control; catering service; economics; financial management; health care cost; health personnel attitude; income; medication compliance; patient selection; poverty; sample size; time; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; tuberculostatic agent; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Attitude of Health Personnel; Female; Financing, Personal; Food Supply; Health Care Costs; Health Expenditures; Humans; Income; Male; Medication Adherence; Patient Selection; Poverty; Qualitative Research; Sample Size; South Africa; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis | Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646161927 | Ecosystem approach to mitigate impacts of sedimentation on the hydrological cycle and aquatic ecosystem | Yamashiki Y., Nakamura T., Kurosawa M., Matsui S. | 2006 | Hydrological Processes | 20 | 6 | 10.1002/hyp.6089 | Department of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Technology, 1-8 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8308, Japan; Division of GEF Coordination, United Nations Environment Programme, PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya; Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Graduate School of Global Environment Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan | Yamashiki, Y., Department of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Technology, 1-8 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8308, Japan; Nakamura, T., Division of GEF Coordination, United Nations Environment Programme, PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya; Kurosawa, M., Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Matsui, S., Graduate School of Global Environment Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan | This study illustrates the importance of sedimentation control on a global scale by introducing general concepts developed locally through field observations in eutrophic bay in Lake Biwa in Japan, and in Dongting Lake in China. The phosphorus concentration of suspended solids in water columns and in the bottom sediment during soil puddling before the transplanting of rice seedlings have been measured analytically. We have estimated the gross phosphorus loads and the economical loss of losing fertilizer from rice paddy fields in the whole Lake Biwa basin during the same period. Additionally, the discussions and conclusions made in the session 'Ecosystem approach to water monitoring and management' organized during the Third World Water Forum held in Kyoto, are introduced. The importance of sediment control in carrying out overall water quality programmes has been emphasized not only for watersheds with severe land degradation, but also for basins where the sedimentation impacts are considered rather small, and there is a need to reverse the long-term water quality trend in shallow reservoirs in international river basins, such as La Plata River basin in South America. Establishing international standards and regulations for controlling fine sediments, making an effective economic evaluation of the impacts induced by sedimentation applicable to local farmers, as well as developing an effective project focusing on treating sedimentation to improve nutrient control should be initiated on a global scale, as with the Global Environmental Facility project. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Eutrophication; Lake Biwa; Sedimentation; WWF3 | Economics; Environmental impact; Hydrology; Lakes; Management; Rivers; Sediments; Water quality; Watersheds; Aquatic ecosystems; Hydrological cycle; Sedimentation control; Water management; Water monitoring; Ecosystems; Economics; Ecosystems; Environmental impact; Hydrology; Lakes; Management; Rivers; Sediments; Water quality; Watersheds; aquatic ecosystem; ecosystem approach; hydrological cycle; phosphorus; sedimentation; water quality; Asia; Biwa Lake; China; Dongting Lake; Eurasia; Far East; Honshu; Hunan; Japan; Kinki; Shiga | None |
| WoS | WOS:000282120600024 | Educational impact of a hospital-based neonatal resuscitation program in Ghana | Barker, Pierre,Bookman, Laurel,Engmann, Cyril,Enweronu-Laryea, Christabel,Owen, Medge,Price, Wayne,Randolph, Greg,Srofenyoh, Emmanuel | 2010 | RESUSCITATION | 81 | 9 | 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2010.04.034 | Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, Korle Bu Teaching Hosp, Ridge Reg Hosp | "Barker, Pierre: University of North Carolina","Barker, Pierre: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Bookman, Laurel: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center","Engmann, Cyril: University of North Carolina","Engmann, Cyril: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Owen, Medge: Wake Forest University","Price, Wayne: University of North Carolina","Price, Wayne: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Randolph, Greg: University of North Carolina","Randolph, Greg: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill", | Aim of the study: To assess midwives' baseline cognitive knowledge of evidence-based neonatal resuscitation practices, and short- and long-term educational effects of teaching a neonatal resuscitation program in a hospital setting in West Africa.
Methods: All midwives (n = 14) on the labor ward at Ridge Hospital in Ghana were trained using materials modified from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). This training program included didactic and practical teaching and was assessed by direct observation within delivery rooms and written pre- and post-test evaluations. Written and practical modules 9-12 months after the initial training session were also conducted to assess retention of NRP knowledge and skills.
Results: Fourteen midwives received NRP training on the labor ward. Both written and practical evaluation of neonatal resuscitation skills increased after training. The percentage of items answered correctly on the written examination increased from 56% pre-training to 71% post-training (p <0.01). The percentage of items performed correctly on the practical evaluation of skills increased from 58% pre-training to 81% (p <0.01). These results were sustained 9-12 months after the initial training session.
Conclusion: After receiving NRP training, neonatal resuscitation knowledge and skills increased among midwives in a hospital in West Africa and were sustained over a 9-month period. This finding demonstrates the sustained effectiveness of a modified neonatal resuscitation training program in a resource constrained setting. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | GHANA,"Hospital-based educational program","international outreach","neonatal resuscitation program",COURSES,MORTALITY,"PEDIATRIC RESIDENTS","PERINATAL ASPHYXIA" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51949095633 | Educational jeopardy and its impact on inclusive education: A critical ethnographic account from a remote Ethiopian High School | Hussein J.W. | 2008 | Journal of Negro Education | 77 | 2 | None | Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Hussein, J.W., Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | This article reported accounts of educational jeopardy in ABC Secondary School (pseudonym) in eastern Ethiopia. The data were collected through school and classroom observations and from the reflections of schoolteachers, school administrators, school pupils, and University student teachers. The critical ethnographic research approach used in this study revealed that there was real student disengagement during the learning process. The article pointed out the historical base of blaming students for disengagement in the educational processes in the classroom and their other untenable behaviors. The article argued that stating students are unwilling or unmotivated to learn was one aspect of explaining problems as caused mainly due to the deficiencies of the victim and seeking solutions in changing the victim rather than addressing the core cause of the problem. © The Journal of Negro Education. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749364121 | Education resourcing in post-apartheid South Africa: The impact of finance equity reforms in public schooling | Motala S. | 2006 | Perspectives in Education | 24 | 2 | None | Education Policy Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Motala, S., Education Policy Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Through an analysis of recent quantitative data on equity and school funding in South Africa, this article aims to explicate the patterns and typology of inequality in post-apartheid South Africa, and to deepen our understanding of the construct of equity. It also aims to understand the application of equity in the context of public schooling through a disaggregated school-level analysis of a key equity indicator, per capita expenditure. This approach quantifies inequity and progress towards equality, and establishes a broader set of variables and correlates by which to understand school finance equity. It also analyses the impact of private contributions on formal basic schooling. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the quantification of finance equity and inequity through a better understanding of finance input data analyses that go beyond race-based analyses. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949765285 | Education within public management in south africa: A focus on external whole-school evaluation process’ contribution in Mpumalanga province | Mathaba R.S.R., Dorasamy N. | 2015 | Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions | 5 | 3CONT1 | None | Department of Education, University of Technology, South Africa; University of Technology, South Africa | Mathaba, R.S.R., Department of Education, University of Technology, South Africa; Dorasamy, N., University of Technology, South Africa | The study focused on the role played by public sector management in South Africa towards the country’s total development and improvement. This article also analyses how through the Whole School Evaluation (WSE) process, the education system in South Africa seeks to ensure that the schooling is effective. This paper examines public management, public administration as well as new public management (NPM). The aim is to illustrate a view of how education fits in the broader public management and how the WSE process assists schooling in South Africa and Mpumalanga in particular. This is to ensure that the schooling is effective and contribute towards service delivery and the country’s overall development and improvement. Furthermore, WSE as a process, is viewed through five of NPM undisputable and debatable characteristics of accountability for performance; performance measurement; performance auditing; policy analysis and evaluation; and strategic planning and management. Public management functions and public management principles are discussed from a point of how the WSE process strives to ensure that it complies with these function and principles, and how this compliance benefit school improvement. This paper came to a number of conclusions regarding education within public management from a WSE perspective. Firstly, education through the external WSE process conforms to this principle of New Public Management in that evaluation is aimed at improving the quality of education. Also, the external WSE, as a process, and education in general, through the NPM principles can be performed within public management. Furthermore, external WSE conforms to public management principles as well as Batho Pele principles. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Batho pele principles; External whole school evaluation; New public management; Public administration; Public management; Public management functions; Public management principles | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27644583919 | Effective dose as a limiting quantity for the evaluation of primary barriers for diagnostic x-ray facilities | Okunade A.A. | 2005 | Health Physics | 89 | 5 SUPPL. | None | Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Physics, Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife, 220005, Nigeria; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Okunade, A.A., Obafemi Awolowo University, Department of Physics, Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife, 220005, Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | The National Council on Radiation Protection in Report 147 of NCRP has recommended that shielding design limit for diagnostic x-ray facilities must be consistent with the guidance specified in Report 116 of NCRP. In the latter report, it is specified that the limit of exposure must be in terms of effective dose received annually. New mathematical models that are different from those in Report 49 of NCRP are reported in the recently published Report 147 of NCRP, and the design limit is specified as kerma value. In this work, to provide a means of compliance with the recommendation in Report 116 of NCRP, the effective dose that is classified as the limiting quantity in Report 57 of ICRU has been incorporated into shielding algorithms for diagnostic x-ray facilities. Also, shielding models are presented using exposure, kerma-in-air, kerma-in-tissue and ambient dose equivalent as limiting quantities. A computer program, XSHIELD, was written in FORTRAN language to execute these models. With design limits set at 1 mSv y-1 and 0.25 mSv y-1 (as specified in Report 116 of NCRP) and using sample distribution of workload, age of patient, field sizes at image receptor, and types of projection, computations of shielding requirements were carried out for rooms designated adult and pediatric chest rooms. For same values of respective workload and design limit, the use of exposure, kerma-in-air, kerma-in-tissue, and ambient dose equivalent as limiting quantity produces thicker barriers than the use of effective dose. By the use of effective dose as limiting quantity, the shielding requirement for the same workload is independent of size of the individual to be shielded. However, irradiating the individual who is to be shielded in posterior-anterior projection requires a thicker barrier than when irradiation is in lateral projection. | Operational topic; Radiation protection; Shielding; X-ray imaging | age; air; algorithm; article; computer program; health care facility; mathematical model; practice guideline; priority journal; radiation dose; radiation exposure; radiation protection; radiation shield; tissue level; workload; X ray; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Mathematics; Middle Aged; Models, Theoretical; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Protection; Radiography | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907287486 | Effective leadership conducive to generation of academic performance in Schools | Shonubi O.K. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 20 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1868 | Department of Education Leadership and Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Shonubi, O.K., Department of Education Leadership and Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The purpose of this paper was to understand and compare two schools in relation to how effective leadership functions (instructional and transformational leadership) may have been utilized to arrive at differential academic outputs in schools. Towards this end, an exceptionally performing and under-performing school was chosen from within the same socio-economic context with a view to understand how instructional and transformational leadership could result in generating optimal academic performance. These selected schools are government owned and thus, receive similar treatment in terms of funding, control, commitment, management and control, etc. Therefore a major research question: How do selected leadership functions bring about generation of differential student’s exceptional academic performance in schools? Utilizing the qualitative research approach, data was collected from internal key role players (otherwise referred to School Leadership Team [SLT]) from two selected schools: one exceptional performing and the other, underperforming. Participants in the study are; Principals, Viceprincipals and Heads of Department (HODs) from the two schools. I utilised one-on-one semi-structured interview, observations and document review to obtain rich data towards providing answers to the puzzle of the study. Findings among others indicate that monitoring, modelling, and internally funded training and development of teachers, ensured effective instructional delivery and up-date of knowledge in the teaching skills; and subject knowledge update of teachers in the exceptionally performing school, which impacted on student’s performance in the exceptionally performing school, compared to the exceptionally underperforming school. © MCSER-Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. | Academic performance; and input and output variables; Exceptional performing and underperforming; Instructional leadership; Transformational leadership | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892884623 | Effectiveness and cost efficiency of monitoring mountain nyala in Bale Mountains National park, Ethiopia | Kinahan A.A., Bunnefeld N. | 2012 | Endangered Species Research | 18 | 2 | 10.3354/esr00438 | Frankfurt Zoological Society, Bale Mountains Conservation Project, Bale Mountains National Park, PO Box 165, Robe, Bale, Ethiopia; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom | Kinahan, A.A., Frankfurt Zoological Society, Bale Mountains Conservation Project, Bale Mountains National Park, PO Box 165, Robe, Bale, Ethiopia; Bunnefeld, N., Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom | Due to the financial limitations faced by many protected areas today, identifying costefficient monitoring protocols has become important in ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation. The selection of monitoring protocols is usually driven by a range of factors, such as widespread practice or accuracy, but the cost efficiency of protocols is rarely considered. The mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni, classified by the IUCN as Endangered, is endemic to the Ethiopian highlands. This species has high economic potential for local communities through tourism and trophy hunting, but the expansion of human settlement is causing habitat degradation and fragmentation. A significant proportion of the global mountain nyala population occurs in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP); thus the development of a long-term monitoring protocol was identified as a priority. Like many protected areas, the BMNP is operating well below its financial needs; hence developing a robust, cost-effective method that can detect changes in population size is important. We compared the effectiveness and cost efficiency of distance sampling and total counts. Results showed that while the population estimates were relatively similar, total counts under estimated population size but were more precise, had a greater power to detect changes in population size and required only 12% of the resources needed compared to distance sampling. We suggest that investing in initial comparisons of the effectiveness and costs of different methods can result in significant cost savings, without jeopardizing the effectiveness of a survey. © Inter-Research 2012. | Census techniques; DISTANCE; Ecological monitoring; Protected areas; Total counts | accuracy assessment; conservation management; cost-benefit analysis; deer; ecological impact; ecosystem response; endangered species; endemic species; environmental monitoring; human activity; human settlement; population modeling; population size; protected area; sustainability; Bale Mountains National Park; Ethiopia; Ethiopian Highlands | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947219602 | Effectiveness evaluation of levamisole, albendazole, ivermectin, and vernonia amygdalina in West African Dwarf goats | Adediran O.A., Uwalaka E.C. | 2015 | Journal of Parasitology Research | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/706824 | Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria | Adediran, O.A., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria; Uwalaka, E.C., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria | Anthelmintic drug resistance has led to the search for alternatives in controlling helminth infections. Fifty West African Dwarf goats without history of anthelmintic treatment were divided equally into five groups. Group A was treated with ivermectin injection subcutaneously, group B with levamisole subcutaneously, group C with albendazole orally, and group D with aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina and group E was untreated control. Faecal samples were collected before treatment from each animal and larval culture was carried out. Faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test was carried out for each group and the data analysed using FECR version 4 to calculate percent reduction in faecal egg count. Predominant helminth infections from larval culture were Haemonchus contortus (70%), Trichostrongylus spp. (61%), and Oesophagostomum spp. (56%). Mixed infection was present in all the animals. From the FECR test Vernonia amygdalina extract was more effective against helminths (100%), compared to ivermectin 96%, levamisole 96%, and albendazole 99%. The lower 95% confidence limit was 89 for ivermectin and levamisole and 91 for albendazole. There is low resistance to ivermectin and levamisole and susceptibility to albendazole while V. amygdalina has great potentials that could be explored for the treatment of helminth diseases in goats. © 2015 Oyeduntan A. Adediran and Emmanuel C. Uwalaka. | None | albendazole; ivermectin; levamisole; Vernonia amygdalina extract; animal parasitosis; anthelmintic activity; Article; Chabertia; controlled study; drug efficacy; feces analysis; goat disease; Gymnanthemum amygdalinum; Haemonchus contortus; mixed infection; nonhuman; Oesophagostomum; Ostertagia ostertagi; outcome assessment; parasite identification; priority journal; Strongyloides; Trichostrongylus; West African Dwarf goat | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874785233 | Effectiveness of an integrated hatchery program: Can genetic-based performance differences between hatchery and wild Chinook salmon be avoided? | Hayes M.C., Reisenbichler R.R., Rubin S.P., Drake D.C., Stenberg K.D., Young S.F. | 2013 | Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences | 70 | 2 | 10.1139/cjfas-2012-0138 | Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, 600 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501, United States | Hayes, M.C., Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; Reisenbichler, R.R., Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; Rubin, S.P., Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; Drake, D.C., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Stenberg, K.D., Western Fisheries Research Center, US Geological Survey, 6505 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115, United States; Young, S.F., Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, 600 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501, United States | Performance of wild (W) and hatchery (H) spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) was evaluated for a sixth generation hatchery program. Management techniques to minimize genetic divergence from the wild stock included regular use of wild brood stock and volitional releases of juveniles. Performance of HH, WW, and HW (hatchery female spawned with wild male) crosses was compared in hatchery and stream environments. The WW juveniles emigrated from the hatchery at two to three times the rate of HH fish in the fall (HW intermediate) and 35% more HH than WW adults returned (27% more HW than WW adults). Performance in the stream did not differ statistically between HH and WW fish, but out migrants (38% WW, 30% HW, and 32% HH fish) during the first 39 days of the 16-month sampling period composed 74% of total out migrants. Differences among hatchery-reared crosses were partially due to additive genetic effects, were consistent with domestication (increased fitness for the hatchery population in the hatchery program), and suggested that selection against fall emigration from the hatchery was a possible mechanism of domestication. | None | domestication; emigration; generation time; genetic analysis; genetic differentiation; hatching; integrated approach; migration; performance assessment; population structure; salmonid; spawning; stream; wild population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20644442246 | Effectiveness of cattle manure and nitrogen fertilizer application on the agronomic and economic performance of maize | Nyamangara J., Mudhara M., Giller K.E. | 2005 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 22 | 1 | None | Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Plant Production Systems, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands | Nyamangara, J., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mudhara, M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Giller, K.E., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, Plant Production Systems, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, Netherlands | The effects of N fertilizer and aerobically composted cattle manure, applied separately or in combination, on maize (Zea mays L.) grain yields and net benefits were determined over three seasons. A field experiment was established on a moderately leached sandy loam soil (Typic Kandiustalf). Manure was a poor source of N. In the first year, increase in grain yield was much higher when manure (12.5 t ha-1 and 37.5 t ha-1) was combined with the 60 kg N ha-1 mineral N rate (40% and 25.1%, respectively), and a relatively smaller further increase of 17.5% was recorded for the 37.5 t ha-1 rate while there was a decrease of 3.7% for the 12.5 t ha-1 rate, when mineral N rate was doubled to 120 kg N ha-1. In the third season increase in grain yield was also much higher when manure (12.5 t ha-1 and 37.5 t ha-1) was combined with the 60 kg N ha-1 mineral N rate (66.2% and 16%, respectively) and relatively smaller further increases were recorded when the mineral N rate was doubled to 120 kg N ha-1 (21.4% and 15.1%, respectively). Net benefit indications are that residual effects of cattle manure last for at least three seasons and thus farmers could apply up to 40 t ha-1 in the first season and benefit from its residual fertility in subsequent seasons. It was concluded that smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe and other countries of Sub-Saharan Africa could positively exploit the combined application of manure and N fertilizer to increase maize yield and net benefits. | Manure; N fertilizer; N mineralization; N uptake; Net benefits | agricultural economics; fertilizer application; manure; nitrogen; yield; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878979041 | Effectiveness of selection at CIMMYT's main maize breeding sites in Mexico for performance at sites in Africa and vice versa | Kebede A.Z., Mahuku G., Burgueño J., Vicente F.S., Cairns J.E., Das B., Makumbi D., Magorokosho C., Windhausen V.S., Melchinger A.E., Atlin G.N. | 2013 | Plant Breeding | 132 | 3 | 10.1111/pbr.12063 | International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Apdo, Postal 6-641, Mexico DF, 06600, Mexico; Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany; CIMMYT, PO Box MP163, Harare, Zimbabwe; CIMMYT, PO Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, PO Box 23350, Seattle, WA, 98102, United States | Kebede, A.Z., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Apdo, Postal 6-641, Mexico DF, 06600, Mexico, Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany; Mahuku, G., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Apdo, Postal 6-641, Mexico DF, 06600, Mexico; Burgueño, J., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Apdo, Postal 6-641, Mexico DF, 06600, Mexico; Vicente, F.S., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Apdo, Postal 6-641, Mexico DF, 06600, Mexico; Cairns, J.E., CIMMYT, PO Box MP163, Harare, Zimbabwe; Das, B., CIMMYT, PO Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Makumbi, D., CIMMYT, PO Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Magorokosho, C., CIMMYT, PO Box MP163, Harare, Zimbabwe; Windhausen, V.S., Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany; Melchinger, A.E., Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany; Atlin, G.N., Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, PO Box 23350, Seattle, WA, 98102, United States | The exchange of elite breeding materials across regions is an important way in which multinational maize breeding programmes access new genetic variation, improve efficiency and reduce costs. Our objectives were to examine whether CIMMYT's breeding programmes for tropical and subtropical environments in Mexico and Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) can effectively share materials. Sets of selected and unselected lines were evaluated for per se and testcross performance in multiple environments in Mexico and ESA for grain yield, days to anthesis and plant height. Genotypic correlations between performance in Mexico and ESA as testcross and line per se were high (≥ 0.72) for all experiments, and indirect selection efficiency ranged from 67 to over 100% for all traits. Lines selected in ESA or Latin America performed equally well in each region, indicating selection was for broad rather than regional adaptation. Thus, breeding programmes of CIMMYT in both Mexico and ESA can benefit tremendously by exchanging breeding materials and test results, and elite selections from each region should be fast-tracked for evaluation in the other. © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Breeding material exchange; Double haploids; Genotypic correlation; Indirect selection efficiency; Maize; Regional adaptation | Zea mays | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872105643 | Effectiveness of total quality management on business performance in Nigerian manufacturing firms: An empirical analysis | Awolusi O.D. | 2012 | International Journal of Enterprise Network Management | 5 | 3 | 10.1504/IJENM.2012.051310 | Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Postgraduate Studies, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | Awolusi, O.D., Department of Business Administration and Marketing, School of Postgraduate Studies, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, P.M.B 21244, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | The purpose of this study is to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) of total quality management (TQM) implementation, as well as, examine specific relationships between these critical success factors of TQM and perceived business performance measures (PBPM) of Nigerian manufacturing firms. The empirical study was conducted via a survey on 566 senior and management staff of 14 Nigerian manufacturing companies, randomly selected from a business-to-business database maintained by a national list provider. Using the framework from Agus (2001), factors manifesting PBPM were regressed on the critical success factors, manifesting successful TQM. Findings based on the survey revealed significant positive relationships between successful TQM and PBPM in Nigerian manufacturing firms. The model provides predictive implications on improved business performance, given the activities of CSFs manifesting successful TQM. Hence, to improve business performance, manufacturing firms could control their TQM programme. Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Business performance; Manufacturing firms; Nigeria; Regression analysis; Total quality management; TQM | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878084570 | Effective or just practical? An evaluation of an online postgraduate module on evidence-based medicine (EBM) | Rohwer A., Young T., Van Schalkwyk S. | 2013 | BMC Medical Education | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1472-6920-13-77 | 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; Centre for Health Professions Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl drive, Parow 7500, Cape Town, South Africa | Rohwer, 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 Africa | Background: 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; Postgraduate | article; 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; Humans | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50049090036 | Effective population size dynamics reveal impacts of historic climatic events and recent anthropogenic pressure in African elephants | Okello J.B.A., Wittemyer G., Rasmussen H.B., Arctander P., Nyakaana S., Douglas-Hamilton I., Siegismund H.R. | 2008 | Molecular Ecology | 17 | 17 | 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2008.03871.x | Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, PO Box 7298, Kampala, Uganda; McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada; Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Department of Fish Wildlife and Conservation Biology, 115 Wager, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1401, United States; Animal Behaviour Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Park Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, United Kingdom; Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark | Okello, J.B.A., Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, PO Box 7298, Kampala, Uganda, McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L9, Canada; Wittemyer, G., Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, PO Box 7298, Kampala, Uganda, Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya, Department of Fish Wildlife and Conservation Biology, 115 Wager, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1401, United States; Rasmussen, H.B., Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya, Animal Behaviour Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Park Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, United Kingdom, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Arctander, P., Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nyakaana, S., Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University, PO Box 7298, Kampala, Uganda; Douglas-Hamilton, I., Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya; Siegismund, H.R., Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark | Two hundred years of elephant hunting for ivory, peaking in 1970-1980s, caused local extirpations and massive population declines across Africa. The resulting genetic impacts on surviving populations have not been studied, despite the importance of understanding the evolutionary repercussions of such human-mediated events on this keystone species. Using Bayesian coalescent-based genetic methods to evaluate time-specific changes in effective population size, we analysed genetic variation in 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci from 400 elephants inhabiting the greater Samburu-Laikipia region of northern Kenya. This area experienced a decline of between 80% and 90% in the last few decades when ivory harvesting was rampant. The most significant change in effective population size, however, occurred approximately 2500 years ago during a mid-Holocene period of climatic drying in tropical Africa. Contrary to expectations, detailed analyses of four contemporary age-based cohorts showed that the peak poaching epidemic in the 1970s caused detectable temporary genetic impacts, with genetic diversity rebounding as juveniles surviving the poaching era became reproductively mature. This study demonstrates the importance of climatic history in shaping the distribution and genetic history of a keystone species and highlights the utility of coalescent-based demographic approaches in unravelling ancestral demographic events despite a lack of ancient samples. Unique insights into the genetic signature of mid-Holocene climatic change in Africa and effects of recent poaching pressure on elephants are discussed. © 2008 The Authors. | African elephants; Bottleneck; Demographic history; Ivory poaching; Microsatellite variation; Population expansion | microsatellite DNA; allele; animal; article; Bayes theorem; climate; elephant; gene flow; genetic polymorphism; genetics; genotype; human; Kenya; molecular evolution; Monte Carlo method; population density; population dynamics; population genetics; probability; Alleles; Animals; Bayes Theorem; Climate; Elephants; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Flow; Genetics, Population; Genotype; Humans; Kenya; Markov Chains; Microsatellite Repeats; Monte Carlo Method; Polymorphism, Genetic; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Elephantidae; Loxodonta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946709432 | Effect of addition of different carbon materials on hydrogel derived carbon material for high performance electrochemical capacitors | Barzegar F., Bello A., Guellati O., Momodu D.Y., Harat A., Dangbegnon J.K., Guerioune M., Manyala N. | 2015 | Electrochimica Acta | 186 | None | 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.10.189 | Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, SARCHI Ch. in Carbon Technology and Materials, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; LEREC Laboratory, Department of Physics, Badji Mokhtar University of Annaba, BP.12, Annaba, Algeria | Barzegar, F., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, SARCHI Ch. in Carbon Technology and Materials, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Bello, A., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, SARCHI Ch. in Carbon Technology and Materials, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Guellati, O., LEREC Laboratory, Department of Physics, Badji Mokhtar University of Annaba, BP.12, Annaba, Algeria; Momodu, D.Y., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, SARCHI Ch. in Carbon Technology and Materials, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Harat, A., LEREC Laboratory, Department of Physics, Badji Mokhtar University of Annaba, BP.12, Annaba, Algeria; Dangbegnon, J.K., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, SARCHI Ch. in Carbon Technology and Materials, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Guerioune, M., LEREC Laboratory, Department of Physics, Badji Mokhtar University of Annaba, BP.12, Annaba, Algeria; Manyala, N., Department of Physics, Institute of Applied Materials, SARCHI Ch. in Carbon Technology and Materials, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Activated carbon (AC) materials derived from addition of graphene foam, carbon nanotube and expended graphite mixed with polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone were synthesized and tested for supercapacitor application. Although the AC obtained from expended graphite shows the smallest specific surface area (SAA), it exhibits the highest electrical double layer capacitance (EDLC) performance with high rate capability and specific capacitance. This material tested in the symmetric configuration works in a large potential window of 1.6 V. More interestingly, the device made out this material gets better in terms of electrochemical performance when subjected to ageing effect with voltage holding for 100 hours. Some tentative reasons for such discrepancy between the SAA and the EDLC are explained. © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | activated carbon; electrical double layer capacitor; specific surface area | Activated carbon; Capacitance; Capacitors; Carbon nanotubes; Electrochemical electrodes; Graphite; Specific surface area; Yarn; Electrical double layer capacitor; Electrical double-layer capacitances; Electrochemical performance; High performance electrochemical capacitors; High rate capability; Poly vinyl pyrrolidone; Specific capacitance; Supercapacitor application; Foams | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878502060 | Effect of age and performance on physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters in endurance horses | Adamu L., Noraniza M.A., Rasedee A., Bashir A. | 2013 | Journal of Equine Veterinary Science | 33 | 6 | 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.07.015 | Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Patholo | Adamu, L., Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Noraniza, M.A., Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia; Rasedee, A., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia; Bashir, A., Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia | Endurance horses are subjected to heightened stress even after several conditioning protocols. Hence, the goal of this study was to examine the effect of age and performance on the hematology, biochemistry, and physical parameters after an endurance race. Eighteen horses aged 6-15 years were grouped into 80-km race category. All the horses were physically examined, and blood samples were collected postrace. After physical examination, the poor (n = 9) and good (n = 9) performance horses were identified. Potassium concentration was significantly higher (P < .05) in the good performance horses; chloride concentration was significantly higher (P < .05) in the poor performance horses. The mean blood glucose concentration of the poor performance horses in all the age-groups was significantly higher (P < .05). The mean blood lactate concentration was significantly lower (P < .05) in the poor performance horses. There was significant effect of performance on heart rate (P < .031), capillary refill time (P < .013), and gut motility (P < .05). Univariate Fisher exact test results were significantly higher for skin recoil (P < .03), mucous membrane (P < .03), and gait (P < .04) in the performance categories. In conclusion, the influence of age was seen in the poor performance category in relation to lactate, but age did not influence other physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters of the endurance horses. Thus, further studies are required to determine whether physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters during training could be used to estimate performance in endurance horses based on age. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Age; Biochemical; Endurance horses; Hematological; Performance; Physical | Equidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857652892 | Effect of alternative preservatives on the microbial quality, lipid stability and sensory evaluation of boerewors | Mathenjwa S.A., Hugo C.J., Bothma C., Hugo A. | 2012 | Meat Science | 91 | 2 | 10.1016/j.meatsci.2012.01.014 | Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Mathenjwa, S.A., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Hugo, C.J., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Bothma, C., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa; Hugo, A., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa | Boerewors is a South African fresh sausage preserved with 450mg/kg sulphur dioxide (SO 2). The preservative effects of rosemary (Ros; 260mg/kg) and chitosan (Chi; 10g/kg) were compared to SO 2. Eight boerewors models were formulated. Microbial, colour, lipid and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Chi and Chi in combination with other preservatives had a significant effect on reducing total bacterial, coliform and Enterobacteriaceae counts, comparable to SO 2. Chi, however, had a better effect on decreasing yeasts and mould counts than SO 2. Chi showed good colour properties comparable to SO 2. Ros showed comparable lipid stability to SO 2 but better when compared to Chi. Ros had a better effect on the sensory taste when compared to Chi, but SO 2 was still preferred. Reduced levels of 100mg/kg SO 2 showed good antimicrobial and colour effects in combination with Chi and in combination with Ros as antioxidant and improving the sensory properties. Alternative preservatives can be used to reduce the SO 2 content of boerewors. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Alternative preservatives; Boerewors; Chitosan; Rosemary extract; Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) | Boerewors; Colour properties; Enterobacteriaceae; Fresh sausages; Microbial quality; Rosemary extracts; Sensory characteristics; Sensory evaluation; Sensory properties; Chitosan; Color; Sulfur determination; Sulfur dioxide; Bacteria (microorganisms); Enterobacteriaceae; Rosmarinus officinalis; antiinfective agent; chitosan; food preservative; sulfur dioxide; adult; animal; article; bacterial count; bacterium; cattle; color; drug effect; female; food control; food preservation; fungus; human; lipid peroxidation; male; meat; methodology; microbiology; middle aged; Rosmarinus; South Africa; spice; swine; taste; yeast; Adult; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Bacteria; Cattle; Chitosan; Colony Count, Microbial; Color; Female; Food Microbiology; Food Preservation; Food Preservatives; Fungi; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Meat Products; Middle Aged; Rosmarinus; South Africa; Spices; Sulfur Dioxide; Sus scrofa; Taste; Yeasts; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908400277 | Effect of amine spacer of PEG on the properties, performance and antifouling behavior of poly(piperazineamide) thin film composite nanofiltration membranes prepared by in situ PEGylation approach | Gol R.M., Bera A., Banjo S., Ganguly B., Jewrajka S.K. | 2014 | Journal of Membrane Science | 472 | None | 10.1016/j.memsci.2014.08.015 | Reverse Osmosis Discipline, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India; Computational and Simulation unit, Analytical Discipline and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemic | Gol, R.M., Reverse Osmosis Discipline, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India; Bera, A., Reverse Osmosis Discipline, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India; Banjo, S., Computational and Simulation unit, Analytical Discipline and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, OyoState, Nigeria; Ganguly, B., Computational and Simulation unit, Analytical Discipline and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India; Jewrajka, S.K., Reverse Osmosis Discipline, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India | In continuation of work (Gol et al., J. Membr. Sci., 2014, 455, 271-282) for in situ PEGylation of thin film composite (TFC) membrane, herein, effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) end-group on the properties and performance of PEGylated TFC nanofiltration (NF) membranes is reported. In situ PEGylation of conventional poly(piperazineamide) TFC NF membranes was performed by interfacial polymerization between TMC and PIP+PIP-terminated polyethylene glycol (PIP-PEG-PIP), PIP+m-phenylenediamine-terminated PEG (MPD-PEG-MPD) and PIP+alkyl amine terminated-PEG (H2N-PEG-NH2) mixtures respectively. Among these three processes, PEGylated membranes prepared with TMC and PIP+PIP-PEG-PIP mixture exhibited excellent antifouling property, similar performance, close pore radius and pore structure factor compared to conventional poly(piperazineamide) TFC NF membrane. This is attributed to the closer reactivity of PIP and PIP-PEG-PIP towards TMC. Membranes prepared with TMC and PIP+MPD-PEG-MPD mixtures exhibited superior antifouling property compared to conventional TFC NF membrane, nevertheless, rejection and permeate flux were decreased. TFC membranes prepared with PIP+H2N-PEG-NH2 mixtures/TMC exhibited similar performance compared to conventional membrane with low degree of PEGylation and hence showed only marginal improvement of antifouling property. Conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) and average local ionization potential energy calculations performed on the lowest energy conformations of PIP and different amines (PIP, MPD and alkyl amine) terminated PEG type of molecules indicated closer reactivity of PIP and PIP-terminated PEG type of molecule compared to PIP and other amines terminated PEG type of molecules towards TMC. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Conceptual DFT calculation and local ionization potential; In situ PEGyltaion; Low fouling TFC NF membranes; PEG-end group structure and membrane performance; Reactivity | Antifouling; DFT calculation; End groups; NF membranes; PEgylation; Thin film composites; Reactivity (nuclear); antifouling agent; macrogol; poly(piperazineamide); polyamide; unclassified drug; amination; Article; atomic force microscopy; chemical structure; contact angle; controlled study; density functional theory; electric conductivity; film; infrared spectroscopy; membrane structure; Michael addition; nanofiltration; nucleophilicity; polymerization; porosity; scanning electron microscopy; thickness; thin film composite | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62749128032 | Effect of analyte properties on the kinetic performance of liquid chromatographic separations | de Villiers A., Lynen F., Sandra P. | 2009 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1216 | 16 | 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.11.101 | University of Stellenbosch, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Pfizer Analytical Research Centre, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | de Villiers, A., University of Stellenbosch, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Lynen, F., Pfizer Analytical Research Centre, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Sandra, P., Pfizer Analytical Research Centre, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | Advances in modern high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have led to increased interest in the comparison of the ultimate performance limits of methodologies aimed at increasing the resolving power per unit time. Kinetic plot-based methods have proven invaluable in facilitating such evaluations. However, in bridging the gap between fundamental comparisons and the eventual practical applicability of kinetic performance data, the effect of analyte properties have thus far largely been neglected. Using pharmaceutical compounds as representative real-life analytes, it is demonstrated that noteworthy differences in the optimal kinetic performance of a chromatographic system are observed compared to data for common test compounds. For a given stationary phase particle size, higher optimal- and maximum plate numbers, corresponding to increased analysis times, are measured for pharmaceutical compounds. Moreover, it is found that the optimal particle size/maximum pressure combination depends on the analyte under investigation, with the beneficial range of efficiencies for small particles shifted towards higher plate numbers for drug molecules. It is further demonstrated that the pH of the mobile phase plays a crucial role in determining the kinetic performance of pharmaceutical compounds. These data clearly indicate that data for test compounds do not reflect the performance attainable for pharmaceutical compounds and highlights the importance of using real-life samples to perform kinetic evaluations. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Analyte properties; Kinetic performance; Liquid chromatography; Pharmaceutical compounds | Analyte properties; Analytes; Chromatographic systems; Drug molecules; High-performance liquid chromatographies; Kinetic evaluations; Kinetic plots; Liquid chromatographic separations; Mobile phase; Per units; Performance datum; Performance limits; Pharmaceutical compounds; Resolving power; Small particles; Stationary phase; Body fluids; Chromatography; High performance liquid chromatography; High pressure liquid chromatography; Liquids; Optimization; Particle size analysis; Chromatographic analysis; phenol derivative; propyl paraben; analytic method; analytical equipment; article; drug determination; instrumentation; kinetics; liquid chromatography; measurement; particle size; pH; priority journal; Chromatography, Liquid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Solutions | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892509550 | Effect of an improvised furnance on students performance in foundry technology in technical colleges in Rivers State, Nigeria | Ogundu I., Wordu H. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p649 | Department of Technical Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Ogundu, I., Department of Technical Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Wordu, H., Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of an improvised furnace on students' performance in foundry technology in technical colleges in Rivers State. The study adopted research and development incorporating quasiexperimental design. It involved the use of control group, pre-test - post test design. The population of 194 students from four technical colleges in Rivers State were used for the study. The instrument for data collection was made up of Foundry Technology Achievement Test (FTAT) developed by the researcher. The achievement test consists of 50-multiple choice items with four options of A-D. The test items were identified and selected from the content of (NABTEB) syllabus on metal work technology. Test re-test method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument; the tests yielded 0.70,073 and 0.72, 0.74 for the first and second tests respectively. Four experts in metal work technology were involved in both face and content validity of the improvised furnace and 200 multiple-choice test items. The results obtained from the test scores were compiled and analyzed using statistical tools such as; percentage, mean, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in answering the research question and testing the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. improvised furnace had positive effects on students' performance in foundry (15.32). The difference in performance between those taught using improvised furnace and those taught using conventional teaching aids was found to be significant at 0.05 levels of significance. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that government, technical college principals and the different agencies should provide fund to procure the materials and component for designing and constructing furnace by the teacher for teaching foundry in technical colleges in Rivers State. Also, constant power supply, generators, accumulators, anvil, steel vessel, pipes and electric blower should be provided and distributed by the ministry of education to the technical colleges for construction of furnace for effective teaching of foundry in Rivers State. The industries, government, non-governmental agencies and private enterprises and communities should provide components, consumable materials necessary for teaching foundry and supply the materials directly to the individual technical colleges in Rivers State. | Foundry; Furnaces; Improvisation; Performance; Technology and College | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878719954 | Effect of beebread on the reproductive performance of Cotesia vestalis | Soyelu O.J., Waladde S.M. | 2013 | New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science | 41 | 2 | 10.1080/01140671.2013.778891 | Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Soyelu, O.J., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa, Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Waladde, S.M., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | The hypothesis that non-host-feeding synovigenic parasitoids are more likely to rely entirely upon teneral protein reserves for future egg and offspring production was tested in the present study. Protein-rich beebread was mixed with honey to form a paste (honey-beebread) and reproductive parameters of Cotesia vestalis were compared among females that were fed honey with or without beebread. Oviposition period lasted 3 and 8 days in unfed (but water-provided) and fed wasps, respectively. Satiated parasitoids attained peak offspring production within the first 2 days of eclosion, and production dropped sharply after 4 days. Wasps provided with honey-beebread produced more offspring and a more female-biased progeny than conspecifics that were raised on honey. In addition, posteclosion egg maturation progressed irrespective of diet and maximum egg load (102 mature eggs) was attained within 48 h of parasitoid emergence. Obtained results showed that supplementary protein sources could enhance some aspects of reproductive performance in non-host-feeding synovigenic parasitoids. © 2013 Copyright The Royal Society of New Zealand. | beebread; Braconidae; Cotesia vestalis; egg load; non-host-feeding; posteclosion egg maturation; progeny size; sex ratio; supplementary protein source | diet; emergence; female; maturation; oviposition; parasitoid; protein; reproduction; sex ratio; wasp; Braconidae; Cotesia vestalis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859481695 | Effect of breed and breeding system on reproductive performance of rabbits in a humid tropical environment | Oke U.K., Iheanocho V.C. | 2011 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 14 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, College of Animal Science and Animal Production, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Abia State, Nigeria | Oke, 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, Nigeria | Data 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 performance | Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| None | None | Effect of breed, season, year and parity on reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder production system in Bukoba district, Tanzania | Asimwe L., Kifaro G.C. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 10 | None | Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania | Asimwe, L., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kifaro, G.C., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania | A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of breed level and non-genetic factors on reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder production system. The study focused on assessing the reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle under smallholder farms in Bukoba district, Tanzania. Data on age at first calving (AFC), calving to first service interval (CFSI), number of services per conception (NSC), days open (DO) and calving interval (CI) were collected from Kagera Dairy Development Trust (KADADET) in Bukoba district. General Linear models procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS) computer software was used to analyse the data. The fixed effects considered in the analyses were genetic group, parity, season and period of birth or of calving. The overall mean for AFC was 35.1±9.7 months with a coefficient of variation of 18.6%, for CFSI it was 196.95±1.8 days with a coefficient of variation of 20% while the mean for NSC was 1.66±0.0 with a coefficient of variation of 21%. Further, the mean DO was 205.2±2.6 days with coefficient of variation of 19%, and CI averaged 480.4±2.4 days with a coefficient of variation of 22%. AFC was significantly affected by period of birth (P<0.001), level of exotic blood (P<0.05) and season of birth (P<0.05). Genetic group significantly influenced CFSI, NSC, CI (P<0.05) and DO (P<0.001). F1 crosses performed better than high-grades in all the traits with 34.6 months of AFC, 171 days of CFSI, 182 days of DO, and 455 days of CI. Season of calving significantly influenced CFSI (P<0.01), CI (P<0.001), NSC and DO (P<0.05). Cows calving in the long rain season were superior with 17 days of CFSI, 21 days open and had shorter (by 27 days) CI than those calving in the long dry season. Parity and period of calving significantly affected CFSI (P<0.05 and P<0.001), NSC (P<0.05), DO (P<0.01 and P<0.001), CI (P<0.05 and P<0.001) respectively. For these traits, performance was improving by advancement in age of cows. Milk yield in the first 100 days of lactation had no significant influence on post-calving reproductive traits. It was concluded that reproductive performance was best in the long rain season and that with respect to reproductive traits F1 crosses were better than high grades in Bukoba district. | Age at first calving; Calving interval; Calving to first service interval; Days open; Genetic and non-genetic factors; Number of services per conception | Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938965419 | Effect of browse plant foliage supplementation on the performance of buckling goats fed threshed sorghum top basal diet | Isah O.A., Okunade S.A., Aderinboye R.Y., Olafadehan O.A. | 2015 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 47 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-015-0823-6 | Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria | Isah, O.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Okunade, S.A., Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Nigeria; Aderinboye, R.Y., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Olafadehan, O.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria | The effect of browse plants (Piliostigma thonningii, Daniellia oliveri, Afzelia africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Annona senegalensis) supplementation on nutrient intake, digestibility, nutritive value and N utilization and growth performance of buckling goats fed threshed sorghum top (TST) was investigated using 24 Red Sokoto goats (9.0 ± 0.25 kg) body weight (BW) which were randomly assigned to one of the six diets in a completely random design. Intakes of dry matter (DM) and nutrients, feed conversion ratio, digestibility of nutrients except for neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF), digestible organic matter (DOM), digestible crude protein (DCP), energy concentration, N utilization and average daily gain were superior (P < 0.05) in TST-supplemented diets compared to sole TST diet. Among the supplemental fodders, intakes of forage, DM, condensed tannins and most of the nutrients; digestibility of DM, crude protein (CP) and non-fibre carbohydrate, DOM and DCP; and N absorbed, balance and retention were greater (P < 0.05) in A. africana relative to the other fodders. Results indicate that the entire browse fodders are good supplements to low quality TST, though A. africana appears to have a better nutritive value. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Digestibility; Goat; Intake; N utilization; Nutritive value; Weight gain | Afzelia africana; Annona senegalensis; Capra hircus; Daniellia oliveri; Pterocarpus erinaceus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881073267 | Effect of buck presence on sexual receptivity and kindling performance of rabbit doe | Ola S.I., Olatunbosun O.S. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Ola, S.I., Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Olatunbosun, O.S., Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Sexual receptivity and fecundity were determined in rabbit does with different exposure to the male. Forty heterogeneous, mature and non-lactating does were assigned to four treatments including: VTC - Male exposure with visual and tactile contact; VIC - Male exposure with visual contact; NVC - Male exposure without visual contact and NOC - Complete isolation of does from bucks (control group). The does were maintained in this condition for 30 days after which they were hand mated, each to two bucks. Mating was assisted or forced where it didn't occur spontaneously. At mating the sexual behaviour, readiness and libido of the does were recorded. At parturition, fertility and prolificacy were determined. Sexual receptivity measured by behavioural attitude and rate of spontaneous mating were higher in the VTC and NVC exposed group. Mating time was also significantly reduced in these groups. Prolificacy and fertility index were both lowered in the NOC and VTC does compared to the NVC and VIC does. In conclusion results from this study indicated that the presence of the male improved the sexual receptivity of the doe. However prolonged visual and/or tactile contacts between the opposite sex appeared to be detrimental to the breeding efficiency and overall productivity of the doe. | Male presence; Rabbit doe fertility | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947114792 | Effect of caffeine on the risk of coronary heart disease - A re-evaluation | Adebayo J.O., Akinyinka A.O., Odewole G.A., Okwusidi J.I. | 2007 | Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry | 22 | 1 | 10.1007/BF02912877 | Dept. of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Adebayo, J.O., Dept. of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Akinyinka, A.O., Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Odewole, G.A., Dept. of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Okwusidi, J.I., Dept. of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | The effect of caffeine intake on the risk of coronary heart disease was studied. Twenty-one rats used were randomly divided into three experimental groups, the first group served as the control while the second and third groups were administered caffeine orally at doses of 10mg/kg body weight and 20mg/kg body weight respectively for fourteen days. Caffeine, at 10mg/kg body weight, significantly increased (P<0.05) serum LDL- cholesterol concentration and coronary heart disease risk ratio while it significantly reduced (P<0.05) serum triacylglycerol concentration when compared with controls. At 20mg/kg body weight, caffeine significantly increased (P<0.05) coronary heart disease risk ratio while it significantly reduced (P<0.05) serum HDL-cholesterol concentration and serum triacylgycerol concentration when compared with controls. No dose response effect was observed possibly suggestive of a threshold effect. These results suggest that caffeine predisposes consumers of caffeine containing beverages to coronary heart disease. | Blood lipids; Caffeine; Coronary heart disease | caffeine; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; triacylglycerol; animal experiment; animal model; article; cardiovascular risk; cholesterol blood level; concentration (parameters); controlled study; dose response; drug activity; drug effect; drug mechanism; ischemic heart disease; lipid analysis; male; nonhuman; protein determination; rat; risk assessment; statistical analysis; triacylglycerol blood level; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48649110107 | Effect of capital structure on firms' performance: The Nigeria performance | Akintoye I.R. | 2008 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 10 | None | Department of Economics, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Akintoye, I.R., Department of Economics, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | In this paper, we examined the effect of capital structure on firms performance. We address the following questions: Does higher leverage lead to better firm performance? Is the effect of performance on leverage similar across the distribution of different capital structures? Using a sample of 10 Nigerian quoted firms with consideration of their financial statements for three years, we discover that an evenly distributed capital structure has positive effect on firms performance, while the effect of performance on leverage varies across the distribution of different capital structure as seen from the companies understudied. Most of the equity financed firms in this study performed as much as those who employed debt in their structure in term returns on equity and assets. Although we cannot generalize this fact as few other firms with debt finance performed more efficiently as in the case of Nestle Nig. Plc, Northern Nig Flour Mills Plc, hence the effect of leverage on efficiency varies across the distribution of different capital structure lending credence to the agency cost theory of Jensen and Meckling(1976). We therefore recommend that investors should concentrate on engagement of efficient management team, motivation and other developmental programmes so as to achieve goal congruence in the long run. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867360531 | Effect of carbon modification on the electrical, structural, and optical properties of TiO 2 electrodes and their performance in labscale dye-sensitized Solar Cells | Taziwa R., Meyer E.L., Sideras-Haddad E., Erasmus R.M., Manikandan E., Mwakikunga B.W. | 2012 | International Journal of Photoenergy | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/904323 | Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Centerof Excellencein Strong Mterials, School of Physics, University of Witwatersrand, Braamfontein 2000, Johannesburg, South Africa; Nano Research Centre, PNTC, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, Chennai 600048, India; CSIR National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, P. O. Box 395, Pretoria 001, South Africa; Department of Physics, University of Malawi-The Polytechnic, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi, South Africa | Taziwa, R., Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Meyer, E.L., Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Sideras-Haddad, E., Centerof Excellencein Strong Mterials, School of Physics, University of Witwatersrand, Braamfontein 2000, Johannesburg, South Africa; Erasmus, R.M., Centerof Excellencein Strong Mterials, School of Physics, University of Witwatersrand, Braamfontein 2000, Johannesburg, South Africa; Manikandan, E., Nano Research Centre, PNTC, B. S. Abdur Rahman University, Chennai 600048, India; Mwakikunga, B.W., CSIR National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials, P. O. Box 395, Pretoria 001, South Africa, Department of Physics, University of Malawi-The Polytechnic, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi, South Africa | Carbon-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles (C:TiONPs) have been synthesized by ultrasonic nebulizer spray pyrolysis (USP) and pneumatic spray pyrolysis (PSP) techniques. HRTEM on the NPs shows difference in lattice spacing in the NP structures prepared by the two methods2.02 Å for the USP NPs and an average of 3.74 Å for the PSP NPs. The most probable particle sizes are 3.11 nm and 5.5 nm, respectively. Raman spectroscopy supported by FTIR confirms the TiOpolymorph to be anatase with the intense phonon frequency at 153 cm -1 blue-shifted from 141 cm -1 ascribed to both carbon doping and particle size. A modified phonon confinement model for nanoparticles has been used to extract phonon dispersion and other parameters for anatase for the first time. Electronic measurements show negative conductance at some critical bias voltage, which is characteristic of n-type conductivity in the carbon-doped TiONPs as confirmed by the calculated areas under the I-V curves, a property suited for solar cell applications. Practical solar cells built from carbon-doped TiOelectrodes show up to 1.5 times improvement in efficiency compared to pure TiOelectrodes of similar construction. © 2012 R. Taziwa et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875991092 | Effect 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. | 2011 | Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Science, Anambra State University Igbariam, PMB 6059 Awka, Nigeria | Anlebo, A.O., Department of Animal Science, Anambra State University Igbariam, PMB 6059 Awka, Nigeria | A 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; Cassayeast | Aves; Manihot esculenta; Saccharomyces; Zea mays | None |
| None | None | Effect of cell length on the performance of segmented-in-series solid oxide fuel cells fabricated using decalcomania method | An Y.-T., Ji M.-J., Hwang H.J., Park S.E., Choi B.-H. | 2015 | Nippon Seramikkusu Kyokai Gakujutsu Ronbunshi/Journal of the Ceramic Society of Japan | 123 | 1436 | 10.2109/jcersj2.123.178 | Electronic Materials Module Team, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Ceramic Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nelsom Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania | An, Y.-T., Electronic Materials Module Team, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Ji, M.-J., Electronic Materials Module Team, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Hwang, H.J., Department of Ceramic Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea; Park, S.E., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nelsom Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania; Choi, B.-H., Electronic Materials Module Team, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Seoul, South Korea | Segmented-in-series solid oxide fuel cells (SIS-SOFC) have been stacked on all sides of a porous ceramic support using decalcomania method. When cells are stacked using decalcomania method, the cell components do not penetrate into the porous support or neighboring layers, resulting in excellent interfacial bonding. The cell components formed uniform thickness as well. Since the current flows laterally in SIS-SOFC, the cells are prepared having dimensions of 8 and 5mm in length to minimize their lateral resistance. Subsequent power output characteristics have been studied. As cell length decrease from 8 to 5 mm, the open circuit voltage and maximum power density increase. This is attributed to the lower lateral resistance due to shorter current path. Impedance analysis also shows that ohmic resistances decrease substantially with decreasing cell length. © 2015 The Ceramic Society of Japan. | Cell length; Decalcomania paper; Ohmic resistance; Segmented-in-series; Solid oxide fuel cell | Fuel cells; Ohmic contacts; Open circuit voltage; Cell lengths; Impedance analysis; Interfacial bonding; Lateral resistance; Maximum power density; Ohmic resistance; Power output characteristics; Segmented-in-series; Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939877951 | Effect of cement dust on reproductive performance and some physiological parameters in albino rats | Odo R.I., Mbegbu E.C., Nwosu K.C., Aba P.E., Aka L.O., Obidike I.R. | 2015 | Comparative Clinical Pathology | 24 | 3 | 10.1007/s00580-014-1934-6 | Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | Odo, R.I., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Mbegbu, E.C., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Nwosu, K.C., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Aba, P.E., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Aka, L.O., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Obidike, I.R., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | A total of 30 Albino rats of 12 weeks of age were sourced from Altran Farm in Nsukka and acclimatized for 3 weeks. Five males and five females were exposed to cement dust for 3 months at the Eastern Blocks and Concrete Industries Limited, Nsukka, Nigeria. Ten males and ten females were kept in an environment free from cement dust but within the same climatic zone and were the unexposed. The effect of cement dust was then determined on reproductive performance and some physiological parameters of the rats. The uterus of the exposed females showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in weight (2.19 ± 0.05) when compared to that of the unexposed females (4.09 ± 0.55). The mean epididymal sperm reserve of the exposed males (12.25 ± 2.17) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to that of the control group (18.46 ± 0.325). The mean testicular weight of the exposed males (1.03 ± 0.09) was significantly reduced when compared to the control (1.42 ± 0.026). The mean fetal weight and crown rump length of the offsprings from the exposed females (4.07 ± 0.17, 3.12 ± 0.09, respectively) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to those of the offsprings from the unexposed females (5.64 ± 0.10, 5.36 ± 0.17, respectively). The mean number of offsprings from exposed males (6.00 ± 0.45) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when compared to that from unexposed males (9.80 ± 0.37). The hematological evaluation showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in mean PCV, HB, RBC, and WBC of the exposed rats (27.50 ± 2.20, 8.31 ± 0.61, 3.61 ± 0.82, 4.70 ± 0.63, respectively) when compared to the unexposed (43.17 ± 3.52, 14.1 ± 0.72, 7.21 ± 0.45, 8.48 ± 0.86, respectively). The results of serum enzyme levels (AST, ALP, and ALT) of the exposed rats (87.12 ± 3.42, 93.87 ± 14.18, 45.06 ± 5.25, respectively) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when compared to the unexposed rats (56.98 ± 8.38, 24.71 ± 2.11, 25.72 ± 2.96, respectively). © 2014, Springer-Verlag London. | Cement; Hematology; Offspring; Sperm; Uterus | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918798961 | Effect of chromium propionate on the humoral immune response and performance of broilers vaccinated against newcastle disease in the tropics | Eze D.C., Okwor E.C., Anike W.U., Kazeem H.M., Majiyagbe K.A. | 2014 | Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences | 24 | 6 | None | Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Ahmedu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria | Eze, D.C., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okwor, E.C., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Anike, W.U., Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Kazeem, H.M., Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Ahmedu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria; Majiyagbe, K.A., Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Ahmedu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria | Chromium (Cr) has been considered as an essential micronutrient for humans and animals by nutritionists. The primary role of Cr in metabolism is in enhancing the glucose uptake by the cells. Its supplementation reduces the negative effects of environmental stress. Newcastle Disease (ND) virus potentially infects most species of birds, and for susceptible poultry it is highly contagious and usually fatal. Humoral immune responses indicated that total antibody titers to ND vaccines were much higher in groups I, III, and V chicks that received Chromium Propionate (Cr-Prop) when compared to groups II and IV that did not received Cr-Prop. Humoral immune responses of group I (2.1) was higher than group II (1.9) while that in group III (2.3) was higher than group IV (1.3) and group V had (2.5). Cr-Prop supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased body weights of the broilers. The body weight in group I (3.23Kg) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in group II (2.55Kg), while, those in group III (3.13Kg) were higher than those in groups IV (2.62Kg) and V (3.29 Kg). The weekly mean body weight gains of the treated groups I, III and V at the end of the study were significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher than those of untreated groups II and IV. The feed conversion ratio revealed variable significant (p ≥ 0.05) differences which did not reflect dietary inclusion of organic Cr-Prop. Cr-Prop supplementation improved the immune response to ND vaccine and the performance of broiler such as live body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake and feed conversion ratio in broilers. © 2014, Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum. All Rights reserved. | Chromium propionate; Immune response·Broiler performance; Newcastle disease; Vaccination | Animalia; Aves; Newcastle disease virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960393924 | Effect of cocoa pod husk ash and goat dung on nutrient content and growth performance of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) | Adejobi K.B., Famaye A.O., Adeniyi D.O., Orisajo S.B., Adeyemi E.A. | 2011 | Advances in Environmental Biology | 5 | 7 | None | Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Adejobi, K.B., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Famaye, A.O., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adeniyi, D.O., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Orisajo, S.B., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adeyemi, E.A., Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5244, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | The effect of different levels of cocoa pod husk ash and goat dung on nutrient uptake and growth performance of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) seedlings was investigated at Ibadan in the rain forest zone of Nigeria. The organic fertilizer treatments; cocoa pod husk ash(CPHA) and goat dung(GD) were applied at 6.5g of CPHA (5t/ha), 25g of GD (20t/ha) 12.5g of GD +6.5g of CPHA (10+5t/ha) 18.75g of GD + 6.5g of CPHA (15t+6.5t/ha), 25g of GD + 6.5g of CPHA (20t+5t/ha) 6.5g of GD+6.5g of CPHA (5t+5t/ha), 0.6g of urea (400kg/ha), per 2.5 kg of soil filled poly bag. The results showed that these organic fertilizers increased significantly (p<0.05) the growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, leaf area leaf number, number of branch, root and shoot length, root and shoot dry weight and root and shoot fresh weight), soil and leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na soil pH and organic matter (O.M) compared to the control treatment. 20 t/ha of GD + 5 tons/ha of CPHA treatment had the highest values of cashew seedlings performance compared to 5t/ha CPHA, 20t/ha GD, 400kg / ha urea, and the control treatment respectively. For instance, combined application of 20t/ha of GD +5t/ha of CPHA increased the plant height, number of leaf, leaf area, stem diameter, number of branch, root and shoot length, fresh and dry root weight,fresh and dry shoot weight of cashew seedlings by 45%, 29%, 12%, 52%, 59%,34%, 32%, 14%, 14%, 33% and 17% respectively compared to sole application of 20 tons/ha of GD. When compared with urea fertilizer application, 20t/ha GD+5t/ha CPHA treatment also increased the plant height, number of leaf, leaf area, stem diameter, number of branch, root and shoot length, dry and fresh root weight, dry and fresh shoot weight of cashew seeding by 25%, 28% 9%,46%,59%,19%,18%,32%,14%,6% and 13% respectively. For leaf chemical composition of cashew seedlings, 20t/ha GD and 5t CPHA increased leaf N, P, K, Mg, Ca and Na by 57%, 22%, 27%,28%, 50%, and 56% respectively compared with the control. When compared with urea fertilizer treatment, 20t/ha of GD + 5 t/ ha of CPHA increased the leaf N, P, K, Mg and Ca by 18%,56%, 10% 12% and 20%, respectively. However, urea fertilizer increased leaf N, K, and Ca by 48%, 19%, and 38% compared to control treatment. For soil chemical composition, 20t/ha GD 5t/ha CPHA manure also increased the soil pH, OC, OM, N,P, K, Na, Mg and Ca by 18%,26%, 29%, 50%, 80%, 43%, 30%, 14%, and 9% respectively compared to urea fertilizer treatment. However, 20%t/ha GD + 5t/ha CPHA (25g GD+6.5g CPHA) was the most effective treatment in improving cashew seedlings performance, soil and leaf mineral composition. Therefore it could be recommended to cashew farmers. | Cashew; Cocoa pod husk ash; Goat dung; Growth; Nutrient uptake | Anacardium occidentale; Capra hircus; Theobroma cacao | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890856110 | Effect 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. | 2014 | Livestock Science | 159 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.10.020 | Department 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, Federal | Oso, 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, Nigeria | A 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 diet | Aves; Galliformes; Numida meleagris | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44349150471 | Effect of composite cassava meal with or without palm oil and/or methionine supplementation on broiler performance | Ukachukwu S.N. | 2008 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 20 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P M B 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Ukachukwu, S.N., Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P M B 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Two experiments were carried out to investigate the response of broiler chicks to substitution of composite cassava meal (CCM) for maize in broiler diets as well as to assess the impact of supplementing CCM-based diet with palm oil and/or methionine on performance of starter broiler chicks. In experiment 1 six diets in which CCM replaced maize at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% and designated T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6, respectively were fed to 144 day-old broiler chicks in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. In experiment 2, five diets designated D1 (control, without CCM), D2 (maize-CCM type diet), D3 (maize-CCM type diet with methionine supplementation), D4 (maize-CCM type diet with palm oil supplementation), and D5 (maize-CCM type diet with palm oil and methionine supplementation) were fed to 150 day-old broiler birds in a CRD experiment. At end of experiment 1 (day 56), daily feed intakes (DFI) of birds in T1, T2, T3, and T4 were similar (P>0.05), but significantly lower (P<0.05) than the DFI of birds fed diet T6. Birds fed diets T1, T2, T3, and T4 had similar (P>0.05) final live weight, daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER), which were significantly better (P<0.05) than the final live weight, DWG, FCR, and PER of birds fed diet T6. Generally, there was increasing intake as the CCM inclusion level increased, while the response parameters showed a general trend of decreasing performance as the inclusion level of CCM increased. On economics of production of finished broilers, the cost/Kg feed, on relative basis using the control diet (T1) as baseline, ranged from 100% to 79.62% for T1-T6 respectively. Feeding of diets T4 and T5 yielded the highest (P<0.05) gross margin (GM) values that were however similar to the GM values of birds fed diets T2 and T3 but higher (P<0.05) than the GM value of birds fed diet T1, while the GM of birds fed dietT6 was the lowest (P<0.05). In experiment 2, there were significant (P<0.05) differences among treatment means of all the parameters. Birds fed D4 and D5 diets had significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight (BWt) and daily weight gain (DWG) than birds fed D2 but were similar to those fed D1 (control) and D3.The feed conversion ratios (FCR) and protein efficiency ratios (PER) of D5, D4 and D1 were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of D2 but similar to those of D3. | Alternative feedstuff; Broiler nutrition; Energy supplementation; Feed additives; Growth response | Aves; Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746394168 | Effect of compressible foam properties on pressure amplification during shock wave impact | Seitz M.W., Skews B.W. | 2006 | Shock Waves | 15 | 42433 | 10.1007/s00193-006-0033-2 | School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Seitz, M.W., School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Skews, B.W., School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | A comprehensive study is made of the influence of the physical properties of compressible open-cell foam blocks exposed to shock-wave loading, and particularly on the pressure distribution on the shock tube walls. Seven different foams are used, with three different shock Mach numbers, and three different slab lengths. Foam properties examined include permeability, density, stiffness, tortuosity and cell characteristics. The investigations concentrate on both side-wall and back-wall pressures, and the peak pressures achieved, as well as collapse velocities of the front face and the strength and nature of the reflected shock wave. The consequences of deviations from one-dimensionality are identified; primarily those due to wall friction and side-wall leakage. The results presented are the most comprehensive and wide ranging series conducted in a single facility and are thus a significant resource for comparison with theoretical and numerical studies. The different foams show significant differences in behavior, both in terms of peak pressure and duration, depending primarily on their density and permeability. | Complex materials; Foam; Porous; Shock impact; Shock-wave reflection | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863769111 | Effect of concentrate feed restriction with ad libitum forage feeding on performance and carcass yield of growing rabbit | Adeyemi O.A., Akanji A.O. | 2012 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 11 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Production, Health College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Adeyemi, O.A., Department of Animal Production, Health College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Akanji, A.O., Department of Animal Production, Health College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Effect of concentrate feed restriction in the presence of ad libitum forage (Tridax procumbens) feeding on performance, carcass yield and relative organ weights were investigated in weaner rabbits in a humid tropical environment in Nigeria. 36 growing rabbits of mixed breed (Chinchilla x Dutch x California White) and sexes with an average weight of 600g were assigned to three feeding regimen in a completely randomized design. The study lasted for 8 weeks. The three feeding regimen were: (A) ad libitum concentrate feeding + ad libitum forage feeding (control), (B) skip-a-day concentrate feeding/week + ad libitum forage feeding and (C) skip-2- days concentrate feeding/week + ad libitum forage feeding. The forage used was air-dried Tridax procumbens. Drinking water was supplied free-choice throughout the duration of the experiment. Each treatment group was replicated six times with two rabbits housed in the same cage serving as replicate. Weight gain (Total and Average daily), final body weight, Feed intake (Total and Average daily) and feed: gain ratio of rabbits were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the treatment groups. Although feed intake was not different among the three treatments, however concentrate intake (Total and average daily), forage intake (total and average daily) as well as percentage concentrate and forage in daily feed intake were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by treatments. Total concentrate intake was significantly higher in rabbits on treatment A (ad libitum feeding) compared with rabbits on treatment B which was also significantly higher than the intake on treatment C. ad libitum fed rabbits consumed 10.75 and 25.94% concentrates more than rabbits on skip-a-day and skip-twodays per week concentrate feeding. Daily concentrate intake reduced from 33.35g on treatment A to 29.76g and 24.69g in treatment B and C respectively. The daily forage intake however increased with severity of concentrate restriction, the trend being C > B > A. The Concentrate percentage of daily feed intake reduced with increased severity of concentrate restriction while that of forage increased with concentrate restriction from 56.15% in ad libitum concentrate fed group to the highest amount of 68.45% in rabbits on skip-two-days of concentrate feeding per week. Dressing percentage and retail cuts were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by feeding regime. Similarly the physical structure and weights of internal organs (livers, kidneys, lungs and hearts) were not affected by experimental treatments (P>0.05). The results obtained from this study showed that rabbits can be subjected to two days skipping of concentrate feed per week with ad libitum forage feeding without compromising performance and carcass measurements. | Feeding regimen; Forage; Performance; Rabbits; Skip-a-day; Skip-two-days | Menticirrhus undulatus; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Tridax procumbens | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860694292 | Effect of concentrate supplementation during early lactation on plasma IGF-I concentrations and reproductive performance of dairy cows | Obese F.Y., Stirling T.E., Stockdale R.C., Macmillan K.L., Egan A.R., Humphrys S. | 2011 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 41 | 4 | 10.4314/sajas.v41i4.6 | Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 226, Legon, Ghana; School of Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Melbourne, VIC 3031, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia; Department of Primary Industries, 120 Cooma Road, Kyabram, VIC 3620, Australia; Primegro (Pty) Ltd., Thebarton, SA 5001, Australia | Obese, F.Y., Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 226, Legon, Ghana; Stirling, T.E., School of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia; Stockdale, R.C., Department of Primary Industries, 120 Cooma Road, Kyabram, VIC 3620, Australia; Macmillan, K.L., School of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia; Egan, A.R., School of Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Melbourne, VIC 3031, Australia; Humphrys, S., Primegro (Pty) Ltd., Thebarton, SA 5001, Australia | An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of body condition score (BCS) at calving and level of feed supplementation during early lactation on the Insulin-like growth Factor-I (IGF-I) and reproductive performance in 72 Holstein cows in a pasture-based system following seasonally-synchronized calving. At the start of the seasonal breeding, plasma IGF-I concentrations in cows that had recommenced ovarian activity with detected oestrus were compared with those in anoestrus. The cows (n = 72) were managed over a period of five months to calve in a BCS of 4, 5 or 6 - using a scale from 1 (thin) to 8 (obese). The cows were maintained on pastures and supplemented during early lactation with either 1 or 6 kg grain per day. The BCS at calving did not affect plasma IGF-I concentrations. The plasma IGF-I concentration at week 10 was elevated at the higher level of grain supplementation (87.8 vs. 72.1 ng/mL). Higher conception rate following the first insemination of cows calving with a BCS of 6 (71% vs. 46% and 37% for a BCS of 4 and 5, respectively) was associated with more cows in that group conceiving during the first three weeks of the artificial insemination (AI) programme (75% vs. 46% and 46% for a BCS of 4 and 5, respectively). At weeks 0 and 10, cows that commenced ovarian activity by the start of the intensive AI programme, recorded higher plasma IGF-I concentrations than anoestrous cows. These findings indicate that diet can affect the plasma IGF-I levels, which in turn may be involved in affecting the resumption of cyclic ovarian activity and conception in dairy cows. | Bcs; Conception; Dairy cows; IGF-I; Postpartum period | Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22544475944 | Effect of constant photoperiods on the laying performance of broiler breeders allowed conventional or accelerated growth | Lewis P.D., Backhouse D., Gous R.M. | 2005 | Journal of Agricultural Science | 143 | 1 | 10.1017/S0021859605005010 | 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 | Lewis, 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 Africa | An 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. | None | photoperiod; poultry; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955156143 | Effect of constructivist-based teaching strategy on academic performance of students in integrated science at the junior secondary school level | Bimbola O., Daniel O.I. | 2010 | Educational Research and Reviews | 5 | 7 | None | Department of Curriculum Studies and Instructional Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Information Technology, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nige | Bimbola, O., Department of Curriculum Studies and Instructional Technology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria; Daniel, O.I., Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Information Technology, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria | Integrated science plays vital role in Nigerian science education programme because it prepares pupils at the Junior Secondary School level for the study of core science subjects at the Senior Secondary School level which in turn brings about students' interest in science oriented courses at the tertiary institutions. Despite government's efforts to encourage science teaching and learning among Nigerian students right from the Junior Secondary School level, the enrolment of students in core science subjects and science oriented courses at the Senior Secondary School level and tertiary institutions level respectively, is not encouraging. This is as a result of Junior Secondary School students' negative attitude towards integrated science. Research reports indicate that this negative attitude was caused, majorly, by teachers' conventional (lecture) method of teaching integrated science. Research reports on the effectiveness of constructivist-based teaching strategy revealed that the strategy enhanced students' academic performance. In view of this, this study examines the effectiveness of constructivist-based teaching strategy on academic performance in integrated science by Junior Secondary School students in South-West Nigeria. Quasi-experimental research design was used to achieve the purpose of this study. Participants were 120 Junior Secondary School Students randomly selected from four out of the 25 co-educational Junior Secondary Schools in Ijebu-ode local government area of ogun state, South-west Nigeria. Findings revealed that the constructivist instructed students had higher scores on the post test and the delayed post test, compared to those exposed to conventional (lecture) method of teaching. We concluded that if integrated science teachers could incorporate constructivist-based teaching strategy into their teaching methods, there would be an improvement in academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in integrated science. The researchers recommended that integrated science teachers should incorporate constructivist-based teaching strategy in their methods of teaching. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Academic performance; Constructivism; Conventional (lecture); Integrated science; Junior secondary school III students; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39049147612 | Effect of cooking and soaking on physical, nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of indigenous and foreign rice varieties in Nigeria | Ebuehi O.A.T., Oyewole A.C. | 2008 | Nutrition and Food Science | 38 | 1 | 10.1108/00346650810847972 | Institute of Sustainable Livelihoods, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Ebuehi, O.A.T., Institute of Sustainable Livelihoods, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Oyewole, A.C., Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Purpose - The objective of this study is to ascertain the effect of cooking and soaking on the physical characteristics, nutrient composition and sensory evaluation of an indigenous "ofada" rice and a foreign "aroso" rice varieties in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - The two rice varieties were freshly purchased in the raw state, soaked in water and cooked. The physical characteristics, such as length, width, weight, colour, purity, breakage, cooking time, dispersability and swelling capacity of the raw rice varieties were determined according to official methods. The raw, soaked and cooked rice varieties were oven-dried at 60°C for 4 h and milled to obtain a uniform surface area. The proximate composition and some minerals of the raw, soaked and cooked rice varieties and the sensory evaluation of the cooked rice were determined. Findings - The physical characteristics showed that "ofada" and "aroso" rice varieties were brown and creamy in colour, respectively. There were significant (p<0.01) differences in the purity, breakage, cooking time, swelling capacity and weight of the whole grain, but no difference in the length and width. The raw, cooked and soaked "ofada" rice contain more protein, fat, and fibre, than in "aroso" rice, but with no change in carbohydrate content. There were no significant (p>0.01) differences in the levels of minerals, Ca, Fe, Mg and P, in raw, cooked and soaked "ofada" and "aroso" rice. Sensory evaluation showed that cooked aroso rice was generally preferred, in terms of colour, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability. Originality/value - The methods employed in this study are very simple and the two rice varieties are readily available, acceptable to local tastes and widely consumed in Nigeria. The local or indigenous "ofada" rice is compared favourably with a foreign and imported parboiled "aroso" rice. It is therefore possible for small scale and cottage industries to embark on commercial production and fortification of the local rice varieties in Nigeria. | Cooking; Food testing; Nigeria; Nutrition; Rice | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941337682 | Effect of cooling regime on the residual performance of high-volume palm oil fuel ash concrete exposed to high temperatures | Awal A.S.M.A., Shehu I.A., Ismail M. | 2015 | Construction and Building Materials | 98 | None | 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.09.001 | Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Building, Federal Polytechnic, PMB 55Bida Niger State, Nigeria | Awal, A.S.M.A., Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia; Shehu, I.A., Department of Building, Federal Polytechnic, PMB 55Bida Niger State, Nigeria; Ismail, M., Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia | This paper presents the experimental findings of a study on the effect of cooling method on the residual performance of concrete containing a high volume of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) exposed to high temperatures. In this study, concrete samples were made in which the ordinary Portland cement was replaced by 50%, 60% and 70% POFA. The test specimens were then thermally treated to elevated temperatures of 200, 400, 600 and 800 °C in an electric furnace for a period of 1 h. The specimens were cured by air cooling or water cooling and examined for ultrasonic pulse velocity and changes in weight and residual compressive strength. At higher temperatures, the reduction in the ultrasonic pulse velocity of concrete was higher for all of the mixes. Along with the loss of weight, the residual compressive strength of concrete was also reduced. Of the two regimes, the air-cooling system exhibited better performance in recovering the structural properties of concrete containing a high volume of POFA. © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. | Cooling regime; Elevated temperature; High volume; Palm oil fuel ash; Residual performance | Air; Compressive strength; Concretes; Cooling; Electric furnaces; Fuels; Light velocity; Oil shale; Palm oil; Portland cement; Residual fuels; Ultrasonics; Cooling regimes; Elevated temperature; High volumes; Ordinary Portland cement; Properties of concretes; Residual compressive strength; Residual performance; Ultrasonic pulse velocity; High performance concrete | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868622336 | Effect of cottonseed oilcake inclusion on ostrich growth performance and meat chemical composition | Dalle Zotte A., Brand T.S., Hoffman L.C., Schoon K., Cullere M., Swart R. | 2013 | Meat Science | 93 | 2 | 10.1016/j.meatsci.2012.08.027 | Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Elsenburg Institute for Animal Production, Western Cape, Department of Agriculture, Private Bag XI, Elsenburg 7606, South Africa; 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), Italy; Brand, T.S., Elsenburg Institute for Animal Production, Western Cape, Department of Agriculture, Private Bag XI, Elsenburg 7606, South Africa, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Hoffman, L.C., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Schoon, K., Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa; Cullere, M., Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; Swart, R., Elsenburg Institute for Animal Production, Western Cape, Department of Agriculture, Private Bag XI, Elsenburg 7606, South Africa | This study investigated the effect of replacing dietary soybean oilcake meal with increasing levels of cottonseed oilcake meal (CSOCM) on the growth performance and meat (Iliofibularis muscle) chemical composition of ostriches in order to decrease total feed costs. A total of 105 ostriches were divided into five feeding groups according to the CSOCM inclusion level in the whole diet: Control (0% CSOCM), 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% CSOCM (of the whole diet), and fed with experimental diets from 6 to 13. months of age. As a result of feeding CSOCM, the final live weight and the average daily gain significantly increased in the 12% CSOCM group. The proximate composition, cholesterol content, mineral and fatty acid profile of the meat remained unaffected. Thus CSOCM may be used as an alternative protein source to the more expensive soybean oilcake meal in ostrich nutrition. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Cottonseed oilcake; Feeding; Growth performance; Meat quality; Ostrich | Chemical compositions; Cholesterol content; Cottonseed oilcake; Fatty acid profiles; Feeding group; Growth performance; Meat quality; Ostrich; Protein sources; Proximate compositions; Feeding; Meats; Nutrition; Oilseeds; Glycine max; Micropus; Struthioniformes; cholesterol; cotton seed oil; fatty acid; trace element; animal; animal food; article; body composition; body weight; diet; food quality; growth, development and aging; meat; metabolism; ostrich; soybean; statistical model; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Composition; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cottonseed Oil; Diet; Fatty Acids; Food Quality; Linear Models; Meat; Soybeans; Struthioniformes; Trace Elements | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867769686 | Effect of crayfish waste meal on performance characteristics and nutrient retention of broiler finishers | Asafa A.R., Ologhobo A.D., Adejumo I.O. | 2012 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 11 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Production Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria | Asafa, A.R., Department of Animal Production Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos, Nigeria; Ologhobo, A.D., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adejumo, I.O., Department of Animal Science, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria | The study investigated the effect of crayfish waste meal on the performance characteristics and nutrient retention in broiler finisher. 150 one day old chicks were used for the study which lasted for 9 weeks. The result of the study showed that the average dry matter intake ranged from 1918.96 g in broiler chicken fed diet IV (25%FM:75%CWM) to 2141.60g in diet V (100% CWM) chickens. There was no significant differences (p>0.05) between treatment means. Birds fed the control diet (100%FM) recorded the highest gain (787.30 g) followed by those fed diet III (50%FM; 50%CWM) while the least gain (679.00 g) was by diet V (100%CWM) chickens. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed between the treatment means. The feed conversion ratio was best (2.48) with chickens fed the control diet (100%FM) and progressively decreased with diet V (100%CWM) chickens recording the least (3.19). There was, however, no significant (p>0.05) difference between treatment means. Protein efficiency ratio followed similar trend with the feed conversion ratio. Diet I (100%FM) chickens had the highest value (2.09) followed by diet II (25%FM; 75%CWM) while those fed diet V (100%CWM) was the least (1.64). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Broiler; Crayfish waste; Finishers; Meal; Nutrient; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960962281 | Effect of cropping arrangements and rainfall on the performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in bauchi state, Nigeria | Ahmed B.I., Yusuf S.R., Garba A.A., Mustapha S. | 2006 | Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture | 18 | 1 | None | School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | Ahmed, B.I., School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Yusuf, S.R., School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Garba, A.A., School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Mustapha, S., School of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria during the farming seasons of 1997-1999. The objective of the experiments was to establish the effects of cropping arrangements and rainfall on the performance of two varieties of okra plant (Indian long white and short local varieties) in terms of flower and fruit initiation as well as height and yield. Twenty four experimental plots were demarcated and arranged into eight treatment plots. Each treatment was replicated three times and the size of each of the plots was 4.2m x 3.6m. Results of the experiments clearly indicated that when the two varieties were independently grown with cotton, cowpea and groundnut at a ratio of one to one (1:1) per plot, performance of the plant especially in terms of height, flower, fruit initiation and yield was greatly enhanced. It is therefore, recommended that farmers should under rainfall condition practice growing okra particularly the two varieties tested (ILWV & SLV) with other plants such as cotton, cowpea or groundnut in order to increase the growth, development and yield of okra. | Cropping arrangements; Okra; Rainfall and performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855169419 | Effect of cures and storage periods on the Sensory and microbial evaluation of smoke-dried, vacuum packaged rabbit meat products | Iwanegbe I., Iwanegbe A.I., Ebabhamiegbebho P.A., Bello Y.O. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 11 | None | Department of Food Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, P.M.B. 13, Auchi, Nigeria; National Food Reserved Agency (NFRA), Lokoja Branch, P.M.B. 1105, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin; Department of Hospitality Management, Nigeria | Iwanegbe, I., Department of Food Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, P.M.B. 13, Auchi, Nigeria; Iwanegbe, A.I., National Food Reserved Agency (NFRA), Lokoja Branch, P.M.B. 1105, Nigeria; Ebabhamiegbebho, P.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin; Bello, Y.O., Department of Hospitality Management, Nigeria | Sensory and microbial determination of cured smoke-dried rabbit meat products were carried out under different storage conditions. Sensory attributes were determined using the 9-point Hedonic scale. Sensory evaluation of rabbit meat products in terms of overall acceptance showed there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between freshly processed unpackaged products and packaged products, stored under refrigeration temperature at 8±2·C. At p<0.05 there was significant difference between product flavour obtained from different cure types. Packaged products were also preferred to the freshly processed unpackaged products from the various cures as a result of vacuum packaging ability to prevent surface dehydration and exclude oxygen from products. Cured smoke-dried, vacuum packaged rabbit meat products could be stored under ambient temperature (26±2·C). However, products stored under refrigeration temperature (8±2·C) had stable colour than products under ambient temperature (26±2·C). The results showed that microbial population (bacterial and fungi) in rabbit meat products were significantly different (p<0.001) because of the type of treatments (Storage periods, storage temperatures, different cure). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Cures; Meat curing; Nitrite; Rabbit; Vacuum package | nitrate; sodium chloride; sugar; article; Bacillus subtilis; bacterium identification; controlled study; curing; environmental temperature; flour; food packaging; food processing; freezing; male; nonhuman; rabbit meat; room temperature; shelf life; Staphylococcus aureus; storage temperature; vacuum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904786285 | Effect of cutting edge preparation of coated tools on their performance in milling various materials | Bouzakis K.D., Bouzakis E., Kombogiannis S., Makrimallakis S., Skordaris G., Michailidis N., Charalampous P., Paraskevopoulou R., M'Saoubi R., Aurich J.C., Barthelmä F., Biermann D., Denkena B., Dimitrov D., Engin S., Karpuschewski B., Klocke F., Özel T., | 2014 | CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology | 7 | 3 | 10.1016/j.cirpj.2014.05.003 | Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece; Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany; R and D Materials and Technology Development, Seco Tools AB, Fagersta, Sweden; Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Production Systems, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany; GFE - Gesellschaft für Fertigungstechnik und Entwicklung Schmalkalden e.V., Schmalkalden, Germany; Institute of Machining Technology, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany; Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Rapid Product Development Laboratory, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Pratt and Whitney Canada Corp., Longueuil, QC, Canada; Institute of Manufacturing Technology and Quality Management, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States; Arts et Metiers ParisTech, LaBoMaP, Cluny, France; Laboratory for Tribology and Systems Dynamics, ENISE, Saint-Etienne, France; Wbk Institute of Production Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany; Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy; TechSolve, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, United States; Inspire AG, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Machine Tools and Factory Management, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Research Centre for Manufacturing Technology, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic | Bouzakis, K.D., Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany; Bouzakis, E., Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany; Kombogiannis, S., Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany; Makrimallakis, S., Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany; Skordaris, G., Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany; Michailidis, N., Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany; Charalampous, P., Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany; Paraskevopoulou, R., Laboratory for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Engineering, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; M'Saoubi, R., R and D Materials and Technology Development, Seco Tools AB, Fagersta, Sweden; Aurich, J.C., Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Production Systems, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany; Barthelmä, F., GFE - Gesellschaft für Fertigungstechnik und Entwicklung Schmalkalden e.V., Schmalkalden, Germany; Biermann, D., Institute of Machining Technology, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany; Denkena, B., Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Dimitrov, D., Rapid Product Development Laboratory, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Engin, S., Pratt and Whitney Canada Corp., Longueuil, QC, Canada; Karpuschewski, B., Institute of Manufacturing Technology and Quality Management, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; Klocke, F., Fraunhofer Project Center Coatings in Manufacturing, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Aachen, Germany, Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Özel, T., Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States; Poulachon, G., Arts et Metiers ParisTech, LaBoMaP, Cluny, France; Rech, J., Laboratory for Tribology and Systems Dynamics, ENISE, Saint-Etienne, France; Schulze, V., Wbk Institute of Production Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany; Settineri, L., Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy; Srivastava, A., TechSolve, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, United States; Wegener, K., Inspire AG, Zurich, Switzerland; Uhlmann, E., Institute for Machine Tools and Factory Management, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Zeman, P., Research Centre for Manufacturing Technology, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic | The cutting edges of coated tools are commonly treated in separate production steps during tool manufacturing. Various methods can be employed, focusing on the cutting edge strengthening by its rounding or by more complicated geometries including chamfer and optimized tool wedge radius and angles. The efficiency of diverse cutting edge preparations on the wear behaviour of coated tools, in milling different materials, was investigated in the framework of a cooperative project of the Scientific Committee "Cutting" of the International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP). In this activity twenty academic and industrial partners were involved according to a predefined project plan. © 2014 CIRP. | Coatings; Cutting; Cutting edge preparation | Coated materials; Coatings; Cutting; Milling (machining); Coated tools; Complicated geometry; Cutting Edge Preparation; Cutting edges; Industrial partners; Project plans; Tool manufacturing; Wear behaviours; Cutting tools | None |
| None | None | Effect of days in feedlot on growth performance, carcass and meat quality attributes of Tanzania shorthorn zebu steers | Asimwe L., Kimambo A.E., Laswai G.H., Mtenga L.A., Weisbjerg M.R., Madsen J. | 2015 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 47 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-015-0801-z | Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science, Au Foulum, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, Tjele, Denmark; Department of Larger Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark | Asimwe, L., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kimambo, A.E., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Laswai, G.H., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mtenga, L.A., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Weisbjerg, M.R., Department of Animal Science, Au Foulum, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, Tjele, Denmark; Madsen, J., Department of Larger Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark | A study was conducted on 50 steers (183 ± 4 kg initial body weight, 3 years of age) to assess effects of days in feedlot on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Tanzania shorthorn zebu (TSZ) cattle with the aim of determining appropriate finishing period. Periods were 0 day (P<inf>0</inf>), 25 days (P<inf>25</inf>), 50 days (P<inf>50</inf>), 75 days (P<inf>75</inf>) and 100 days (P<inf>100</inf>) with 10 animals per period. Steers were housed in individual pens, fed with a concentrate diet and hay on an ad libitum basis except the P<inf>0</inf> group which was slaughtered at the beginning of trial. Long stay in feedlot, P<inf>100</inf>, increased concentrate dry matter intake by 2 kg DM/day over short stay, P<inf>25</inf>. Final weight and total gain increased (P < 0.05) from P<inf>25</inf> (22.6 kg) to P<inf>100</inf> steers (95.4 kg). Periods had no influence (P > 0.05) on an average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) but affected carcass characteristics. Empty body weight (EBW) and hot carcass weight (HCW) increased by 61 and 65 %, respectively, from no feedlot, P<inf>0</inf> to P<inf>100</inf>. Dressing percentage was high (P < 0.05) for P<inf>100</inf> steers. Carcass measurements, internal fat, fat thickness and carcass total fat were the highest (P < 0.05) on P<inf>100</inf> steers and the lowest on P<inf>0</inf> steers. Rate of pH decline increased with days in feedlot, while cooking loss and shear force values decreased in advanced ageing time. Feedlot periods of 75 and 100 days resulted into high intake, carcass measurements and tenderness, but 100 days further increased carcass fatness and fat thickness levels, thus, with this particular feeding system and animal’s condition, 75 days is the recommended period to finish TSZ cattle in feedlots. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Beef; Carcass; Gain; Period of stay; Quality | Animalia; Bos; Bos indicus; analysis; animal; animal food; animal husbandry; body weight; bovine; controlled study; diet; growth, development and aging; male; meat; physiology; randomized controlled trial; Tanzania; veterinary; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Body Weight; Cattle; Diet; Male; Meat; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55849126193 | Effect of decorticated fermented prosopis seed meal (Prosopis africana) on growth performance of broiler chicken | Yusuf N.D., Ogah D.M., Hassan D.I., Musa M.M., Doma U.D. | 2008 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 7 | 11 | 10.3923/ijps.2008.1054.1057 | Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Yusuf, N.D., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Ogah, D.M., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Hassan, D.I., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Musa, M.M., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Doma, U.D., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Two hundred and forty 7 days old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were used to determine the growth rate and economic of broiler fed decorticated fermented Prosopis africana seed meal (DFPSM). Five experimental diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% DFPSM replacement levels for full fat soybean meal were fed to broiler for 8 weeks. The experiments were in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments, each replicated four times with 48 birds per treatment and 12 birds per replicate. The average live weight of broiler ranged from 2500-2850g in each dietary group and were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary treatment, similarly the growth rate and feed conversion ratio were also significantly affected by the dietary treatment (P < 0.05). The study indicate that 20% inclusion of DFPSM with soybean meal could be used in a broiler diet. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Animal protein; Broiler diet; Developing countries; Fermented Prosopis africana seed meal | Animalia; Aves; Glycine max; Prosopis; Prosopis africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952646517 | Effect of dietary ascorbic acid on performance of broiler chickens exposed to different lighting regime | Tuleun C., Njoku P.C., Okwori A.I. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; National University Commission, Abuja, Nigeria | Tuleun, C., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Njoku, P.C., National University Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Okwori, A.I., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | A 2 x 2 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the performance of 400 Anak broiler chicks exposed to two lighting regimes viz. 12 h light: 12 h darkness and 24 h lightO h darkness and fed diets containing two levels of ascorbic acid (0 and 250 mg AA/kg of feed). Each treatment was replicated four times with 25 birds per replicate. Results showed that at the starter phase of growth, chicks on continuous lighting regime recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain than those on limited lighting regime. Addition of ascorbic acid in the diet of chicks in the starter phase significantly (p<0.05) improved weight gain. At the grower phase, lighting regime recorded no significant (p>0.05) effect on weight gain but addition of ascorbic acid in the diet significantly (p<0.05) improved weight gain. There was significant (p<0.05) interaction as chicks on continuous lighting regime with ascorbic acid in their diet recorded higher weight gain than other treatments i.e limited lighting with no ascorbic acid in the diet. At the starter phase there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between continuous and limited lighting on feed: gain ratio. However, chicks with ascorbic in their diet recorded significantly (p<0.05) better feed: gain ratio than those without ascorbic acid. Inclusion of ascorbic acid in the diet significantly (p<0.05) reduced feed cost per kilogram weight gain. Ascorbic acid inclusion significantly (p<0.05) increased femur weight but not femur ash and tibia length. Continuous lighting and inclusion of ascorbic acid from diets increased incidence of leg abnormality significantly. Inclusion of ascorbic acid significantly (p<0.05) reduced the severity of leg abnormality. In conclusion continuous lighting and ascorbic acid in the diet may improve weight gain, feed: gain ratio, reduced feed cost per kilogram weight gain and reduction in the severity of leg abnormality. It may be recommended that under continuous lighting, inclusion of ascorbic acid in the diet may be recommended for balanced growth of the chicks. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Ascorbic acid; Bone; Broiler performance; Lighting regimes | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954287530 | Effect of dietary crude protein levels on egg production, hatchability and post-hatch offspring performance of lndigenous chickens | Kingori A.M., Tuitoek J.K., Muiruri H.K., Wachira A.M. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, PO. Box 536-201 15, Egerton, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO. Box 25-201 17, Naivasha, Kenya | Kingori, A.M., Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, PO. Box 536-201 15, Egerton, Kenya; Tuitoek, J.K., Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, PO. Box 536-201 15, Egerton, Kenya; Muiruri, H.K., Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, PO. Box 536-201 15, Egerton, Kenya; Wachira, A.M., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO. Box 25-201 17, Naivasha, Kenya | Indigenous chickens in Kenya are estimated to be 21.5 million and are found in all the ecological zones in the country. They are 75% of the poultry population and produce 46 and 58% of the egg and meat, respectively. These levels of production are comparatively low compared to their numbers. The low productivity of indigenous chickens in Kenya and other parts of the world is partly attributed to poor management practices, in particular the lack of proper healthcare, poor nutrition and housing. This study was designed to determine the effects of dietary protein levels on egg production, hatchability and post-hatch offspring feed intake, feed efficiency and growth rate of indigenous chickens. Seventy two hens averaging 46 weeks in age, were offered four diets formulated from similar ingredients but differing in protein levels: 100, 120, 140 and 170 g CP/kg DM. Diets were randomly allocated to hens such that each diet had nine replicates each consisting of two hens. The hens were housed in battery cages and diets offered ad-libitum. Laying percentage, egg weight and feed intake were measured over an 8-week period. There was an increase (p<0.05) in egg weight from 42.9-46 g and laying percentage from 378.436% with increasing protein levelsfrom 100-120 g CP/kg DM, but not (p>0.05) at 120 and 140 g CP/kg DM. The laying percentage of hens offered 170 g CP/kg DM was lower (pc0.05) than that of hens offered 100 g CP/kg DM (22 vs. 37.8 %), although feed intake was similar for all the levels of CP. Hatchability of the 328 fertile eggs set in an electric incubator ranged from 66.73% while chicks weighed from 31 6-328 g for the four levels of CP tested. The level of CP had no pronounced effects (p>0.05) on offspring feed intake (51-56 g), live weight gain (6.5 -8.5 g /day) and feed conversion efficiency (0.13-0.15). It is, therefore, concluded that the dietary crude protein requirement for laying indigenous hens is about 120 g CP/kg and maternal dietary protein level has no effect on hatchability and post-hatch offspring feed intake, feed efficiency and growth rate. The findings will help in the formulation of indigenous chicken layer diet with the appropriate protein content. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Crude protein; Feed efficiency; Feed intake; Indigenous chickens | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951738368 | Effect of dietary garlic powder on layer performance, fecal bacterial load, and egg quality | Olobatoke R.Y., Mulugeta S.D. | 2011 | Poultry Science | 90 | 3 | 10.3382/ps.2010-00736 | Department of Animal Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa | Olobatoke, R.Y., Department of Animal Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa; Mulugeta, S.D., Department of Animal Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mafikeng, 2735, South Africa | This study was conducted to investigate the potential of garlic powder (GP) in improving production efficiency, egg quality, and gut health of laying hens. A total of seventy-two 30-wk-old Dekalb white strain hens were used. The live weight of the hens ranged between 1.71 and 2.12 kg. Hens were randomly allotted into 3 dietary treatment groups in a complete randomized design experiment. The 3 dietary treatments were control (no garlic addition) and 3 and 5% GP additions to a basal diet on weight:weight ratio basis. Egg production and feed consumption were recorded daily, and hen BW and internal quality of fresh eggs were assessed weekly. Fecal samples were assessed for total bacterial load. The results from this study revealed significant (P < 0.05) increases of 0.81 mm in albumen height and 2.71 Haugh units of fresh eggs at 3% GP addition. Egg and albumen weights increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 2.06 and 1.84 g, respectively, at 5% GP over the control treatment. Egg production decreased significantly at 5% GP following a decrease in feed consumption. Similarly, log bacterial count in feces showed a dose-dependent reduction as dietary GP increased. Organoleptic evaluation of eggs from treatment birds revealed a strong garlic flavor in eggs from 5% GP group compared with the control and 3% GP groups. Results of this study suggest that dietary GP improved egg weight and albumen quality with a strong garlic flavor at high dietary levels. © 2011 Poultry Science Association Inc. | Bacterial load; Egg quality; Garlic powder; Layer; Performance | animal; animal disease; animal food; article; chicken; diet; diet supplementation; egg; egg laying; feces; female; garlic; microbiology; standard; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Chickens; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Eggs; Feces; Female; Garlic; Oviposition; Allium sativum; Aves; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953767099 | Effect of dietary inclusion of Discarded Beetroot and Potato Hash Silage on growth performance and digestibility in South African Dorper lambs | Nkosi B.D., Ratsaka M.M. | 2010 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 9 | 4 | 10.3923/javaa.2010.853.856 | Department of Animal Nutrition, ARC-LBD, Animal Production Institute, South Africa | Nkosi, B.D., Department of Animal Nutrition, ARC-LBD, Animal Production Institute, South Africa; Ratsaka, M.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, ARC-LBD, Animal Production Institute, South Africa | Experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary inclusion of Discarded Beetroot (DB) and Potato Hash Silage (PHS) on the growth performance of South African Dorper lambs. Potato hash silage was produced in 210/drums for 3 months and its fermentation characteristics were determined. Diets that contained no agro-industrial by-product (T,), DB (T2) or DB in combination with PHS (T3) were formulated and fed to 24 lambs of 24.5±0.275 kg body weight (8 per treatment). The PHS was poorly fermented as indicated by lower concentrations of lactic acid, higher butyric and ammonia-N. Higher (p<0.05) Dry Matter Intake (DM!) was obtained in 1l diet compared to the others. Lambs on diet T3 had lower (p<0.05) ADG than those fed the other diets. Improved (p<0.05) digestibility of CP was obtained in T1 and T2. It was concluded that dietary addition of poorly fermented potato hash silage resulted in lower ADG. Further research on the effect of dietary inclusion of high quality potato hash silage on ruminant performance is needed. © Medwell Journals, 2010. | Agro-industrial by-products; Discarded beetroot; Fermentation; Lambs; Potato hash | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84960842493 | Effect of dietary intervention on the performance and biochemical indices of chicken broilers challenged with Aspergillus flavus | Bolu S.A., Olatunde O.A., Ojo V. | 2015 | Tropical Agriculture | 92 | 4 | None | Dept of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Bolu, S.A., Dept of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Olatunde, O.A., Dept of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Ojo, V., Dept of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | A study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary interventions of vitamins A and C, methionine and lysine singly and in combination on broilers challenged with Aspergillus flavus. The interventions were Vitamins A+C (A+C), Methionine+Lysine (METH+LYS) and Vitamins A+C+METH+LYS. The experiment which was conducted for 8 weeks employed a completely randomized design. Feed intake, weight gain, nutrient retention and feed conversion efficiency were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by dietary supplementation of the Aspergillus challenged birds. Highest feed intake (42.81g/bird/day) was observe for Aspergillus challenged birds supplemented with A+C+METH+LYS which compared favourably with the positive control birds (42.48g/bird/day). The lowest feed intake was observed for the negative control birds (Aspergillus challenged without dietary intervention). Weight gain was highest for the positive control bird (20.14g/bird/day). This value was similar to the value obtained for Aspergillus challenged birds supplemented with A+C+METH+LYS. Lowest weight gain was observed in the negative control birds (12.44g/bird/day). These birds also recorded significantly (p<0.05) lowest feed conversion efficiency (3.09). Haematological and serum indices showed no significant differences (p>0.05) however, higher lymphocytes values were observed in challenged birds with dietary intervention. As a general immune modulator, vitamins A and C with lysine and methionine may be an attractive alternative to the on-farm use of vaccines in poultry in the management of aspergillosis. © 2015 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Aspergillus challenged birds; Lysine; Methionine; Vitamins A,C | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952260142 | Effect of dietary levels of toasted mucuna seed meal (TMSM) on the performance and egg quality parameters of laying Japanese quails (coturnix coturnix japonica) | Tuleun C.D., Dashe N.A. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 12 | 10.3923/ijps.2010.1092.1096 | Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Tuleun, C.D., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Dashe, N.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | A 8 week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of Toasted Mucuna Seed Meal (TMSM) on the performance and egg qualities of Japanese quail layers. Four (4) isonitrogenous (20% cp) diets were formulated to contain toasted mucuna seed meal at 0, 5, 10 and 15%. Each of the dietary treatments was triplicated with 10 birds per replicate (making a total of 120 birds for the experiment) in a completely randomized design. The birds were offered feed and water ad libitum. The results showed that the quail layers fed up to 15% dietary levels of TMSM had percent hen-day and hen housed egg production, average feed intake, feed intake per egg production and feed intake per gram egg production values that were not statistically different (p>0.05) from those fed the 0% TMSM (control) diet. Albumen width and shell thickness were significantly (p<0.05) lowered by the increasing levels of TMSM, while egg circumference and all yolk parameters were not affected significantly (p>0.05). Dietary inclusion of TMSM at all levels reduced feed cost which was also reflected in feed cost per egg produced and feed cost per bird produced. Therefore the use of TMSM as a feed ingredient up to 15% level in quail layer diets is profitable, feasible and desirable. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Feed ingredient; Performance and egg qualities; Quail layer; Toasted mucuna seed meal | Aves; Coturnix; Coturnix japonica; Mucuna; Phasianidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951534213 | Effect of dietary lipid sources on production performance of broilers | de Witt F.H., Els S.P., van der Merwe H.J., Hugo A., Fair M.D. | 2009 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 39 | SUPPL. 1 | None | Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | de Witt, F.H., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Els, S.P., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; van der Merwe, H.J., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Hugo, A., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Fair, M.D., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 399, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | A study was conducted to determine the influence of different dietary lipid sources and inclusion levels on production performance of male broilers. Eight isoenergetic (15.1 MJ AME/kg DM) and isonitrogenous (223 g CP/kg DM) diets were formulated, using high oleic sunflower oil (HO), sunflower oil (SO), fish oil (FO) and tallow (T) at a 30 g/kg and 60 g/kg dietary inclusion level. Eight hundred (800), day-old Ross 788 broiler males were randomly allocated to the eight treatments (n = 100) and were further subdivided into four replicates/treatment (n = 25). All birds receive a standard commercial diet for the first 14 days, where-after the experimental diets were fed for 28 days. Feed intake and body weights were recorded weekly, while mortalities were recorded and dead birds weighed daily. Mortalities were brought into consideration during the calculation of average daily feed intake (g feed/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (g feed/g body weight gain). Contrary to saturated fatty acids (T), the inclusion of unsaturated fatty acids (HO, SO, FO) at a higher level (60 g/kg) resulted in a significantly improved FCR. It seems that the optimum dietary inclusion level of saturated fatty acids is lower (30 g/kg) than that of unsaturated sources. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Fatty acids; Feed efficiency; Inclusion level; Ross 788 | Aves; Helianthus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57349136739 | Effect of dietary lysine to crude protein ratio on performance of male Ross 308 broiler chickens | Ng'ambi J.W., Maoba S.M., Norris D., Malatje M.S., Mbajiorgu C.A. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 1 | 10.1007/s11250-008-9148-z | Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | Ng'ambi, J.W., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Maoba, S.M., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Norris, D., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Malatje, M.S., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Mbajiorgu, C.A., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of dietary lysine to crude protein ratio on performance of male Ross 308 broiler chickens. In each experiment the diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous but with different lysine to crude protein ratios. A complete randomized design was used in both experiments, the starter (1-21 days) and grower (22-42 days) experiments. The three starter diets, based on lysine to crude protein ratios, were L0 (0.055), L1 (0.066) and L2 (0.077), while grower diets were L3(0.047), L4(0.061) and L5(0.074). A quadratic type equation was used to determine ratios for optimum growth rate, feed conversion ratio, breast meat yield and breast meat nitrogen content. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratios of 0.066 and 0.077 supported optimum growth rate and feed conversion ratio, respectively, during the starter period. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratios of 0.073, 0.073, 0.069 and 0.079 supported optimum growth rate, feed conversion and breast meat yield and nitrogen content during the grower phase. Dietary lysine to crude protein ratio had no effect on diet intake and digestibility. The results indicate that at each phase a single dietary lysine to crude protein optimized both growth rate and feed conversion ratio. However, the ratio for optimum breast meat yield was lower than that for optimum growth rate and feed conversion ratio. These findings have implications on ration formulation for broiler chickens. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Breast meat nitrogen content; Breast meat yield; FCR; Growth rate; Lysine to crude protein ratio; Ross 308 broiler chickens | lysine; animal; animal food; article; body composition; caloric intake; chicken; dose response; drug effect; growth, development and aging; male; meat; nutritional requirement; physiology; protein intake; randomization; standard; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Composition; Chickens; Dietary Proteins; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Energy Intake; Lysine; Male; Meat; Nutritional Requirements; Random Allocation; Weight Gain; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860612173 | Effect of dietary monensin inclusion on performance, nutrient utilisation, rumen volatile fatty acid concentration and blood status of West African dwarf bucks fed with basal diets of forages | Aderinboye R.Y., Onwuka C.F.I., Arigbede O.M., Oduguwa O.O., Aina A.B.J. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-011-0043-7 | Department 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, Uni | Aderinboye, R.Y., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 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; 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; Oduguwa, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Aina, A.B.J., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | This experiment investigated the effect of dietary monensin on performance, nutrient utilisation, rumen volatile fatty acid and blood status in West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed with basal diets of forages. Four concentrate supplements were formulated to include 0 (MO), 15 (M15), 30 (M30) and 45 (M45) mg monensin/kg dry matter. Twenty-four WAD bucks (7.3 ± 1.20 kg initial body weight, aged 9-12 months) were randomly allotted to four experimental diets in a completely randomised design for 90 days, six animals per diet. Results indicated that animals fed M15, M30 and M45 diets had lower (P < 0.01) dry matter and water intake than those fed M0 diet. Crude protein and neutral detergent fibre intakes by the bucks followed similar trend. Animals on M15, M30 and M45 had better (P < 0.001) feed and protein efficiency ratio than those fed M0 diet. Rumen pH and total volatile fatty acid concentration were maintained (P > 0.05) while monensin decreased (P < 0.001) acetate/propionate ratio. Blood glucose increased (P < 0.001) from 59.1 mg/dl in animals on M0 diet to 67.8, 66.0 and 66.3 mg/dl in animals on M15, M30 and M45 diets. Overall, there were no variations among animals on M15, M30 and M45 diets. It is concluded that feeding monensin at 15 to 45 mg/kg DM of supplemental concentrate diets to West African dwarf bucks could be effective in improving feed and protein efficiency, manipulating the rumen for increased propionate production and increasing blood glucose levels. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Goats; Haematology; Intake; Monensin; Volatile fatty acids; Weight gain | monensin; volatile fatty acid; animal; animal disease; animal food; animal husbandry; article; blood; blood analysis; chemistry; diet; digestion; feces; goat; growth, development and aging; male; metabolism; Nigeria; randomization; ruminant stomach; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Blood Chemical Analysis; Diet; Digestion; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Feces; Goats; Male; Monensin; Nigeria; Random Allocation; Rumen; Animalia; Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875870637 | Effect of dietary protein on performance of four broiler strains and on the allometric relationships between carcass portions and body protein | Danisman R., Gous R.M. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 1 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i1.3 | Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Danisman, 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 Africa | This 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; Wing | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250017351 | Effect of dietary protein supplementation on performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) does during pregnancy and lactation | Nnadi P.A., Kamalu T.N., Onah D.N. | 2007 | Small Ruminant Research | 71 | 03-Jan | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.06.007 | Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nnadi, 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, Nigeria | The 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 goats | Animalia; Capra hircus; Trypanosoma; Vermes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861535001 | Effect of diets with graded levels of inclusion of cotton and sunflower seed cakes on the growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus | Aanyu M., Carpaij C., Widmer M. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 5 | None | National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), Aquaculture Research and Development Center (ARDC), P O. Box 530, Kampala, Uganda; Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), Institute of Natural Resource Sciences (IUNR) Gruental, CH-8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland | Aanyu, M., National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), Aquaculture Research and Development Center (ARDC), P O. Box 530, Kampala, Uganda; Carpaij, C., Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), Institute of Natural Resource Sciences (IUNR) Gruental, CH-8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland; Widmer, M., Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), Institute of Natural Resource Sciences (IUNR) Gruental, CH-8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland | The effect of diets with graded levels of cotton (CC) and sunflower (SF) seed cakes on the growth and feed utilization of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus was determined. The fish were grown for a period of 90 days in 15 "happas" representing 5 treatments namely; SF25CC10 - 10% C and 25% S; SF20CC15 - 15% C and 20% S; SF15CC20 - 20% C and 15% S; SF10CC25 -25% C and 10% S and CTL was a commercial feed used as the control. Each treatment was replicated three times. The "happas" were 1m3 with a mesh size of 1mm. They were placed in a 1,450M2 pond with an average depth of 1 meter. The control diet had a significantly higher final weight, daily weight gain (DWG), condition factor, and the most efficient food conversion ratio (FCR) and protein utilization efficiency (PER) than the test diets. Among the test diets, SF15CC20 had the highest absolute values for final weight, DWG, FCR and PER indicating that inclusion of up to 15% of sunflower and 20% of cotton seed cakes alongside the ingredients used in this study could be used for pond production of Nile tilapia. | "happas"; Fish feed; Plant-based protein; Pond | Gossypium hirsutum; Helianthus; Oreochromis niloticus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34147100219 | Effect of different methods of processing neem (Azadirachta indica) seeds on performance of young rabbits | Bawa G.S., Orunmuyi M., Agbaji A.S., Ladan Z., Okekeifi U.O. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 3 | None | National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Basawa, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Bawa, G.S., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Orunmuyi, M., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Agbaji, A.S., National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Basawa, Zaria, Nigeria; Ladan, Z., National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Basawa, Zaria, Nigeria; Okekeifi, U.O., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | A feeding trial using sixty (60) weaner rabbits with an average initial live weight of 560 ± 0.80g was conducted to determine the effects of different methods of processing neem seeds on their performance and carcass characteristics. The rabbits were assigned to five dietary treatments based on their initial live weight and sex. There were twelve individually caged rabbits per treatment. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (18% CP). Diet 1 (control) was a Maize-Groundnut cake based diet without neem seed. Diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had raw milled neem seed (RMNS), hydraulic press neem seed cake (HNSC), Solvent Extracted neem seed cake (SNSC) and Expeller neem seed cake (ENSC) included at 20% level, respectively. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Weekly feed intake and body weight changes were determined and feed efficiency calculated. At the end of the 63-day feeding trial, four rabbits per treatment were selected based on the group average weight and sacrificed for carcass evaluation. Blood samples were also obtained from the animals to evaluate Packcell volume (PCV), Haemoglobim (Hb) and Total protein (TP). The results showed that rabbits fed the processed neem seed cake diets had growth performance that were statistically comparable to those fed the control diet. Animals on processed neem seed cake diets had significantly (P<0.05) improved performance over and above those fed the raw neem seed diets. Animals on raw neem seed cake diet had consistently low value for PVC, Hb and TP. The use of solvent extracted neem seed cake in rabbit diet was favoured in this study. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Expeller extraction; Hydraulic extraction; Neem; Rabbit; Solvent extraction | hemoglobin; animal experiment; animal food; article; Azadirachta indica; blood analysis; blood sampling; body weight; controlled study; dietary intake; food analysis; food composition; food processing; hemoglobin determination; intermethod comparison; maize; nonhuman; nutritional health; nutritional value; peanut; plant seed; protein determination; solvent extraction; weight change; Animalia; Azadirachta indica; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755182077 | Effect of different pot sizes and growth media on the agronomic performance of jatropha curcas | Geply O.A., Baiyewu R.A., Adegoke I.A., Ayodele O.O., Ademola I.T. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 10 | None | Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria | Geply, O.A., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria; Baiyewu, R.A., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adegoke, I.A., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ayodele, O.O., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ademola, I.T., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria | This research study was carried out to investigate the effect of different pot sizes and growth media on the growth of Jatropha curcas. Two different pot sizes (5 cm by 10 cm) for big pot sizes and (21/2 cm by 21/2 cm by 6 cm) for small pot sizes and 3 different growth media made up of Top Soil, River Sand and Sawdust were used. Relative comparison in Jatropha curcas plant agronomic parameter such as plant height, stem girth and number of leaves, was determined and the values were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The result of the analysis shows a significant difference in the combination factor of treatment and weeks, for plant height, stem girth and number of leaves. From the mean value, River Sand in big pot (RB) has the highest value in height and girth with 7.2217 cm, 0.9950 mm respectively. While the highest number of leave was counted from Top Soil in big pot (TB) with 6.7333 cm. Based on the agronomic result obtained in this study, it can therefore be concluded that the best soil media for growing Jatropha curcas is River Sand and the best pot size is big pot (5 cm by 10 cm). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Agronomic; Height; Jatropha curcas; River sand; Stem girth | agricultural parameters; agronomy; article; controlled study; culture medium; Jatropha curcas; nonhuman; plant growth; plant height; plant leaf; plant leaf number; plant parameters; plant stem; pot size; river sand; sand; sawdust; soil analysis; stem girth; surface soil; top soil | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939517196 | Effect of different stocking density on nutrient utilization, growth performance and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) fry in recirculatory system | Kareem O.K., Olanrewaju A.N. | 2015 | Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science | 10 | 5 | 10.3923/jfas.2015.400.404 | Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibada, Nigeria; Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, P.M.B 1060, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Kareem, O.K., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibada, Nigeria; Olanrewaju, A.N., Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, P.M.B 1060, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Management of C. gariepinus fry in recirculating tank is one modern technique applied for fish culture in Nigeria. Since, this system is gaining popularity nationwide there is a dare need to investigate appropriate stocking density as already established for both concrete tanks and earthen pond system. Clarias gariepinus fry (0.14±0.01 g) were reared in indoor recirculating tanks (60.5 m3) at three different stocking rates 5000, 8000 and 12000 fry/tank as treatment LD, MD and HD respectively for a period of eight weeks. The experiment was duplicated and fish were fed 45% crude protein diet at 5% in four installments daily. The mean body weight gain and SGR decreased with increasing stocking density. The best growth performance (weight gain, length gain and SGR) was achieved in treatment LD. The lowest FCR (1.04±0.01) value was obtained in HD but show no significant difference (p>0.05) to other treatments. Percentage survival of the fish was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the stocking density with the highest value recorded in LD (86.8%). Waterquality parameters were within the recommended ranges throughout the experimental period. From this study, the stocking density of 5000 fry m-3 is recommended for efficient feed utilization, optimum growth performance and survival in a re-circulatory culture system. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Fish seed; Growth performance; Recirculating system; Stocking density | finfish; growth rate; growth response; recirculating system; stock assessment; stocking density; survival; Clarias gariepinus | None |
| None | None | Effect of diffusional mass transfer on the performance of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands in tropical climate conditions | Njau K.N., Gastory L., Eshton B., Katima J.H.Y., Minja R.J.A., Kimwaga R., Shaaban M. | 2011 | Water Science and Technology | 63 | 12 | 10.2166/wst.2011.640 | Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Njau, K.N., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Gastory, L., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Eshton, B., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Katima, J.H.Y., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Minja, R.J.A., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kimwaga, R., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Shaaban, M., Waste Stabilization Ponds and Constructed Wetland Research and Development Group, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | The effect of mass transfer on the removal rate constants of BOD 5, NH 3, NO 3 and TKN has been investigated in a Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland (HSSFCW) planted with Phragmites mauritianus. The plug flow model was assumed and the inlet and outlet concentrations were used to determine the observed removal rate constants. Mass transfer effects were studied by assessing the influence of interstitial velocity on pollutant removal rates in CW cells of different widths. The flow velocities varied between 3-46 m/d. Results indicate that the observed removal rate constants are highly influenced by the flow velocity. Correlation of dimensionless groups namely Reynolds Number (Re), Sherwood Number (Sh) and Schmidt Number (Sc) were applied and log-log plots of rate constants against velocity yielded straight lines with values β = 0.87 for BOD 5, 1.88 for NH 3, 1.20 for NO 3 and 0.94 for TKN. The correlation matched the expected for packed beds although the constant β was higher than expected for low Reynolds numbers. These results indicate that the design values of rate constants used to size wetlands are influenced by flow velocity. This paper suggests the incorporation of mass transfer into CW design procedures in order to improve the performance of CW systems and reduce land requirements. © IWA Publishing 2011. | Constructed wetlands; Mass transfer; Tropical climate | Constructed wetlands; Design procedure; Design value; Diffusional mass transfer; Dimensionless groups; Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands; Log-log plots; Low Reynolds number; Mass transfer effects; Outlet concentration; Phragmites; Plug flow models; Pollutant removal; Removal rate constant; Schmidt numbers; Sherwood numbers; Straight lines; Tropical climates; Flow velocity; Inlet flow; Mass transfer; Packed beds; Reynolds number; Velocity; Wetlands; Rate constants; ammonia; nitrate; nitrogen; total kjeldahl nitrogen; unclassified drug; ammonia; ammonium; biochemical oxygen demand; constructed wetland; correlation; diffusion; flow velocity; fluid flow; grass; mass transfer; nitrate; organic nitrogen; perennial plant; performance assessment; pollutant removal; subsurface flow; tropical environment; article; biochemical oxygen demand; concentration (parameters); diffusion; flow rate; land use; Phragmites mauritianus; plant; pollutant; tropic climate; wetland; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Facility Design and Construction; Hydrodynamics; Models, Theoretical; Tanzania; Tropical Climate; Water Movements; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification; Wetlands; Phragmites mauritianus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62949189506 | Effect of doe milking and supplementation using Dichrostachys cinerea pods on kid and doe performance in grazing goats during the dry season | Maphosa V., Sikosana J.L.N., Muchenje V. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 4 | 10.1007/s11250-008-9218-2 | Matopos Research Station, P. Bag K 5137, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Zimbabwe Open University, P.O. Box 3550, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Maphosa, V., Matopos Research Station, P. Bag K 5137, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Sikosana, J.L.N., Matopos Research Station, P. Bag K 5137, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Muchenje, V., Zimbabwe Open University, P.O. Box 3550, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Effects of supplementation and milking of Matebele does four weeks pre-partum to weaning, on milk yield, kid birth weight and growth rate were studied. Forty does were divided into four treatments: supplemented and milked (SM), supplemented and not milked (SNM), not supplemented and milked (NSM); and not supplemented and not milked (NSNM). Supplemented goats were given 200 g/doe/day of Dichrostachys cinerea pods containing 19% CP. The study was carried out in September during time of feed unavailability and animals were grazed on rangelands for seven hours before being given the supplement. Fifty-six kids were born from all the experimental animals and 24 were singles whereas 32 were twins. Milk yield was higher (P<0.05) in supplemented than non-supplemented does. Although supplementation had no effect on kid birth weights, growth rates were higher (P<0.05) in the SNM group (103±10.1 g/day) than in the SM group (74±10.8 g/day). Among the non-supplemented groups, kids from milked does had higher (P<0.05) daily gains (85±10.9 g/day) than those from non-milked does (67±10.7 g/day). Weaning weights were higher (P<0.05) in SNM does (12.8±1.30 g/day) than in the SM does (10.2±1.17 g/day). Among kids from the non-supplemented does, those from milked does had superior (P<0.05) weaning weights (11.2±1.23 g/day) than those from non - milked does (9.2±1.27 g/day). Mortalities were also lowest in kids born from SNM does. It is concluded that pre-partum to weaning supplementation generally increases milk production which then increases kids growth rates and weaning weights, as well as reduce kid mortalities. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Doe performance; Goat milking; Kid performance; Matebele goat; Supplementation | animal; animal disease; animal food; animal husbandry; article; chemistry; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; dairying; diet; female; goat; growth, development and aging; lactation; legume; milk; physiology; randomized controlled trial; season; suckling; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Animals, Suckling; Dairying; Diet; Fabaceae; Female; Goats; Lactation; Milk; Seasons; Animalia; Capra hircus; Dichrostachys cinerea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846268795 | Effect of drilled solids on drilling rate and performance | Njobuenwu D.O., Wobo C.A. | 2007 | Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering | 55 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.petrol.2006.08.012 | Chemical/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, Nigeria | Njobuenwu, 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, Nigeria | This 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 Mud | Drilled 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 assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250774462 | Effect of duration of cooking of Lablab purpureus beans on the performance organ weight and haematological parameters of Shika-brown pullet chicks | Abeke F.O., Ogundipe S.O., Oladele S., Sekoni A.A., Dafwang I.I., Adeyinka I.A., Oni O.O., Abeke A. | 2007 | Journal of Biological Sciences | 7 | 3 | None | National Animal Production Institute, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; Faculty of Veterinary Teaching Hospital ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; National Agric. Extension and Research Liaison Services, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria | Abeke, F.O., National Animal Production Institute, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; Ogundipe, S.O., National Animal Production Institute, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; Oladele, S., Faculty of Veterinary Teaching Hospital ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; Sekoni, A.A., National Animal Production Institute, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; Dafwang, I.I., National Agric. Extension and Research Liaison Services, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; Adeyinka, I.A., National Animal Production Institute, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; Oni, O.O., National Animal Production Institute, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria; Abeke, A., National Animal Production Institute, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria | The effect of duration of cooking of Lablab purpureus beans on the performance, organ weight and haematological parameters of Shika-brown pullet chicks from 0-8 weeks was investigated. Eight dietary treatments of which seven in which Lablab purpureus beans cooked for 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min) was included and a control (Corn-Soyacake-Groundnut-cake based diet) were formulated. These were replicated three times with 25 birds per replicate in a complete randomized design. The birds were managed under the deep litter system. Results obtained showed that cooking time had significant (p<0.05) improvement on performance characteristics such as final weight, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and percent mortality. Organ weights such as the liver, the heart and the pancreas decreased as the duration of cooking increased while haematological parameters such as the Total Protein (TP), the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and the Haemoglobin (Hb) increased slightly, (although not significantly) in the blood up to about 30 min of cooking before decreasing as the duration of cooking continued to increase. These observations are indications that higher durations of cooking up to about 30 min render the nutrients in the raw lablab seeds more available for utilization by the birds. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Antinutritional factors; Cooking duration; Haematological parameters; Lablab beans organ weights; Pullet chicks | hemoglobin; plasma protein; animal experiment; animal food; article; bean; blood volume; chick; cooking; corn; erythrocyte concentrate; food analysis; food processing; heart weight; hematological parameters; hemoglobin blood level; liver weight; mortality; nonhuman; nutritional value; organ weight; pancreas; peanut; plant seed; protein blood level; soybean; time; weight gain; Aves; Lablab; Lablab purpureus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847764042 | Effect of ectoparasites on quality of pickled skins and their impact on the tanning industries in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia | Sertse T., Wossene A. | 2007 | Small Ruminant Research | 69 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.12.011 | Department of Veterinary Service, Amhara Regional State, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Sertse, T., Department of Veterinary Service, Amhara Regional State, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Wossene, A., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Five groups of 20 infested skins with different ectoparasites and different levels of infestation and two groups of negative control skins from sheep and goats were examined for their corresponding defects at the pickled or wet blue stage of processing in tanneries. In addition, an analysis of skin defects was made from randomly selected processed skins at Kombolcha and Dessei tanneries. The prevalence of 'ekek' (cockle) at the pickled stage in Damalina ovis and Melophagus ovinus-infested sheep skins were 100 and 95%, respectively. Pickled goat skins affected by sarcoptic mange and Linognathus spp. were 100 and 0% positive for 'ekek' (cockle) lesion, respectively. The prevalence in control sheep and goat skins were 15 and 0%, respectively. There was a strong association (p < 0.05) between 'ekek' and infestation with M. ovinus and D. ovis in sheep and sarcoptic mange in goats. Follow-up of randomly selected 1000 pickled sheep skins and 1000 wet blue goat skins revealed that 71% of pickled sheep and 42% of wet blue goat skins had 'ekek' lesions. As the proportion of 'ekek' increased, the quality of graded skins decreased both in sheep and goats. Both on pickled sheep and wet blue goat skins, scratch and scars were found to have a strong association (p < 0.05) with 'ekek'. The annual economic loses in 2002/2003 due to 'ekek' at the two tanneries was estimated to be 1.6 million USD for pickled sheep and 0.6 million USD for wet blue goat skins. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Ectoparasites; Ethiopia; Skin defects; Small ruminants; Tannery | Bovidae; Capra hircus; Linognathus; Melophagus ovinus; Ovis; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944789912 | Effect of educational outreach timing and duration on facility performance for infectious disease care in Uganda: A trial with pre-post and cluster randomized controlled components | Burnett S.M., Mbonye M.K., Naikoba S., Stella Z.-M., Kinoti S.N., Ronald A., Rubashembusya T., Willis K.S., Colebunders R., Manabe Y.C., Weaver M.R. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0136966 | Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States; Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Center for Human Services, University Research Co. LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; PATH, Seattle, WA, United States; Save the Children, Kampala, Uganda; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Uganda Country Office, Wandegeya, Uganda; Fio Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management, Manchester, United Kingdom; U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Rockville, MD, United States | Burnett, S.M., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, PATH, Seattle, WA, United States; Mbonye, M.K., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Naikoba, S., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Save the Children, Kampala, Uganda; Stella, Z.-M., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Uganda Country Office, Wandegeya, Uganda; Kinoti, S.N., Center for Human Services, University Research Co. LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States, Fio Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Ronald, A., Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Rubashembusya, T., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management, Manchester, United Kingdom; Willis, K.S., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Rockville, MD, United States; Colebunders, R., Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Manabe, Y.C., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Weaver, M.R., International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Background: Classroom-based learning is often insufficient to ensure high quality care and application of health care guidelines. Educational outreach is garnering attention as a supplemental method to enhance health care worker capacity, yet there is little information about the timing and duration required to improve facility performance. We sought to evaluate the effects of an infectious disease training program followed by either immediate or delayed on-site support (OSS), an educational outreach approach, on nine facility performance indicators for emergency triage, assessment, and treatment; malaria; and pneumonia. We also compared the effects of nine monthly OSS visits to extended OSS, with three additional visits over six months. Methods: This study was conducted at 36 health facilities in Uganda, covering 1,275,960 outpatient visits over 23 months. From April 2010 to December 2010, 36 sites received infectious disease training; 18 randomly selected sites in arm A received nine monthly OSS visits (immediate OSS) and 18 sites in arm B did not. From March 2011 to September 2011, arm A sites received three additional visits every two months (extended OSS), while the arm B sites received eight monthly OSS visits (delayed OSS). We compared the combined effect of training and delayed OSS to training followed by immediate OSS to determine the effect of delaying OSS implementation by nine months. We also compared facility performance in arm A during the extended OSS to immediate OSS to examine the effect of additional, less frequent OSS. Results: Delayed OSS, when combined with training, was associated with significant pre/post improvements in four indicators: outpatients triaged (44% vs. 87%, aRR = 1.54, 99% CI = 1.11, 2.15); emergency and priority patients admitted, detained, or referred (16% vs. 31%, aRR = 1.74, 99% CI = 1.10, 2.75); patients with a negative malaria test result prescribed an antimalarial (53% vs. 34%, aRR = 0.67, 99% CI = 0.55, 0.82); and pneumonia suspects assessed for pneumonia (6% vs. 27%, aRR = 2.97, 99% CI = 1.44, 6.17). Differences between the delayed OSS and immediate OSS arms were not statistically significant for any of the nine indicators (all adjusted relative RR (aRRR) between 0.76-1.44, all p>0.06). Extended OSS was associated with significant improvement in two indicators (outpatients triaged: aRR = 1.09, 99% CI = 1.01; emergency and priority patients admitted, detained, or referred: aRR = 1.22, 99% CI = 1.01, 1.38) and decline in one (pneumonia suspects assessed for pneumonia: aRR: 0.93; 99% CI = 0.88, 0.98). Conclusions: Educational outreach held up to nine months after training had similar effects on facility performance as educational outreach started within one month post-training. Six months of bimonthly educational outreach maintained facility performance gains, but incremental improvements were heterogeneous. Copyright: © 2015 Burnett et al. | None | Article; case management; clinical assessment; controlled study; emergency health service; fever; health care facility; health care quality; human; infection control; malaria; medical education; outcome assessment; pneumonia; randomized controlled trial; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746185191 | Effect of enzyme supplementation of palm kernel meal and brewer's dried grain on the performance of broilers | Iyayi E.A., Davies B.I. | 2005 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 4 | 2 | 10.3923/ijps.2005.76.80 | Institut für Enährungswissenchaften, Martin-Luther-Universität, Emil-Abderhalden-Str. 26, 06108 Halle, Germany; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Iyayi, E.A., Institut für Enährungswissenchaften, Martin-Luther-Universität, Emil-Abderhalden-Str. 26, 06108 Halle, Germany, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Davies, B.I., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Seventy-two male broiler chickens were randomly distributed into groups of 6 totaling 12 groups. Three diets (Diet 1-Basal, maize-based with no enzyme; Diet 2-BDG + Enzyme-based and Diet 3-PKM + Enzyme-based) were formulated and randomly offered to any 4 of the groups. The aim was to compare the performance of the birds on the enzyme supplemented high fibre diets with those on the maize-based diet with no enzyme supplementation. Weight gain and feed intake were significantly (p<0.05) higher on the enzyme supplemented BDG and PKM diets at the starter phase. At the finisher phase, while feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) increased with enzyme supplementation, the weight gain was not significantly affected. The FCR also did not significantly change with enzyme supplementation at the starter phase, but at the finisher phase, feed conversion was significantly (p<0.05) poorer. Carcass measures did not significantly change with enzyme supplementation. Weight of the pancreas was significantly (p<0.05) increased and that of the kidney significantly (p<0.05) reduced in birds on the enzyme supplemented BDG and PKM diets. Apparent digestibility of crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre was significantly (p<0.05) higher with enzyme supplementation. The cost of feed per kg weight gain was lower in the enzyme supplemented diets only at the starter phase. But at the finisher phase, enzyme supplementation did not have any benefit in terms of feed cost. Enzyme supplementation resulted in the reduction of the amount of maize needed in the diets of the birds by 31% and 52% at the starter and finisher phases, respectively. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2005. | Brewer's dried grain (BDG); Broiler; Enzyme; Palm kernel meal (PKM) | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748608268 | Effect of enzyme supplemented cassava root sieviate on egg quality gut morphology and performance of egg type chickens | Aderemi F.A., Lawal T.E., Alabi O.M., Ladokun O.A., Adeyemo G.O. | 2006 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 5 | 6 | 10.3923/ijps.2006.526.529 | Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Management Bowen University (of the Nigerian Baptist Convention) Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Lead City University Ibadan, Ni | Aderemi, F.A., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Management Bowen University (of the Nigerian Baptist Convention) Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria; Lawal, T.E., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Management Bowen University (of the Nigerian Baptist Convention) Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria; Alabi, O.M., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Management Bowen University (of the Nigerian Baptist Convention) Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria; Ladokun, O.A., Department of Biochemistry, Lead City University Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeyemo, G.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Enzymic supplementation of cassava root sieviate (CRS) in cassava -based diet was investigated in layers. One hundred and twenty laying birds of Nera strain at 22 weeks old were divided into twelve groups and randomly assigned to the four groups of diets. It lasted for 84 days at the teaching and research farm of the university of Ibadan Nigeria. Results of control avizyme and dried pure yeast (DPY) supplemented diet were similar and significantly (P<0.05) higher than unsupplemented cassava diets. Feed intake revealed that layers fed cassava-based diet had lower consumption when compared to those fed control. Feed conversion however showed that those layers on DPY supplemented diet were significantly (P<0.05) better than others. Final body weight of the layers showed that those on control were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than others. The kidney, heart, abdominal fat and oviduct of layers cassava diet either supplemented or not were significantly (P<0.05) reduced when compared with others on control. The gizzard weight of layers fed unsupplemented and supplemented was also significantly (P<0.05) increased. No mortality was recorded during the feeding trial. Considering egg production layers on control performed better than others, economically DPY diet ranked second to control. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Cassava root sieviate; Egg quality parameters; Gut morphology; Performance | Aves; Gallus gallus; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-14544296163 | Effect of feeding cassava fruit coat meal on the nutrient digestibility and performance of broilers | Iyayi E.A., Fayoyin F.K. | 2005 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 17 | 1 | None | Inst. F. Enährungswissenchaften, Martin-Luther-Universität, Emil-Abderhaldenstr. 26, 06108 Halle, Germany; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Iyayi, E.A., Inst. F. Enährungswissenchaften, Martin-Luther-Universität, Emil-Abderhaldenstr. 26, 06108 Halle, Germany; Fayoyin, F.K., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The replacement value of a by-product of cassava harvesting - cassava fruit coat (CFC) meal - for wheat bran for broiler production was investigated. CFC was produced by milling dried cassava fruits often discarded after harvesting the roots and stems. The CFC meal was used to replace 25, 50, 75 and 100% wheat bran (w/w) in a basal diet for broilers. Seventy-five one-week old broiler chicks were distributed into 15 pens each holding 5 birds. Each of the 5 experimental diets was allocated at random to 3 pens. At the end of the first 4 weeks (starter phase), the diets were switched to finisher diets for a further 4-week period. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Data were recorded and analysed on pen basis. CFC meal had a crude protein of 44 g/kg and crude fibre of 149 g/kg. All production parameters, other than mortality, deteriorated as the degreed of substitution of wheat bran by CFC was increased. The apparent digestibilities of dry matter and nutrients were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by dietary increase in level of CFC. It is concluded that CFC can replace up to 50% of the wheat bran requirement for feeding broilers in the finisher phase, but higher levels markedly reduce performance. | Broilers; Cassava fruit coat meal; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910124960 | Effect of feeding cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) root meal on growth performance, hydrocyanide intake and haematological parameters of broiler chicks | Akapo A.O., Oso A.O., Bamgbose A.M., Sanwo K.A., Jegede A.V., Sobayo R.A., Idowu O.M., Fan J., Li L., Olorunsola R.A. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 46 | 7 | 10.1007/s11250-014-0622-5 | Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, Institute of | Akapo, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China; Bamgbose, A.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sanwo, K.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Jegede, A.V., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sobayo, R.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Idowu, O.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Fan, J., Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China; Li, L., Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Human Health, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China; Olorunsola, R.A., Faculty of Science, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Ondo, Nigeria | The effect of feeding cassava root meal on growth performance, hydrocyanide intake, haematological indices and serum thiocyanate concentration of broiler chicks was investigated using 300-day-old male broilers. There were five dietary treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement of two processing methods of cassava root (peeled and unpeeled) included at two levels (100 and 200 g/kg) plus a control diet (maize-based diet, containing no cassava root). Each treatment was replicated six times with ten birds per replicate. The feeding trial lasted for 28 days. Control-fed birds had the highest overall (P < 0.01) final liveweight and weight gain, least (P < 0.05) hydrocyanide (HCN) intake and best (P < 0.05) feed-to-gain ratio. Chicks fed with control and diet containing 100 g/kg peeled cassava root meal (PCRM) had the least (P < 0.05) feed cost per weight gain. Chicks fed with diet containing 100 g/kg cassava root meal had higher (P < 0.05) final liveweight and weight gain and reduced (P < 0.05) HCN intake than chicks fed with diet containing 200 g/kg cassava root meal. Dietary inclusion of peeled cassava root meal (PCRM) for broiler chicks resulted in increased final liveweight (P < 0.05), weight gain (P < 0.01) and feed intake (P < 0.01) when compared with birds fed with diet containing unpeeled cassava root meal (UCRM). The least (P < 0.01) final liveweight and weight gain and worst (P < 0.05) feed-to-gain ratio were obtained with chicks fed with diet containing 200 g/kg UCRM. Increased dietary inclusion levels of cassava root resulted in significant increase (P < 0.05) in white blood cell (WBC) count, heterophil count and serum thiocyanate concentration. In comparison with chicks fed with diet containing UCRM, dietary inclusion of PCRM resulted in increased (P < 0.05) red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and reduced (P < 0.05) white blood cell (WBC) count and serum thiocyanate concentration. Although inclusion of 100 g/kg PCRM showed some economic sense, dietary inclusion of either peeled or unpeeled cassava root poses a threat on growth and health status of broiler chicks. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Broiler chicks; Cassava root meal; Hydrocyanide intake; Peeling process; Serum thiocyanate | hydrogen cyanide; analysis; animal; animal food; animal husbandry; blood; body weight; chemistry; chicken; controlled study; diet; drug effects; eating; growth, development and aging; maize; male; Manihot; metabolism; plant root; procedures; randomized controlled trial; veterinary; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Weight; Chickens; Diet; Eating; Hydrogen Cyanide; Male; Manihot; Plant Roots; Weight Gain; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247346043 | Effect of feeding different grain sources on the growth performance and body composition of tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed in outdoor hapas | Solomon S.G., Tiamiyu L.O., Agaba U.J. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 3 | None | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Solomon, S.G., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Tiamiyu, L.O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Agaba, U.J., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | The study investigated the growth performance and body composition of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L) fingerlings (4.70g ± 0.09) fed Isonitrogenous and Isoenergetic diet of 25% crude protein containing different grain sources (maize, wheat, rice, sorghum and millet) designated DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 and DT5 respectively. The study lasted for 56 days. Fish fed a diet containing maize gave the highest mean weight gain (MWG) of 6.05g; highest specific growth rate (SGR) of 1.47; best food conversion ratio (FCR) of 3.31 and the best Protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 0.93. Fish fed diet containing rice gave the poorest MWG of 4.70g and the poorest SGR, FCR and PER values. However, there is no significant difference in the values of SGR, FCR, PER and ANPU recorded for the five diets (P > 0.05). There was a difference in MWG of Fish Fed Diet 1 (Maize compared to the fish fed Rice and Millet (P<0.05). The maize diet produced fish with higher ether extract and Crude Protein in the body than fish fed the other grains. The difference in ether extract and crude protein among the five diets was however not significantly different (P>0.05). It can be concluded that cereal grains inclusion in the diet of Tilapia up to 57.90% can be effectively utilized by the fish with maize being the best followed closely by sorghum while rice remain the poorest in terms of growth response and nutrient utilization. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Cereal grains; Fingerlings; Tilapia | animal food; aquaculture; article; body composition; cereal; energy consumption; fish; food intake; grain; growth rate; maize; millet; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional support; protein intake; rice; sorghum; Tilapia; weight gain; wheat; Oreochromis niloticus; Tilapia; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955566048 | Effect of feeding ensiled maize grain on rumen development and calf rearing performance | Sosin-Bzducha E., Strzetelski J., Borowiec F., Kowalczyk J., Okoń K. | 2010 | Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences | 19 | 2 | None | Department of Genetic Resources Conservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice, Poland; Department of Animal Nutriti | Sosin-Bzducha, E., Department of Genetic Resources Conservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Nigeria; Strzetelski, J., Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice, Poland; Borowiec, F., Department of Animal Nutrition, National Research Institute of Animal Production, University of Agriculture in Kraków, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland; Kowalczyk, J., Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jablonna, Poland; Okoń, K., Department of Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Grzegórzewska 12, 31-531 Krakow, Poland | The aim of the study was to determine the effect of replacing barley grain or dry maize (50% by weight) in feed mixtures for calves with ensiled high-moisture maize grain on ruminal and postruminal digestibility of starch, rumen development parameters and rearing performance of calves. The experiment was carried out with 40 bull calves aged between 10 ± 3 and 90 days divided into 4 groups of 10 animals per group. The main source of dietary starch was barley in the control group (B), dry maize grain in group MD, 50% barley and 50% ensiled maize grain in group BMS, and 50% dry maize grain and 50% ensiled maize grain in group MDMS. The results obtained show that rolled ensiled maize grain can be successfully used in diets for calves reared from 10 to 90 days of age to replace (50% by weight) dry rolled barley or maize grain. However, slightly better production results were obtained when feeding a barley and ensiled maize grain diet, which is probably due to the better intestinal digestibility of protein and starch, as shown by higher intestinal digestibility coefficients of protein and starch as well as lower faecal starch losses. The addition of ensiled maize grain to the diets did not cause significant changes in rumen fermentation, although there was a slight increase in total VFA concentration and proportion of butyric acid, a reduction in pH of rumen fluid, and calves tended to have higher serum β-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations at 10 and 12 weeks of age. The replacement of dry grains with ensiled maize grain in the diets for calves did not have an unambiguously favourable effect on rumen papillae development while improving wall thickness of the ventral ruminal sac. | Calf; Performance; Rumen development; Starch | Animalia; Hordeum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886721009 | Effect of feeding graded levels of Moringa stenopetala leaf meal on growth performance, carcass traits and some serum biochemical parameters of Koekoek chickens | Melesse A., Getye Y., Berihun K., Banerjee S. | 2013 | Livestock Science | 157 | 42403 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.08.012 | Hawassa University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Hohenheim University, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Germany; Debre Berhan University, College of Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia | Melesse, A., Hawassa University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa, Ethiopia, Hohenheim University, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Germany; Getye, Y., Debre Berhan University, College of Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; Berihun, K., Hawassa University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Banerjee, S., Hawassa University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The aim of the present study was to evaluate Moringa stenopetala leaf meal (MLM) as alternative cheap source of protein in the diets of grower Koekoek chicken breeds. Two hundred 15-day old chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments consisting of a control diet (T1) and those containing MLM at the levels of 50. g/kg (T2), 80. g/kg (T3), 110. g/kg (T4) and 140. g/kg (T5) replacing the roasted soybean of the control diet. The experimental period lasted for 14 weeks inclusive of 2 weeks of diet adaptation. The results indicated that chickens reared on diets containing MLM consumed more (p<0.01) feed than those of the control diet. There were no significant differences in feed conversion ratio among treatment diets except in those fed T5 which had the lowest value. Chickens fed on T2, T3 and T4 had higher (p<0.01) weight gain and final body weight values than those fed T1 and T5 diets. Chickens fed T3, T4 and T5 diets had higher (p<0.01) weights of dressed carcass, thighs, drumsticks and wings than those of the control diet (T1). Significantly (p<0.01) higher slaughter weight was obtained from chickens fed T3 and T4 diets than those of T1. Chickens fed T4 and T5 diets had the highest dressing and breast yields which differed (p<0.01) from the other treatment diets. Serum total protein levels increased (p<0.05) in chickens fed MLM. The values of serum alanine transaminase and of serum urea were reduced (p<0.05) in chickens fed T3 and T4 diets. It can be concluded that Moringa stenopetala leaf meal could be used as alternative cheap source of protein for the emerging poultry industry of tropical regions. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Biochemical parameters; Carcass traits; Growth traits; Keokoek chicken; Moringa stenopetala leaf meal | Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Moringa; Moringa stenopetala | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547655503 | Effect of feeding graded levels of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) seed meal on the performance characteristics of West African Dwarf goat | Belewu M.A., Orisameyiti B.R., Ajibola K.A. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Production, Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Belewu, M.A., Department of Animal Production, Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Orisameyiti, B.R., Department of Animal Production, Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ajibola, K.A., Department of Animal Production, Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | The efficacy of Tigernut seed meal in the diet of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats was evaluated in a completely randomized design model for a 56 day period. The diets consist of A (control, without Tigernut seed meal), B (10% Tigernut seed meal plus 28% wheat offal) and C (20% Tigernut seed meal plus 18% wheat offal). Other ingredients are of fixed percentages. The results revealed increasing crude protein and acid detergent fibre contents as the Tigernut seed meal increased. The intakes of the two components (crude protein and acid detergent fibre) were significantly higher in diet C compared to other diets However, the crude protein digestibility was similar in all the diets while the acid detergent fibre digestibility of the Tigernut seed meal based diet was superior (p<0.05) to that of the control. The ether extract intake and digestibility were higher (p<0.05) for diets B and C (Tigernut seed meal based diets) compared to diet A (control). The crude fibre digestibility of diet C was numerically higher than that of diet A (control) which are similar (p>0.05). Animals on Tigernut seed meal based diet gained more weight than those on diet A (control) due probably to higher feed efficiency of these diets (B and C). In conclusion, a Tigernut seed meal could form part of the complete diet, supplying both protein and energy supplements in the diet of ruminant animals. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Digestibility; Feed intake; Tigernut seed meal; Weight gain; West African dwarf goat | detergent; ether; protein; animal experiment; animal food; article; bovids; controlled study; Cyperus; diet supplementation; digestion; food composition; food intake; goat; nonhuman; physical performance; productivity; protein content; weight gain; wheat; Animalia; Capra hircus; Cyperus esculentus; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880115352 | Effect of feeding Prosopis juliflora pods and leaves on performance and carcass characteristics of Afar sheep | Ali A.S., Tudsri S., Rungmekarat S., Kaewtrakulpong K. | 2012 | Kasetsart Journal - Natural Science | 46 | 6 | None | Afar Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research Institute, Afar Region, Samara 16, Ethiopia; Department of Agronomy, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Department of Farm Mechanics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand | Ali, A.S., Afar Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research Institute, Afar Region, Samara 16, Ethiopia; Tudsri, S., Department of Agronomy, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Rungmekarat, S., Department of Agronomy, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Kaewtrakulpong, K., Department of Farm Mechanics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand | Twenty Afar male sheep with initial mean body weight ± SD of 17.87 ± 1.19 kg were used to evaluate the effect of replacing commercial feed with Prosopis juliflora pods and leaves on growth performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics. Animals were equally divided into four dietary treatment groups for 120 d (Rhode grass hay (RGH), RGH + 300 g ground P. juliflora pods (PJP), RGH + 150 g each ground P. juliflora pods and leaves mix (PJPLM) and RGH + 300 g commercial concentrate mix (CCM) per head per day). Total dry matter and crude protein intakes increased (P < 0.05) in treatments supplemented with ground PJP and CCM. The average weight gain and meat quality parameters obtained by supplementing with 300 g ground PJP were significantly higher than the RGH and PJPLM treatment groups, but were comparable with that of CCM. The present study demonstrated the potential of using PJP for Afar lambs without adverse effects on growth and carcass characteristics. However, the intake of PJP reduced when mixed with leaves and this indicates the leaves are unpalatable. | Afar sheep; Carcass characteristics; Feed intake; Growth; Prosopis juliflora | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650688699 | Effect of feeding urea treated wheat straw based diet on biological performances and economic benefits of lactating Boran-Friesian crossbred dairy cows | Mesfin R., Ktaw G. | 2010 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 22 | 12 | None | Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O.Box. 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Mesfin, R., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O.Box. 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ktaw, G., Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Holetta Research Center, P.O.Box. 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The study was carried out at Holetta research center, Ethiopia aiming at identifying the feeding value of urea treated wheat straw for crossbred dairy cows as compared to untreated straw. The experimental animals (Boran x Friesian crossbred dairy cow) were used in Latin square design to study effect of feeding urea treated wheat straw, untreated wheat straw and hay on feed intake, milk yield, milk composition and economic benefits. As a result of the treatment, crude protein (CP) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) has risen from 20 to 57.8 (g/kg) and from 311 to 435 (g/kg) respectively. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) has reduced from 808 to 761 (g/kg) but Ash percent has increased from 74 to 96 (g/kg). Rumen degradability of all experimental feeds has increased across incubation hours. At 96 hrs of incubation, treatment of straw with urea has resulted to an increase from 403 to 500 g/kg. Highly significant (P< 0.05) differences were observed between roughage intakes. Cows fed hay based diet, urea treated straw based diet and untreated wheat straw based diet have consumed 9, 5.5 and 5 kg DM feed respectively. The difference between concentrate intakes was also highly significant (p<0.05). Cows fed hay-based diet have consumed the highest amount (4.29kg) of concentrate. Cows fed urea treated straw have consumed higher concentrate (4.22kg) than those fed untreated wheat straw based diets (4.03kg). Highly significant (P<0.05) differences were observed on total DM intake. Cows fed hay-based diet have consumed the highest (13 kg) total dry matter. Cows fed urea treated wheat straw based diet has consumed higher total dry matter (10kg) than those fed untreated straw based diet (9.6kg). With regard to nutrient intake, highly significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in intake of total crude protein (CP). Cows fed hay-based diet have consumed the highest CP (1508 g/c/d). Cows fed urea treated straw based diet have consumed higher CP (1248.9 g/c/d) than cows fed untreated straw based diet (1047.8 g/c/d). Highly significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in intake of total metabolizable energy (ME). Cows fed hay-based diet have consumed the highest ME (133 MJ/c/d). Cows fed urea treated straw based diet have consumed higher ME (92.9 MJ/c/d) than those fed untreated straw (82.44 MJ/c/d). Effects of experimental feeds on daily milk yield were highly significant (P<00.05). Cows fed hay-based diet have produced the highest milk (10.61t/cow/day). Cows fed urea treated wheat straw based diet has produced higher milk (91t/cow/day) than cows fed untreated wheat straw based diet (81t/cow/day). Effects of experimental diets on milk fat, lactose and total solids haven't differed significantly (P>0.05). However, highly significant (P<0.001) differences on milk protein were observed. Cows fed hay based diet, untreated wheat straw based diet and urea treated wheat straw based diet have produced 3.34%, 3.06% and 3.11% protein /cow/day respectively. Cows fed urea treated wheat straw based diet on average has got higher live weight (370kg) than cows fed hay-based diet (361.8kg). Cows fed untreated wheat straw based diet has relatively the least weight (357kg). Based on milk price paid by private consumers, with 8.00 Birr/1t milk, the highest net return (58.9 Birr/cow/day) was found from cows fed hay based diet. This was followed by urea treated straw based diet which has better net return of 52.6 ETB/cow/day than untreated straw based diet which had a net return of (49 Birr/cow/day). | Concentrate; Hay; Highland jeldu; Holetta; Milking cows; Molasses; Western shoa | Animalia; Bos; Friesia; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922553428 | Effect of feed restriction and ascorbic acid supplementation on growth performance, rectal temperature and respiratory rate of broiler chicken | Olukomaiya O.O., Adeyemi O.A., Sogunle O.M., Abioja M.O., Ogunsola I.A. | 2015 | Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences | 25 | 1 | None | Department 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, Abe | Olukomaiya, 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, Nigeria | A 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 rate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956973322 | Effect of fermentation of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit peel on its phytonutrients and the performance of broiler starter | Oluremi O.I.A., Okafor F.N., Adenkola A.Y., Orayaga K.T. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Physiolog | Oluremi, O.I.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Okafor, F.N., Department of Animal Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Adenkola, A.Y., Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Orayaga, K.T., Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | A 5-week feeding trial to determine the effect of fermentation of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit peel on its maize replacement value in broiler starter diet was conducted. Sweet orange fruit peels were collected from peeled orange sellers and divided into three portions. The first portion was not fermented (SPo), while the second and third portions were fermented for 24hrs (SP24) and 48hrs (SP48), respectively. They were separately sun-dried, milled and samples screened and analyzed for phytonutrients. Four different diets namely the control (CD) and three test diets SPoD, SP24D and SP4sD in which SPo, SP24D and SP48 replaced maize in the control diet (CD) at 30% level in that order were compounded. Seven-day old one hundred and twenty Anak 2000 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to these diet groups to evaluate their performance. There was a decrease in the concentration of each of oxalate, flavonoid, tannin, saponin and phytate detected in the peels as the duration of fermentation increased from 0 to 48hrs. Thirty percent replacement of maize by the fermented sweet orange fruit peel meal depressed body weight gain (p<0.01), feed intake (p<0.05) and live weight (p<0.01) of broiler starter. The fermentation technique used in this study did not improve the nutritive value of the sweet orange fruit peels to enhance its suitability as a feed resource in broiler starter production. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Broiler starter; Performance; Phytonutrients; Sweet orange peel | Citrus sinensis; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33947381764 | Effect of flow maldistribution on thermal performance of a solar air heater array with subcollectors in parallel | Karwa R., Karwa N., Misra R., Agarwal P.C. | 2007 | Energy | 32 | 7 | 10.1016/j.energy.2006.08.002 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 385, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, 110 016, India; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 342 011, India | Karwa, R., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 385, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Karwa, N., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, 110 016, India; Misra, R., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 342 011, India; Agarwal, P.C., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 342 011, India | This paper presents results of a theoretical study carried out to investigate the effect of flow maldistribution, caused by the manufacturing imperfections and tolerances, on the thermal efficiency of a solar air heater array with subcollectors in parallel. The air mass flow rate, ambient temperature, solar insolation and wind heat transfer coefficient have been systematically varied to study the effect under a wide range of these parameters. The collector length, duct height, and plate emissivity were also changed to study their effect. It has been found that the maximum reduction in thermal efficiency due to flow maldistribution is less than about 3% for an array with a commercial grade finish of duct surfaces and ±10% manufacturing tolerance for the duct height. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flow imbalance; Solar air heater array; Subcollectors in parallel; Thermal performance | Heat transfer coefficients; Natural convection; Solar collectors; Thermal effects; Flow imbalance; Solar air heater array; Subcollectors in parallel; Thermal performance; Solar heating; Heat transfer coefficients; Natural convection; Solar collectors; Solar heating; Thermal effects; air mass; flow pattern; performance assessment; photovoltaic system | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054084613 | Effect of fragment-based perturbations on the disaggregation performance of a VLB streamflow generator | Ndiritu J.G. | 2011 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 36 | 14-15 | 10.1016/j.pce.2011.07.076 | School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa | Ndiritu, J.G., School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa | In order to adequately incorporate measures of reliability in water resources planning, synthetically generated streamflow sequences are often applied in addition to historic time series. In spite of decades of research on parametric stochastic generation methods, their practical use has not been prevalent and some practitioners have been applying much simpler non-parametric bootstrap methods. The traditional bootstrap however does not provide any flows other than those in the historic record and consequently obtains synthetic sequences of low variability. This considerably limits its value as an effective stochastic generator. The Variable Length Block (VLB) bootstrap was recently developed to get rid of this limitation and to enable a more realistic replication of multi-annual flow variability by using blocks of variable length. VLB replicates annual and monthly statistics reasonably but over-estimates the minimum monthly flows and also tends to over-estimate the skewness of monthly flows. VLB also has a tendency to under-estimate serial correlation towards the middle of the year and to over-estimate correlation closer to the end and the beginning of the year. This study presents an attempt to remove these deficiencies of the VLB disaggregation scheme. The disaggregation uses a weighted average of historic fragments (monthly flow/annual flow) obtained from historic matching years with perturbations superimposed to counter the smoothing effect of averaging. The perturbations are subjectively obtained from a triangular distribution and perturbations derived to specifically recover the monthly flow structure (after smoothing) are tried out in the new scheme. These perturbations are obtained as weighted difference of pairs of fragments from historic matching years. Disaggregation using these perturbations is tested on a 5-site stochastic data generation problem. Sixty-eight years of naturalized monthly flows are used and 101 synthetic sequences are generated simultaneously at the 5 sites. The fragment-based perturbations are found to result in gross under-estimation of the minimum monthly flows and to obtain matching performance of the triangular distribution-based perturbations in replicating the other statistics. The gross under-estimation of minimum flows is considered to be the result of inadequate matching of the historic years that uses a loose classification of annual flows based on mean annual runoff. Further work will therefore seek to improve the matching of historic years. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Disaggregation; Fragments; Perturbations; Stochastic streamflow generation; Variable length bootstrap | Disaggregation; Fragments; Perturbations; Stochastic streamflow; Variable length; Estimation; Statistical methods; Stochastic systems; Time series; Water resources; Stream flow; annual variation; bootstrapping; flow modeling; parameterization; performance assessment; perturbation; reliability analysis; runoff; skewness; smoothing; streamflow; time series analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955574326 | Effect of furrow length and flow rate on the performance of short-furrows used to irrigate potatoes in Gojam, Ethiopia | Eshetu S., Tilahun K., Zerihun D. | 2009 | International Agricultural Engineering Journal | 18 | 42433 | None | Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Haramaya University, P.O.Box 45, Ethiopia; University of Arizona, Yuma Agricultural Center, Yuma, AZ 85721, United States; School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia | Eshetu, S., Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Tilahun, K., Haramaya University, P.O.Box 45, Ethiopia, School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia; Zerihun, D., University of Arizona, Yuma Agricultural Center, Yuma, AZ 85721, United States | A field study was conducted to evaluate existing irrigation management practices in small-scale farm holdings in northwest Ethiopia. In this study, the effect of furrow length, as well as flow rate on irrigation performance, crop yield, and water use was studied. The field experiment was arranged in a split plot design; furrow length as main plot and flow rate as sub-plot. Each treatment has three levels; 10, 25, and 40 m furrow lengths and 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 L/s flow rates. Irrigation performance indicators are: application efficiency, Ea, storage efficiency, Es, distribution uniformity, DU, runoff fraction, Rf, deep percolation fraction, Df, yield, Y, water use efficiency, WUE. The effect of furrow length was statistically significant (p<0.05) on all performance indices except E, and flow rate has shown significant effect on all performance indices (p<0.05). The ranges of measured values of Ea, Es, DU, Rf and Df were 18-34%; 46-80%; 93-98%; 81-95%; 11-57%; and 25-47% respectively. Both furrow length and flow rate had a significant effect on yield and WUE at p<0.05. The ranges of crop yield and WUE found in the study were 17-32 t/ha and 2.1-4.1 Kg/m3 respectively. Crop yield and WUE have shown a decreasing trend as furrow length increases and increases as flow rate increases. | None | Crop yield; Deep percolation; Distribution uniformity; Ethiopia; Field experiment; Field studies; Irrigation management; Irrigation performance; Performance indices; Split plot designs; Storage efficiency; Water use; Water use efficiency; Benchmarking; Biochemical oxygen demand; Irrigation; Solvents; Water supply; Crops; Solanum tuberosum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959599133 | Effect of genetic divergence of Striga hermonthica (Delile) benth.-resistant maize inbred lines on heterosis and hybrid performance under parasite pressure | Menkir A. | 2011 | Crop Science | 51 | 4 | 10.2135/cropsci2010.12.0730 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; IITA Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Rd, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom | Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria, IITA Ltd, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Rd, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom | Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth. is a parasitic weed damaging maize and other cereals in Africa. Although S. hermonthica-resistant inbred lines were developed from diverse sources, the effect of their diversity on heterosis under parasite pressure has not been investigated. Sixty-four hybrids were produced from 16 resistant and four susceptible inbreds using a factorial mating in sets crossing scheme. The hybrids and their parents were evaluated in separate trials with and without S. hermonthica infestation at four environments in Nigeria. Genotypic differences among both inbreds and hybrids were significant for all measured traits under infestation. The hybrids displayed a broad range of midparent heterosis (MPH) for most traits measured under S. hermonthica-infested and noninfested conditions. Mean grain yield and agronomic performance of resistant × resistant cross hybrids were superior to that of susceptible × resistant cross hybrids in the presence of S. hermonthica but not in the absence of the parasite. Correlations between midparent values and hybrid means were large and positive for grain yield but were small for plant height and days to silking. Marker-based genetic distances of parental lines were not correlated with MPH of all traits recorded under S. hermonthica infestation. Selection for inbreds with greater levels of resistance to S. hermonthica appears to be more effective for developing resistant hybrids than selection of parental pairs based on genetic distance alone. © Crop Science Society of America. | None | Striga; Striga hermonthica; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937760421 | Effect of genotype and stocking density on broiler performance during two subtropical seasons | Benyi K., Netshipale A.J., Mahlako K.T., Gwata E.T. | 2015 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 47 | 5 | 10.1007/s11250-015-0816-5 | School of Agriculture, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Benyi, K., School of Agriculture, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Netshipale, A.J., School of Agriculture, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Mahlako, K.T., School of Agriculture, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Gwata, E.T., School of Agriculture, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Ross 308 and Cobb Avian48 broilers were raised at stocking densities of 30, 40, and 50 kg BW/m2 during 49-day production period in winter and summer. The effect of season, genotype, and stocking density on growth performance and carcass characteristics was investigated. Ross 308 consumed more feed, gained more body weight, and was heavier than Cobb at slaughter age. Chickens raised in winter consumed more feed, gained more body weight and were heavier at slaughter age but had a higher mortality rate than those raised in summer. Broilers raised at the stocking density of 30 kg BW/m2 gained more body weight and were heavier at 49 days than those raised at 40 and 50 kg BW/m2. There was a progressive reduction in feed intake with increasing stocking density but neither season, genotype nor stocking density influenced feed conversion ratio. There was a genotype effect on the percentage gizzard weight, while stocking density influenced the percentage weights of carcass, breast, gizzard, heart and abdominal fat. There were genotype × stocking density interaction effects on feed consumption during the grower and finisher stages as well as the relative weights of breast, gizzard and heart. It is suggested that for profitable broiler production in the tropics and subtropics Ross 308 reared at stocking density of 30 kg BW/m2 preferably in winter be considered. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Broiler chickens; Carcass; Genotype; Season; Stocking density | animal; animal husbandry; body weight; chicken; feeding behavior; genetics; genotype; growth, development and aging; population density; season; tropic climate; weight gain; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Body Weight; Chickens; Feeding Behavior; Genotype; Population Density; Seasons; Tropical Climate; Weight Gain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891556563 | Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, gut morphology, and microflora of growing guinea fowl | Oso A.O., Awe A.W., Awosoga F.G., Bello F.A., Akinfenwa T.A., Ogunremi E.B. | 2013 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 45 | 8 | 10.1007/s11250-013-0430-3 | Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Awe, A.W., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Awosoga, F.G., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Bello, F.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Akinfenwa, T.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ogunremi, E.B., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of dried ginger meal (DGM) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, gut morphology, and microflora of growing helmeted guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris). One hundred sixty 28-day-old male keets were assigned to four dietary treatments. There were 40 birds per treatment replicated four times with 10 keets each. The experimental diets consisted of the basal diet (control), ginger-supplemented diets containing 20, 40, and 60 g/kg DGM, respectively. Guinea fowls fed diet supplemented with DGM had higher (P <0.05) final body weight, body weight gain and lower (P <0.05) feed intake. Optimum weight gain was obtained with supplementation level of 36.15-g DGM (R 2 = 0.923). Guinea fowls fed diet supplemented with 40 g/kg DGM recorded the highest (P <0.05) coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility of dry matter, ether extract and longest (P <0.05) duodenal and ileal villus heights. The crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum reduced (P <0.05) with increasing level of dietary supplementation of DGM. Dietary supplementation of DGM resulted in increased (P <0.05) total serum protein, serum albumin and low (P <0.05) serum cholesterol concentration. Ileum content of birds fed diet supplemented with 40 g/kg DGM recorded the highest (P <0.05) lactobacillus count. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 40-g DGM per kilogram diet is hereby recommended for improved growth, apparent nutrient digestibility, gut morphology, serum chemistry, and stimulation of balanced intestinal microflora in growing guinea fowl. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Dried ginger meal; Gut morphology and microflora; Helmeted guinea fowl; Serum metabolites concentration | Aves; Galliformes; Lactobacillus; Numida meleagris; Zingiber officinale; alanine aminotransferase; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; cholesterol; creatinine; globulin; serum albumin; uric acid; animal; animal disease; article; bacterial count; blood; cytochemistry; diet supplementation; digestion; Galliformes; gastrointestinal tract; ginger; growth, development and aging; male; metabolism; microbiology; physiology; regression analysis; ultrastructure; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Cholesterol; Colony Count, Microbial; Creatinine; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Galliformes; Gastrointestinal Tract; Ginger; Globulins; Histocytochemistry; Male; Regression Analysis; Serum Albumin; Uric Acid | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67149131859 | Effect of graded level of alphamune g on performance, blood chemistry and histology of cockerel chicks | Bolu S.A., Ojo V., Oluyemi O., Babawale O.I., Awodele O.A. | 2009 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 8 | 4 | 10.3923/ijps.2009.397.400 | Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Bolu, S.A., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ojo, V., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oluyemi, O., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Babawale, O.I., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Awodele, O.A., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | A study was conducted to determine the response of day-old cockerel chicks to graded levels of Alphamune G (0.00, 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06%). The experiment which was conducted for 8 weeks employed a completely randomized design. Feed intake and nutrient retention were not significantly influenced (p>0.05) by dietary inclusion levels of Alphamune G. However, weight gain and feed to gain ratio were significantly improved (p<0.05) for cockerel chicks fed 0.06% inclusion level when compared with the control. The values were 7.78 and 4.58 g/bird/week, respectively. Haematology and serum indices did not show any significant effect as a result of the graded levels of dietary Alphamune G. Histological characteristics revealed slight morphological changes in specific organs of birds fed Alphamune G supplemented diet vis-a viz the control diet. Inclusion of Alphamune G at 0.06% in the diets of cockerel chicks gave the best performance. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Alphamune G; Cockerels; Diet | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880942811 | Effect of graded levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed meal on the growth performance and production economic analysis of broiler chickens | Sarven Bale J., Pam Mancha Y., Sanusi M., Dass Doma U. | 2013 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 12 | 5 | None | Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | Sarven Bale, J., Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Pam Mancha, Y., Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Sanusi, M., Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Dass Doma, U., Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of baobab seed meal on growth performance and cost benefit in broiler chicken production. A total of two hundred one-week old broiler chicks of the Anak breed were randomly distributed to five dietary treatments and replicated four times with 10 birds each for a period of 8 weeks. Baobab seed meal was included in the broiler chicken diets at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% levels designated as diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively for both the starter and finisher phases. At the starter phase, feed intake (65.18-71.73 g), daily weight gain (30.36-36.16 g) and feed conversion ratio (1.96-2.39) were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. However, at finisher phase, the daily feed intake (133.40-148.40 g) and weight gain (37.23-55.00 g) were significantly affected at (p<0.001) and (p<0.05) respectively. Feed conversion ratio was not significantly (p>0.05) different among all the treatments means. The overall performance showed significant difference at (p<0.001 and p<0.01) for daily feed intake and daily weight gain, respectively. The birds fed 20% diet had the highest daily weight gain (44.55 g) and lowest (33.80 g) was recorded for diet 5. The feed cost per gain (N/kg gain) was cheaper (N142.44) on diet 4 and most expensive (N163.69) on diet 1 during the starter phase, while at the finisher phase diet 5 was cheaper (N176.36) and diet 1 being the most expensive (N193.91). Similar trends were obtained at the overall phase. It was therefore concluded that baobab seed meal can be incorporated into broiler chicken diets up to 30% without any deleterious effect on performance with concomitant reduction in feed cost. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Baobab seed meal; Broilers; Cost-benefit; Feed conversion ratio; Feed intake; Weight gain | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76749091825 | Effect of graded levels of dried pawpaw (Carica papaya) seed on the performance, haematology, serum biochemistry and carcass evaluation of chicken broilers | Bolu S.A.O., Sola-Ojo F.E., Olorunsanya O.A., Idris K. | 2009 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 8 | 9 | 10.3923/ijps.2009.905.909 | Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Bolu, S.A.O., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Sola-Ojo, F.E., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Olorunsanya, O.A., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Idris, K., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of graded levels of Dried Pawpaw Seed (DPS) on growth performance, haematological parameters and carcass evaluation of chicken broilers. One hundred day-old broilers were randomly divided into four treatments groups of diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15% DPS in a Completely Randomized Designed (CRD) for a period of six weeks. The results of this experiments showed that there were significant differences (p>0.05) in feed intake and weight gain across the dietary treatment with diet containing 5% DPS having the highest weight gain of 17.58g/bird/day, while birds fed diets with 15% DPS had the lowest weight gain (11.18 g/bird/day), nutrient utilization was higher in birds fed 5% DPS. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the haematological parameters, serum biochemistry and carcass parameters across the dietary treatment. The results of this study indicate that DPS can be included in broiler diet at 5% level. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Broilers; Dried pawpaw seed; Nutrient utilization | Asimina triloba; Aves; Carica papaya | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938337719 | Effect of graded levels of roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa LINN.) calyx extract on performance and carcass characteristic of broiler chickens | Omolade A.-P., Abiola A.A., Grace L.O. | 2015 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 14 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation IbadanOyo State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of IbadanOyo State, Nigeria | Omolade, A.-P., Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation IbadanOyo State, Nigeria; Abiola, A.A., Department of Animal Science, University of IbadanOyo State, Nigeria; Grace, L.O., Department of Animal Science, University of IbadanOyo State, Nigeria | The study evaluated the effect of graded levels of the red variety of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyx extract on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of two hundred Arbor acres broiler birds were used for the study, these were randomly assigned to five treatments, (T<inf>1</inf>, T<inf>2</inf>, T<inf>3</inf>, T<inf>4</inf> and T<inf>5</inf>) which had broiler chicks on water only, 2 g of roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min, 4 g of roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min, 6 g of roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min and 8 g of roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min, respectively. The birds were further randomly sub-divided into four replicates of ten birds each. The birds were given basal diets at both the starter (0-3 weeks) and finisher phases (4-6 weeks). Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means separated using the Duncan's New Multiple Range Test. Result showed no significant difference in average daily fluid intake, average daily weight gain, feed intake and FCR of the birds at the starter phase. However, at the finisher phase, there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the values obtained for average daily feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion. Carcass evaluation showed birds in T5 had better breast meat weight and dressing percentage. The extract was not toxic to the birds and can be administered to broiler chickens at a graded level of 8 g of Roselle calyx boiled in 1 L of water for 30 min. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Carcass characteristics; Fluid intake; Roselle calyx extract; Weight gain | Aves; Gallus gallus; Hibiscus sabdariffa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877978898 | Effect of graded levels of toasted pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) millsp] seed meal diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) | Yisa A.G., Yakubu B., Edache J.A., Danjuma M.N., Deme H.I. | 2013 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 12 | 2 | None | National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | Yisa, A.G., National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Yakubu, B., Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Edache, J.A., National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Danjuma, M.N., National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Deme, H.I., National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria | A five week study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of toasted pigeon pea on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail chicks. In a completely randomized design, three hundred unsexed, seven day old Japanese quails used for the study were divided into four groups of seventy five birds each. Each group was divided into three replicates of twenty five birds. Four isonitrogenous (24%CP) diets incorporating graded levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of toasted pigeon pea were evaluated. Average daily feed intake (18.62, 19.68, 19.58 and 20.29 g), Feed conversion ratio (4.87, 5.13, 5.36 and 5.38) and feed cost (Naira) per bird (38.34, 40.86, 41.46 and 43.57) increased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of dietary toasted pigeon pea inclusion. However, average daily weight gain (3.82, 3.83, 3.65 and 3.77 g) and dressing percentages (59.53, 61.91, 58.89 and 61.92) and percentage of breast to live weight were statistically similar (p>0.05) for all the treatments respectively. The back, wings, thighs and drumsticks were affected (p<0.05) by levels of toasted pigeon pea inclusion. By this study, pigeon pea may be included in diets of Japanese quails by not more than 10% for optimum growth and cost effective feeding. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Carcass characteristics; Growth performance; Japanese quails; Toasted pigeon pea | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940180314 | Effect of growth supporting additives on the performance of Auricularia auricula on Mansonia altissima A. chev sawdust | Adenipekun C.O., Lawal R., Isikhuemhen O.S. | 2015 | International Food Research Journal | 22 | 5 | None | Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Crescent University, Abeokuta, PMB, Sapon, Nigeria; Mushroom Biology and Fungal Biotechnology Laboratory, North Carolina A and T State University, Greensboro, NC, United States | Adenipekun, C.O., Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Lawal, R., Crescent University, Abeokuta, PMB, Sapon, Nigeria; Isikhuemhen, O.S., Mushroom Biology and Fungal Biotechnology Laboratory, North Carolina A and T State University, Greensboro, NC, United States | Auricularia auricula (St. Aman's) Berk was cultivated on Mansonia altissima sawdust with various additives (Brewer's grain (BG), Corn chaff (CC), Oil palm fibre (OPF), Sorghum bicolor chaff (SC) and Wheat bran (WB) at different percentages (0%, 5%, 10% and 20%). The study was carried out to determine the effect of additives on the performance of the fungus on the substrate; M. altissima sawdust. The treated and untreated substrates with additives at different percentages were analyzed for lignocelluloses composition, macro element, C-N ratio and proximate composition. The result of this study showed that A. auricula reduced the lignocelluloses composition of M. altissima sawdust. The lignin content reduced from 7.97% (control) to 1.59% in 20%SC treated substrate. The macro elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na) compositions were low in all the treated substrate - additives combination. The least was recorded in Na (25.8 - 84.5ppm), Ca (2.04% in control and 0.50% in 20%SC). The proximate composition showed that the substrate had an average moisture content of 50% - 61%, low protein (4.85-0.60%), high carbohydrate and high ash contents compared to the control. The results of this study showed that A. auricula exhibited an increase in performance with increase in additives, with the most efficient at 20% for all the additives. It can also be concluded that wheat bran was the best out of the five additives used. | Additives; Auricularia auricula; Lignocelluloses composition; Proximate composition | Auricularia auricula-judae; Elaeis; Fungi; Mansonia altissima; Sorghum bicolor; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35748933532 | Effect of high-pressure homogenization, nonfat milk solids, and milkfat on the technological performance of a functional strain for the production of probiotic fermented milks | Patrignani F., Iucci L., Lanciotti R., Vallicelli M., Mathara J.M., Holzapfel W.H., Guerzoni M.E. | 2007 | Journal of Dairy Science | 90 | 10 | 10.3168/jds.2007-0373 | University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Piazza Goidanich, 60, 47023 Cesena, Italy; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Food Science and Technology, PO Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya; Federal Research Centre for Nutrition and Food, Institute of Hygiene and Toxicology, Hald-und-Neu-Str. 9, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany | Patrignani, F., University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Piazza Goidanich, 60, 47023 Cesena, Italy; Iucci, L., University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Piazza Goidanich, 60, 47023 Cesena, Italy; Lanciotti, R., University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Piazza Goidanich, 60, 47023 Cesena, Italy; Vallicelli, M., University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Piazza Goidanich, 60, 47023 Cesena, Italy; Mathara, J.M., Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Food Science and Technology, PO Box 62000, Nairobi, Kenya; Holzapfel, W.H., Federal Research Centre for Nutrition and Food, Institute of Hygiene and Toxicology, Hald-und-Neu-Str. 9, D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; Guerzoni, M.E., University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Piazza Goidanich, 60, 47023 Cesena, Italy | The aim of this research was the evaluation of the effects of milkfat content, nonfat milk solids content, and high-pressure homogenization on 1) fermentation rates of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei BFE 5264 inoculated in milk; 2) viability loss of this strain during refrigerated storage; and 3) texture parameters, volatile compounds, and sensorial properties of the coagula obtained. The data achieved suggested a very strong effect of the independent variables on the measured attributes of fermented milks. In fact, the coagulation times were significantly affected by pressure and added milkfat, and the rheological parameters of the fermented milk increased with the pressure applied to the milk for added nonfat milk solids concentrations lower than 3%. Moreover, the polynomial models and the relative response surfaces obtained permitted us to identify the levels of the 3 independent variables that minimized the viability loss of the probiotic strain used during refrigerated storage. © American Dairy Science Association, 2007. | High-pressure homogenization; Lactobacillus paracasei; Probiotic fermented milk; Response surface methodology | 2,3 butanedione; acetaldehyde; fat; organic compound; probiotic agent; article; chemistry; dairy product; freezing; human; Lactobacillus; microbiology; physiology; pressure; sensation; time; viscosity; Acetaldehyde; Cultured Milk Products; Diacetyl; Fats; Humans; Lactobacillus; Organic Chemicals; Pressure; Probiotics; Refrigeration; Sensation; Time Factors; Viscosity; Lactobacillus paracasei | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-54049158499 | Effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of oreochromis niloticus fingerlings | Ogunji J.O., Kloas W., Wirth M., Neumann N., Pietsch C. | 2008 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 92 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00745.x | Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany; Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany; Department of Animal Production and Fisheries Management, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053, | Ogunji, J.O., Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany, Department of Animal Production and Fisheries Management, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki, Nigeria; Kloas, W., Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany, Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany; Wirth, M., Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany; Neumann, N., Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany; Pietsch, C., Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany | A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to access the effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Seven feeds formulated to contain 36% protein and 20 kJ g)1 gross energy (dry matter basis), were prepared by replacing fish meal with magmeal. Fifteen fingerlings (initial average weight 2.0 ± 0.1 g) stocked per experimental tank were fed in triplicates at 5% body weight in two portions per day (a level previously established). Growth and food conversion ratio were adequate and comparable without any significant differences (p < 0.5) between feeding groups. Mean values for haematocrit and plasma glucose were not significantly different (p < 0.05) among the feeding groups. Fish group fed control diet (containing highest inclusion level of fish meal and without magmeal) gave the lowest haemoglobin concentration (5.96 ± 0.22 g dl)1). This value was significantly different from other feeding groups. Stressful conditions in fish and in mammals are associated with decreased growth, haematocrit (packed cell volume) and haemoglobin values, increased whole blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) and plasma cortisol concentrations. No such physiological changes were observed in this study. Results suggest that feeding O. niloticus fingerling with magmeal diets did not cause any form of physiological stress. Magmeal can be used as a good alternative protein source in tilapia diets. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Fishmeal; Housefly maggot meal; Oreochromis niloticus; Stress response | Mammalia; Musca domestica; Oreochromis niloticus; Tilapia; hemoglobin; hydrocortisone; animal; animal disease; animal food; article; blood; blood analysis; cichlid; diet; glucose blood level; growth, development and aging; hematocrit; house fly; larva; metabolism; randomization; Animal Feed; Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Blood Chemical Analysis; Blood Glucose; Cichlids; Diet; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Houseflies; Hydrocortisone; Larva; Random Allocation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38849104411 | Effect of indigenous storage method on performance of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] under field conditions in a warm subtropical area | Modi A.T. | 2007 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 24 | 4 | None | Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Modi, A.T., Crop Science Discipline, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Successful crop stand establishment, a critical prerequisite for efficient crop production, is primarily determined by propagule quality. Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] corms of different sizes (80-100 g corm-1, 40-60 g corm-1 and 20-30 g corm-1) that had been stored in soil pits at different depths (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 cm) were compared for stand establishment, leaf area and yield during two seasons, under rainfed (upland) conditions. Propagule size and pre-planting storage depth increased both the number of plants reaching the third leaf stage and leaf area per plant one month after planting. The large propagules improved stand establishment and yield significantly (P<0.01) better than the smaller propagules. For all propagule sizes, the optimum storage depth to enhance taro propagule performance for crop production was ∼ 40 cm. When the large propagules were compared with the smaller propagules at the optimum pre-planting storage depth, there was 10% to 30%, no difference and 5% to 35% improvement in leaf area, stand establishment and yield, respectively. This study confirmed the potential role of local knowledge in traditional agriculture, and the findings can be used to extend the planting season for dryland taro production in South Africa. | Propagules; Storage; Taro; Upland production | agricultural practice; crop plant; crop production; crop yield; farmers knowledge; leaf area; performance assessment; storage; subtropical region; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Colocasia esculenta | None |
| None | None | Effect of initial stocking size of the predatory African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) on recruits, growth performance, survival and yield of mixed-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in concrete tank culture system | Limbu S.M., Shoko A.P., Lamtane H.A., Shirima E.D., Kishe-Machumu M.A., Mgana H.F., Mgaya Y.D. | 2015 | International Aquatic Research | 7 | 1 | 10.1007/s40071-014-0093-3 | Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Headquarters, P. O. Box 9750, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Kigoma Centre, P. O. Box 90, Kigoma, Tanzania | Limbu, S.M., Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Shoko, A.P., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Headquarters, P. O. Box 9750, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lamtane, H.A., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Shirima, E.D., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kishe-Machumu, M.A., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Headquarters, P. O. Box 9750, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mgana, H.F., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Kigoma Centre, P. O. Box 90, Kigoma, Tanzania; Mgaya, Y.D., Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Prolific breeding and production of high percentage of recruits are main problems in mixed-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture in earthen ponds. The current study assessed the efficiency of different sizes of African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in controlling recruitment in mixed-sex Nile tilapia cultured in tanks and its effect on growth performance, percentage survival and yield. Three treatments consisting of triplicate ponds stocked with mixed-sex Nile tilapia in monoculture and in polyculture with large (62.50 ± 3.26 g) and small (40.00 ± 2.68 g) African sharptooth catfish were fed on a 297.50 g kg−1 crude protein diet for 126 days. Results showed that, the number of recruits was significantly lower in larger African sharptooth catfish predator than smaller ones and monoculture of Nile tilapia. Polyculture with larger African sharptooth catfish resulted in significantly higher growth performance of Nile tilapia. Large African sharptooth catfish in polyculture reduced the amount of small, low-value recruits, while the yield of large and high value Nile tilapia was increased. This study revealed that fish farmers can reduce prolific breeding, obtain higher growth performance and produce larger size of marketable Nile tilapia by predominantly stocking ponds with large African sharptooth catfish predator of at least 60 g. © 2015, The Author(s). | Monoculture; Polyculture; Predator; Production; Prolific breeding; Recruitment | Clarias gariepinus; Oreochromis niloticus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884684641 | Effect of insulating materials on performance of a solar heater | Aremu A.K., Akinoso R. | 2013 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 8 | 2 | 10.3923/jeasci.2013.64.68 | Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Aremu, A.K., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Akinoso, R., Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Insulator influences performance efficiency of the solar heater. In order to reduce the cost of solar device, it is advisable to use as local insulating material. Some agricultural wastes are abundant and causing environmental nuisance in Nigeria. This research focussed on use of some agricultural waste as insulator in box-type solar device. A box-type solar heater was developed. Dried insulating materials (maize cob, air, maize husk, coconut coir and polyurethane foam) were used to fill the space between the inner and outer boxes in such a way that there was an 80 mm thickness of insulating materials all around between the inner box and the outer box. The space housing the insulating materials was sealed with four pieces of plywood noggins. Heat retention and water abilities of the solar device were tested for period of 3 years. Peak stagnation temperatures for 1st to 3rd year were 159, 140 and 138°C, respectively. These were obtained using coconut coir (1st and 2nd year) and polyurethane foam (3rd year). During the dry season, shortest duration taken to heat 1 and 1.5 L of water was 50 and 65 min, respectively in coconut coir insulated device. Time required to boil 1 L of water in wet season ranged from 120-170 min. Comparatively the orders of performance were coconut coir, polyurethane foam, maize cob, maize husk and air. The evidence from performance evaluation indicates that agricultural by-products like maize husk, maize cob and coconut coir can perform as solar device insulator. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | Agricultural waste; Heating; Insulator; Nigeria; Solar device | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880666739 | Effect of intra-row spacing and weeding frequency on the yield performance of sesame/cowpea intercrop | Udom G.N., Fagam A.S., Ekwere E. | 2006 | Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture | 18 | 2 | None | School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | Udom, G.N., School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Fagam, A.S., School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Ekwere, E., School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria | Field experiments were conducted simultaneously at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching and Research Farm, Bauchi, and Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme experimental sites, Bauchi (Lat. 10° 17'N 9° 49' E, and 609m above sea level), in the Northern Guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria during the 2002 wet season to study the response of sesame/ cowpea mixture to weeding frequency and intra-row spacings. The treatments were laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. The result showed that the number of capsules per plant, 100-seed weight, capsules and grain yield per hectare of sesame were significantly (P<0.05) increased by one weeding frequency only at location I. The parameters were not significantly affected by weeding frequency in location II. The capsules length, number of capsules per plant, capsules and grain yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected by intra-row spacings. The capsules and grain yield of sesame increased significantly (P<0.05) with decreasing intra-row spacing and conversely capsules length and number decreased with decreasing intra-row spacing. The number of pods of cowpea significantly (P<0.05) increased by two weeding frequencies at location I and pod yield per hectare was also increased significantly by twice weeding at location II. All the other parameters such as pod lands, seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and grain yield per hectare were not significantly affected by the treatments. The interaction between the intra-row spacings and weeding frequency were significant in affecting number of seed per capsules and 100-seed weight of sesame at location I, and number of pods and seed per pod of cowpea at location II. Intra-row spacing of 30cm and twice weedings produced the highest number of seed per capsules (68.2) and 20cm intra-row spacings with twice weeding produced the highest 100- seed weight. However, 30cm intra-row spacings with one weeding had highest number of pods (24.3) in cowpea plant and also 30cm intra-row spacing with twice weedings produced the highest seeds per pod in cowpea. | Intra-row spacing; Sesame/cowpea; Weeding; Yield | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650701286 | Effect of investment in human capital development on organisational performance: Empirical examination of the perception of small business owners in Nigeria | Ukenna S., Ijeoma N., Anionwu C., Olise M.C. | 2010 | European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences | None | 26 | None | Marketing Unit, Department of Business Management, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Accountancy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Marketing, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River Sta | Ukenna, S., Marketing Unit, Department of Business Management, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ijeoma, N., Department of Accountancy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria; Anionwu, C., Department of Marketing, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, Nigeria; Olise, M.C., Department of Marketing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria | Numerous extant studies linking human capital and organizational performance abound, but few focused on the small scale business context. Thus a study towards determining the nature of relationship between the two construct among small scale enterprise owners is thoughtful. Drawn from literature, four variable measures - skills, education, knowledge, and training - were used to predict and explain the human capital effectiveness construct. Thus, four hypotheses (one for each variable measure) were formulated linking each variable measure to the human capital effectiveness construct. The construct, organizational performance, was divided into two sub-constructs, financial organizational performance and non-financial organizational performance to formulate two additional hypotheses linking each to human capital effectiveness. Twenty-five small scale business owners were purposively selected in Awka metropolis of Nigeria. A structured five-point likert type questionnaire was designed and distributed and a 100% return rate was recorded. ANOVA, t-test, multiple regression analysis, simple regression analysis, and pearson's correlation coefficient were all employed to conduct relevant analyses. While keeping constant other factors that can impact on organizational performance, the study singled out human capital and it was shown that a high intercorelation exist among the four variable measure predictors of human capital effectiveness. A key finding of this study is that, training and skill are stronger predictors of human capital effectiveness over and above knowledge and education. This study, in no small measure, provides penetrating insight for small scale business owners in the area of human resources management. Managerial implications, limitations and opportunity for further research are discussed. © EuroJournals, Inc. 2010. | Education; Financial performance; Human capital effectiveness; Knowledge; Nigeria; Nonfinancial performance; Skill; Small business; Training | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951964216 | Effect of irrigation with diluted winery wastewater on the performance of two grass cover crops in vineyards | Fourie J.C., Theron H., Ochse C.H. | 2015 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 36 | 2 | None | ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Private Bag X8, Wellington, South Africa | Fourie, J.C., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Theron, H., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Private Bag X8, Wellington, South Africa; Ochse, C.H., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Pennisetum glaucum L. cv. Babala (pearl millet) established as a summer catch crop followed by Avena sativa L. cv Palinup (oats) established as a winter catch crop were irrigated with winery wastewater diluted to eight chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels ranging between 100 mg/L and 3 000 mg!L. The diluted wastewater treatments were compared to irrigation with river water. The dry matter production (DMP) of oats, if not preceded by pearl millet, tended to improve when irrigated with winery wastewater. Growth of pearl millet peaked during the period when 91% of the diluted winery wastewater was applied. Winery wastewater improved the DMP of pearl millet. No trends were observed in the nutrient levels of the above-ground growth of the two interception crops. However, Na levels increased over time. Using both species, too high levels of macro-nutrients were intercepted, but insignificant amounts of Na were removed. Irrigation with winery wastewater with COD levels between 1 500 mg/L and 2 500 mg/L may be sustainable if only pearl millet is employed as an interception crop. Fertiliser needed to maintain the nutrient balance in the soil resulted in an additional cost of approximately R2 800/ha/yr. However, the fodder may provide an income in excess of R15 000/ha/yr. | Catch crops; Cellar effluent; Chemical oxygen demand; Cover crops; Grapevine; Interception crops; Soil cultivation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947582933 | Effect of large effective area fiber length on the performance of forward-backward scattering combination multiwavelength Brillouin-Raman fiber laser | Sonee Shargh R., Ahmad Hambali N.A.M., Ajiya M., Mahdi M.A. | 2015 | Journal of Optics (United Kingdom) | 17 | 10 | 10.1088/2040-8978/17/10/105507 | Farhangian University Hasheminezhad Campus, Mashhad, Iran; Semiconductor Photonics and Integrated Lightwave Systems (SPILS), Tun Abdul Razak Laser Laboratory (TAReL), School of Microelectronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Pauh Putra Main Campu | Sonee Shargh, R., Farhangian University Hasheminezhad Campus, Mashhad, Iran; Ahmad Hambali, N.A.M., Semiconductor Photonics and Integrated Lightwave Systems (SPILS), Tun Abdul Razak Laser Laboratory (TAReL), School of Microelectronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Pauh Putra Main Campus, Perlis, Arau, Malaysia; Ajiya, M., Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bayero University, PMB, Kano, Nigeria; Mahdi, M.A., Wireless and Photonic Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia | In this paper we experimentally demonstrate the effect of large effective area fiber length on the performance of a multiwavelength Brillouin-Raman fiber laser in which the forward and backward generated Stokes lines due to Brillouin scattering are combined together through a 3 dB coupler. Thus, the demonstrated laser is dubbed a forward-backward scattering combination multiwavelength Brillouin-Raman fiber laser (FBSC-MBRFL). This laser system utilizes a large effective area fiber and a dispersion compensating fiber that act as Brillouin and Raman gain media, respectively. It is demonstrated that by employing forward pumping schemes, the demonstrated laser system is capable of generating a good flat amplitude Brillouin Stokes line with an average optical to noise ratio of 17 dB along the spectral spans. However, the backward pumping scheme is able to produced high bandwidth spans. At the optimal large effective area fiber length of 50 km, a Raman pump power of 1100 mW at Brillouin pump wavelengths of 1550 mm and 1560 nm is identified to produce the maximum bandwidth with values of approximately 28.45 nm and 24.08 nm, respectively. © 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd. | backward pumping; Brillouin Raman fiber laser; forward pumping; forward-backward scattering combination; Multiwavelength; raleigh scattering; stimulated Brillouin scattering | Backscattering; Bandwidth; Brillouin scattering; Dispersion compensation; Fiber lasers; Fibers; Optical communication; Pumping (laser); Stimulated Brillouin scattering; Backward pumping; Backward scattering; Forward pumping; Multiwavelength; Raman fiber lasers; Forward scattering | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937953954 | Effect of laser surface texturing (LST) on tribochemical films dynamics and friction and wear performance | Olofinjana B., Lorenzo-Martin C., Ajayi O.O., Ajayi E.O. | 2015 | Wear | None | None | 10.1016/j.wear.2015.02.050 | Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, United States; Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Olofinjana, B., Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, United States, Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Lorenzo-Martin, C., Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, United States; Ajayi, O.O., Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, United States; Ajayi, E.O., Department of Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Surface texturing or topographical design is one of the primary techniques to control friction and wear performance of surfaces in tribological contact. Laser surface texturing (LST), whereby a laser beam is used to produce regular arrays of dimples on a surface, has been demonstrated to reduce friction in conformal lubricated contacts. Friction and wear behavior under boundary lubrication is also known to be dependent on the formation and durability of the tribochemical film formed from lubricant additives. In this paper, the effects of LST on the formation and durability of tribochemical films and its consequent impacts on friction and wear behavior in various lubrication regimes were evaluated. Friction and wear tests that cycled through different lubrication regimes were conducted with both polished and LST treated surfaces using a synthetic lubricant with and without model additives of ZDDP and MoDTC mixture. In the base oil without additives, LST produced noticeable reduction in friction in all lubrication regimes. However, with low-friction model additives, friction was higher in tests with LST due to significant differences in the tribochemical film formation in the polished and LST surfaces, as well as the sliding counterface. Continuous tribo-films were formed on ball conterface rubbed against polished surfaces while the films were streaky and discontinuous in ball rubbed against LST surfaces. LST produced more wear on the ball counterface in both base and additized oils. No measurable wear was observed in both the polished and LST flat specimens. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Friction; LST; Lubrication regimes; Oil additives; Tribochemical films; Wear | Durability; Friction; Laser beams; Lubrication; Wear of materials; Boundary lubrications; Friction and wear behaviors; Friction and wear performance; Laser surface texturing; LST; Lubrication regimes; Oil additive; Tribological contacts; Tribology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053583947 | Effect of long-term heat stress on some performance traits and plasma enzyme activities in Naked-neck chickens and their F1 crosses with commercial layer breeds | Melesse A., Maak S., Schmidt R., von Lengerken G. | 2011 | Livestock Science | 141 | 42403 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2011.06.007 | Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Research Unit Muscle Biology and Growth, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, D-18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; Institute of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany | Melesse, A., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Maak, S., Research Unit Muscle Biology and Growth, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, D-18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; Schmidt, R., Institute of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; von Lengerken, G., Institute of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany | The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term heat stress on performance traits and plasma enzyme activities in Naked-neck (Na) chickens and commercial breeds (New Hampshire, NH and Lohmann white, LW) with their F 1 crosses (NaxNH and NaxLW). A total of 240 female chickens were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design in a 5×2 factorial arrangement (five genetic groups and two ambient temperatures: high=30-32°C; normal=18-20°C). Body weights were measured at 20 and 68weeks of age. Eggs were collected once daily while egg weight and feed intake were determined at 28-d intervals. Blood samples were taken from 12 randomly selected birds per genotype and ambient temperature (12 out of 24 hens) at 22, 38, 51 and 65weeks age. Levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and creatine kinase (CK) were determined in blood plasma. Compared with controls, the commercial hens showed significant (p<0.05) performance reductions under thermal stress with respect to egg production (33%), egg mass (24.2%), feed intake (15%) and shell thickness (24.3%). At high ambient temperature, the NaxLW cross outperformed all other genotypes with respect to heat tolerance in body weight, egg number, egg weight, feed intake and shell thickness; and thus, appeared to be suitable genetic combinations. Compared with controls, heat stress significantly (p<0.05) increased CK, GPT and GOT activities in all genotypes. However, the response of heat stressed genotypes at different ages was inconsistent and variable. In conclusion, the present study showed that the Naked-neck chickens and their F 1 crosses were more thermo-tolerant compared with commercial layer hens. Although plasma enzyme activities uniformly increased due to heat stress, the response of genotypes with age was inconsistent. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | Commercial chicken breeds; Enzyme activities; F1 crosses; Heat stress; Naked-neck chicken | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955945560 | Effect of management interventions on productive performance of indigenous chicken in Western Kenya | Ochieng J., Owuor G., Bebe B.O., Ochieng D.O. | 2011 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 23 | 5 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)/CMAAE, Box 62882-00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Livestock Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya | Ochieng, J., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya, African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)/CMAAE, Box 62882-00200 Nairobi, Kenya; Owuor, G., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Bebe, B.O., Livestock Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Ochieng, D.O., Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya | This paper emphasizes the role of management interventions package in productive performance of indigenous chickens in Western Kenya. The management intervention package comprises feed supplementation, housing, chick rearing, brooding and vaccination. The effect was analyzed using log linear regression model which takes the form of Cobb-Douglas production function. The results indicate that farmers who had adopted full management intervention package as recommended by extension service had higher productive performance than farmers who modified and selectively adopted components of management intervention package. Farm production assets, expenditure on feeds, labour, access to extension, group membership and female gender significantly influenced productivity of indigenous chickens. Therefore, rural farm households should adopt management intervention package as recommended to increase productivity, thereby improving financial and food security in rural areas. The study also recommends the formulation and implementation of pro-poor policies aimed at improving socio-economic conditions of farmers to enable them to fully adopt the recommended management intervention package. | Food security; Household; Management interventions package; Productivity | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-54149083020 | Effect of mathematical games on Nigerian students' performance in mathematics in secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis | Adaramola O.M., Alamina J.I. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 20 | 2 | None | Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Adaramola, O.M., Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Alamina, J.I., Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The study investigated the effect of mathematical games on Nigerian students' performance in mathematics in secondary schools in Port Harcourt.. The design of the study was Pretest, Posttest Control Group Design. A total of one hundred and eighty (180) JSS1 students were involved in the experimental study. This number was made up of Ninety (90) boys and Ninety (90) girls from three schools purposively chosen from the Co-educational Federal schools, State schools and Government Approved Private Schools in Port Harcourt metropolis, for a good representation of the schools. From these schools, subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups i.e 60 students from each school. Two instruments were used in data collection. One was the pretest, which was used to establish the pretest mean scores, standard deviation and variance of the two groups used for study. This formed the basis for comparison with the posttest. The posttest was a parallel or an equivalent test to the pretest, and was used to determine the difference in achievement of students exposed to mathematical games and those not. The two groups were taught at different lesson times in their respective schools. The statistical tools used for the study were Mean, Standard Deviation, Variance, non-independent t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the use of mathematical games was more effective than the use of traditional lecture method in teaching mathematics. From the findings recommendations on how to improve students' performance in mathematics were made. The implications of the findings were also considered. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650125653 | Effect of maxigrain supplementation of diets with or without rice offal on the performance of broiler chicks | Duru S., Dafwang I.I. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Science, Nigeria; National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Service, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Duru, S., Department of Animal Science, Nigeria; Dafwang, I.I., National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Service, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Three experiments were conducted concurrently to determine the effect of maxigrain supplementation of isocaloric diets with or without rice offal, the effect of maxigrain supplementation of diets containing rice offal at two levels of energy and the effect of maxigrain supplementation of diets in which the maize content was substituted with rice offal on a weight to weight basis. The experiments were conducted with 210 broilers from 2-5 weeks of age. Results showed that maxigrain supplementation did not have any effect on broiler performance when broilers were fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets with or without rice offal. Maxigrain supplementation improved the performance of broilers when added to low energy diets. The improvement in broiler performance was same at 0.1 and 0.2% maxigrain supplementation. The study confirmed earlier recommendations that rice offal can be fed at levels of up to 15% in broiler chick diets without adverse effect on growth performance and concluded that maxigrain enzyme supplementation may be beneficial only when added to diets containing lower than recommended energy and protein levels. © Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Energy levels; Maxigrain; Poultry feed; Rice offal | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864531125 | Effect of mechanisation on occupational health and safety performance in the Nigerian construction industry | Idoro G.I. | 2011 | Journal of Construction in Developing Countries | 16 | 2 | None | Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Idoro, G.I., Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | The need to improve productivity, quality standards, efficiency and performance in construction projects has brought about increased use of Plant and Equipment (P&E). This study evaluates the level of mechanisation and its relationship to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) performance of the Nigerian construction industry. The purpose of the study is to ascertain the influence of mechanisation on OHS performance and raise the commitment of contractors to effective OHS management. To achieve this, a questionnaire survey involving 45 projects was conducted. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires and analysed by percentages, means, t-tests and Spearman's correlation tests. The results indicated that increased mechanisation leads to increased rates of accident and injury and that the level of mechanisation varies from one operation to another. The study concludes that mechanisation can worsen the OHS performance of the industry when it is not effectively managed. The findings suggest that stakeholders should put effective measures in place aimed at controlling OHS performance before using new or additional P&E. They also suggest that stakeholders of specific contractors should provide more attention when setting up an OHS management plan, particularly a hazard management plan regarding the on-site use of P&E. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011. | Concreting; Excavation; Mechanisation and OHS performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954164867 | Effect of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 drenching on health and performance of steers fed high and low roughage diets in the feedlot | Leeuw K.-J., Siebrits F.K., Henning P.H., Meissner H.H. | 2009 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 39 | 4 | None | Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Megastarter Biotech Pty LTD t/a MS Biotech, P.O. Box 10520, Centurion 0046, South Africa; 189 Van Riebeeck Avenue, Centurion 0157, South Africa | Leeuw, K.-J., Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Siebrits, F.K., Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Henning, P.H., Megastarter Biotech Pty LTD t/a MS Biotech, P.O. Box 10520, Centurion 0046, South Africa; Meissner, H.H., Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa, 189 Van Riebeeck Avenue, Centurion 0157, South Africa | Lactate utilising bacteria (LUB) assist in reducing the risk of ruminal lactate acidosis when high concentrate diets are fed to feedlot cattle. Ruminal lactate acidosis can lead to lower animal performance and morbidity. Preliminary studies suggested that the strain, Megasphaera elsdenii (M.e.) NCIMB 41125, is a particularly potent LUB. The potential of M.e.NCIMB 41125 to improve the health and performance of feedlot cattle was investigated. Four hundred and forty eight Bonsmara steers (ca. 240 kg) were used in a 100-day feeding trial. Half the steers received at processing 200 mL M.e.NCIMB 41125 per os (LY) and the other half no LUB (LN). The diets in each of these treatments were divided into a low roughage (2%) (RL) and high roughage (8%) (RH) diet. The effects of LY vs. LN, RL vs. RH as main effects and their respective interactions (LYRL, LYRH, LNRL & LNRH) were compared in terms of morbidity, feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The steers were weighed at two week intervals, feed was offered daily and the orts were removed weekly from each pen. The faecal consistency score and incidence of morbidity were recorded. At slaughter, carcass data were collected and the health status of the liver and rumen epithelium was assessed. Steers dosed with M.e.NCIMB 41125 had a 5.6% better average daily gain (ADG) during weeks 3 - 5 (2.09 kg/day vs. 1.98 kg/day for LY and LN, respectively). Feed conversion ratio (FCR, Weeks 1 - 13) was better for the steers fed the RL than the RH treatment (4.72 kg/kg vs. 4.99 kg/kg for RL and RH, respectively). Steers on the LNRH treatment during weeks 3 - 5 used more feed per kg gain than steers on the other treatments (5.39 kg/kg for LNRH vs. 4.74 kg/kg and 4.72 kg/kg for LYRL and LNRL, respectively). More steers (21) on the LNRL treatment were treated for morbidity than on the other treatments (8, 7 and 5 for LYRL, LYRH and LNRH, respectively). In general, animal performance was not improved by dosing with M.e.NCIMB 41125, but since ADG was improved in the immediate postadaptation phase (weeks 3 - 5) and morbidity levels were lower on the low roughage diet, dosing of steers on low roughage, lactate acidosis-prone, diets with M.e.NCIMB 41125 should prove useful. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Acidosis; Beef cattle; Lactic acid utilising bacteria; Morbidity | Animalia; Bacteria (microorganisms); Bos; Megasphaera elsdenii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900399377 | Effect of mentorship programmes on the performance of students in secondary schools in Mbooni east district, Makueni county-Kenya | Karanja B.W., Gikungu J.M. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 5 SPEC. ISSUE | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n5p | School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya | Karanja, B.W., School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya; Gikungu, J.M., School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya | A study by Slicker and Palmer (1993) showed that effectively mentored students tended to have higher academic achievement and had other characteristics like self-concept. Academic achievement and dropout rates can be influenced by mentoring efforts. Mentored students tent to behave positively and more responsively, they are more disciplined than none mentored ones. Yet in Mbooni East District secondary school students have continued to perform poorly and have been found to be indisciplined. Still many students are performing unsatisfactorily despite most of them having been admitted to secondary school with high marks in KCPE and they later perform poorly in the KCSE there is need therefore to find out what goes on in the life of the same person who performed well in one stage and badly in a period of four or so years. Do the Schools have mentorship programmes? How are they organised? How they are implemented?. | Mentorship; Performance; Schools; Students; Teachers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70450204932 | Effect of minimal supplemental feeding with lucerne during late gestation on pre-weaning performance of goats grazing Themeda triandra and Tarconanthus camphoratus | Mashiloane M.L., Ntwaeagae O.M. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 11 | None | Vaalharts Agricultural Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Private Bag X9, Northern Cape, Jan Kempdorp 8550, South Africa | Mashiloane, M.L., Vaalharts Agricultural Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Private Bag X9, Northern Cape, Jan Kempdorp 8550, South Africa; Ntwaeagae, O.M., Vaalharts Agricultural Research Station, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Private Bag X9, Northern Cape, Jan Kempdorp 8550, South Africa | The objectives of this study were to determine if minimal supplemental feeding with lucerne during late gestation has effect on weight gain of does and birth weight, weaning weight and pre-weaning growth rate of their kids. Thirty-six late-pregnant does were allocated in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) to three levels of lucerne treatment in a minimal supplemental strategy. The strategy requires that animals be fed at least half their daily dry matter requirement with a high nutrient feedstuff to supplement natural grazing. Effects of minimal supplementation with lucerne were analyzed using Mixed procedures of SAS. There were no significant differences in doe weight gain between all treatments, and the same applied for kid performance traits. Minimal supplemental feeding with lucerne did not affect weight gain of does and pre-weaning performance kids. | Gestation; Kid performance; Nutritional constraints | Animalia; Capra hircus; Medicago sativa; Tarchonanthus camphoratus; Themeda triandra | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44349190909 | Effect of mixed feeding regime on litter performance traits of rabbit does | Iheukwumere F.C. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 7 | 4 | 10.3923/pjn.2008.594.596 | Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Nigeria | Iheukwumere, F.C., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Nigeria | Twenty-four clinically sexually mature New Zealand white rabbits consisting of (4 buck and 20 does) were used to study the effect of concentrate and Talinum triangulare combinations by breeding does during pregnancy on litter performance traits. The treatments comprised the following concentrate and Talinum triangulare combinations (%) respectively: (1) 20:80, (2) 40:60, (3) 60:40, (4) 80.20.. A total of 150 g/day was offered to the does during pregnancy. Average litter sizes at birth and weaning and litter weaning weight were similar (P > 0.05) between 40:60 and 60:40 concentrate and forage combinations, but, they differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 20:80 and 80:20 concentrate and forage combinations. However, 20:80 diets differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 80:20 diet combinations. Average litter weight gains (0 - 35 days) for the various concentrate and forage levels were 2054.40 ± 14.25 g (20:80), 2270.74 ± 18.85 g (40:60), 2314.40 ± 24.64 g (60:40) and 1485.24 ± 19.30 g (80:20). Mortalities were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between diets. From the economic stand point therefore, diet with 60:40 concentrate and forage combinations could be considered optimum, based on result on litter sizes, litter weight at weaning and mortality. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Does; Litter traits; Mixed feeding | animal experiment; animal food; article; body weight; breeding; controlled study; dietary intake; economic aspect; forage; litter size; mortality; nonhuman; rabbit; sexual maturity; weaning; weight gain; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Talinum triangulare | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905493175 | Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal as a substitute for antibiotics on the performance and blood parameters of broiler chickens | Makanjuola B.A., Obi O.O., Olorungbohunmi T.O., Morakinyo O.A., Oladele-Bukola M.O., Boladuro B.A. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 8 | None | Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria | Makanjuola, B.A., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria; Obi, O.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olorungbohunmi, T.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria; Morakinyo, O.A., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oladele-Bukola, M.O., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria; Boladuro, B.A., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria | An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of three different inclusion levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) as substitute to antibiotics on the performance and blood parameters of broiler chickens. One hundred and forty four (144) day-old commercial Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments of 3 replicates each. Each replicate had 12 birds. The treatments CTL - Control group in which the birds were offered a basal diet and routine treatment with antibiotic (Enrofloxacin via water); MO1 - basal diet with 200g MOLM in 100kg of feed; MO2 - basal diet with 400g MOLM in 100kg of feed and MO3 - basal diet with 600g MOLM in 100kg of feed. The experiment lasted 28 days. Significant differences were observed in the feed intake of the birds while body weight gain did not differ significantly. The haematological parameters measured did not differ significantly. Alanine transaminase (ALT) differed among the dietary treatments. No differences were observed in the other serum biochemical indices measured. Cost incurred per kilogramme weight gain was lower for birds on Moringa diets than birds on the control diet. | Alanine transaminase; Enrofloxacin; Feed intake; Haemoglobin; Serum | None | None |
| None | None | Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal as a substitute for sunflower seed meal on performance of laying hens in Tanzania | Kakengi A.M.V., Kaijage J.T., Sarwatt S.V., Mutayoba S.K., Shem M.N., Fujihara T. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Laboratory of Animal Science, Shimane University, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Matsue-shi, Shimane, Japan | Kakengi, A.M.V., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kaijage, J.T., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Sarwatt, S.V., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mutayoba, S.K., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Shem, M.N., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Fujihara, T., Laboratory of Animal Science, Shimane University, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Matsue-shi, Shimane, Japan | An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of substituting Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) for sunflower seed meal (SSM) as a protein source of egg strain commercial chickens. The effects of substitution on feed intake (FI), dry matter intake (DMI), egg weight (EWT), Laying percentage (LP), egg mass production (EMP), and feed conversion ratio (KG FEED/KG EGGS) were investigated. Four dietary treatments based on MOLM and SSM as plant protein sources were formulated such that MOLM reciprocally replaced SSM at levels of 20, 15, 10 and 0% giving the dietary treatments containing 0, 5, 10 and 20% MOLM levels for MOLM-0, MOLM-10, MOLM-15 and MOLM-20 respectively. A total of 96 twenty-one weeks of age pullets were allocated to the dietary treatments in a randomised design. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and eight birds per replicate. The EWT was significantly highest in MOLM-0 and lowest in MOLM-10. LP showed a significant progressive decreasing trend as MOLM proportion increased in the diet. Further, EMP showed a significant progressive decrease at 10 and 20% MOLM levels. DMI and DFI significantly increased progressively at 10 and 20% MOLM levels. Also, Kg feed/Kg eggs (g feed intake/g egg mass) were significantly highest in birds fed 20% MOLM levels. The results, therefore, suggest that MOLM could completely replace SSC up to 20% without any detrimental effect in laying chickens. However, for better efficiency 10% inclusion level is optimal and an addition of MOLM above 10% high energy based feeds are required for better utilization. | Chicken; Layer; Leaf meal; Moringa oleifera; Nutrition; Substitution; Sunflower seed meal | Aves; Gallus gallus; Helianthus; Moringa oleifera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923919095 | Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on finisher pig growth performance, meat quality, shelf life and fatty acid composition of pork | Mukumbo F.E., Maphosa V., Hugo A., Nkukwana T.T., Mabusela T.P., Muchenje V. | 2014 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 44 | 4 | 10.4314/sajas.v44i4.9 | Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa; Department of Microbial Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Mukumbo, F.E., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa; Maphosa, V., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa; Hugo, A., Department of Microbial Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Nkukwana, T.T., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa; Mabusela, T.P., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa; Muchenje, V., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa | The effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of finisher pigs, physico-chemical meat quality, fatty acid (FA) composition and shelf life of pork was investigated. A six-week feeding trial was conducted with 24 Large White x Landrace gilts aged 14 weeks. Each pig was housed individually and randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments, containing 0%, 2.5%, 5% or 7.5% MOLM, with six replicates per treatment. Feed intake was measured daily, pig liveweight was measured weekly, and average daily gains (ADGs) and FCR were calculated. Pigs were slaughtered at 20 weeks old and measurements of backfat thickness, pH45min and pH24h were taken. Muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle samples from each carcass were analysed for physico-chemical quality. Muscle, subcutaneous fat and feed samples were analysed for FA composition and health lipid indices of atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (IT) were calculated. A 10-day shelf-life study was conducted, during which instrumental and sensory meat colour and odour were assessed. Pigs fed 7.5% MOLM had significantly higher average daily feed intakes (3.56 kg/day) than pigs fed 0%, 2.5% and 5% MOLM (3.05, 3.14 and 3.07 kg/day, respectively). The FCR of pigs fed 0%, 2.5% and 5% MOLM did not differ significantly (3.34, 3.44 and 3.22, respectively). However, the FCR of pigs fed 7.5% MOLM was significantly poorer (3.78). No significant differences were observed for carcass and physico-chemical quality traits. MOLM inclusion improved shelf life, as meat samples from MOLM-fed pigs exhibited significantly prolonged acceptability of colour and odour during 10 days of refrigerated storage. Although the n-6: n-3 FA ratios of the dietary treatments containing MOLM were significantly improved (T1 = 35.45, T2 = 22.08, T3 = 14.24, T4 = 15.90), no significant differences were observed for this ratio in the fat composition of the meat or subcutaneous fat samples between treatments. A significant reduction in intramuscular fat and stearic acid content was observed with increasing levels of MOLM. However, all other FA profiles, ratios and health lipid indices did not differ significantly across treatments. In conclusion, up to 5% MOLM may be included in finisher pig feed with no negative effect on feed conversion efficiency, carcass and meat quality traits, and may improve shelf life of pork. However, inclusion levels of 7.5% MOLM may lower FCR. The MOLM inclusion significantly improved the FA composition of the feed, but did not produce the desired improvements in FA composition of meat, probably because of the prominence of fat deposition by de novo lipogenesis in finisher pigs rather than direct incorporation of dietary fatty acids. | anti-nutrient factors; fatty acid ratios; Moringa oleifera; pork colour; pork odour | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893735555 | Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, apparent digestibility, digestive organ size and carcass yield in broiler chickens | Nkukwana T.T., Muchenje V., Pieterse E., Masika P.J., Mabusela T.P., Hoffman L.C., Dzama K. | 2014 | Livestock Science | 161 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.01.001 | Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Agricultural Development and Research Institute, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Nkukwana, T.T., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Muchenje, V., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Pieterse, E., Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Masika, P.J., Agricultural Development and Research Institute, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Mabusela, T.P., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Hoffman, L.C., Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Dzama, K., Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa | The effects of dietary supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) as a growth promoter on the growth performance, apparent digestibility, digestive organ size, and carcass yield of broiler chickens were investigated. A total of 2400 one-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks of mixed sex were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in six replications of 80 birds per pen. Fresh, green and undamaged mature M. oleifera leaves were collected from a number of trees from the same village to avoid variations in soil micronutrient content; and were grinded to produce MOLM. Dietary treatments were as follows: positive control (+C) with 668g salinomycin and 500g zinc bacitracin per kg of feed; MOLMlow (ML; 1, 3 and 5); MOLMmedium (MM; 3, 9 and 15g); MOLMhigh (MH; 5, 15 and 25g)] per kg of feed; and a negative control (-C; without supplementation). Diets were fed for 35d in starter, grower and finisher phases; and birds were provided feed and water ad libitum. At 35d of age, 12 birds per treatment, two from each replicate pen, were randomly selected, electrically stunned at 70V and killed by cervical dislocation for determination of carcass and organ weights. Bird weight at 7 and 21d of age, birds fed MH had the highest BW, while +C had the lowest (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in FI between treatments during periods from 0 to 21d and 0 to 35d; FCR was the highest (P<0.05) in birds supplemented with MOLM, except for MM; and was the lowest in those on the +C. Birds in ML had the highest thigh weights, and MH had the lowest (P<0.05). Gizzard erosion score was the lowest in MH and the highest in MM (P<0.001). Mortality rate was the highest (P<0.05) in MH from day 22 to 28 and was the lowest in ML and MM (1.3% vs. 0.21%); and was mainly due to sudden death. There were no significant differences in apparent digestibility for ash, ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) among treatments. It was concluded that supplementation of M. oleifera leaf meal up to 25g per kg of feed did not impair nutrient utilization efficiency, but enhanced the bird's genetic potential for growth performance. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Broiler chickens; Carcass yield; Digestive organ size; Growth performance; Moringa oleifera leaf meal | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926486534 | Effect of multi-enzyme mixtures on performance and nutrient utilization in broilers fed diets containing different types of cereals and industrial by-products | Waititu S.M., Rogiewicz A., Slominski B.A., Maina J.G., Ochanda J.O., Nyachoti C.M. | 2014 | Journal of Poultry Science | 51 | 4 | 10.2141/jpsa.0130213 | Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi, Kenya | Waititu, S.M., Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Rogiewicz, A., Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Slominski, B.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Maina, J.G., Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Ochanda, J.O., Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Nyachoti, C.M., Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada | The effect of 3 multi-enzyme mixtures (MEM), A, B and C, having equivalent phytase activities but with different activities of carbohydrases (except invertase) and protease on growth performance and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens fed diets containing different types of cereals and industrial by-products was investigated. Day-old broiler chicks (N＝400) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with8 treatments of 10 replicates eac Two control diets, one consisted of wheat, corn, soybean meal, canola meal and wheat-corn distillers dried grains with solubles (WCS), and one withsorgum, cottonseed meal, sunflower meal and brewer's dried grains (SCS) were formulated and fed to birds without or with one of the 3 MEM. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were determined weekly. On day 20 excreta samples were collected for determination of total tract apparent retention (TTAR) of nutrients and nitrogen corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn). On day 22, eight birds per treatment were killed by cervical dislocation to collect jejunal and ileal digesta for determination of viscosity and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients, respectively. Diet and enzyme interactions were only detected for overall feed conversion ratio (FCR, P＜0.001) withMEM B and MEM C shown to reduce overall FCR in birds offered SCS and WCS diets, respectively. Most observed differences were due to diet type showing that birds offered WCS diets had higher FI (P＜0.0001) and BWG (P＜0.0001) throughout the experiment, higher wk 1 FCR (P＜0.0001), higher AMEn (P＜0.0001) and TTAR of P (P＜0.0001) and NDF (P＜0.0001) compared with SCS diets. In conclusion, the MEM did not affect growth performance and nutrient utilization though MEM B and MEM C acted differently to reduce overall FCR in birds offered SCS and WCS diets, respectively. © 2014, Japan Poultry Science Association. | Broiler; Multi-enzyme mixtures; Nutrient utilization; Performance | Aves; Brassica napus var. napus; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Helianthus; Micropus; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892557393 | Effect of multiple taxation on the performance of small and medium scale business enterprises. (A study of West African Ceremics Ajeokuta, Kogi State) | Adebisi J.F., Gbegi D.O. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 6 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p323 | Nigerian college of Accountancy, Jos, Nigeria; Department of Accounting, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria | Adebisi, J.F., Nigerian college of Accountancy, Jos, Nigeria; Gbegi, D.O., Department of Accounting, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria | This study is on the effect of multiple taxation on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises. Over the years, small and medium scale enterprises have been an avenue of job creation and the empowerment of Nigeria's citizen, providing about 50% of all jobs in Nigeria and also for local capital formation. However, the mortality rate of these small firms is very high. Among the factors responsible for these untimely close-ups are tax related issues, ranging from multiple taxation to enormous tax burdens. The study therefore examines the effect of multiple taxation on SMEs survival. The study involved a survey research design with a population of 91. The researchers derived their sample size to arrive at 74 and a self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. These data was quantitatively analyzed with simple percentages and tested the research hypothesis with ANOVA. Findings revealed that multiple taxation has negative effect on SMEs' survival and the relationship between SMEs' size and its ability to pay taxes is significant. We therefore recommends that government should come up with a uniform tax policies that will favour the development of SMEs in Nigeria and government should put into consideration the size of SMEs when setting tax policies. | Economic growth; Multiple taxations; SMEs mortality; SMEs performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879275072 | Effect of nutrase xyla® supplementation on growth performance of grower pigs fed low or high fibre diets | Alu S.E., Oluremi O.I.A., Kaankuka F.G. | 2012 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 11 | 11 | None | Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Keffi, P.M.B. 135, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nige | Alu, S.E., Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Keffi, P.M.B. 135, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Oluremi, O.I.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria; Kaankuka, F.G., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria | A 49-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of fibre and Nutrase xyla® enzyme supplementation on the growth performance of grower pigs. Sixteen Landrace x Large white cross bred pigs were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with 2 enzyme levels (0 and 100 ppm) and two dietary fibre levels (10 and 15%). Sixteen weaned crosses of Landrace x Large white piglets were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement having 2 enzyme levels (0 and 100 ppm) and 2 dietary fibre levels (10 and 15%). Four isonitrogenous (18% CP) experimental diets with marginal variation in caloric content tagged T1, T2, T3 and T4 were compounded. Treatments 1 and 2 contained 10% crude fibre level (low fibre), while treatments 3 and 4 contained about 15% crude fiber levels (high fibre). Treatments 1 and 3 served as the control diets for treatments 2 and 4, respectively. Performance data such as feed intake, initial weight and final weight were recorded and used to calculate weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, feed cost/kg and feed cost/unit weight gain. There were no significant (p>0.05) effects of dietary fibre levels and enzyme supplementation or their interactive effects on average daily feed intake, feed: gain ratio, protein efficiency ratio and feed cost per unit weight gain. The economic analyses revealed that the use of Nutrase xyla® at 100ppm in these diets resulted in increased feed cost but higher level of dietary fibre reduced the cost of feed. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Fibre; Grower pigs; Nutrase xyla®; Rice offal | enzyme; nutrase xyla; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal food; article; caloric intake; controlled study; cost; diet; diet supplementation; economic evaluation; feed converion ratio; fiber; food composition; growth rate; high fiber diet; low fiber diet; nonhuman; nutritional parameters; piglet; protein efficiency ratio; swine; test meal; weight gain; Pieris brassicae; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893233045 | Effect of operational parameters on SAGD performance in a dip heterogeneous fractured reservoir | Hashemi-Kiasari H., Hemmati-Sarapardeh A., Mighani S., Mohammadi A.H., Sedaee-Sola B. | 2014 | Fuel | 122 | None | 10.1016/j.fuel.2013.12.057 | Department of Petroleum Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, University of Oklahoma, OK, United States; Institut de Recherche en Génie Chimique et Pétrolier (IRGCP), Paris Cedex, France; Thermodynamics Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa; Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran | Hashemi-Kiasari, H., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Hemmati-Sarapardeh, A., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Mighani, S., Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, University of Oklahoma, OK, United States; Mohammadi, A.H., Institut de Recherche en Génie Chimique et Pétrolier (IRGCP), Paris Cedex, France, Thermodynamics Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa; Sedaee-Sola, B., Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran | Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) has been studied theoretically, experimentally and numerically as a promising EOR process. Most of the simulation works have been conducted microscopically in homogeneous non-dipping models. In this communication, the effect of operational parameters on SAGD performance is investigated in a dip heterogeneous naturally fractured reservoir (NFR) with oil wet rock using CMG-STARS thermal simulator. The results indicate that reservoir dip has unfavorable effects on SAGD performance due to overriding effect. Moreover, less oil saturation of matrix causes steam to penetrate into upper blocks. It has also been observed that reservoir thickness controls operational parameters. Furthermore, the results indicate that there is no need for more preheating due to desired heat communication between well pair. As it was expected, higher steam injection rate leads to more oil production. Besides, longer well pairs have no considerable effects on SAGD performance in dip reservoirs. Besides, because of quick reservoir depletion in injection at high pressure, SAGD is not recommended economically in thinner reservoirs. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Dipping; EOR; Naturally fractured reservoir; Operational parameter; SAGD | Dipping; EOR; Naturally fractured reservoirs; Operational parameters; SAGD; Communication; Computer simulation; Enhanced recovery; Water injection | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053141603 | Effect of Organic fertilizer and formulated feed on the growth performance and condition factor of Clarias gariepinus ♂ and Heterobranchus longifilis ♀ hybrid | Ndome C.B., Udo I.U., Nkereuwem S.N. | 2011 | International Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 8 | 10.3923/ijar.2011.632.642 | Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | Ndome, C.B., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Udo, I.U., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Nkereuwem, S.N., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | Clarias gariepinus ♂ X Heterobranchus longifilis ♀ hybrids (Commonly referred to as Heteroclarias) grow faster and attain bigger sizes than their genetic parents, hence, its high aquaculture importance in Nigeria. A 12-week feeding trial was conducted in the University of Calabar fish farm to investigate the effect of organic fertilizer and formulated feed on the growth performance of a hybrid clariid catfish (C. gariepinus ♂ x H. longifilis ♀) cultured in earthen ponds. One hundred and twenty fingerlings (1.56±0.09 g) were fed twice daily on MULTIFEED and allowed to acclimatize for two weeks. Ten fingerlings were thereafter randomly selected from the general pool and distributed into each of three pairs of hapas (1×1×1 m), fitted into each of four earthen ponds using the various treatments. DT01 was not given any treatment (control); DT02 was treated with organic fertilizer to enhance natural food production; DT03 was treated with artificial feed only while DT04 was treated with both organic fertilizer and artificial feed all fortified with the basal diet (B). Throughout the experiment, water and soil variables were found to be within the acceptable range for catfish culture. Results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in weight gain, total length increase and growth parameters for other treatments in comparison with the control experiment. Fish fed a combination of natural and artificial feed performed best followed by those fed artificial feed only while those that were allowed to graze naturally on available food in the pond performed least. It was therefore concluded that Heteroclarias hybrid fingerlings should be cultured in a combined feeding condition for effective growth; better condition factor and maximum productivity. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc. | Artificial feed; Daily weight gain; Hapas; Hybrid; Specific growth rate | Clarias gariepinus; Clariidae; Heterobranchus longifilis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955776318 | Effect of output coupling ratio on the performance of ring-cavity Brillouin fiber laser | Hambali N.A.M.A., Mahdi M.A., Al-Mansoori M.H., Saripan M.I., Abas A.F., Ajiya M. | 2010 | Laser Physics | 20 | 7 | 10.1134/S1054660X10130049 | Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, College of Engineering, University Tenaga Nasional, Selango | Hambali, N.A.M.A., Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Mahdi, M.A., Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Department of Computer and Communication Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Al-Mansoori, M.H., Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, College of Engineering, University Tenaga Nasional, Selangor 43009, Malaysia; Saripan, M.I., Department of Computer and Communication Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Abas, A.F., Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Department of Computer and Communication Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; Ajiya, M., Wireless and Photonics Networks Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, Kano PMB 3011, Nigeria | We present a single-wavelength Brillouin fiber laser utilizing a ring-cavity configuration. Performances and characteristics of the laser system have been investigated at different output coupling ratios. The optimum output power of the system stood at 7.3 mW, which was obtained at 90% output coupling ratio. A low Brillouin threshold power of 0.9 mW was obtained at 10% output coupling ratio when the Brillouin pump was set at its maximum power of 24 mW. © 2010 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. | None | Brillouin fiber laser; Brillouin pump; Brillouin threshold; Laser systems; Maximum power; Output coupling; Output power; Ring cavities; Ring cavity configuration; Single wavelength; Fiber lasers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34447278543 | Effect of parity, season and year on reproductive performance and herd life of Friesian cows at Stella private dairy farm, Ethiopia | Gebeyehu G., Belihu K., Berihun A. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 7 | None | Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Ziet, Ethiopia | Gebeyehu, G., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Ziet, Ethiopia; Belihu, K., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Ziet, Ethiopia; Berihun, A., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Ziet, Ethiopia | A retrospective study was carried out at Stella Dairy Farm, Ethiopia, using 13 years data (1993 to 2006) to estimate number of services per conception (NSC), days open (DO), calving interval (CI), herd life (HL), number of lactations (NL) and productive age (PA). Fixed factors considered were parity (8+), season (3) and year (13). Data were analysed using the General Linear Model of SAS. Cumulative frequency (%) was used to study the distributions of DO and CI. The overall mean for NSC, DO and CI were 1.720±0.056 (n=619), 177±5.4 (n=448) days and 456±5.4 (n= 423) days, respectively. Parity had significant effect on NSC (P<0.05) DO and CI (P<0.001). Seasons of conception had no effect on the parameters studied. The overall means (n=105) for HL, NL, and PA were 3048±107days, 3.88±0.23 and 1753±106 days, respectively. Birth year significantly affected the variables. About a third of the heats inseminated required two or more services. About 47% of the DO and 58% of the CI had a length of 130 and 450 days or more, respectively. To improve the efficiency of reproductive performances and herd life, it is recommended to give attention in heat detection, timely insemination, adequate feeding, proper management of postpartum reproductive problems and early growth management of heifers. | Ethiopia; Fixed factors; Friesian; Herd life; Reproductive performance; Stella farm | Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845768510 | Effect of partial replacement of yam peel meal Dioscorea spp. for Maize Meal Zea mays on performance and carcass characteristics of finisher broiler chicks | Ekenyem B.U., Madubuike F.N., Dike O.F. | 2006 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 5 | 10 | None | Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria | Ekenyem, B.U., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Madubuike, F.N., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria; Dike, O.F., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owerri, Nigeria | One hundred and sixty 4-week old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were used in a 28-day feeding trial to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of yam peel meal (YPM) for Maize Meal (MM) in the performance and carcass characteristics of finisher broiler chicks. Birds were grouped into four treatments and fed diets containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% YPM. The treatments were replicated four times in a completely randomized design. Feeding and potable water supply were ad libitum. Routine vaccination and medication and other standard management practices were strictly observed. Data collected were performance parameters such as initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kg gain while carcass parameters such as dressed weight, breast weight, thigh weight, wings, shank and head were measured. Results show that birds fed 15% YPM 1737.50g were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than others fed 0% YPM 1650.00g, 5% YPM 1637.50g and 10% YPM 1675.00g thus showing heavier weight with increasing levels of YPM in the diets. Similar trend was also observed in weight gain in which birds fed 15% YPM made significantly (P<0.05) superior gain to birds on the rest diets. Cost of feed/kg gain significantly (P<0.05) reduced with increasing levels of YPM. All carcass parameters show significant (P<0.05) differences between treatments in favour of birds fed higher levels of YPM. Thus the inclusion of YPM in diets up to 15% improved the performance and carcass characteristics of the birds as well as significantly (P<0.05) reduced the cost of feed/weight gain. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Broiler chick diets; Carcass characteristics; Maize meal; Partial replacement; Yam peel meal | Aves; Dioscorea; Dioscorea alata; Zea mays | None |
| None | None | Effect of paying for performance on utilisation, quality, and user costs of health services in Tanzania: A controlled before and after study | Binyaruka P., Patouillard E., Powell-Jackson T., Greco G., Maestad O., Borghi J. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0135013 | Ifakara Health Institute, Plot 463, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Chr. Michelsens Institutt, Jekteviksbakken 31, Bergen, Norway | Binyaruka, P., Ifakara Health Institute, Plot 463, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Patouillard, E., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Powell-Jackson, T., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Greco, G., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Maestad, O., Chr. Michelsens Institutt, Jekteviksbakken 31, Bergen, Norway; Borghi, J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Despite widespread implementation across Africa, there is limited evidence of the effect of payment for performance (P4P) schemes in low income countries on the coverage of quality services and affordability, consistent with universal health coverage objectives. We examined the effect of a government P4P scheme on utilisation, quality, and user costs of health services in Tanzania. Methods: We evaluated the effects of a P4P scheme on utilisation of all maternal and child immunization services targeted by the scheme, and non-targeted general outpatient service use.We also evaluated effects on patient satisfaction with care and clinical content of antenatal care, and user costs. The evaluation was done in 150 facilities across all 7 intervention districts and 4 comparison districts with two rounds of data collection over 13-months in January 2012 and February 2013. We sampled 3000 households of women who had delivered in the 12 months prior to interview; 1500 patients attending health facilities for targeted and non-targeted services at each round of data collection. Difference-in-difference regression analysis was employed. Findings: We estimated a significant positive effect on two out of eight targeted indicators. There was an 8.2% (95% CI: 3.6% to 12.8%) increase in coverage of institutional deliveries among women in the intervention area, and a 10.3%(95% CI: 4.4% to 16.1%) increase in the provision of anti-malarials during pregnancy. Use of non-targeted services reduced at dispensaries by 57.5 visits per month among children under five (95% CI: -110.2 to -4.9) and by 90.8 visits per month for those aged over five (95% CI: -156.5 to -25.2). There was no evidence of an effect of P4P on patient experience of care for targeted services. There was a 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.10) increase in the patient satisfaction score for non-targeted services. P4P was associated with a 5.0% reduction in those paying out of pocket for deliveries (95% CI: -9.3% to -0.7%) but there was no evidence of an effect on the average amount paid. Conclusion: This study adds to the very limited evidence on the effects of P4P at scale and highlights the potential risks of such schemes in relation to non-targeted service use. Further consideration of the design of P4P schemes is required to enhance progress towards universal health coverage, and close monitoring of effects on non-targeted services and user costs should be encouraged. © 2015 Binyaruka et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | Africa; Article; controlled study; health care cost; health care delivery; health care facility; health care quality; health care utilization; health insurance; health service; human; immunization; major clinical study; outpatient care; patient satisfaction; performance; prenatal care; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929942721 | Effect of performance review and clinical mentoring meetings (PRCMM) on recording of community case management by health extension workers in Ethiopia | Mengistu B., Karim A.M., Eniyew A., Yitabrek A., Eniyew A., Tsegaye S., Muluye F., Tesfaye H., Demeke B., Marsh D.R. | 2014 | Ethiopian Medical Journal | 52 | None | None | Save the Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; The Last Ten Kilometer Project, JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc., Ethiopia; Le Monde Health and Development Consultancy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Save the Children, Ha- wassa, Ethiopia; Save the Children, Amherst, United States | Mengistu, B., Save the Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Karim, A.M., The Last Ten Kilometer Project, JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc., Ethiopia; Eniyew, A., Le Monde Health and Development Consultancy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Yitabrek, A., Save the Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Eniyew, A., Le Monde Health and Development Consultancy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tsegaye, S., Save the Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Muluye, F., Le Monde Health and Development Consultancy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tesfaye, H., Save the Children, Ha- wassa, Ethiopia; Demeke, B., Save the Children, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Marsh, D.R., Save the Children, Amherst, United States | Background: The Performance Review and Clinical Mentoring Meeting (PRCMM) is an approach to improve and sustain Health Extension Worker (HEW) skills and performance in integrated Community Case Management (iCCM). Objective: To compare HEW performance in recording case management before and after they participated in PRCMM. Methods: We conducted a historical cohort analysis of iCCM case records between September 2010 and Decem-ber 2012 from 622 randomly selected health posts representing 31 intervention woredas (districts) of Amhara, Oromia and Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples' Regions. We used longitudinal regression analysis comparing the trend in the consistency of the classification with the assessment, treatment and follow-up date as well as caseload in the periods before and after PRCMM, with 5511 and 7901 case records, respectively. Results: Overall consistency improved after PRCMM for all common classifications as follows: Pneumonia (54.1% [95% CI: 47.7°/60.5%] vs. 78.2% [73.9%-82.5%]), malaria (50.8% [42.9%-58.7%] vs. 78.9% [73.4%- 84.4%]), and diarrhea (33.7% [27.9%-39.5%] vs. 70.0% [64.7%-75.3%]). This improvement was consistently observed comparing the six months before and the six months after PRCMM in all the common classifications except for malaria where the improvement observed during the first three post-PRCMM months disappeared during the fifth and sixth months. Caseload increased significantly after PRCMM (6.6 [95% CI: 5.9-7.3] vs. 9.2 [8.5-9.9] cases/health post/month). Conclusion: PRCMM seemed to improve iCCM performance of HEWs and should be integrated within the PIIC system and given about eveiy six months, at least at first, to sustain improvement. | Child health; Community case management; Community health worker; Ethiopia; Mentoring; Quality of care; Supei-vision | case management; child health care; clinical competence; community care; documentation; education; health auxiliary; human; infant; newborn; preschool child; standards; teacher; Case Management; Child Health Services; Child, Preschool; Clinical Competence; Community Health Services; Community Health Workers; Documentation; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Mentors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39749160280 | Effect of polyethylene glycol 4000 supplementation on the performance of indigenous Pedi goats fed different levels of Acacia nilotica leaf meal and ad libitum Buffalo grass hay | Motubatse M.R., Ng'ambi J.W., Norris D., Malatje M.M. | 2008 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 40 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-007-9086-1 | Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | Motubatse, M.R., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Ng'ambi, J.W., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Norris, D., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Malatje, M.M., Dept. of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | In a first of two experiments, twenty yearling male Pedi goats weighing 21.3±0.5 kg live weight were used in a 37-day study in a 2 (levels of PEG 4000) × 2 (levels of Acacia) Factorial arrangement in a Completely Randomised Design to determine the effect of the level of Acacia nilotica leaf meal supplementation plus 23 g polyethylene glycol 4000 on diet intake and digestibility, and growth rate of Pedi goats fed ad libitum Buffalo grass hay. Acacia nilotica leaf meal contained high amounts of total phenolics (2.04 % DM) and low amounts of condensed tannins; both extracted (0.37 % DM) and unextracted (1.83 % DM). Supplementation with PEG 4000 increased (P<0.05) crude protein intake as the level of Acacia nilotica leaf meal increased from 80 to 120 g. Similarly, treatment with PEG 4000 improved (P<0.05) DM, OM and CP digestibilities when compared to 80 g Acacia nilotica leaf meal. Supplementation with PEG 4000 resulted in an increase (P<0.05) in blood urea concentrations. Polyethylene glycol 4000 has the potential to improve the feeding value of A. nilotica leaf meal and can, therefore, be used in the feeding systems for ruminant animals. The second experiment determined the effect of A. nilotica leaf meal supplementation on in vitro digestibility of the diets similar to the actual ratios of the first experiment. Level of A. nilotica leaf meal supplementation plus 23 g PEG 4000 supplementation improved (P<0.05) in vitro DM, OM and CP digestibilities where 120 g A. nilotica leaf meal was supplemented. Similarly, 23 g PEG 4000 supplementation also improved (P<0.05) in vitro CP digestibility where 80 g A. nilotica leaf meal was supplemented. In vivo DM and OM digestibilities were best predicted from in vitro DM and OM digestibilities while in vivo CP was explained by in vitro OM and CP digestibilities. It is, therefore, concluded that in vitro DM and OM digestibilities have good capacity to predict in vivo DM and OM digestibilities while OM and CP digestibilities have good capacity to predict in vivo CP digestibility. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Acacia nilotica; Goats; Polyethylene glycol; Tannins | macrogol derivative; tannin derivative; Acacia; animal; animal food; article; crossover procedure; diet supplementation; digestion; dose response; duodenum; goat; growth, development and aging; male; metabolism; nutritional value; physiology; plant leaf; Poaceae; randomization; ruminant stomach; weight gain; Acacia; Animal Feed; Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Duodenum; Goats; Male; Nutritive Value; Plant Leaves; Poaceae; Polyethylene Glycols; Random Allocation; Rumen; Tannins; Weight Gain; Acacia; Acacia nilotica; Animalia; Bovidae; Capra hircus; Urochloa mutica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910029166 | Effect of practical work on grade 10 learners’ performance in science in mankweng circuit, South Africa | Kibirige I., Rebecca M.M., Mavhunga F. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 23 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1568 | Department of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, South Africa | Kibirige, I., Department of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, South Africa; Rebecca, M.M., Department of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, South Africa; Mavhunga, F., Department of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, South Africa | The effect of practical work on learners’ performance in Science was investigated using a quasi-experimental design with preand post-tests. 60 learners (N=30) for the Experimental Group were taught using practical work while (N=30) for the Control Group were taught without practical work. Results from post post-tests show that learners from the EG outperformed those from the CG. Average mean of EG (M = 22.8, SD = 6.50) and average mean of CG (M = 11.3, SD 3.0) were statistically different (t-test = 8.63, df = 58, p < 0.05) and ANCOVA results suggest that the difference was due to the effect of practical work. A Mann-Whitney U-test show that there was no significant differences in performance between boys and girls in the EG. Findings from this study show that practical work improved learners' performance. The implication for teachers is that the use of practical work in teaching of Physical Sciences improves learners’ performance. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Chalk-and-talk; Integrated processes; Learners' experience; Learners' performance; Practical work | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897961258 | Effect of Pretreatments and Drying Methods on Chemical Composition and Sensory Evaluation of Oyster Mushroom (Pluerotus Oestreatus) Powder and Soup | Muyanja C., Kyambadde D., Namugumya B. | 2014 | Journal of Food Processing and Preservation | 38 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1745-4549.2012.00794.x | School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, 7062, Uganda | Muyanja, C., School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, 7062, Uganda; Kyambadde, D., School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, 7062, Uganda; Namugumya, B., School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, 7062, Uganda | In Uganda, mushrooms constitute a very important nutritious food that is prepared in different ways. The aim of the work was to determine the effects of pretreatments and drying methods on the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of oyster mushrooms (Pluerotus oestreatus). Blanching had no significant (P=0.10) effect on protein content but resulted in decreases in ash and increases in the carbohydrate content. Brining decreased protein, moisture content and increased ash content. The drying methods had no significant (P=0.06) effect on the carbohydrate content. The treatments did not significantly affect the iron and zinc content of mushrooms. No significant difference in taste (P=0.37) and flavor (P=0.10) of the prepared soups was observed. Soups prepared from sun-dried powders had the highest overall acceptability scores. Blanching maintained the color of mushrooms and combined with brining for 60min could be used to produce dried oyster mushrooms of acceptable quality. Practical Applications: The growing of oyster mushroom is increasing in Uganda. Mushrooms are highly perishable because of their moisture content and fragile cell structure; hence they need preservation by drying to extend the shelf life. Drying of mushrooms and production of dried mushrooms and their powders is a practical approach where farmers can add value to mushrooms and enhance their incomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | Blanching; Brining; Carbohydrates; Drying; Moisture determination; Molluscs; Powders; Sensory perception; Shellfish; Carbohydrate content; Chemical compositions; Drying methods; Overall acceptability; Oyster mushroom; Protein contents; Sensory characteristics; Sensory evaluation; Fungi; Basidiomycota; Pleurotus ostreatus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746728277 | Effect of progression of disease on cognitive performance in HIV/AIDS | Odiase F., Ogunrin O., Ogunniyi A. | 2006 | Journal of the National Medical Association | 98 | 8 | None | Neurology Unit, University Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria; Neurology Unit, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria; Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | Odiase, F., Neurology Unit, University Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria; Ogunrin, O., Neurology Unit, University Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Ogunniyi, A., Neurology Unit, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria | Background: HIV infection causes a range of cognitive and behavioral symptoms that become more frequent and severe as the immune system deteriorates and symptomatic illness ensues. Objective: To determine the impact of disease progression on cognitive abilities of Nigerian Africans who present in the HIV/AIDS clinic of the university Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, using the CD4 levels as the measure of disease progression. Methods: A total of 288 subjects comprising 96 randomly selected symptomatic AIDS patients, 96 randomly selected asymptomatic HIV-positive patients and 96 HIV-negative controls participated in the study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect HIV infection, and CD4 levels were obtained for all subjects. The Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSI 'D') was used to assess cognitive performance of subjects. Subjects were matched for age, sex and level of education. Results: Each category of subjects comprised 48 males and 48 females. The mean ages were 32.94 ± 8.0 years, 31.47 ± 6.7 years and 33.56 ± 7.1 years for the controls, asymptomatic HIV-positive and symptomatic AIDS subjects respectively (p=0.127). The mean CD4 levels were 684 ± 44/μL (controls), 284 ± 62/μL (asymptomatic HIV positive) and 142 ± 36/μL (symptomatic AIDS). The mean CSI 'D' scores were 66.46 ± 1.90 (controls), 66.31 ± 2.14 (asymptomatic HIV positive) and 56.62 ± 4.23 (symptomatic AIDS). Conclusion: Cognitive abilities of HIV/AIDS patients decline as the disease progresses. This is reflected in the cognitive performances of the symptomatic AIDS patients. The lower the CD4 levels, the worse the cognitive deficits. There was, however, no significant difference in the performance of asymptomatic HIV-positive patients and the controls. | CD4 levels; Cognition; HIV/AIDS | CD4 antigen; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cognition; cognitive defect; Community Screening Interview for Dementia; controlled study; deterioration; disease course; disease severity; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; priority journal; rating scale; symptomatology; Adult; Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Disease Progression; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; HIV; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Prevalence; Prognosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-59449111110 | Effect of quantitative feed restriction on broiler performance | Khetani T.L., Nkukwana T.T., Chimonyo M., Muchenje V. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-008-9200-z | Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Khetani, T.L., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Nkukwana, T.T., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Chimonyo, M., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Muchenje, V., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa | The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of quantitative feed restriction on the performance of broilers. A total of 270 unsexed broilers were randomly allocated to three treatments: with no feed restriction (T1), one week (T2) and two (T3) weeks of feed restriction from 22 days of age and then fed ad libitum until the age of 42 days. Treatments were replicated three times with 30 birds per replicate. Birds were fed with starter, grower and finisher diets. The feed consumed and body weights were recorded every week from the third to the sixth week. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed for each week. At Week 6, body weights of T3 birds were similar (P∈>∈0.05) to those of T1 and T2 birds. There were also no treatment effects on the ADG at Week 6. In addition, no treatment effects (P∈>∈0.05) were observed on ADFI at each stage of growth. Since ADFI and FCR were similar among the three groups, it was concluded that feed restriction by limiting the time to eat was not successful. There was also no evidence of compensatory growth in the restricted groups. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Average daily gain; Compensatory growth; Feed conversion efficiency | adaptation; animal; animal food; article; caloric intake; caloric restriction; chicken; growth, development and aging; metabolism; newborn; physiology; randomization; time; weight gain; Adaptation, Physiological; Animal Feed; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Caloric Restriction; Chickens; Energy Intake; Random Allocation; Time Factors; Weight Gain; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27744516642 | Effect of replacement of maize with cassava peel in cockerel diets on performance and carcass characteristics | Nwokoro S.O., Ekhosuehi E.I. | 2005 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 37 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-005-6844-9 | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | Nwokoro, S.O., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Ekhosuehi, E.I., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | Cyanide; Dressing percentage; Feed consumption; Nitrogen retention; Weight gain | animal; animal food; article; body composition; body constitution; caloric intake; cassava; chicken; growth, development and aging; maize; male; Nigeria; nutritional requirement; physiology; randomization; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Body Composition; Body Constitution; Chickens; Energy Intake; Male; Manihot; Nigeria; Nutritional Requirements; Random Allocation; Weight Gain; Zea mays; Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547212751 | Effect of replacement of maize with earth ball (Icacinia manni) meal on the performance of broiler chickens | Umoren U.E., Isika M.A., Asanga E.P., Ezeigwe P.N. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 10 | 14 | None | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, Swaziland | Umoren, U.E., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Isika, M.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria, Department of Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, Swaziland; Asanga, E.P., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Ezeigwe, P.N., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria | The aim of the study was to assess the replacement value of earth ball for maize in broiler diets. A feeding trial was conducted for eight weeks using 220 unsexed Anak 2000 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design to assess the effect of replacement of maize with Icacinia manni meal at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% on the performance. The diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, containing 24% crude protein and 3095 Kcal kg -1 ME in the starter ration and 21% crude protein and 3204 Kcal kg -1 ME in the finisher mash. The birds were randomly distributed into 5 treatments with two replicates containing 22 birds each making a total of 44 birds per treatment. Results showed that in the starter phase, dietary treatments had significantly (p<0.05) least feed intake, body weight gain in the 45 and 60% Icacinia manni meal diets, but not significantly (p>0.05) different in mortality and feed conversion ratio. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also observed in feed intake and body weight gain in the finisher phase. Birds on 0 and 15% Icacinia manni meal diets consumed more feed and were heavier (p<0.05) than those on 30, 45 and 60% Icacinia meal diets. Mortality and feed conversion ratio were not significantly different (p>0.05) at the finisher phase. Birds on 0 and 15% Icacinia meal inclusion exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher dressed weight, kidney, liver, lung, shank, intestine, neck and gizzard weights. The study concludes that Icacinia manni meal could replace maize up to 15% in broiler diets without deleterious effect on performance, which holds great potential as feed ingredient in poultry nutrition. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Carcass; Feeding trial; Icacinia manni meal; Organ mass; Performance | animal; animal food; article; chicken; feeding behavior; growth, development and aging; maize; physiology; Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Feeding Behavior; Zea mays; Aves; Gallus gallus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65949100782 | Effect of replacing dietry fish meal with silkworm (Anaphe infracta) caterpillar meal on performance, carcass characteristics and haematological parameters of finishing broiler chicken | Ijaiya A.T., Eko E.O. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 8 | 6 | 10.3923/pjn.2009.850.855 | Department of Animal Production Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | Ijaiya, A.T., Department of Animal Production Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria; Eko, E.O., Department of Animal Production Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | The effects of substituting fish meal with different levels of silkworm (Anaphe infracta) caterpillar meal (SCM) on the growth, carcass characteristics haematology and economics of production formed the basis of this study. A total of one hundred and fifty four weeks old anak broilers were randomly allotted to five treatment groups in a completely randomized design with each treatment having thirty birds. Each treatment group was further divided into two replicates of fifteen birds per replicate. Five diets which had 100% FM: 0% SCM; 75% FM: 25% SCM; 50% FM: 50% SCM; 25% FM: 75% SCM and 0% FM: 100% SCM were formulated and labeled diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively with diet 1 serving as the control. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. The performance in terms of feed intake (95.71g-98.25g), body weight gain (46.10g-98.51g), feed conversion efficiency (1.98-2.08) and protein efficiency ratio (2.41-2.54) showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences across the dietary treatments. Analysis of weight of carcass and body cuts as well as blood parameters apart from blood albumin indicated no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the treatment means. Cost per kg of feed gradually decline with increasing dietary level of SCM inclusion levels indicating higher economic benefit. The result of this study revealed that the growth performance of the birds was not affected by the incorporation of silkworm caterpillar meal and it was more cost effective than conventional fish meal. It was concluded that cheaper silkworm caterpillar meal can be use as a complete substitute for fish meal in the diet of finishing broiler chickens. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Animal protein; Finishing broiler; Fish meal; Silkworm caterpillar meal | serum albumin; water; animal experiment; animal food; article; bird; body growth; carcass; caterpillar; chicken; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; diet supplementation; diet therapy; economics; fish; food intake; hematological parameters; nonhuman; randomization; silkworm; weight gain; Animalia; Aves; Bombyx mori; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-64849087786 | Effect of replacing maize with a mixture of rumen content and blood meal on the performances of growing rabbits: initial study with mash feed | Togun V.A., Farinu G.O., Ojebiyi O.O., Awotunde A.I. | 2009 | World Rabbit Science | 17 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Togun, 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, Nigeria | A 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 content | Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859496899 | Effect of replacing maize with cassava root meal and maize/sorghum brewers' dried grains on the performance of starter broilers | Uchegbu M.C., Etuk E.B., Omede A.A., Okpala C.P., Okoli I.C., Opara M.N. | 2011 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 14 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria | Uchegbu, M.C., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Etuk, E.B., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Omede, A.A., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Okpala, C.P., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Okoli, I.C., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Opara, M.N., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria | A study was carried out with one hundred and twenty one-week-old Hubbard broilers to determine the effect of replacing maize with cassava root meal (CRM) and maize/sorghum brewers' dried grains (MSBDG) on performance of starter broilers. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 15, 30 and 45% CRM and MSBDG combined in the ratio of 1:1 in the broiler starter rations. There was no difference (P>0.05) in feed intake among the birds on 0, 15 and 45% CRM/MSBDG, but these were lower (P<0.05) than the feed intake of birds on 30% CRM/MSBDG. There was no difference (P>0.05) in daily weight gain among the birds on 0, 15 and 30 CRM/MSBDG diets, and each of these was higher than that of the birds on 45% CRM/MSBDG diet. The feed convertion ratio of 0% compared favourably with that of the birds on 15% diets, and these two diets were better (P<0.05) utilized than 30% and 45% CRM/MSBDG diets. The result showed that CRM/MSBDG can be successfully incorporated in broiler starter diets up to 30% dietary level. | Broilers; Cassava root meal; Poultry performance | Aves; Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053181486 | Effect of resistance training regimens on treadmill running and neuromuscular performance in recreational endurance runners | Mikkola J., Vesterinen V., Taipale R., Capostagno B., HäKkinen K., Nummela A. | 2011 | Journal of Sports Sciences | 29 | 13 | 10.1080/02640414.2011.589467 | KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Rautpohjankatu 6, FIN-40700 Jyväskylä, Finland; Department of Biology of Physical Activity and Neuromuscular Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town and Sports Science, Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Mikkola, J., KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Rautpohjankatu 6, FIN-40700 Jyväskylä, Finland; Vesterinen, V., KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Rautpohjankatu 6, FIN-40700 Jyväskylä, Finland; Taipale, R., Department of Biology of Physical Activity and Neuromuscular Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Capostagno, B., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town and Sports Science, Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; HäKkinen, K., Department of Biology of Physical Activity and Neuromuscular Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Nummela, A., KIHU - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Rautpohjankatu 6, FIN-40700 Jyväskylä, Finland | The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy resistance, explosive resistance, and muscle endurance training on neuromuscular, endurance, and high-intensity running performance in recreational endurance runners. Twenty-seven male runners were divided into one of three groups: heavy resistance, explosive resistance or muscle endurance training. After 6 weeks of preparatory training, the groups underwent an 8-week resistance training programme as a supplement to endurance training. Before and after the 8-week training period, maximal strength (one-repetition maximum), electromyographic activity of the leg extensors, countermovement jump height, maximal speed in the maximal anaerobic running test, maximal endurance performance, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and running economy were assessed. Maximal strength improved in the heavy (P=0.034, effect size ES=0.38) and explosive resistance training groups (P= 0.003, ES =0.67) with increases in leg muscle activation (heavy: P=0.032, ES = 0.38; explosive: P = 0.002, ES = 0.77). Only the heavy resistance training group improved maximal running speed in the maximal anaerobic running test (P=0.012, ES =0.52) and jump height (P=0.006, ES =0.59). Maximal endurance running performance was improved in all groups (heavy: P=0.005, ES = 0.56; explosive: P= 0.034, ES =0.39; muscle endurance: P=0.001, ES =0.94), with small though not statistically significant improvements in VO2max (heavy: ES =0.08; explosive: ES =0.29; muscle endurance: ES =0.65) and running economy (ES in all groups < 0.08). All three modes of strength training used on currently with endurance training were effective in improving treadmill running endurance performance. However, both heavy and explosive strength training were beneficial in improving neuromuscular characteristics, and heavy resistance training in particular contributed to improvements in high-intensity running characteristics. Thus, endurance runners should include heavy resistance training in their training programmes to enhance endurance performance, such as improving sprinting ability at the end of a race. © 2011 Taylor & Francis. | Concurrent training; Endurance performance; High-intensity running performance; Neuromuscular; Running economy | adult; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; endurance; exercise test; fitness; human; leg; male; muscle strength; oxygen consumption; physiology; recreation; resistance training; running; skeletal muscle; Adult; Exercise Test; Humans; Leg; Male; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Physical Fitness; Recreation; Resistance Training; Running | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874006629 | Effect of seed priming method on agronomic performance and cost effectiveness of rainfed, dry-seeded NERICA rice | Binang W.B., Shiyam J.O., Ntia J.D. | 2012 | Research Journal of Seed Science | 5 | 4 | 10.2923/rjss.2012.136.143 | Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Binang, W.B., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Shiyam, J.O., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Ntia, J.D., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Priming is a seed enhancement method that might improve seed performance under stress conditions such as drought or freshly harvested or aged seeds which might fail to germinate. A field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design in 2009 and 2010 at the Research Farm of the University of Calabar, Calabar to evaluate the effect of a range of priming techniques on agronomic performance of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) and to quantify their benefits to farmers. Treatments were on-farm priming, hydropriming, Osmopriming, vitamin (Ascorbate) priming, hardening, osmohardening, as well as a non-primed control. Results showed that seed priming had significant effect on germination, seedling emergence, days to heading, duration to plant maturity, number of tillers, number of fertile panicles and grain yield (p = 0.05). However, plant height at maturity and weight of 1000 grains were not similarly affected. Seed germination and seedling emergence consistently occurred sooner in primed seeds compared to non-primed seeds but differences existed between priming methods. The time to 50% germination was least in hardened, hydro-primed, on-farm-primed and Ascorbate-primed seeds compared with other priming methods evaluated and percentage seedling emergence followed the same pattern. Primed seeds gave plants that matured earlier with hardened, hydro-primed and on-farm primed seeds not being statistically different. The grain yield from hardened, hydro-primed and on-farm primed seeds was statistically similar but higher than that of other priming methods studied. Based on net returns, the most cost-effective priming method for NERICA rice is hardening, followed closely by on-farm priming and hydropriming. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc. | NERICA rice; Seed germination; Seed priming method; Seedling emergence | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940056879 | Effect of short chain iodoalkane solvent additives on photovoltaic performance of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and phenyl-C<inf>61</inf>-butyric acid methyl ester based bulk heterojunction solar cells | Hailegnaw B., Adam G., Yohannes T. | 2015 | Thin Solid Films | 589 | None | 10.1016/j.tsf.2015.05.038 | Bahir Dar University, College of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Dilla University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 419, Dilla, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 1179, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Hailegnaw, B., Bahir Dar University, College of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Adam, G., Dilla University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 419, Dilla, Ethiopia; Yohannes, T., Addis Ababa University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 1179, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | In this work the effect of short chain iodoalkane solvent additives such as iodobutane, iodoethane, diiodomethane and iodomethane on the photovoltaic parameters of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C<inf>61</inf>-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) (1:1) based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells was studied in an ambient air conditions. Devices processed in 2% (v/v) of diiodomethane, iodobutane and iodoethane showed improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.40, 2.29 and 2.04%, respectively as compared to the efficiency of pristine (without additive) devices (1.93%), while devices made using iodomethane exhibit PCE of 1.66%. The UV-vis absorption spectra of devices showed that the presence of these additives results the growth of enhanced local structure with improved crystalline and order of P3HT domain. Furthermore, UV-vis absorption response of the solar cells before and after soaked in the aforementioned solvents indicates that each additive has selective solubility for PCBM except iodomethane in which both P3HT and PCBM showed solubility. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Bulk heterojunction; Iodoalkane; Phase separation; Selective dissolution; Solvent additive | Additives; Butyric acid; Carrier mobility; Chains; Esters; Heterojunctions; Phase separation; Photovoltaic effects; Solar power generation; Solubility; Solvents; Ultraviolet spectroscopy; Bulk heterojunction; Bulk heterojunction (BHJ); Bulk heterojunction solar cells; Iodoalkane; Power conversion efficiencies; Selective dissolution; Solvent additives; UV-VIS absorption spectra; Solar cells | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955685722 | Effect of solder joint integrity on the thermal performance of a TEC for a 980nm pump laser module | Takyi G., Amalu E., Bernasko P.K. | 2011 | Soldering and Surface Mount Technology | 23 | 2 | 10.1108/09540911111120186 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Electronics Manufacturing Engineering Research Group, Medway School of Engineering, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom | Takyi, G., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Amalu, E., Electronics Manufacturing Engineering Research Group, Medway School of Engineering, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom; Bernasko, P.K., Electronics Manufacturing Engineering Research Group, Medway School of Engineering, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of solder wettability on the thermal performance of a thermo-electric cooler (TEC) of a 980 nm pump laser module. Design/methodology/approach - In this paper, TEC thermal performance has been evaluated using a heat pump test. The results were compared with scanning acoustic microscopy (C-SAM) results in order to have a better understanding of the thermal behaviour of the TEC. In the C-SAM experiments, images were taken at the interfaces between the housing and TEC, as well as at the interfaces between the chip-on-carrier (CoC) and TEC. Findings - The heat pump test results indicate a strong correlation with the C-SAM test results. The C-SAM observations show good solder joint at the interface between the TEC and housing in the case of the device that yielded a good heat pump test result (11.5°C) and poor solder joints (gross de-lamination) at the interface between the TEC and housing in the case of the device that yielded a poor heat pump test result (24.4°C). The C-SAM observations did not show much difference at the interface between the CoC and TEC. The results from this study were used to qualify the post-vacuum soldered laser pump devices at JDS Uniphase, Plymouth, UK. Originality/value - The findings presented in this paper indicate that the level of solder wettability at the interfaces between the piece parts impacts the thermal performance of the TEC. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Acoustic testing; Coolers; Lasers; Microscopy; Solder; Thermoelectricity | Acoustic testing; Coolers; Design/methodology/approach; Heat pumps; Jds uniphase; Laser pumps; Microscopy; Plymouth; Pump laser; Scanning Acoustic Microscopy; Solder; Solder joints; Strong correlation; Test results; Thermal behaviours; Thermal Performance; Thermoelectric cooler; Cooling systems; Heat pump systems; Housing; Mixed convection; Pumps; Testing; Pumping (laser) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930241764 | Effect of some hydrocolloids on coating performance of egg base coated fried yam chips | Alimi B.A., Shittu T.A., Sanni L.O. | 2015 | International Food Research Journal | 22 | 3 | None | Department of Food, Agricultural and Bio-Engineering, Kwara State University, Malete, P. M. B. 1530, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata, P. M. B. 2240, Nigeria | Alimi, B.A., Department of Food, Agricultural and Bio-Engineering, Kwara State University, Malete, P. M. B. 1530, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Shittu, T.A., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata, P. M. B. 2240, Nigeria; Sanni, L.O., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata, P. M. B. 2240, Nigeria | The influence of xanthan gum (XG), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and gum tragacanth (GT) mixed with either whole-egg or egg- white at 0.5-1.5% concentrations as coatings in fried yam chips was studied. The parameters studied include coating pick-up (CPU) of the chips prior to frying, cooked yield (CY) and frying loss (FL) of coated fried chips. Egg content (EC), Hydrocolloid type (HT) and concentration (HC) had significant (p<0.05) effect on all the parameters studied. Xanthan gum conferred highest CPU and CY, and least FL. Increasing HC significantly increased the CPU, CY and reduced FL for the coated fried samples. Chips coated with egg-white plus hydrocolloid showed higher CPU, CY and lower FL compared with that from whole. CPU was found to be correlated positively with CY (0.986) and negatively with FL (-0.920) (p ≤ 0.01). Polynomial regression model was the best to predict the effect of CPU on CY (0.888≤ r2 ≤0.976) and FL (0.733≤ r2≤0.865). Highly significant interactive effect of HT and HC (p≤0.001), and EC (p≤0.01) underscores the need to conduct further research to determine the optimum combination for reduced frying loss in order to ensure economy of processing. | Coating pick up; Egg; Frying loss; Hydrocolloids; Interactive effect; Model | Dioscorea alata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856331518 | Effect of spent mushroom compost of Pleurotus pulmonarius on growth performance of four Nigerian vegetables | Jonathan S.G., Lawal M.M., Oyetunji O.J. | 2011 | Mycobiology | 39 | 3 | 10.5941/MYCO.2011.39.3.164 | Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, UI P.O. Box 21422, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Jonathan, S.G., Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, UI P.O. Box 21422, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Lawal, M.M., Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, UI P.O. Box 21422, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Oyetunji, O.J., Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, UI P.O. Box 21422, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Spent mushroom compost (SMC) of Pleurotus pulmonarius (an edible fungus) was used as soil conditioner for the improvement of growth of four common Nigerian vegetables (Abelmoschus esculentus, Lycopersicum esculentum, Capsicum annum and Capsicum chinense). The results of these investigations showed that the vegetables responded well to the SMC treatment. Each of them attained its best growth and gave the highest number of flowers and fruits when planted on 6 kg of depleted garden soil supplemented with 600 g of SMC. The control experiment that has the seedlings of the vegetables planted on 6 kg of depleted garden soil only, without the application of SMC, showed stunted and poor growth, with few or no flower and fruit production. A. esculentus was the best utilizer of iron utilizing 118.0 mg/kg in the SMC used. Similarly; this vegetable utilized 1.48 mg/kg of nitrogen in the SMC. The highest height in each vegetable was attained with 6 kg of depleted garden soil supplemented with 600 g of SMC. At 9 wk, A. esculentus has the mean height of 85.0 cm while these values significantly increased to 100.00 cm at 14 wk (p ≤ 0.05). At 9 wk, L. esculentum has the highest mean height of 65.00 cm which increased to 71.00 cm after 14 wk. It was also observed that A. esculentus has the highest mean number of fruits (9.00), followed in order by C. chinense (8.00) and L. esculentus (7.00) (p ≤ 0.05) while, C. annum produced the least mean number of fruits (5.00). No fruits production was seen in the control experiments. The results of these findings were discussed in relation to the usage of SMC as possible organic fertilizer for the improvement of growth of vegetables in Nigeria. © The Korean Society of Mycology. | Mushroom compost; Nigeria; Pleurotus pulmonarius; Soil conditioner; Vegetables | Abelmoschus; Abelmoschus esculentus; Basidiomycota; Capsicum annuum; Capsicum chinense; Fungi; Lycopersicon esculentum; Pleurotus; Pleurotus pulmonarius | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78449281971 | Effect of stage and intensity of defoliation on the performance of vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) | Ibrahim U., Auwalu B.M., Udom G.N. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 18 | None | Crop Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Agronomy Department of Agronomy, Bayero University Kano, Kano State, Nigeria; Department of Agronomy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | Ibrahim, U., Crop Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Auwalu, B.M., Agronomy Department of Agronomy, Bayero University Kano, Kano State, Nigeria; Udom, G.N., Department of Agronomy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria | Field experiments were conducted in 2006 and 2007 on the experimental farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria to determine the effect of stage and intensity of defoliation on the performance of vegetable cowpea. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The treatment consisted of factorial combination of three growth stages (vegetative, flowering and podding) and five defoliation intensity (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100). Artificial defoliation was carried out at each of the stages at different intensities. Defoliation for vegetative, flowering and podding were carried out at 5, 7 and 9 weeks after sowing respectively. Cowpea defoliated at the early stages just prior to podding significantly (p < 0.05) reduced both growth and developmental characters. Also, the yield and yield components were significantly reduced by early defoliation. The intensity of defoliation significantly affected the growth and development of cowpea and the yield loss increased as the percentage of defoliation was higher. The interaction between stage and intensity of defoliation was significant for pod yield and shows that defoliating up to 50% at vegetative and flowering stages was detrimental to yield of vegetable cowpea. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Defoliation intensity; Developmental characters; Vegetable cowpea; Vegetative characters; Yield component | Vigna unguiculata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36348978770 | Effect of substrate to piezoceramic layer thickness ratio on the performance of a C-shape piezoelectric actuator | Mtawa A.N., Sun B., Gryzagoridis J. | 2008 | Sensors and Actuators, A: Physical | 141 | 1 | 10.1016/j.sna.2007.07.031 | Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa | Mtawa, A.N., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Sun, B., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Gryzagoridis, J., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa | This paper is focused on the influence of the thickness ratio between substrate and piezoceramic layers on the displacement and force output of a C-shape actuator. The ratio of substrate/PZT layers thickness is one of the parameters that can be used for the optimization of performance of a C-shape actuator. Experimental and Finite Element software (MSC Marc) was used for validation of the theoretical results. The results show that with a fixed piezoceramic layer thickness, the thickness, hence the stiffness of the substrate layer can be varied to obtain a range of values of displacement and force. With increasing thickness of substrate, the free displacement reaches a maximum value after which it decreases. The possible causes for this behaviour are discussed. This information is a useful guide to designers enabling the selection of appropriate material and geometry for a C-shape actuator, depending on whether the primary requirement is large force or large displacement. The information is also useful when deciding on the required number of individual C-shape actuators in series or parallel. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | C-shape actuator; Curved actuator; Lightweight actuator; Piezocomposite actuator; Piezoelectric actuator | Computer software; Finite element method; Optimization; Piezoelectric actuators; Thickness measurement; Curved actuators; Lightweight actuators; Piezoceramic layers; Piezocomposite actuators; Piezoelectric ceramics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052452794 | Effect of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine on neonatal birth weight and perceptions on its impact on malaria in pregnancy in an intermittent preventive treatment programme setting in Offinso District, Ghana | Tutu E.O., Browne E., Lawson B. | 2011 | International Health | 3 | 3 | 10.1016/j.inhe.2011.04.002 | Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Tutu, E.O., Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Browne, E., Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Lawson, B., Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | This study evaluated the effect of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) use in intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) on birth weights of neonates in a stable malaria transmission area of Ghana, Offinso District. Routine delivery data from six health facilities over the period January 2005 to October 2007 were reviewed. In-depth interviews were conducted for health staff of these facilities to assess the effect of SP use in IPTp in pregnancy. SP-IPTp improved the birth weight of neonates and the effects of age, parity, term of pregnancy and sex of neonate also had significant influence on the birth weight (P<0.0001). The variation in birth weight of the neonates, however, did not show significant difference (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.8-1.1, P ≥0.26) over the period and seasonal variations had no effect on birth weight (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.7-1.1, P ≥0.18). Health personnel attested to the fact that SP-IPTp had reduced the burden of malaria cases in pregnancy and improved birth weight of neonates. This study, thus, shows that successful implementation of the SP-IPTp strategy will improve the birth weight of neonates, and consequently reduce neonatal mortality. © 2011 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Birth Weight; Intermittent preventive treatment; Malaria; Neonates; Pregnancy; Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine | pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; age; article; birth weight; drug effect; female; gender; Ghana; health care facility; human; major clinical study; malaria; male; newborn; newborn mortality; pregnancy; priority journal; seasonal variation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878515033 | Effect of sun-dried, soaked and cooked wild cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) meal on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers | Adejoro F.A., Ijadunola T.I., Odetola O.M., Omoniyi B.A. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 6 | None | Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ikole Campus, Nigeria; Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adejoro, F.A., Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ikole Campus, Nigeria; Ijadunola, T.I., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria; Odetola, O.M., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria; Omoniyi, B.A., Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ikole Campus, Nigeria | This study was carried out to determine the performance of broilers fed diets containing wild cocoyam meal (WCM) using sun drying, soaking or cooking as processing methods to improve its nutritive value as a replacement for maize in broiler diets. Seven experimental diets were formulated with diet 1 (control) containing 0% WCM, while diets 2 to 7 contained sun dried (Su), soaked (So) or cooked (Co) wild cocoyam meal each at 10% and 20% inclusion levels respectively. Two hundred and fifty two (252) one-day old broiler chicks sourced from a commercial hatchery were allocated into 7 treatments of 12 birds in 3 replicates in a completely randomised design and dietary treatment lasting 56days. Soaking and cooking significantly reduced the anti-nutritional factors in wild cocoyam meal better than sun drying. Final body weight, average weight gain and average daily weight gain were significantly different (P<0.05) among the treatments. Control, So10, Co10 and Co20 showed better utilisation of feed than Su10, Su20 and So20. However, total feed consumption and average daily feed intake were not significantly different among the treatments. There were no significant differences in the overall carcass characteristics between the control diets and the varying levels of inclusion. It can be concluded that soaking and cooking were adequate to remove toxic phytochemicals in wild cocoyam meal to tolerable levels for broiler diets and inclusion up to 20% is advisable. At this level, growth and carcass characteristics were not significantly affected compared to the control diet. However, sun drying may be used as a treatment method when inclusion level is limited to 10% of total ration. | Anti-nutritional factors; Oxalate; Tannins; Taro; Toxicity | Aves; Colocasia esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874908954 | Effect of supervisors' specialization on job performance of agriculture science teachers in Botswana Junior Secondary Schools | Molefhe L., Oladele O.I. | 2012 | Life Science Journal | 9 | 3 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Botswana College of Agriculture, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Molefhe, L., Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Botswana College of Agriculture, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | This paper examines the effect of supervisors' specialization on job performance of agriculture science teachers in Junior Secondary Schools. A simple random technique was used to select 49 agricultural science teachers and 13 supervisors. The teachers were divided into those whose supervisors specialize in agriculture science (ATAS) and those with supervisors do not (ATNAS). Data collected with a structured questionnaire that was face validity and has reliability coefficient of 0.92 were analyzed. The results shows that majority of ATAS and ATNAS indicated that a higher proportion of the supervisors who have the same subject specialization perform their supervisory roles than supervisors who do not specialize in the same subjects. Significant differences exist in the perceived effect of supervision (F = 27.93, p < 0.05) and between ATAS and ATNAS, on Supervisors' specialization (t = 14.97, p < 0.05), and job performance (t = -3.00, p < 0.05). | Agriculture science; Botswana; Subject specialization; Supervision; Teachers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860999803 | Effect of supplemental electrolytes and ascorbic acid on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler raised during high temperature period in Nigeria | Majekodunmi B.C., Ogunwole O.A., Sokunbi O.A. | 2012 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 11 | 2 | None | Physiology Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Majekodunmi, B.C., Physiology Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunwole, O.A., Physiology Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Sokunbi, O.A., Physiology Unit, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The effect of supplementing drinking water with sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, calcium chloride and ascorbic acid on feed intake, weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), visceral and immunological organs of broilers reared under natural heat stress was undertaken. A total of 200 day-1 Arbor acre strain chickens were randomly divided into five treatments. Each treatment was in quadruplicate of ten chickens each. Treatment 1 (T1) was the control with water without any supplement while treatments T2, T3, T4 and T5 had their water supplemented with 0.5% ammonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, calcium chloride and 300ppm ascorbic acid respectively. The design of the experiment was a completely randomized design. Birds given salts (T2, T3 and T4) had lower feed intake (721.5 g, 732.6 g and 730.30 g respectively) compared with their counterparts on Treatments 1 and 5 (735.30 g and 733.10 g respectively) Birds on T3 had significantly improved (p<0.05) weight gain (331.56 g) and lower FCR (2.22). The FCR generally decreased in birds given salts. The visceral and immunological organs were not significantly affected (p>0.05) by the treatment except birds on T4 which recorded significantly lower (p<0.05) relative weight of intestine (2.93%), higher weight of bursa of fabricus (0.19%). Conclusively, (0.5%) salts supplementation in water had positive effect on the performance of heat stressed broiler in this experiment. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Ascorbic acids; Broiler performance; Feed conversion ratio; Heat stress; Immunological organs; Supplemental salts; Visceral organs | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874708260 | Effect of supplementary protein source on the performance of indigenous meat goats fed guinea grass hay | Kato H.W., Kabi F., Mutetikka D. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment Gulu University, P.O.Bo x 166, Gulu, Uganda; Department of Animal Science Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Kato, H.W., Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment Gulu University, P.O.Bo x 166, Gulu, Uganda; Kabi, F., Department of Animal Science Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Mutetikka, D., Department of Animal Science Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | The effect of different supplementary protein sources on average body weight gain, feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and feed conversion was studied using twenty-four yearling Mubende goats. The animals, which averaged 15.4±2.1 kg, were assigned to four treatment diets in a randomized complete block design. The basal diet consisted of guinea grass hay fed together with 200g of maize bran/mineral mixture. The four protein supplements included lablab hay (LBLB), sweet potato vines (SPV), cassava leaf meal (CLM) and sunflower meal (SFM). The protein supplements supplied 10g N daily for a feeding period of 100 days. Thereafter, all male goats were transferred to metabolic cages for a nitrogen balance trial. Cassava leaf meal supported better growth and feed conversion and higher N retention compared with Lablab hay, sweet potato vines and sunflower seed meal. | Average daily gain; Cassava leaf meal; Dry matter intake; Feed conversion ratio; Lablab hay; Mubende goats; Nitrogen balance; Sunflower meal; Sweet potato vines | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60349097970 | Effect of supplementation of Sesbania sesban on post-weaning growth performance and sexual development of Menz sheep (Ethiopia) | Mekoya A., Oosting S.J., Fernandez-Rivera S., Tamminga S., Tegegne A., Van der Zijpp A.J. | 2009 | Livestock Science | 121 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.06.012 | Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O.Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Mekoya, A., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O.Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands, Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Oosting, S.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O.Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Fernandez-Rivera, S., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tamminga, S., Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Tegegne, A., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Van der Zijpp, A.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O.Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Most supplementation experiments with fodder trees including S. sesban have been of short duration and focused mainly on feed intake and growth rate. Long-term studies regarding the effects of feeding S. sesban on reproductive performance of sheep particularly in both sexes are scanty. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of S. sesban on feed intake, post-weaning growth rate, and onset of puberty of male and female lambs. Sixty weaned female and 60 male Ethiopian highland sheep in weight and age ranging between 7.2 and 11.8 kg and 4 and 5 months respectively were evaluated for a period of 9 months supplemented with three levels of S. sesban (0, 47.5 and 95% of supplementary protein provided by S. sesban and the rest being provided by a mix of concentrates). Between sex groups male sheep, and among treatments animals fed with 47.5 and 95% Sesbania in the supplement had significantly (P < 0.05) higher basal feed, supplement, and total feed intake than those supplemented with concentrate alone. Supplementation with Sesbania resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher DM, OM and N digestibility than supplementation with sole concentrates. Supplementation with 95% Sesbania elicited higher daily weight gain than supplementation with 47.5% Sesbania and sole concentrates over the growth period. The onset of puberty was at 265 (± 36) and 342 (± 45) days of age and puberty weight was 15.2 and 14.6 kg for ram and ewe-lambs respectively. Ram-lambs fed with 47.5% and 95% Sesbania in the supplement reached puberty by 34 and 21 days earlier and were 1.4 kg heavier (P < 0.05) than those fed concentrates. Ewe-lambs supplemented with 47.5 and 95% Sesbania were faster (P < 0.05) to attain puberty by 43 and 37 days than those supplemented with sole concentrates. The average scrotum circumference gain (SCF) until the onset of puberty was 0.5 (± 0.1) mm- d. Supplementation with Sesbania improved SCF gain but was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) among treatments. Mean P4 (progesterone) concentrations during the first behavioural oestrus ranged from non-detectable levels to a peak of 4.32 ng/ml at mid-cycle without significant difference (P > 0.05) among treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that inclusion of S. sesban as a supplement up to 30% of the ration improved feed intake, growth rate, onset of puberty and sexual development of male and female sheep without adverse effects. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Growth; Menz sheep; Onset of puberty; Sesbania sesban; Teff straw | Animalia; Eragrostis tef; Ovis aries; Sesbania; Sesbania sesban | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60049099358 | Effect of supplementation of Sesbania sesban on reproductive performance of sheep | Mekoya A., Oosting S.J., Fernandez-Rivera S., Tamminga S., Tegegne A., Van der Zijpp A.J. | 2009 | Livestock Science | 121 | 1 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.06.003 | Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Mekoya, A., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands, Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Oosting, S.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Fernandez-Rivera, S., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tamminga, S., Wageningen University, Animal Nutrition Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands; Tegegne, A., International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Van der Zijpp, A.J., Wageningen University, Animal Production Systems Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, Netherlands | Two successive experiments were conducted to investigate the long-term effects of supplementation of Sesbania sesban on reproductive performance of Ethiopian Menz sheep. Forty ewes and 40 rams ranging in weight and age between 16-20 kg and 14-15 months respectively were fed a teff straw basal diet and supplemented with two levels of Sesbania (0, and 95% of supplementary protein provided by Sesbania and the rest being provided by concentrates) for 7 months. In experiment 1 (mating period), 4 paired female-male groups (diet of the male with or without Sesbania, and diet of the female with or without Sesbania) consisting of 20 animals each were formed and assigned for mating. Ewes that were mated and did not return to heat in subsequent cycles during the 70 days mating period continued in experiment 2 receiving similar supplementary diets (concentrate alone or Sesbania) for the study of pregnancy and lambing. During the mating period, males and animals supplemented with Sesbania were superior (P < 0.05) in daily feed nutrients intake, whereas daily body weight gain (ADG) was significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments but not between sex groups. During pregnancy a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed only in nitrogen intake, and ADG of ewes did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. Supplementation with Sesbania promoted an increase in testicular size by 13%. Except semen concentration, the other seminal characteristics were not significant (P < 0.05) between treatments. The average oestrus cycle length was 19 ± 4.6 days. Mean progesterone profile for cycling ewes on the day of oestrus was 0.4 ± 0.04 and ranged between undetectable levels to 0.75 ng/ml followed by a rise starting on day 4 (1.7 ± 0.16 ng/ml) through day 7 (2.5 ± 0.29 ng/ml) and day 10 (3.6 ± 0.47 ng/ml) to a peak of 3.9 ± 0.45 ng/ml (plateau phase) on day 14. Supplementation with Sesbania improved the proportion of ewes conceived by 17% over supplementation with concentrates. The average birth weight of lambs, and post partum dam weight of ewes was 1.97 kg and 18.6 kg respectively and differed significantly (P < 0.05) between treatments. We concluded that inclusion of Sesbania up to 30% in the diet of sheep as supplement before and during the period of mating and pregnancy improved testicular growth and semen quality in rams or reproductive performance of ewes without showing negative effects. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Conception rate; Menz sheep; Oestrus; Progesterone; Scrotal circumference; Semen quality | Animalia; Eragrostis tef; Ovis aries; Sesbania; Sesbania sesban | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746131235 | Effect of supplementation on performance of calves on smallholder dairy farms in Bahati division of Nakuru district, Kenya | Lanyasunya T.P., Wang H.R., Abdulrazak S.A., Mukisira E.A. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 2 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.141.146 | National Animal Husbandry Research Centre (NAHRC), P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, Kenya; Department Animal Science, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Department Animal Science, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Nairobi, Kenya | Lanyasunya, T.P., National Animal Husbandry Research Centre (NAHRC), P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, Kenya; Wang, H.R., Department Animal Science, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Abdulrazak, S.A., Department Animal Science, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya; Mukisira, E.A., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Nairobi, Kenya | Inadequate feeding and high disease prevalence are considered as the major setback to dairy production on smallholder farms in Kenya. Under such circumstances, heavy losses of young calves occur. This is the situation presently on these farms. The current study was conducted in Bahati division of Nakuru district over a period of 3 years. Out of 120 smallholder farmers randomly visited and interviewed, 60 of them were selected to participate in the trial, based on whether they have dairy cattle and willing to collaborate. The selected farmers were trained on data recording and provided with a heart-girth measuring tape, a spring balance (25 kg), a 10-litre plastic bucket (for feed weighing), a 1-litre graduated jug (for measuring milk) and a record book. They were then divided into two groups (Control and test) of 30 each. Control group was asked to continue with their ordinary calf management, where supplementation was not offered. Test farmers were asked to strictly follow the research calf-feeding schedule where Napier grass cv Bana was fed as a basal diet and supplemented with protein rich forages (Lucernne; Sweet potato vines cv Munsinya; Desmodium cv Green leaf and fodder shrubs (Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania sesban). Parameters of study were growth rate, mortality, morbidity and dynamics. The collected data was stored in MS-excel and later subjected to appropriate statistical models (SAS) to established the calf performance difference between the 2 farm groups and livestock production systems. The results showed that calves in test farms performed better (370 g/d) compared to those in control farms (307 g/d)(P<0.01). The study further revealed that calves supplemented with an assortment of protein rich forages showed a rapid body weight gain (375 and 417 g/d) compared to those offered SPV as a sole protein supplement (345 g/d) (P<0.05). It was further observed that the overall female calf mortality in zero grazing test farms was low (6%) compared to semi-zero and free grazing test farms (15 and 20%, respectively)(P<0.05). In the same farms mortality of male and female calves was different (P<0.05). Mortality for male calves was observed to be higher (Test-zero: Male - 13%; Female - 6%; Control-zero: Male - 11 % and Female 9%). The same trend was observed across the test and control farms in semi-zero and free grazing systems. On calf dynamics, off-take for male (33-78%) calves was observed to be much higher that for female calves (6-33%)(P<0.001). It was therefore concluded that protein supplementation, using farm grown forages improves performance of dairy calves on smallholder farms. The authors recommend that resource-poor farmers emphasize on cultivation of forage legumes so as to have sufficient protein rich diets for young dairy calves. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Calf survival; Daily weight gain; Forages; Legumes; Mortality; Off-take | agricultural management; animal experiment; animal food; anthropometry; article; cattle farming; controlled study; dairy cattle; dairy industry; diet supplementation; female; food composition; forage crop; forage quality; grazing; growth rate; Kenya; legume; livestock; male; morbidity; mortality; nonhuman; nutritional value; protein diet; randomization; sex difference; statistical model; survival; weight gain; Bos taurus; Desmodium; Ipomoea batatas; Leucaena leucocephala; Pennisetum purpureum; Sesbania sesban; Swinepox virus (STRAIN KASZA) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937515316 | Effect of supplementation with molecular or nano-clay adsorbent on growth performance and haematological indices of starter and grower turkeys fed diets contaminated with varying dosages of aflatoxin B<inf>1</inf> | Lala A.O., Oso A.O., Ajao A.M., Idowu O.M., Oni O.O. | 2015 | Livestock Science | 178 | None | 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.05.029 | Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department o | Lala, A.O., Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ajao, A.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Idowu, O.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oni, O.O., Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | A 12-wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation with molecular or nano-clay adsorbent on growth performance and haematological indices of starter (0-56d) and grower (56-84d) turkeys fed diets contaminated with varying doses (0, 60, and 110ppb) of aflatoxin B<inf>1</inf>. Two hundred and sixteen 1-d-old male turkeys were assigned to 9 diets supplemented with no adsorbent, molecular clay adsorbent, and nano-clay adsorbent and contaminated with 0, 60, and 110ppb aflatoxin B<inf>1</inf> in a 3×3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 3 replicate pens and 8 turkeys per pen. The turkeys were housed in an open-sided, deep litter system, which was partitioned into 27 pens (2×1.5m2) using wire mesh. As aflatoxin contamination increased from 0 to 110ppb, feed intake and weight gain decreased and feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased in starter turkeys, but the adverse effects of aflatoxin were progressively less from those fed the diets with no adsorbent to molecular clay adsorbent and then to nano-clay adsorbent (adsorbent× aflatoxin. P<0.044). Grower turkeys fed the diets with adsorbents consumed more feed and had better FCR than those fed the diets without adsorbent, and those fed the diets with nano-clay adsorbent had better FCR than grower turkeys fed the diets with molecular clay adsorbent (P<0.001). The highest mortality was observed in starter and grower turkeys fed the diet with no adsorbent and contaminated with 110ppb aflatoxin (adsorbent×aflatoxin, P=0.002). As aflatoxin increased in starter and grower turkeys fed the diets with no adsorbent, white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts increased and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased, whereas aflatoxin had no noticeable effect on those response criteria in turkeys fed the diets with molecular clay and nano-clay adsorbent (adsorbent×aflatoxin, P<0.05). Starter turkeys fed the diets with adsorbents had a greater Hb and monocyte concentration (P<0.001), whereas grower turkeys fed the diets with adsorbents had less heterophil and eosinophil counts (P<0.043) than those fed the diets with no adsorbent. In conclusion, supplementation of aflatoxin-contaminated diets with clay adsorbents seemed to improve weight gain and reduce mortality, and reduce adverse effects of aflatoxin on PCV and Hb in turkeys. Grower turkeys fed the diet supplemented with nano-clay adsorbent had better growth performance than those fed the diet supplemented with molecular clay adsorbent. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.. | Aflatoxin; Clay adsorbents; Growing turkey; Haematological indices | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857687975 | Effect of supplementing crossbred Xhosa lop-eared goat castrates with Moringa oleifera leaves on growth performance, carcass and non-carcass characteristics | Moyo B., Masika P.J., Muchenje V. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 4 | 10.1007/s11250-011-9970-6 | Department of Livestock and Pasture Sciences, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Moyo, B., Department of Livestock and Pasture Sciences, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Masika, P.J., Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Muchenje, V., Department of Livestock and Pasture Sciences, University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X 1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | The objective of the study was to determine the effect of supplementing Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) on growth performance, carcass and non-carcass characteristics of crossbred Xhosa lop-eared goats.A total of 24 castrated goats aged 8 months, with a mean initial weight of 15.1 ± 2.3 kg, were randomly divided into three diet groups with eight goats in each.The duration of the trial was 60 days.All goats received a basal diet of grass hay (GH) ad libitum and wheat bran (200 g/day each).The MOL and sunflower cake (SC) groups were fed additional 200 g of dried M.oleifera leaves and 170 g of SC, respectively.The third group (GH) did not receive any additional ration.The crude protein of MOL (23.75%) and SC (23.27%) were higher (P < 0.05) than that of the GH diet (14.08%).The attained average daily weight gain for goats fed MOL, SC and GH were 103.3, 101.3 and 43.3 g, respectively (P < 0.05).Higher (P < 0.05) feed intakes observed were in SC (491.5 g) and MOL (490.75 g) compared with GH (404.5 g).The hot carcass weight was higher (P < 0.05) for SC (10.48 kg) and MOL (10.34 kg) than for the GH group (8.59 kg).The dressing percentage in SC (55.8%) and MOL (55.1%) were higher (P < 0.05) than that of the GH (52.9%).The growth performance and carcass characteristics of SC and MOL goats were not different.Feeding MOL or SC improved the growth performance and carcass characteristics of goats in an almost similar way, which indicates that M.oleifera could be used as an alternative protein supplement in goats. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Carcass conformation; Dressing percentage; Growth performance; Gut fill; Sunflower cake | animal; animal food; article; castration; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diet supplementation; dose response; goat; growth, development and aging; meat; metabolism; Moringa; nutritional value; physiology; plant leaf; randomized controlled trial; standard; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Castration; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Goats; Meat; Moringa; Nutritive Value; Plant Leaves; Capra hircus; Helianthus; Moringa oleifera; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863548712 | Effect of supplementing rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana) with berchemia discolor or zizyphus mucronata on the performance of growing goats in Kenya | Osuga I.M., Abdulrazak S.A., Muleke C.I., Fujihara T. | 2012 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 96 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01189.x | Department of Agricultural Resource Management, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; National Council for Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya; Faculty of Bioresources, Mie University, Mie city, Japan | Osuga, I.M., Department of Agricultural Resource Management, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; Abdulrazak, S.A., National Council for Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya; Muleke, C.I., Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya; Fujihara, T., Faculty of Bioresources, Mie University, Mie city, Japan | Twenty growing Small East African goats were used to determine the effects of feeding sun-dried leaves of the browse forages Berchemia discolor and Zizyphus mucronata as supplements to low-quality basal diet, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay, on voluntary feed intake (VFI), digestibility and growth performance. The grass hay and maize bran were used as a control. The dried leaves were then included at the rates of 15% and 30% of the dry matter intake (DMI). Berchemia discolor had the highest crude protein (CP) content of 195.5g/kg DM, while Z. mucronata had CP content of 169.5g/kg DM. The grass hay had the lowest CP content of 50.9g/kg DM. The browse forages had low fibre content [Neutral detergent fibre (NDF); 257.9-369.5g/kg DM], while the grass hay had high fibre content (NDF; 713.1g/kg DM). Goats in the groups supplemented with either of the browse forages had higher total DMI, nitrogen (N) intake and retention and live-weight gains than those in the control diet group. The digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM) was not affected by supplementation, but the CP digestibility increased with supplementation. The use of the browse forages as supplements for goats fed on poor-quality basal diets would enhance the performance of the animals. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Browse forages; Goat performance; Grass hay; Supplementation | animal; animal disease; animal food; article; chemistry; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diet; goat; growth, development and aging; jujube; Kenya; male; Poaceae; randomized controlled trial; Rhamnaceae; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Diet; Goats; Kenya; Male; Poaceae; Rhamnaceae; Ziziphus; Animalia; Berchemia discolor; Capra hircus; Chloris gayana; Zea mays; Ziziphus; Ziziphus mucronata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863809434 | Effect of teacher's qualification on the performance of senior secondary school physics students: Implication on technology in Nigeria | Owolabi O.T., Adedayo J.O. | 2012 | English Language Teaching | 5 | 6 | 10.5539/elt.v5n6p72 | Department of Curriculum Studies, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Curriculum Studies, Ekiti State University, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Owolabi, O.T., Department of Curriculum Studies, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Adedayo, J.O., Department of Curriculum Studies, Ekiti State University, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The study examined the effect of teacher's qualification on the performance of Senior Secondary School students in Physics. The purpose was to determine whether the status of the teacher has any impact on the performance of the students in Physics. The survey type of descriptive research design was adopted. The sample for the study consisted of 100 Senior Secondary Schools Physics students in Ekiti State and the teachers that prepared and presented the students in each school for 2009/2010 West African School Certificate Examination. The year's result summary for each school was collated with the bio-data of their respective Physics teachers. Four hypotheses were postulated and tested at 0.05 significance level. The data collated were analysed using inferential statistics. The results revealed that students taught by teachers with higher qualifications performed better than those taught by teachers with lower qualifications. It was also showed that students performed better in physics when taught by professional teachers. The result also showed that teacher's gender has no effect on their ability to impact knowledge on the students, much as he/she is a skilled teacher in that field of study. However, the experience of the teacher is significant at impacting the students' academic performance in Physics. Based on the findings, it was recommended that experienced teachers with professional qualifications in higher level should teach Physics at the certificate class. | Effect; Performance; Physics; Qualification; Students; Teacher; Technology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547178879 | Effect of the replacement of maize with wheat offal in broiler finisher diets on growth performance and feed cost | Christopher G.I., Offfiong S., Idiong I.C. | 2007 | Journal of Central European Agriculture | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Uyo, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Economics/Extension, University of Calabar, Nigeria | Christopher, G.I., Department of Animal Science, University of Uyo, Nigeria; Offfiong, S., Department of Animal Science, University of Uyo, Nigeria; Idiong, I.C., Department of Agricultural Economics/Extension, University of Calabar, Nigeria | An experiment was carried out to assess the effect of replacing maize with wheat offal in broiler finisher diets on bird performance and feed cost. Six rations were formulated using 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 percent wheat offal to replace maize in the rations. The formulated rations were fed to one hundred and fifty six commercial broiler finisher birds in a completely randomized experimental design. All the rations were made isocaloric and isonitrogenous with the inclusion of varying levels of palm oil. The results indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and efficiency of feed utilization and carcass characteristics amongst the treatment means. However, wheat offal replaced maize for up to 25 percent without any adverse effect on performance. More so, at 25 percent inclusion to replace maize, cost of feed per kilogram was reduced by about 15.91 percent. Such feed cost reduction could engender overall production cost reduction in broiler production especially at the finisher stage. | Broiler; Cost; Diet; Finisher; Performance; Wheat offal | Aves; Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41549092364 | Effect of three sources of fibre and period of feeding on the performance, carcase measures, organs relative weight and meat quality in broilers | Iyayi E.A., Ogunsola O., Ijaya R. | 2005 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 4 | 9 | 10.3923/ijps.2005.695.700 | Institut für Enährungswissenschaften, Martin-Luther-Universität, Emil-Abderhalden-Strasse 26, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Iyayi, E.A., Institut für Enährungswissenschaften, Martin-Luther-Universität, Emil-Abderhalden-Strasse 26, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunsola, O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ijaya, R., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | One hundred and fifty male broilers were used in a 3 × 3 factorial design to evaluate the effect of 3 periods (4, 8 and 12 weeks) and 3 fibre sources namely; brewer's dried grain (BDG), palm kernel meal (PKM) and corn bran (CB) in place of maize on the performance, carcase measures and meat quality in the birds. A sensory evaluation to determine the overall acceptability of the meat was also carried out. Four diets were formulated consisting of a basal diet containing none of the test fibre ingredients. In the remaining 3 diets, either of BDG, CB or PKM was used to replace 40% of the maize. A separate balance study was also carried out to determine the digestibility of nutrients in the birds. BDG, CB and PKM significantly (p<0.01) reduced the weight and feed conversion in the birds but period of feeding resulted in increased body weights of the birds. BDG, CB and PKM significantly (p<0.01) reduced the eviscerated weights and the weights of carcase parts but period significantly (p<0.01) increased them. Dietary treatment, period and their interaction significantly (p<0.01) reduced the abdominal fat in the birds and caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in the lengths of the duodenum, ileum, caecum and colon as well as the weight of the intestines. Digestibility of nutrients was significantly (p<0.1) reduced in birds on the fibre diets. The shear force values in carcase parts were significantly increased in the BDG, CB and PKM diets while the cooking loss was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in these diets. Period and interaction with dietary treatment also caused a significant (p<0.01) reduction in cooking loss. Tenderness, flavour and juiciness were significantly (p<0.01) influenced by period and not treatment but overall acceptability of the meat was significantly (p<0.05) increased by both factors. Results of the study suggest 1) 40% BDG, CB and PKM replacement of maize has a negative effect on the weight gain and feed conversion of broilers, 2) 40 % level of BDG, CB and PKM caused an increase in the weights and lengths of the visceral organs and reduced carcase weight in broilers, 3) production of broilers up 10-12 weeks on 40% BDG, CB or PKM diet resulted in creased flavour, juiciness, higher shear force, reduced tenderness, reduced cooking loss but increased general acceptability of broiler meat. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2005. | Broilers; Carcass; Fibre sources; Performance; Period | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927511017 | Effect of various levels of raw Citrullus lanatus seed meal diets on growth performance of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings | Tiamiyu L.O., Ayuba V.O., Okomoda V.T., Umar S. | 2014 | Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences | 7 | 4 | None | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Bauchi state Agricultural Development programme, Bauchi, Nigeria | Tiamiyu, L.O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Ayuba, V.O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Okomoda, V.T., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Umar, S., Bauchi state Agricultural Development programme, Bauchi, Nigeria | The nutritional value of feeding Cyprinus carpio various levels of raw watermelon seed meal was evaluated in this study. Five diets of 35% crude protein were formulated with different levels of raw seed meal at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% inclusion. Twenty fingerlings were randomly allocated in triplicate for each treatment in 70 liters plastic bowls, aeration was provided to culture bowls throughout the 12-week trial period. The results revealed that the inclusion level of 10% raw watermelon seed meal in the diet gave the best mean weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed conversion efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, apparent net protein utilization, specific growth rate and survival rate. The growth performance decreased with increasing the inclusion level of raw seed meal beyond 10% (P<0.05). The inclusion level of 10% raw watermelon seed meal in the diet of common carp is found to be ideal for enhancing growth and better nutrient utilization. © 2014 Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. | Common carp; Unconventional feed stuff; Watermelon seed | Citrullus lanatus; Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus; Cyprinus carpio | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55649101216 | Effect of varying levels of salt (sodium chloride) on the performance characteristics of snails (Archachatina marginata) | Omole A.J., Ogbosuka G.E., Oredehin A.O., Osayomi J.O. | 2008 | Nutrition and Food Science | 38 | 6 | 10.1108/00346650810920150 | Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria; Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria | Omole, A.J., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogbosuka, G.E., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oredehin, A.O., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria; Osayomi, J.O., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria | Purpose - Some snail farmers in Nigeria believe that inclusion of table salt (Nacl) in the diet of snails will have an adverse effect and result in mortality. Hence, this study aims to assess the effect of inclusion of common salt (Nacl) in the diet of the growing snail. Design/methodology/approach - Four dietary treatments of the same energy and protein values; Sa, Sb, Sc and Sd were formulated to contain 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 per cent Nacl, respectively. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 15 growing snails per replicate in a completely randomized design. The snails were reared in a cage of 12 compartments. Feed intake and weight gain were measured on a daily and weekly basis with the use of a sensitive weight scale. Shell length and width were measured by vernier caliper. An observation of mortality was made. The study lasted for six months. Findings - The results show that feed intake and weight gain were better in the diet containing 0.2 per cent salt than the control with 0 per cent salt inclusion. The feed was better utilized in all the treatments than in the control diet. The digestibility was also better in all the treatments than the 0 per cent salt inclusion. It was observed that no mortality was recorded in any of the treatments. Originality/value - The results establish that inclusion of salt up to 0.3 per cent in the diet of growing snails did not have an adverse effect on feed intake, weight gain and survivability as against the belief of some farmers that salt should not be included in the diet of snails. | Diet; Molluscs; Nigeria; Salt | Archachatina marginata; Gastropoda; Mollusca | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-28944454660 | Effect of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) seeds cooked in maize-cob ash solution on the performance of broiler starter chickens | Emenalom O.O., Orji V.C., Ogbonna N.C. | 2005 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 17 | 12 | None | Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Emenalom, O.O., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Orji, V.C., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ogbonna, N.C., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of whole and cracked velvet bean seeds cooked in maize-cob ash solution on the performance of broiler chicks. Whole and cracked velvet bean seeds were separately soaked in water for 48 hours, cooked for one hour in maize-cob ash solution, sun-dried and then ground into meals. The meals were then incorporated into broiler starter diets at 25 and 30% dietary levels respectively and fed from 0 to 28 days of age. The control diet contained no velvet bean meal. At 25 and 30% dietary levels, cracked velvet bean meal supported broiler performance comparable to the control. Birds fed 30% whole velvet bean (WVB) meal had a significantly depressed growth; grew 84.22% of control but feed intake and feed to gain ratio were unaffected. Cooking in maize-cob ash solution improved the nutritive value of velvet bean seeds, allowing for 25 and 30% dietary inclusion levels for whole and cracked seeds respectively. | Broilers; Maize-cob-ash; Performance; Velvet bean | Aves; Gallus gallus; Mucuna deeringiana; Mucuna pruriens; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646256911 | Effect of vetch (Vicia sativa) hay supplementation on performance of Begait and Abergelle goats in northern Ethiopia. I. Milk yield and composition | Berhane G., Eik L.O. | 2006 | Small Ruminant Research | 64 | 3 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.04.021 | Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Aas, Norway | Berhane, G., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Eik, L.O., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Aas, Norway | The objectives of this work were to study and compare the effect of vetch hay supplementation on milk yield of indigenous Begait and Abergelle goats, managed under semi-extensive conditions in the lowlands of northern Ethiopia, and to compare milk yield and composition of the two breeds. Eleven 7-8-month-old goats from each breed were randomly assigned to each of the four levels of vetch hay supplementation at 0% BW (Treatment 1), 0.5% BW (Treatment 2), 1.0% BW (Treatment 3) and 1.5% BW (Treatment 4). Goats were grazed during daytime and milked in the evening only. Kids were allowed to suck their dams during the night up to 90 days and then weaned. Milk yield and lactation length increased gradually and almost linearly by increasing level of supplementation, while fat percentage and total solids percentage declined. Differences (P < 0.05) in average daily milk yield were found between Treatments 1 and 4 for both goat breeds in both years. Milk yield was significantly higher, but fat and SNF contents were lower for Begait than for Abergelle goats. When calculated as energy corrected milk (ECM)/kg metabolic BW, no breed differences were found. There were no significant differences for calcium and phosphorus contents in milk between the breeds. It is concluded that vetch hay supplementation increased milk yield by up to 50%, but decreased percent fat and total solids in the milk of both Begait and Abergelle goats. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Abergelle; Begait; Goats; Milk; Vetch hay | Capra hircus; Vicia; Vicia sativa; Vicia sativa subsp. nigra | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56249123263 | Effect of virginiamycin and monensin supplementation on performance of multiparous Holstein cows | Erasmus L.J., Muya C., Erasmus S., Coertze R.F., Catton D.G. | 2008 | Livestock Science | 119 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.03.005 | Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council, Livestock Business Division, Irene, 0062, South Africa; D. G. Catton Consultants, Irene, 0062, South Africa | Erasmus, L.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Muya, C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Erasmus, S., Agricultural Research Council, Livestock Business Division, Irene, 0062, South Africa; Coertze, R.F., Agricultural Research Council, Livestock Business Division, Irene, 0062, South Africa; Catton, D.G., D. G. Catton Consultants, Irene, 0062, South Africa | This study was conducted to determine the effects of monensin or virginiamycin, or both on the performance of and some energy balance parameters in Holstein cows. Forty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. The basal diet was a total mixed ration based on lucerne hay (38% of DM) and ground maize (34% of DM). The experimental treatments were (1) control diet (C); (2) control diet plus 15 ppm of monensin (M); (3) control diet plus 20 ppm of virginiamycin (V), and control plus M (15 ppm) plus V (20 ppm). Cows received 8 kg/d (as fed) of the experimental diets plus ad libitum Eragrostis curvula hay from 3 weeks prepartum and only the experimental diets from calving until 60 days postpartum. Cows were milked twice daily. Dry matter intake did not differ between treatments, but energy corrected milk production was increased (P < 0.10) by supplementing V + M (43.3 kg/d) when compared to treatments M (36.9 kg/d) and V (37.9 kg/d). Change in body weight tended (P = 0.11) to be lower for cows supplemented with V + M (- 8.1 kg/60 d) when compared to cows receiving the control diet (- 34.2 kg/60 d). Both treatments M and V respectively, decreased blood BHBA and treatment M increased blood glucose when compared to the control diet (P < 0.10). Results suggest a complimentary effect between the two additives monensin and virginiamycin when supplemented to early lactation cows. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Energy balance parameters; Lactating dairy cow; Monensin; Virginiamycin | Bos; Eragrostis; Eragrostis curvula; Medicago sativa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38849185338 | Effect of watering and seedling density on field establishment and performance of pearl millet and sorghum | Mapfumo S., Chiduza C., Young E.M., Murungu F.S., Nyamudeza P. | 2007 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 24 | 4 | None | Department of Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700 Eastern Cape, South Africa; Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; PricewaterhouseCoopers, Norfolk Road, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Mapfumo, S., Department of Crop Science, University of Zimbabwe, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Chiduza, C., Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700 Eastern Cape, South Africa; Young, E.M., Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; Murungu, F.S., Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700 Eastern Cape, South Africa; Nyamudeza, P., PricewaterhouseCoopers, Norfolk Road, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The practice of transplanting seedlings from nurseries was used as a strategy to improve stand establishment in pearl millet and sorghum in a semi and area of Zimbabwe. A nursery experiment evaluated three watering regimes namely, watering after depletion to 75%, 50% and 25% of available water capacity. The watering factor was combined with seedling density at three levels viz. 500, 750 and 1 000 plants m-2. Seedlings from the nine treatments were subsequently planted out into the field and their performance evaluated. In sorghum, moisture depletion was the only factor which significantly (P<0.01) affected yield. Soil moisture depletion to 50% gave the highest yields irrespective of seedling density in nurseries. In pearl millet, no differences in performance could be observed in any of the treatments. It was concluded that the transplanting of seedlings requires 20 to 60 I of water per square metre of nursery area. This is a useful technique to reduce the duration of cropping and presenting a better fit into short growing seasons prevalent in semi-arid areas. A 115-day sorghum cultivar (Macia) required only 67 days in the field while an 85-day pearl millet cultivar (PMV3) matured 57 days after transplanting. | Nursery; Pearl millet; Sorghum; Transplanting | crop performance; crop production; crop yield; cultivar; millet; seedling establishment; sorghum; transplantation; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe; Pennisetum glaucum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953429309 | Effect of weight and draught on the performance of disc plough on sandy loam soil | Olatunji O.M., Burubai W., Davies R.M. | 2009 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 8 | 7 | None | Department 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 Is | Olatunji, O.M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Burubai, W., 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, Nigeria | In this research work, 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 two sites with three different moisture contents level at five different speeds, (0.83m/s, 1.39m/s, 1.94 m/s, 2.5m/s and 2.78m/s). It was observed that the depth of penetration decreased with an increase in draught and decrease in soil moisture content. From the two sites, the depth of cut was minimum at 4.91%, and maximum at 9.42% moisture content. Model validation produced a standard error of 0.681, 0.381 and 0.067 for the site with 4.91% moisture content and 0.173, 0.142 and 0.233 for the site with 9.42 percent moisture content which means that the model is accurate in the prediction of these variables. The lowest standard error was achieved at 1.94m/s speed in both plots. 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. | Disc plough; Draught; Loam soil; Sandy; Weight | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954165371 | Effect of weight and draught on the performance of disc plough on sandy-loam soil | Olatunji O.M., Davies R.M. | 2009 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 1 | 1 | None | Department 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 I | Olatunji, 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, Nigeria | In 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 strength | Bulk density; Depth; Disc plough; Moisture content; Sandy-loam; Agriculture; Moisture determination; Shear strength; Soil conditioners; Soil moisture; Geologic models | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956968735 | Effect of westwood (Cirina forda) larva meal on the laying performance and egg characteristics of laying hen in a tropical environment | Amao O.A., Oladunjoye I.O., Togun V.A., Olubajo K., Oyaniyi O. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 5 | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Amao, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Oladunjoye, I.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Togun, V.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Olubajo, K., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Oyaniyi, O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Two hundred and fifty Isa-Brown point of lay chicken of 30 weeks of age were used to determine the effect of substituting westwood (Cirina forda) larva meal (VWVLM) for fish meal which is the most expensive feed ingredient in layer diet on laying performance of chicken. The birds were fed five diets in which VWVLM replaced 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% fish meal. Data collected were feed intake, weight change, egg production, feed efficiency and egg quality characteristics Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Proximate analysis showed that VWVLM contained higher crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, dry matter and ash than fish meal. Feed intake and weight gain were not significantly (p<0.05) affected by diets. Hen day production of birds fed 0% VWVLM (77.86%), 25% WWLM (78.32%), 50% WWLM (77.82%) and 75% WWLM (77.37%) were similar but higher (p<0.05) than that of those fed 100% WWLM (73.39%). Birds fed 0, 25, 50 and 75% WWLM were also comparable in terms of egg weight and efficiency of feed utilization while those fed 100%WWLM were inferior with respect to these parameters. Egg shell thickness, yolk colour and Haugh unit were not significantly different among treatments. It was concluded that WWLM can replace up to 75% fish meal in the diet of laying chicken. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Egg quality; Fish meal; Laying hen; Performance; Westwood larva meal | Aves; Cirina forda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951744731 | Effect of wet feeding on growth performance of broiler chickens in a hot climate | Dei H.K., Bumbie G.Z. | 2011 | British Poultry Science | 52 | 1 | 10.1080/00071668.2010.540230 | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, PO Box TL1882, Tamale, Ghana | Dei, H.K., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, PO Box TL1882, Tamale, Ghana; Bumbie, G.Z., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, PO Box TL1882, Tamale, Ghana | 1. The Guinea Savanna in the tropics is characterised by high diurnal temperatures, often beyond the thermo-neutral zone of modern poultry, which imposes heat stress on them. 2. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of partially (12 h wet mash in the day and 12 h dry mash in the night) or wholly (24 h) feeding wet mash on the growth performance of broiler chickens. 3. Three treatments: dry mash (control), wet mash (day) + dry mash (night) and wet mash (day+night) were tested. At 28 d of age, a total of 120 broiler chickens (Hybro, Netherlands) were randomly divided, using a completely randomised design, into 12 groups of 10 birds, each with mean live weight of approximately 800 g/bird. A maize-soybean based grower mash (200 g CP/kg and 12·5 MJ/kg ME) was fed. The wet mash was prepared daily by addition of 1·3 parts of water to 1 part of dry mash and fed from 28 to 56 d of age. The birds were housed in raised-floor pens. Feed and water were given ad libitum and light provided 24 h. Mean daily room temperature was 28-29°C in the morning and 35-41°C in the afternoon. 4. Mean feed intake of birds fed the wet mash (174 g/day) or wet + dry mash (166 g/day) was higher than that of birds fed the dry mash (152 g/day). Mean live weight gain of birds fed the wet mash (64 g/day) or wet + dry mash (64 g/day) was higher than that of birds fed the dry mash (58 g/day). There were no differences in gain/feed ratios (0·38-0·39) of any of the treatments, neither were there any differences between the feeding of wet mash partly or wholly for all variables. 5. It was concluded that wet feeding, particularly during day-time, had the potential to improve growth performance of broiler chickens in a hot climate. © 2011 British Poultry Science Ltd. | None | water; animal; animal food; article; chicken; eating; evaluation; Ghana; growth, development and aging; maize; metabolism; physiological stress; soybean; tropic climate; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Eating; Ghana; Soybeans; Stress, Physiological; Tropical Climate; Water; Weight Gain; Zea mays; Aves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Zea mays; Aves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904134437 | Effect of xylanase on performance, serum IGF-1 and glucose of broilers fed wheat corn soybean diet | Abdullahi A.Y., Zuo J.J., Tan H.Z., Xia W.G., Wei S., Liu J.H., Ai Q., Zhao S.Y., Xia M.H., Liu Y.H., Xia C.D., Wu F., Yu J.P., Feng D.Y. | 2013 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 12 | 17 | 10.3923/javaa.2013.1409.1414 | College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Department of Animal Science, Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, Kano, Nigeria; Production Technology Department of WENs Group, Yunfu, China | Abdullahi, A.Y., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China, Department of Animal Science, Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, Kano, Nigeria; Zuo, J.J., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Tan, H.Z., Production Technology Department of WENs Group, Yunfu, China; Xia, W.G., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Wei, S., Production Technology Department of WENs Group, Yunfu, China; Liu, J.H., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Ai, Q., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Zhao, S.Y., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Xia, M.H., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Liu, Y.H., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Xia, C.D., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Wu, F., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Yu, J.P., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China; Feng, D.Y., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510542 Guangzhou, China | Six hundred and forty, 1 day old Yellow feather broiler chicks were fed wheat-corn soybean diet plus xylanase ENOLZYME™ 100 g ton-1 (enzyme activity = 1256.244 U mL-1) to study additive effect of the enzyme on serum glucose and IGF-1 concentration relative to performance. The birds were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups with 64 birds/pen in 5 replicates. For the periods of 63 days body weight, feed efficiency and daily feed intake were not differed at 21 and 42 days. However, they were all differ significantly at 63 days (p<0.05); particularly feed efficiency from 1-63 days was highly significant (p<0.01). Carcass characteristics were not differed in all three stages but at finishing stage breast and thigh muscles, heart, gizzard and abdominal fat weights were numerically increased. Mortality rate was <0.02%. Serum glucose concentration levels at three feeding phases were not differed among groups. However, serum IGF-1 differ significantly at starter phase (21 days) (p<0.05). Correlation between treatments and feeding periods existed at growing (42 days) and finishing (63 days) stages (p<0.05). The present findings on supplementation of xylanase to corn wheat soy bean broiler diet hasincreased market weight cost value by 1.33% at finishing stage (43-63 days). The serum glucose and IGF-1 concentration have correlated positively on treatments offered, feeding periods and performance. Further research is needed on IGF-1 and GH (Growth Hormone) at molecular level to understand their influence in broiler's growth and development. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | Glucose; Growth hormone; Performance; Serum IGF-1; Xylanase | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845335195 | Effect of β-xylanase supplementation of boiled castor seed meal-based diets on the performance, nutrient absorbability and some blood constituents of pullet chicks | Babalola T.O.O., Apata D.F., Atteh J.O. | 2006 | Tropical Science | 46 | 4 | 10.1002/ts.181 | Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Babalola, T.O.O., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Apata, D.F., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Atteh, J.O., Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | β-xylanase addition improved apparent nitrogen and fibre absorption as well as feed transit time. Up to 150 g kg-1 boiled castor seed meal could be incorporated into pullet chick diets without any adverse effect on growth performance or blood constituents. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | β-xylanase; Blood constituents; Castor seed meal; Growth; Nutrient absorbability; Pullet chicks | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000289963000031 | Effect on maternal and child health services in Rwanda of payment to primary health-care providers for performance: an impact evaluation | Basinga, Paulin,Binagwaho, Agnes,Gertler, Paul J.,Soucat, Agnes L. B.,Sturdy, Jennifer,Vermeersch, Christel M. J. | 2011 | LANCET | 377 | 9775 | None | The World Bank, University of California Berkeley, University of California System, University of Rwanda, Minist Hlth | "Basinga, Paulin: University of Rwanda","Gertler, Paul J.: University of California Berkeley","Gertler, Paul J.: University of California System","Soucat, Agnes L. B.: The World Bank","Sturdy, Jennifer: The World Bank","Vermeersch, Christel M. J.: The World Bank", | Background Evidence about the best methods with which to accelerate progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals is urgently needed. We assessed the effect of performance-based payment of health-care providers (payment for performance; P4P) on use and quality of child and maternal care services in health-care facilities in Rwanda.
Methods 166 facilities were randomly assigned at the district level either to begin P4P funding between June, 2006, and October, 2006 (intervention group; n=80), or to continue with the traditional input-based funding until 23 months after study baseline (control group; n=86). Randomisation was done by coin toss. We surveyed facilities and 2158 households at baseline and after 23 months. The main outcome measures were prenatal care visits and institutional deliveries, quality of prenatal care, and child preventive care visits and immunisation. We isolated the incentive effect from the resource effect by increasing comparison facilities' input-based budgets by the average P4P payments made to the treatment facilities. We estimated a multivariate regression specification of the difference-in-difference model in which an individual's outcome is regressed against a dummy variable, indicating whether the facility received P4P that year, a facility-fixed effect, a year indicator, and a series of individual and household characteristics.
Findings Our model estimated that facilities in the intervention group had a 23% increase in the number of institutional deliveries and increases in the number of preventive care visits by children aged 23 months or younger (56%) and aged between 24 months and 59 months (132%). No improvements were seen in the number of women completing four prenatal care visits or of children receiving full immunisation schedules. We also estimate an increase of 0.157 standard deviations (95% CI 0.026-0.289) in prenatal quality as measured by compliance with Rwandan prenatal care clinical practice guidelines.
Interpretation The P4P scheme in Rwanda had the greatest effect on those services that had the highest payment rates and needed the least effort from the service provider. P4P financial performance incentives can improve both the use and quality of maternal and child health services, and could be a useful intervention to accelerate progress towards Millennium Development Goals for maternal and child health. | ,BIRTH-WEIGHT,CENTERS,"CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFERS",COUNTRIES,EXPERIENCE,INTERVENTIONS,OPORTUNIDADES,QUALITY,RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,"ROUTINE ANTENATAL CARE" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879665343 | Effects and impact of witchcraft on Sotho Reformed Churches and the biblical view of witchcraft | Semenya D.K., Letsosa R. | 2013 | Verbum et Ecclesia | 34 | 1 | 10.4102/ve.v34i1.676 | Unit for Reformed Theology, North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | Semenya, D.K., Unit for Reformed Theology, North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa; Letsosa, R., Unit for Reformed Theology, North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa | The aim of this article is to analyse the effects and impact of witchcraft on members of the Basotho Reformed Church who ascribe to witchcraft. From the literature, it is clear that some members of the Basotho Reformed Church practise various forms of witchcraft. Some Christians do not directly involve themselves with practices linked to witchcraft but do participate in healing practices. This article highlights a number of such instances and provides a number of guidelines to churchgoers who are adhering to practices of witchcraft. These guidelines should be relevant to them when they are reflecting on their relationship with the Lord with the aim to live in obedience to God's Word. © 2013. The Authors. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57349198763 | Effects of 12 hour calf withdrawal on conception rate and calf performance of Bos indicus cattle under extensive conditions | Escrivão R.J.A., Webb E.C., Garcês A.P.J.T. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 1 | 10.1007/s11250-008-9168-8 | Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique; Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Escrivão, R.J.A., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique; Webb, E.C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Garcês, A.P.J.T., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique | Fifty-two multiparous Brahman type cows with reproductive tract scoring (RTS) ≥4 at 45 days post-partum were randomly assigned to two groups of 26 cows each separated into an ad libitum suckling group (C) and treatment group (T). Calves in the T group were separated for 12 h during the night from 45 days post-partum to the onset of the breeding season. Body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW) were recorded 45 days post-partum, at the start of the breeding season, and at pregnancy diagnosis. Calves were weighed at calving and weaning. Weaning weights were corrected to 205 days. BW and BCS at the onset of the breeding season were similar (p>0.05) between the experimental groups. Calving to breeding intervals were 93±18 d and 99±22 d for T and C groups, respectively. Calving to conception intervals differed significantly between the groups (111±10 d for T and 133±19 d for C) and a similar result was obtained for the breeding to conception intervals (18±15 d for T and 31±19 d for C). Conception rates were 80% for the T group and 59% for the C group, which correlated better with BW than BCS at the onset of the breeding season. Weaning weights differed (p<0.05) between C and T groups. From 45 days post-partum to the onset of the breeding season, cows in the T group experienced a positive energy balance (3%) while those in the C group had a negative energy balance (-0.1%). It was concluded that 12 h calf separation at night increases the conception rates and improves the calf weaning weights of Bos indicus beef cattle under extensive production systems in sub-tropical conditions. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | BCS; Beef cows; BW; Calf removal; Reproduction; Weaning weight | animal; animal husbandry; article; body composition; breeding; cattle; energy metabolism; female; growth, development and aging; methodology; newborn; parity; physiology; pregnancy; pregnancy rate; puerperium; randomization; reproduction; season; time; weaning; weight gain; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Body Composition; Breeding; Cattle; Energy Metabolism; Female; Parity; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Random Allocation; Reproduction; Seasons; Time Factors; Weaning; Weight Gain; Bos; Bos indicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53849091665 | Effects of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzeneboronic acid as an additive on electrochemical performance of propylene carbonate-based electrolytes for lithium ion batteries | Wang B., Qu Q.T., Xia Q., Wu Y.P., Li X., Gan C.L., van Ree T. | 2008 | Electrochimica Acta | 54 | 2 | 10.1016/j.electacta.2008.06.070 | Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Guotai Huarong Chemical New Materials Co. Ltd., Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa | Wang, B., Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Qu, Q.T., Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Xia, Q., Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Wu, Y.P., Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Li, X., Guotai Huarong Chemical New Materials Co. Ltd., Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China; Gan, C.L., Guotai Huarong Chemical New Materials Co. Ltd., Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China; van Ree, T., Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa | The effects of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzeneboronic acid (BA) as a new film-forming additive have been theoretically and experimentally studied for a graphite (CMS) electrode in propylene carbonate-based (PC) electrolyte for lithium ion batteries. Calculation based on the density functional theory (DFT) method suggests that the energy of the LUMO (the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) of BA is lower than that of PC, consistent with the results of cyclic voltammograms that BA is reduced before PC. SEM, FT-IR and XPS measurements show that the reduced products of BA contribute in part to the effective SEI film on the graphite electrode surface. Discharge-charge measurements indicate that the addition of BA can effectively prevent the decomposition and the co-intercalation of PC, and lithium ions can reversibly intercalate into and deintercalate from the graphite electrode. These results show that addition of BA improves the electrochemical performance of graphite in PC-based electrolyte. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzeneboronic acid; Cycleability; Film-forming; Lithium ion batteries; Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) | Acids; Carbon; Density functional theory; Electric discharges; Electrolysis; Electrolytes; Graphite; Graphite electrodes; Ions; Lithium; Lithium alloys; Lithium compounds; Molecular orbitals; Probability density function; Propylene; 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzeneboronic acid; Cycleability; Film-forming; Lithium ion batteries; Solid electrolyte interface (SEI); Electrochemical electrodes | None |
| None | None | Effects of Acacia nilotica, A. polyacantha and Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal supplementation on performance of Small East African goats fed native pasture hay basal forages | Rubanza C.D.K., Shem M.N., Bakengesa S.S., Ichinohe T., Fujihara T. | 2007 | Small Ruminant Research | 70 | 42403 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.02.008 | United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori, 680-8553, Japan; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), P.O. Box 1257, Shinyanga, Tanzania; Laboratory of Animal Science, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane, 690-8504, Japan | Rubanza, C.D.K., United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori, 680-8553, Japan, Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), P.O. Box 1257, Shinyanga, Tanzania, Laboratory of Animal Science, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane, 690-8504, Japan; Shem, M.N., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Bakengesa, S.S., Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), P.O. Box 1257, Shinyanga, Tanzania; Ichinohe, T., Laboratory of Animal Science, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane, 690-8504, Japan; Fujihara, T., Laboratory of Animal Science, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane, 690-8504, Japan | Optimal utilisation of tannin-rich browse tree fodders including Acacia spp. foliages as crude protein (CP) supplements to ruminants in the tropics is limited by less available information on their feed nutritive potential. Two studies were conducted to: (1) determine rate and extent of ruminal dry matter (DM) degradability (DMD) and (2) investigate effect of sun-dried Acacia nilotica (NLM), A. polyacantha (PLM) and Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLM) supplementation on growth performance of 20 growing (7-9 months old) Small East African male goats (14.6 ± 0.68 kg) fed on native pasture hay (NPH) basal diet for 84 days in a completely randomised design experiment in north-western Tanzania. The goats were randomised into four treatment groups consisting of five animals each. Three supplement diets: 115.3 g NLM (T2), 125.9 g PLM (T3) and 124.1 g LLM (T4), which was used as a positive control, were supplemented at 20% of the expected DM intake (DMI; i.e., 3% body weight) to the three animal groups fed on NPH (basal diet) compared to the animals in a control group that were fed on NPH without browse supplementation (T1). NPH had significantly the lowest (P < 0.05) CP of 45.5 g kg-1 DM compared to NLM, PLM and LLM (159, 195 and 187 g kg-1 DM, respectively). NPH had higher (P < 0.05) fibre fractions; lower ruminal DM degradability characteristics and ME than NLM, PLM and LLM. Supplementation of the animals with browse resulted to (P < 0.05) higher average daily weight gains (ADG) of 157.1 g day-1 in T4 than the animals fed on T2 (114.3 g day-1) and T3 (42.9 g day-1), and even to those fed on T1 (control), which lost weight (-71.4 g day-1). Improved weight gains were mainly due to corrected feed nitrogen (N) or CP due to supplementation of the animals with browse fodder. Too low CP of the NPH would not meet the normal requirements of CP (80 g CP kg-1 DM) for optimal rumen microbial function in ruminants. Higher ADG due to LLM (T4) and NLM (T2) supplementation suggest optimised weight gains due to browse supplementation (20% of expected DMI); while lower weight gains from supplementation with PLM (T3) indicate the possible utilisation of A. polyacantha leaves to overcome weight losses especially during dry seasons. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Acacia; Fodder; Goats; Growth; Leucaena leucocephala; Tanzania | Acacia; Acacia nilotica; Acacia polyacantha; Animalia; Bovidae; Capra hircus; Leucaena leucocephala | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939165185 | Effects of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on cognitive performance following exercise-induced hyperthermia in humans | Lee J.K.W., Ang W.H., Ng J.W.X., Fan P.W.P., Teo Y.S., Nolte H.W., Yeo Y.Y.W. | 2014 | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | 11 | 1 | 10.1186/s12970-014-0051-x | 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; ERGOnomics TECHnologies, Research and Development, Armscor, Pretoria, South Africa | Lee, 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, Singapore | Background: 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. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954865417 | Effects of acclimation temperature on thermal tolerance, locomotion performance and respiratory metabolism in Acheta domesticus L. (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) | Lachenicht M.W., Clusella-Trullas S., Boardman L., Le Roux C., Terblanche J.S. | 2010 | Journal of Insect Physiology | 56 | 7 | 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.02.010 | Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Lachenicht, M.W., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, 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; Boardman, L., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Le Roux, C., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Terblanche, J.S., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | The effects of acclimation temperature on insect thermal performance curves are generally poorly understood but significant for understanding responses to future climate variation and the evolution of these reaction norms. Here, in Acheta domesticus, we examine the physiological effects of 7-9 days acclimation to temperatures 4°C above and below optimum growth temperature of 29°C (i.e. 25, 29, 33°C) for traits of resistance to thermal extremes, temperature-dependence of locomotion performance (jumping distance and running speed) and temperature-dependence of respiratory metabolism. We also examine the effects of acclimation on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) enzyme activity. Chill coma recovery time (CRRT) was significantly reduced from 38 to 13min with acclimation at 33-25°C, respectively. Heat knockdown resistance was less responsive than CCRT to acclimation, with no significant effects of acclimation detected for heat knockdown times (25°C: 18.25, 29°C: 18.07, 33°C: 25.5min). Thermal optima for running speed were higher (39.4-40.6°C) than those for jumping performance (25.6-30.9°C). Acclimation temperature affected jumping distance but not running speed (general linear model, p=0.0075) although maximum performance (UMAX) and optimum temperature (TOPT) of the performance curves showed small or insignificant effects of acclimation temperature. However, these effects were sensitive to the method of analysis since analyses of TOPT, UMAX and the temperature breadth (TBR) derived from non-linear curve-fitting approaches produced high inter-individual variation within acclimation groups and reduced variation between acclimation groups. Standard metabolic rate (SMR) was positively related to body mass and test temperature. Acclimation temperature significantly influenced the slope of the SMR-temperature reaction norms, whereas no variation in the intercept was found. The CCO enzyme activity remained unaffected by thermal acclimation. Finally, high temperature acclimation resulted in significant increases in mortality (60-70% at 33°C vs. 20-30% at 25 and 29°C). These results suggest that although A. domesticus may be able to cope with low temperature extremes to some degree through phenotypic plasticity, population declines with warmer mean temperatures of only a few degrees are likely owing to the limited plasticity of their performance curves. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Acclimation; Chill coma; Climate change; Critical thermal tolerance; Heat knockdown; House cricket; Performance curves; Respiratory metabolism; Survival | acclimation; adaptation; body mass; climate variation; cricket; enzyme activity; locomotion; metabolism; phenotypic plasticity; physiological response; population decline; reaction norm; respiration; survival; temperature effect; temperature tolerance; acclimatization; animal; animal behavior; article; energy metabolism; Gryllidae; locomotion; physiology; temperature; Acclimatization; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Energy Metabolism; Gryllidae; Locomotion; Temperature; Acheta domesticus; Gryllidae; Hexapoda; Orthoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868608692 | Effects of age and species on agronomic performance, chemical composition and in vitro gas production of some tropical multi-purpose tree species | Arigbede O.M., Tan Z.L., Anele U.Y., Sun Z.H., Tang S.X., Han X.F., ZhouC.S., Zeng B. | 2012 | Journal of Agricultural Science | 150 | 6 | 10.1017/S0021859612000184 | Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, P.O. Box 10, Hunan 410125, China; Pasture and Range Management Department, College of Animal Science and Livest | Arigbede, O.M., Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, P.O. Box 10, Hunan 410125, China, Pasture and Range Management Department, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Tan, Z.L., Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, P.O. Box 10, Hunan 410125, China; Anele, U.Y., Pasture and Range Management Department, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Sun, Z.H., Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, P.O. Box 10, Hunan 410125, China; Tang, S.X., Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, P.O. Box 10, Hunan 410125, China; Han, X.F., Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, P.O. Box 10, Hunan 410125, China; ZhouC.S., Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, P.O. Box 10, Hunan 410125, China; Zeng, B., Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, P.O. Box 10, Hunan 410125, China | Five tropical multi-purpose tree species (MPTS), Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Moringa oleifera, Millettia griffoniana, Pterocarpus santalinoides and Treculia Africana, and one exotic species (Leucaena leucocephala), which acted as the control, planted in a randomized complete block design, were selected to evaluate the potentials as feed supplements for herds in dry seasons of south-western Nigeria. Samples of the MPTS leaves were collected in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, weighed, dried and milled for estimation of biomass production, chemical analysis and measurement of in vitro gas production. Results showed significant differences (P < 0·001) in the biomass production of the MPTS. E. cyclocarpum consistently recorded the highest biomass production, height and collar diameter throughout the experimental period. There were also differences (P 0·001) in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and ash contents of the MPTS across species and years after planting. M. oleifera recorded the highest CP content of 240 g/kg DM. Interactions were observed between species and year for neutral detergent fibre (NDFom), acid detergent fibre (ADFom) and lignin contents of the MPTS. M. griffoniana and M. oleifera had lower tannin contents, whereas E. cyclocarpum, P. santalinoides, T. africana and L. leucocephala had higher tannin contents. The values reported for mineral contents showed that their levels in the MPTS were adequate for ruminants and there were no differences in the contents of most minerals. In vitro gas production results showed that the potential gas production 'b' was highest in M. griffoniana and lowest in P. santalinoides and there were species and year interactions (P 0·001) for volatile fatty acid profiles of the supernatant after 96 h incubation. The estimated organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) of the MPTS were generally high. The high biomass production, CP and low fibre contents, as well as in vitro fermentation characteristics found for the MPTS evaluated in the current study suggest that these are better alternatives in comparison with L. leucocephala. It can be concluded that the MPTS evaluated have potential as sources of feed supplements for ruminants in dry seasons, especially in south western Nigeria. © Cambridge University Press 2012. | None | agronomy; biomass allocation; chemical composition; dry season; feeding ground; fermentation; gas production; interspecific interaction; plantation; ruminant; species inventory; stand structure; tree; tropical forest; Nigeria; Bovidae; Enterolobium cyclocarpum; Leucaena leucocephala; Millettia; Millettia griffoniana; Moringa oleifera; Pterocarpus; Pterocarpus santalinoides; Treculia africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956973323 | Effects of aloe vera as leaf protein concentrate on growth performance of cockerels | Odo B.I., Ekenyem B.U., Nwamo A.C. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 5 | None | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Evan Enwerem University, Owerri, Nigeria | Odo, B.I., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria; Ekenyem, B.U., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Evan Enwerem University, Owerri, Nigeria; Nwamo, A.C., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria | The study investigated the effects of Aloe vera as leaf protein concentrate for cockerels. It was conducted with 72 - day old cockerels which at 3 weeks of age were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments of 24 birds each with 3 replicates per treatment. The rations were standard commercial feed 0% (TO, 5% (J2) and 10% (T3) inclusion levels of Aloe vera respectively. The design of the experiment was a completely randomized design and the birds were fed for 42 days with their respective experimental diets. Records were kept on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality trend to the end of the experiment. Results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in weight gain and feed conversion ratio within treatment but no significant difference (p>0.05) on feed intake. Highest overall profit was obtained from the T2 group. The inclusion of Aloe vera at 5% level supports feed absorption and growth in cockerels. This can therefore be used as a good leaf protein concentrate in cockerel nutrition for improved productivity and therefore, profitability. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Aloe vera; Cockerels; Growth performance; Leaf protein | Aloe vera; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892549948 | Effects of animated agricultural science instructional package on attitude and performance of junior secondary school students in south west area, Nigeria | Tayo Abass B., Bimbo A., Ojo O.A. | 2012 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 3 | 1 | 10.5901/mjss.2012.03.01.425 | Department of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, le-Ife, Nigeria | Tayo Abass, B., Department of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, le-Ife, Nigeria; Bimbo, A., Department of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, le-Ife, Nigeria; Ojo, O.A., Department of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, le-Ife, Nigeria | The study developed a locally-produced Animated Agricultural Science Instructional Package (AASIP). It also examined the effectiveness of the package on students' attitude and performance in Agricultural Science. This was with a view to improving the performance of students in Agricultural Science.The pre-test post-test control group design was employed. The study population consisted of Junior Secondary School (JSS) III students in Ilesa West Local Government Area of Osun State. Two schools were purposively selected based on availability of Agricultural Science teachers. The sample for the study consisted of 160 students selected through simple random sampling technique into experimental and control groups. Students in the experimental group were taught using AASIP while those in the control group were taught using the conventional classroom teaching. The AASIP was developed locally based on animated topics on crop rotation and designed in modules using Macromedia Flash 8.0 and Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. Two research instruments titled Agricultural Science Achievement Test (ASAT) and Students' Attitude Towards Agricultural Science Questionnaire (SATASQ) were used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.The results showed that students' attitude towards Agricultural Science was enhanced with the use of the animated instructional package (F = 4.398, p < 0.05). The results further showed that students exposed to the locally-produced AASIP performed significantly better than those exposed to the conventional method (F = 6.082, p < 0.05). The study concluded that the locally produced AASIP was an effective tool for teaching Agricultural Science in secondary schools. | Animated instructional package; Attitude; Instructional package | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953857278 | Effects of apiary management on colonisation and colony performance of African honey bee (Apis mellifera) in the north-western agro-ecological zone of Uganda | Okwee-Acai J., Anyanzo T.A., Aroba J., Vuchiri J.K., Onzivua T., Okullo P. | 2010 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 22 | 5 | None | Department of Veterinary Surgery and production, Makerere University, P. O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; National Agricultural Advisory Services, Coordinating Office, P.O Box 1, Moyo, Uganda; Production Department, Moyo District Local Government, P. O Box 1, Moyo, Uganda; Department of entomology, Koboko District Local Government, Uganda; National Forest Resources Research Institute (NAFORI), P. O Box 1752, Kampala, Uganda | Okwee-Acai, J., Department of Veterinary Surgery and production, Makerere University, P. O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Anyanzo, T.A., National Agricultural Advisory Services, Coordinating Office, P.O Box 1, Moyo, Uganda; Aroba, J., Production Department, Moyo District Local Government, P. O Box 1, Moyo, Uganda; Vuchiri, J.K., Production Department, Moyo District Local Government, P. O Box 1, Moyo, Uganda; Onzivua, T., Department of entomology, Koboko District Local Government, Uganda; Okullo, P., National Forest Resources Research Institute (NAFORI), P. O Box 1752, Kampala, Uganda | The north-west agro-ecological zone of Uganda, also known as the West-Nile region produces up to three-quarters of honey in Uganda. However, beekeeping in this region is still based on traditional technologies and practices and characterised by alarmingly low colonisation and high absconding rates. Using field experiments, we investigated the effects of modern apiary management practices on colonisation and colony performance of the African honey bee (Apis mellifera). Six experimental sites were set in the West-Nile districts of Moyo, Koboko and Yumbe. At each experimental site, 18 log and 18 Kenya Top Bar (KTB) hives were sited. Half of each hive type was sited at waist height and half high up on tall trees. A third of each hive type was baited with natural hive sealant or bee glue (propolis), beeswax or cassava flour respectively. Management practices were introduced three months after hive siting. Colonisation was significantly (χ2 = 38.20) higher in hives placed high on trees than those placed at standard waist height. KTB hives were better (χ2 = 30.06) colonised than log hives. Propolis baited hives were better (χ2 = 62.08) colonised than wax or cassava baited ones. Colonisation significantly (χ2 = 39.19) improved in experimental sites where routine management practices were instituted compared to sites with no management. Most (73%) that were categorised as strong were in sites where routine management was instituted. We conclude that, wide adoption and application of modern beekeeping practices could tremendously improve colony performance and apiculture production in the west-Nile region. | Absconding; Baits; Beekeeping; Colonisation; Hive types; West-nile | Apis mellifera; Apoidea; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949134309 | Effects of aqueous extract of talinum triangulÄre (Leaves): Evaluation of enzymes activities in tissue homogenates of albino rats | Afolabi O.B., Oloyede O.I. | 2014 | Pharmacologyonline | 3 | None | None | Department of ChemicalScience, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, P.M.B 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department ofBiochemistry, Ekiti State University, P.M.B 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Afolabi, O.B., Department of ChemicalScience, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, P.M.B 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Oloyede, O.I., Department ofBiochemistry, Ekiti State University, P.M.B 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The effect of water extract of Talinum triangulare was investigated on the activities of enzymes such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in the serum and tissue homogenates of an adult albino rats along with the serum total protein. The rats were randomly distributed into four treatment groups A-D; with groups B to D administered with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weights orally and the control group A with water orally respectively. The aqueous extract was prepared using the air-dried leaves parts of the plant following a standardized method with the final yield been considered. The serum total protein (g/dl) was significantly different (p<0.05) relatively compared to control group. In the same vein, statistical data of the activities (u/l) of the enzymes was significantly different (P<0.05) in aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) when compared to control groups but significant different (p>0.05) in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) when compared to the control group. © 2015, SILAE (Italo-Latin American Society of Ethnomedicine). All rights reserved. | Alanine aminotransaminase; Alkaline phosphatase; Aspartate aminotransaminase; Phytochemicals | alanine aminotransferase; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; liver protective agent; plant extract; Talinum triangulare extract; unclassified drug; adult; alanine aminotransferase blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; animal experiment; animal tissue; Article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; controlled study; dose response; drug dose comparison; drug effect; drug mechanism; enzyme activity; medicinal plant; nonhuman; plant leaf; protein blood level; rat; Talinum triangulare; tissue homogenate; tissue level | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449434887 | Effects of ascorbate on monosodium glutamate-associated toxicities that may impact upon immunocompetence | Obochi G.O., Malu S.P., Abara A.E., Ekam V.S., Uboh F.U., Obi-Abang M. | 2009 | Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry | 91 | 3 | 10.1080/02772240802233563 | Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Obochi, G.O., Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Malu, S.P., Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Abara, A.E., Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Ekam, V.S., Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Uboh, F.U., Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Obi-Abang, M., Department of Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria | Excitotoxic food additives react with specialized receptors in the brain and other tissues. Unfortunately, in many instances, these reactions lead to free radical generation (resulting in oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation) and altered membrane fluidity. Ultimately, damage induced by these agents was shown to give rise to endocrine disorders and altered cell-mediated immune responses in general, and dysfunction of lymphocytes and macrophages in particular. The effects of ascorbate against some basic toxicities (that ultimately evolve into endocrine and immune system dysfunctions) induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) was studied in rats. For 21 days, control rats received a daily placebo (4 mL distilled water) via gastric intubation; other rats were treated daily with 100 mg MSG kgl-1 body weight or 100 mg MSG + 100 mg ascorbate kgl-1 in 4 mL vehicle. A day after the final exposure, rats were euthanized. Serum was isolated to examine several lipid and electrolyte parameters, i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL LDL, HDL, Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3 -. Rat spleen and thymus were also harvested for analysis. Results showed that, compared to effects from MSG alone, co-ingestion of ascorbate led to reductions in serum cholesterol, LDL, Na+, and K+. Only with serum HDL, ascorbate leads to increases compared to MSG alone. The co-treatment was also seen to block/mitigate the near three-fold rise in thymic and splenic absolute weights (and respective organ indices) produced by exposure to MSG alone. Similarly, MSG treatment also induced significant increases in blood levels of both monocytes/macrophages and eosinophils; these outcomes were again reversed by co-treatment. Data suggest that co-ingestion of ascorbate may help reduce the risk from some toxicities attributable to selective dietary constituents/additives. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | Ascorbate; Excitotoxicity; Lipid peroxidation; Monosodium glutamate (MSG); Oxidative stress | Ascorbate; Blood levels; Body weight; Cell-mediated immune; Distilled water; Electrolyte parameters; Endocrine disorders; Excitotoxicity; Free radical generation; Immune systems; Immunocompetence; Lipid peroxidation; Membrane fluidity; Monocytes/macrophages; Monosodium glutamate; Monosodium glutamate (MSG); Peroxidation; Serum cholesterol; TO effect; Body fluids; Cholesterol; Food additives; Free radicals; Immunology; Oxidation; Oxidative stress; Rats; Sodium; Toxicity; biological uptake; blood; brain; immune response; immunocompetence; lipid; rodent; serum; sodium; toxic material; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876259526 | Effects of beak amputation and sex on the pecking rate damage and performance parameters of Turkey | Allinson I.B., Ekunseitan D.A., Ayoola A.A., Iposu S.O., Idowu O.M.O., Ogunade I.M., Osho S.O. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 16 | 19 | 10.3923/pjbs.2013.1022.1027 | Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Allinson, I.B., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ekunseitan, D.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ayoola, A.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Iposu, S.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Idowu, O.M.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ogunade, I.M., Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Osho, S.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sex and beak trimming on pecking and the performance of turkeys. Five hundred and forty unsexed, day old British United Turkey poults were was divided into 3 treatments based on beak trimming at 0, 1/4, 1/3 measured from the tip of the beak inwards with 3 replicates of 60 poults each experiment 1 while 480 turkeys (240 each of male and female) were transferred and allotted to 4 treatment groups of 120 birds each and 4 replicates of 30 turkeys each in experiment 2. Data on performance response and severity of pecking were taken and subjected to one-way analysis of variance in a completely randomised design (experiment 1) and 2x2 factorial layout (factors were sex and beak trimming). Results showed that beak trimming had no significant (p>0.05) effect on all the performance parameters of turkey poults except feed intake while sex and beak trimming had significant (p<0.05) effect on performance indices of turkey. Debeaked male and female recorded higher feed intake, protein intake and feed conversion ratio. There was higher rate of aggressive pecking among the Toms than in the Hens and severity of damage was higher in undebeaked turkeys than the debeaked. Beak trimming can greatly reduce the severity of damage caused by aggressive pecking and should be done twice (6 and 14th week) at 1/4 measured from the tip of the beak. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Beak trimming; Pecking rate damage; Performance; Sex; Turkeys | amputation; animal; animal behavior; animal food; article; beak; body weight; eating; feeding behavior; female; male; methodology; physiology; randomization; turkey (bird); Amputation; Animal Feed; Animals; Beak; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Eating; Feeding Behavior; Female; Male; Random Allocation; Turkeys; Aves; Meleagris gallopavo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894523719 | Effects of buck and doe size on the growth performance and survival of their progeny | Kugonza D.R., Stalder K.J., Rothschild M.F. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 3 | None | Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States | Kugonza, D.R., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States; Stalder, K.J., Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States; Rothschild, M.F., Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States | This study on the effects of paternal and maternal goat size on kid growth and survival was conducted by grouping bucks and does into big/elite and small/control categories and mating between the sub-groups to create four progeny groups whose body weight and mortality rate were assessed for fixed and variable effects at birth, 10, 20, and 30 weeks of age. Big sized bucks and does had progeny that were heavier than those of small sized parents at all ages except at birth. The mean body weight of the progeny at 30 weeks was 15.1±0.6 kg for elite bucks and 13.2±0.8 kg for control bucks. Due to sexual dimorphism, male progeny were heavier than their female counterparts at birth, 20 weeks and at 30 weeks. Birth type had the most profound effect on both live weight and survival of goats. Single kids weighed 2.2 ± 0.05 kg at birth compared to 2.0± 0.03 kg for twins, and the margin of superiority widened to 3.5 kg at 30 weeks. Over 85% of the kids that died between birth and 30 weeks were born as a twin which effectively negated the advantage that is normally thought of for twinning in such a goat flock. It is concluded that paternal and maternal size influences the weight of progeny at birth and through to maturity. Birth type and sex of kids also have profound effects on kid weight as well as on survival. However, the advantage of elite parentage appears to get diminished unless diet improvements are incorporated. In general, using elite bucks does have potential financial benefits for Mubende goat farmers. | Goats; Maternal effect; Mubende breed; Selection; Sire effect | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052523434 | Effects of cocoa tree phenology and canopy microclimate on the performance of the mirid bug Sahlbergella singularis | Babin R., Anikwe J.C., Dibog L., Lumaret J.-P. | 2011 | Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata | 141 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1570-7458.2011.01164.x | CIRAD, 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, Montpellie | Babin, 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, France | Populations 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 cacao | biological 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 cacao | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76449105471 | Effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on secondary school students' performance in biology | Yusuf M.O., Afolabi A.O. | 2010 | Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology | 9 | 1 | None | Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Centre for Educational Technology, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria | Yusuf, M.O., Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Afolabi, A.O., Centre for Educational Technology, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria | This study investigated the effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on secondary school students' performance in biology. Also, the influence of gender on the performance of students exposed to CAI in individualised or cooperative learning settings package was examined. The research was a quasi experimental involving a 3 x 2 factorial design. The sample for the study comprised 120 first year senior secondary school students (SSS I) sampled from three private secondary schools, in Oyo State, Nigeria. The students' pre-test and post test scores were subjected to Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings of the study showed that the performance of students exposed to CAI either individually or cooperatively were better than their counterparts exposed to the conventional classroom instruction. However, no significant difference existed in the performance of male and female students exposed to CAI in either individual or cooperative settings. Based on the research findings recommendations were made on the need to develop relevant CAI packages for teaching biology in Nigerian secondary schools. Copyright © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953132065 | Effects of computer-assisted instruction on performance of senior high school biology students in Ghana | Owusu K.A., Monney K.A., Appiah J.Y., Wilmot E.M. | 2010 | Computers and Education | 55 | 2 | 10.1016/j.compedu.2010.04.001 | Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; School of Biological Sciences, Department of Entomology and Wildlife, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Owusu, K.A., Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Monney, K.A., School of Biological Sciences, Department of Entomology and Wildlife, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Appiah, J.Y., Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Wilmot, E.M., Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | This study investigated the comparative efficiency of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and conventional teaching method in biology on senior high school students. A science class was selected in each of two randomly selected schools. The pretest-posttest non equivalent quasi experimental design was used. The students in the experimental group learned science concepts (cell cycle) through the CAI, whereas the students in the control group were taught the same concepts by the conventional approach. The conventional approach consisted of lecture, discussions and question and answer teaching methods. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze students' pretest and posttests scores. The results indicated that students that were instructed by the conventional approach performed better on the posttest than those instructed by the CAI. However, the performance of low achievers within the experimental group improved after they were instructed by the CAI. Even though the CAI group did not perform better than the conventional approach group, the students in the CAI group perceived CAI to be interesting when they were interviewed. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Achievement; Cell cycle; Computer-assisted instruction; Conventional approach; ICT and senior high school | Cell cycle; Computer Assisted Instruction; Control groups; Conventional approach; Experimental design; Experimental groups; High school; High school students; Mann-Whitney U test; Teaching methods; Computer crime; Students; Computer aided instruction | None |
| None | None | Effects of concentrate levels on fattening performance, carcass and meat quality attributes of Small East African × Norwegian crossbred goats fed low quality grass hay | Mushi D.E., Safari J., Mtenga L.A., Kifaro G.C., Eik L.O. | 2009 | Livestock Science | 124 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2009.01.012 | Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Department of Life Sciences, Mkwawa University College of Education, Private Bag, Iringa, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Institute of Rural Development and Planning, P O Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania | Mushi, D.E., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Ås, Norway, Department of Life Sciences, Mkwawa University College of Education, Private Bag, Iringa, Tanzania; Safari, J., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Ås, Norway, Institute of Rural Development and Planning, P O Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania; Mtenga, L.A., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kifaro, G.C., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Eik, L.O., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Ås, Norway | To assess the effects of finishing Small East African × Norwegian crossbred goats with concentrate diets on the fattening performance, carcass and meat quality, 32 castrated crossbred goats (9.5 months old, 17.1 kg BWT) were equally allocated into four levels of concentrate supplementation. The concentrate levels were: Zero access to concentrate (T0), 33% access to ad libitum concentrate allowance (T33), 66% access to ad libitum concentrate allowance (T66) and 100% access to ad libitum concentrate allowance (T100). Each animal had access to ad libitum grass hay. Ad libitum concentrate intake for the goats was 663 g/d, which supported ME intake of 8.7 MJ/head/d. The attained maximum daily gain was 96 g/d. T100 and T66 goats were comparable in slaughter weight but the former had 2 kg heavier (P < 0.05) carcasses than the latter. T100 and T66 goats were similar in carcass fatness scores, though both were fattier (P < 0.05) than other diet groups. Dressing percentage (DP) was expressed in three different ways. In all but commercial DP, T100 were comparable to T66 goats, but all were higher than the other diet groups. For T0 goats, pH-values remained above 6 even after 24 h post-mortem. Cooking losses increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of concentrate supplementation. Moreover, among the muscles assessed, M. rectus abdominis had the least cooking loss. Warner-Bratzler shear force values of cooked muscles were highest (P < 0.05) in M. gluteobiceps, followed by M. vastus lateralis, while M. psoas major and longismus dorsi aged for 6 days had the least values. Finishing Small East African × Norwegian crossbred goats at 66% access to their ad libitum concentrate intake gives optimum carcass and meat quality, and that any increase above this level seems not to improve meat production. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Carcass yield; Chevon quality; Feedlot-finishing; Goats | Animalia; Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946023855 | Effects of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed powder and extract on performance of broiler chickens | Naeemasa M., Alaw Qotbi A.A., Seidavi A., Norris D., Brown D., Ginindza M. | 2015 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 45 | 4 | 10.4314/sajas.v45i4.3 | Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa | Naeemasa, M., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Alaw Qotbi, A.A., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Seidavi, A., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Norris, D., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran; Brown, D., Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa; Ginindza, M., Department of Animal Science, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran | This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed powder and extract on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 420 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated randomly into seven treatments of 60 birds per group. Each treatment had four replicates (15 chicks per replicate). The trial was designed with seven treatments, consisting of a control diet without coriander, this is, the control group (CG); three treatments, which included the control diet plus three levels of coriander extract in water (750, 1000, and 1250 mg/kg); and the another three, which received the control diet plus three levels of coriander powder (1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%). Performance parameters were monitored throughout the experimental period. At 21 - 42 d old, the inclusion of 952 mg/kg of coriander extract in drinking water maximized weight gain, while the feed intake of the experimental period (1 - 42 d) was maximized at the coriander powder level of 1.2%. Feed conversion ratios improved with the inclusion of coriander powder in the diet throughout the experimental period. These results suggest that coriander powder in the diet and coriander extract in water could replace synthetic antibiotics and could be regarded as natural feed additives and growth promoters in poultry diets. | Additives; Broiler; Herbs; Spices | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44449158880 | Effects of cottonseed cake based diets on performance and egg quality characteristics of layers | Adeyemo G.O., Longe O.G. | 2008 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 7 | 4 | 10.3923/pjn.2008.597.602 | Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Adeyemo, G.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Longe, O.G., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | The study evaluated the performance of layers fed on diets in which Cottonseed cake (CSC) replaced Soybean cake (SBC) in five experimental rations such that 0% (control), 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% of CSC replaced SBC. The design of the experiment was completely randomized design (CRD). Chemical analysis was carried out to determine the crude protein (CP) and gossypol contents of CSC. In this experiment, seventy-five 23 week - old layers were fed with experimental layer diets for 12 weeks. Parameters evaluated include hen-day production (HDP), Feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight (EW) and haugh units (HU). All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The determined CP of CSC was 35.11% and its gossypol content was 570g/ton. FCR ranged from 1.6 to 4.9, HDP from 47% to 68%, EW from 47.5 to 62.8 g, and HU from 3.1 to 6.7. Layers on 60% CSC replacement for SBC had higher values for the parameters measured which were not significantly different from the control. CSC can replace up to 60% SBC without adverse effects on performance and egg quality characteristics of laying birds. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Cottonseed cake; Egg quality; Layers | gossypol; protein; analysis of variance; animal experiment; animal food; article; caloric intake; chemical analysis; chicken; controlled study; cottonseed cake; egg laying; egg production; female; food composition; nonhuman; nutritional value; poultry farming; protein intake; soybean; Aves; Glycine max; Micropus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877351763 | Effects of creatine monohydrate on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of yellow-feathered broilers | Xia W.G., Abdullahi A.Y., Zuo J.J., Chen L., Feng D.Y. | 2012 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 11 | 23 | 10.3923/javaa.2012.4382.4388 | College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China; Department of Animal Science, Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, P.M.B. 3244, Kano, Nigeria | Xia, W.G., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China; Abdullahi, A.Y., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China, Department of Animal Science, Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, P.M.B. 3244, Kano, Nigeria; Zuo, J.J., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China; Chen, L., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China; Feng, D.Y., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China | Nine hundred, 42 days old male yellow-feathered broilers were used to evaluate the effects of Creatine Monohydrate (CMH) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. The birds received either a no-CMH diet (0 mg kg"1) a low (250 mg kg"1), a moderate (500 mg kg"1) or a high-CMH diet (1000 mg kg"1) for 21 days. CMH supplementation did not affect the average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake or feed efficiency. Additionally no significant differences were discovered in the dressing, eviscerated, breast muscle or thigh muscle percentage. However, there was a decreasing trend in the pH values of the pectoralis major at 24 h postmortem and of the thigh muscle at 45 mm postmortem as the level of CMH supplementation increased. No significant difference was observed in cooking loss, shear force value, moisture or crude protein percentages. However, supplementing with CMH increased the slow-twitch red and the fast-twitch white fiber ratio in the gastrocnemius muscles. The results suggested that CMH supplementation has no effect on growth performance or carcass characteristics but it potentially triggered a transition from fast-twitch red muscle fibers to slow-twitch red and fast-twitch white muscle fibers. © Medwell Journals, 2012. | Broiler; Carcass characteristics; Creatine; Growth performance; Meat quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951680449 | Effects of delayed mating on reproductive performance of ephestia Cautella [Walker] [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae] | Akinneye J.O., Ashamo M.O. | 2009 | Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research | 52 | 6 | None | Storage Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Akinneye, J.O., Storage Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Ashamo, M.O., Storage Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | The effect of age at mating of male and female warehouse moth, Ephestia cautella (Walker), soon after the emergence or delayed for 1-5 days was studied on the number of eggs laid (fecundity), egg viability, longevity and adult emergence. It was found that with the delay in mating after emergence of male, female or both, the number of eggs laid decreased proportionately. Egg viability decreased when female or both male and female were delayed from mating for more than 4 days. Male insects, that were delayed from mating, lived longer than the females delayed from, mating. Average male and female longevity in all the treatments was 10 and 7 days, respectively. Delayed mating had significant effect on females than on males. Unmated males lived longer than the mated males. Thus methods that can delay and disrupt mating may be effective behavioural strategies for managing E. cautella. | Adult emergence; Eggs; Ephestia cautella; Longevity; Mating delay | age at maturity; behavioral response; egg; emergence; longevity; mating behavior; moth; reproductive status; temporal analysis; Cadra cautella; Hexapoda; Lepidoptera; Pyralidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926459969 | Effects of dietary administration of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the growth performance, biochemical, hematological and immunological parameters in juvenile and adult Victoria Labeo (Labeo victorianus) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila | Ngugi C.C., Oyoo-Okoth E., Mugo-Bundi J., Orina P.S., Chemoiwa E.J., Aloo P.A. | 2015 | Fish and Shellfish Immunology | 44 | 2 | 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.03.025 | Kenyatta University, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Department of Agricultural Resource Management, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Natural Resource, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957-10101, Karatina, Kenya; National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre - Sagana, P. O. Box 26-10230, Sagana, Kenya; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya | Ngugi, C.C., Kenyatta University, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Department of Agricultural Resource Management, P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Oyoo-Okoth, E., School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Natural Resource, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957-10101, Karatina, Kenya; Mugo-Bundi, J., School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Natural Resource, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957-10101, Karatina, Kenya; Orina, P.S., National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre - Sagana, P. O. Box 26-10230, Sagana, Kenya, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya; Chemoiwa, E.J., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya; Aloo, P.A., School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Natural Resource, Karatina University, P.O. Box 1957-10101, Karatina, Kenya | We investigated effects of dietary administration of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on growth performance, biochemical, hematological and immunological parameters in juvenile and adult Victoria Labeo (Labeo victorianus) against Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish were divided into 4 groups and fed for 4 and 16 weeks with 0%, 1%, 2% and 5% of U.dioica incorporated into the diet. Use of U.dioica in the diet resulted in improved biochemical, hematological and immunological parameters. Among the biochemical parameters; plasma cortisol, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol decreased while total protein and albumin in fish increased with increasing dietary inclusion of U.dioica. Among the haematology parameters: red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) counts, haematocrit (Htc), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and netrophiles increased with increasing dietary inclusion levels of U.dioica, some depending on the fish age. Serum immunoglobulins, lysozyme activity and respiratory burst were the main immunological parameters in the adult and juvenile L.victorianus measured and they all increased with increasing herbal inclusion of U.dioica in the diet. Dietary incorporation of U.dioica at 5% showed significantly higher relative percentage survival (up to 95%) against A.hydrophila. The current results demonstrate that using U.dioica can stimulate fish immunity and make L.victorianus more resistant to bacterial infection (A.hydrophila). © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Biochemical parameters; Hematological parameters; Immunity; Immunological parameters; Labeo victorianus; Urtica dioica | Aeromonas hydrophila; Bacteria (microorganisms); Labeo; Labeo victorianus; Urtica dioica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58849119153 | Effects of dietary energy level and tanniferous Acacia karroo leaf meal level of supplementation at finisher stage on performance and carcass characteristics of ross 308 broiler chickens in South Africa | Ng'ambi J.W., Nakalebe P.M., Norris D., Malatje M.S., Mbajiorgu C.A. | 2009 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 8 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | Ng'ambi, J.W., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Nakalebe, P.M., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Norris, D., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Malatje, M.S., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Mbajiorgu, C.A., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa | The study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary energy level and tanniniferous Acacia karroo leaf meal level of supplementation at finisher stage on performance and carcass characteristics of male and female Ross 308 broiler chickens. Three hundred and sixty, 21 days old male and female broiler chickens were assigned to twelve treatments with three replications of ten birds in a 2 (sex) x 3 (dietary energy level) x 3 (tanniniferous Acacia karroo leaf meal level) factorial, complete randomized design. Supplementation with Acacia karroo leaf meal had no effect on diet intake, digestibility and live weight of broiler chickens. However, supplementation with 9 and 12 g of Acacia karroo leaf meal per kg DM feed reduced fat pad weights in male broiler chickens by 26 and 29% points, respectively. Similarly, supplementation with 9 and 12 g of Acacia karroo leaf meal per kg DM feed reduced fat pad weights in female chickens by 26% points. These reductions were achieved without any significant reduction in feed intake and digestibility. However, the physiological explanation for this effect is not clear and it, thus, merits further investigation. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009. | Acacia karroo; Digestibility; Fat pad; Nitrogen retention; Ross 308 broiler chickens | Acacia; Acacia karroo; Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-42149087700 | Effects of dietary phytase on performance and nutrient metabolism in chickens | Pirgozliev V., Oduguwa O., Acamovic T., Bedford M.R. | 2008 | British Poultry Science | 49 | 2 | 10.1080/00071660801961447 | ASRC, SAC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Syngenta Animal Nutrition Inc., Beckhampton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom; ASRC, SAC, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr, KA6 5HW, United Kingdom; University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; AB Vista Feed | Pirgozliev, V., ASRC, SAC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, ASRC, SAC, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr, KA6 5HW, United Kingdom; Oduguwa, O., ASRC, SAC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Acamovic, T., Syngenta Animal Nutrition Inc., Beckhampton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom; Bedford, M.R., Syngenta Animal Nutrition Inc., Beckhampton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, AB Vista Feed Ingredients, Woodstock Court, Blenheim Rd., Marlborough Bus. Pk., Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4AN, United Kingdom | A broiler growth study was conducted to compare the effect of different concentrations of an Escherichia coli-derived phytase on performance, apparent metabolisable energy (AME), nitrogen (N), amino acid and mineral metabolisability, sialic acid excretion and villus morphology when fed to broiler chickens. 2.Female Ross 308 broilers (480) were reared in floor pens from 0 to 28 d of age. All birds were fed on nutritionally complete starter (0 to 21 d of age) and grower diets (21 to 28 d of age) with the exception that they were low in P (28 and 23 g/kg available P, respectively). These maize-soy diets were supplemented with 0, 250, 500 or 2500 phytase units (FTU)/kg feed. 3.Between 21 and 28 d of age, two birds from each floor pen were selected, and each pair placed in one of 32 metabolism cages (two birds per cage). Feed intake was recorded and excreta collected for the last 2 d of the feeding period, and AME, N, amino acid and mineral metabolisability coefficients and endogenous losses were determined following a total collection procedure. 4.Feed intake and weight gain increased in a linear manner in response to phytase dose, with an average increase of approximately 117 and 135%, respectively, compared with chickens fed on the low-P diet. Birds given diets with 2500 FTU weighed 66% more and had a 24% higher feed conversion efficiency (FCE) than those fed on diets containing 500 FTU. 5.Enzyme supplementation increased the intake of AME and metabolisable N by 103 and 39%, respectively, principally through increases in feed intake. Birds given enzyme-supplemented diets also improved their intake of metabolisable amino acids and P by approximately 14 and 124%, respectively, compared with birds fed on the control diet. Enzyme supplementation did not affect ileal villus morphometry of the birds. | None | amino acid; mineral; phytase; animal; animal food; article; chemistry; chicken; comparative study; diet; eating; enzymology; Escherichia coli; feces; female; growth, development and aging; metabolism; weight gain; 6-Phytase; Amino Acids; Animal Feed; Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Chickens; Diet; Eating; Escherichia coli; Feces; Female; Minerals; Weight Gain; Aves; Escherichia coli; Gallus gallus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871552926 | Effects of dietary protein supplementation on the performance of West African dwarf (WAD) goats infected with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis | Mhomga L.I., Nnadi P.A., Chiejina S.N., Idika I.K., Ngongeh L.A. | 2012 | Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences | 36 | 6 | 10.3906/vet-1106-21 | Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Michael Okpara University | Mhomga, L.I., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Nnadi, P.A., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Chiejina, S.N., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria; Idika, I.K., Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ngongeh, L.A., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria | Twenty worm-free male West African dwarf (WAD) goats, 7-8 months of age, were used to study the effect of dietary protein on their response to mixed infections of trychostrongyles. The goats were divided into 4 groups (A-D), each containing 5 animals. Groups A and B were fed forages with concentrate feed containing 17.06% crude protein, whereas Groups C and D were fed forages alone. An escalating infection of 500 infective larvae (L3), 1000 L3, 2000 L3, and 4000 L3 was given consecutively at weeks 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for 4 weeks to groups A and D. Patency and level of infection were monitored by carrying out fecal egg counts (FECs) twice weekly. All of the animals were humanely sacrificed 42 days aft er infection, and the abomasum and intestines were recovered and processed for worm recovery. The results showed that there was a positive correlation between the dietary protein and body weight gain and body condition score. However, the dietary protein had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the packed cell volume (PCV), total serum protein, and serum albumin levels. The supplemented goats shed significantly fewer helminth eggs in the feces and harbored lighter burdens of the 2 worm species compared to unsupplemented goats. There was a negative significant correlation between the worm burden and the body weight and body condition scores. The correlation between the worm burden and PCV was also negative but not significant, while that between the worm burden and FEC was positive and significant. Infection significantly affected the feed intake but did not affect water intake. These results therefore demonstrate that nutritional supplementation enhances the resistance of WAD goats to mixed infections of H. contortus and T. colubriformis and results in their improved performance. © TÜBİTAK. | Goats; Haemonchus contortus; Mixed infection; Performance; Supplement feeding; Trichostrongylus colubriformis | Animalia; Capra hircus; Haemonchus contortus; Trichostrongylus colubriformis; Vermes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955032736 | Effects of dietary replacement of maize grain with popcorn waste products on nutrient digestibility and performance by lambs | Nkosi B.D., Meeske R., van der Merwe H.J., Acheampong-Boateng O., Langa T. | 2010 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 40 | 2 | None | ARC-LBD: Animal Production Institute, P/Bag x2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Western Cape Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 249, George 6530, South Africa; Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science, University of the Free State, South Africa; Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, University of Venda, South Africa | Nkosi, B.D., ARC-LBD: Animal Production Institute, P/Bag x2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Meeske, R., Western Cape Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 249, George 6530, South Africa; van der Merwe, H.J., Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Science, University of the Free State, South Africa; Acheampong-Boateng, O., Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, University of Venda, South Africa; Langa, T., ARC-LBD: Animal Production Institute, P/Bag x2, Irene 0062, South Africa | A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary replacement of maize with popcorn waste (PW) on the intake, nutrient digestibility and growth performance of lambs. Diets replacing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% maize with PW were formulated and fed ad libitum to 40 South African Mutton Merino lambs (25.0 ± 0.45 kg live-weight). The diets had similar intake and nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Lambs fed the 25 and 50% PW diets had higher intakes of crude protein (CP), metabolizable energy and ether extract compared to the other diets. Growth rate was highest (226 g/d) on the 25% diet and lowest (109 g/d) on the 75% PW diet. Best feed conversion ratio (FCR), of 5.1 (kg feed/kg live weight) was obtained with the 0% PW diet. Improved digestibility of CP and EE occurred in the 25 and 75% PW diets. Higher intake of nitrogen (N) and N retention were obtained in the 25 and 50% PW diets. Dietary replacement of >75% of maize resulted in poor animal performance (ADG < 150 g/d and FCR >7.00). It was concluded that PW can replace up to 50% of the maize in diets for growing lambs. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Average daily gain; By-Products; Lambs; Maize; Popcorn | Animalia; Ovis aries; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646674295 | Effects of dietary replacement of maize with malted or unmalted sorghum on the performance of weaner rabbits | Abubakar M., Doma U.D., Kalla D.J.U., Ngele M.B., Augustine C.L.D. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 5 | None | Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, PMB 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; VeterinaryHospital, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | Abubakar, M., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, PMB 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Doma, U.D., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, PMB 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Kalla, D.J.U., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, PMB 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Ngele, M.B., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, PMB 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Augustine, C.L.D., VeterinaryHospital, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria | A feeding trial was conducted using twenty-one, 8 to 9 weeks old weaner rabbits allotted to three groups of seven animals each in a completely randomized design. The study which lasted for six weeks was undertaken to investigate the effects of dietary replacement of maize as a source of energy with malted or un-malted sorghum on the performance of the animals. The rabbits fed malted sorghum based diet had a similar dry matter intake to those on the maize based diet, but significantly higher than those on the unmalted sorghum based diet. All the animals gained weight, at rates similar across the treatments, indicating that the intake of energy and proteins were well above maintenance requirements. The best feed efficiency was recorded for rabbits fed on the malted sorghum based diet. The financial analysis revealed that feed cost per kg body weight gain was lowest for animals on the malted and unmalted sorghum based diets. It is concluded that malted or unmalted sorghum could effectively replace maize as a source of energy in diets for weaner rabbits without any adverse effects on performance and with reduced cost of feed per kg body weight gain. | Maize; Performance; Rabbits; Sorghum | Animalia; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924785383 | Effects of dietary supplementation of fumaric acid on growth performance of african catfish clarias gariepinus and aeromonas sobria challenge | Omosowone O., Dada A., Adeparusi E. | 2015 | Ribarstvo, Croatian Journal of Fisheries | 73 | 1 | 10.14798/73.1.782 | Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Omosowone, O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Dada, A., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Adeparusi, E., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Five iso-nitrogenous (39.0% crude protein) and iso-caloric diets (510 kJ gross energy) were prepared, with fumaric acid added at varying inclusion levels; 0 (D1), 0.5 (D2), 1.0 (D3), 1.5 (D4) or 2.0 (D5) g kg-1 of diet. Diets were fed to triplicate groups of Clarias gariepinus (mean initial weight 68.14±1.5 g) for 84 days in 50 liters glass tanks. At the end of the experiment, fish fed with diet D3 gave significantly higher growth indices closely followed by the control diet (D1). There were significant differences in weight gain, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio and percentage survival in fish fed diet D3 when compared with those fed diet D5. The haematological parameters of experimental fish revealed significant variations among treatments. The highest haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) values were recorded in fish fed diet D2 while the lowest were recorded in those fed diets D3. Challenge test showed that mortality was 100% in the control while it was between 0 and 86.67% in other treatments. Inclusion of 1.0 g kg-1 of fumaric acid in C. gariepinus diets boosted growth. Inclusion of 0.5 g kg-1 of fumaric acid improved fish haematological parameters. In overall, incorporation of fumaric acid in C. gariepinus diets improved fish survival after Aeromonas sobria challenge. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture. All rights reserved. | Catfish; Haematological parameters; Organic acid; Pathogenic bacteria; Survival | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878474369 | Effects of dietary supplementation with urea molasses multi-nutrient block on performance of mid lactating local Ethiopian and crossbred dairy cows | Tekeba E., Wurzinger M., Baldinger L., Zollitsch W.J. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 6 | None | Andassa Livestock Research Centre, P.O.box 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria | Tekeba, E., Andassa Livestock Research Centre, P.O.box 27, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Wurzinger, M., BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria; Baldinger, L., BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria; Zollitsch, W.J., BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, A-1180, Vienna, Austria | An experiment was conducted on station, using a nested design in order to evaluate the effects of a Urea Molasses Multi-Nutrient Block (UMMB) supplementation of typical dry season, roughage based diets on the performance of mid lactating local Fogera and their F1 Holstein Friesian crosses in Ethiopia. Eight cows each from both breeds were assigned to a forage-based control diet and an experimental diet with UMMB supplementation. Highly significant differences were observed between treatments for most production traits. However, Fogera and crossbred dairy cows showed a different response pattern for some traits. Crossbred dairy cows were superior over Fogera for milk production, reproductive performance and benefit-cost ratio regardless of UMMB supplementation. Conversely, Fogera cows had higher milk solid contents and supplementing them with UMMB had a greater effect on milk fat than in crossbred cows. It is concluded that supplementing dairy cows with UMMB during the dry season is basically a helpful measure to maintain production. Depending on the availability of UMMB, priority in supplementation however, should be given to cows with a high genetic potential for milk production. | Fogera; Mid-lactating; On-station; Roughage-based; Supplement | Bos; Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68249161020 | Effects of diets based on 2 different maize varieties (QPM and common) on growth and slaughter performance of Ethiopian highland ram-lambs | Mekonnen H., Endale M., Salvador F., Tegegne A. | 2009 | Revue de Medecine Veterinaire | 160 | 6 | None | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Mekonnen, H., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Endale, M., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Salvador, F., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tegegne, A., International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of feeding with two maize (Zea mays) cultivars (Quality Protein Maize [QPM] and common maize [BH540]) on growth performance, food efficiency and carcass traits in Ethiopian highland Arsi type ram lambs. Each maize variety was offered in 3 different forms (stover form, whole plant silage and earless silage) that constituted 6 dietary treatments. A total of 49 Arsi ram lambs, 6-8 months old, weighing 18-21 kg were randomly divided into 7 equal groups: whereas the first group was initially slaughtered for establishing base line information, the 6 other groups received the different dietary treatments for 12 weeks. Diets based on whole plant silage significantly improved final weights and weight gains (p < 0.001), the food conversion ratio (p < 0.001) and the carcass traits (slaughter weights, hot and cold carcass weights, dressing percentage and the total edible offal) (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001) compared to diets based on earless silage or stover form. Moreover, although differences were not significant between groups fed with the 2 maize varieties for a given distributed form, the highest growth rates and the highest carcass component yields were obtained with the QPM distributed as whole plant silage and the lowest results were observed with the BH540 in earless silage. These results showed the superiority of the whole plant silage form in promoting faster growth rate with higher carcass components yields in Arsi ram lambs and suggest the zootechnical interest of the variety QPM. | Carcass trait; Ethiopia; Growth; Maize; Sheep | Ovis aries; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908304555 | Effects of different acid-treatment on the nanostructure and performance of carbon nanotubes in electrochemical hydrogen storage | Mkhondo N.B., Magadzu T. | 2014 | Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures | 9 | 4 | None | University of Limpopo, School of Physical and Mineral Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga, South Africa | Mkhondo, N.B., University of Limpopo, School of Physical and Mineral Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga, South Africa; Magadzu, T., University of Limpopo, School of Physical and Mineral Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga, South Africa | The effects of various acids on the nanostructure and hydrogen storage performance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were investigated. MWCNTs were sonicated in nitric acid (HNO3), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and their mixtures. FTIR revealed that the ratio of oxygen-containing groups on the surface of CNTs depends on the type of oxidiser. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed an intact and stable nanostructure of MWCNTs treated by H2O2+HNO3, with an improve functionality due to different kinds of pores. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of MWCNTs treated by H2O2+HNO3increased to 343.1 m2/g, as compared to 251.5 and 223.7 m2/g of the raw and HNO3+H2SO4treated MWCNTs, respectively. The MWCNTs treated by a mixture of H2O2+HNO3gave the highest discharge capacity of 72.6 mAh/g (electrochemical hydrogen storage of 0.27 wt.%), as compared to a preferred mixture of HNO3+H2SO4, which gave a discharge capacity of 3.0 mAh/g; due to a structural damage of MWCNTs walls and low BET surface area. A H2O2+HNO3mixture promotes larger BET surface area and low reductive overpotential of hydrogen at the electrode. © 2014 Inst Materials Physics. All rights reserved. | Acid treatments; Carbon nanotubes; Discharge capacity; Hydrogen storage; Mixture of H2O2+HNO3 | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948582385 | Effects of different forms of white lupin (Lupinus albus) grain supplementation on feed intake, digestibility, growth performance and carcass characteristics of Washera sheep fed Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay-based diets | Tefera G., Tegegne F., Mekuriaw Y., Melaku S., Tsunekawa A. | 2015 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 47 | 8 | 10.1007/s11250-015-0901-9 | Koga irrigation and watershed management project, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori, Japan; Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O.Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Tefera, G., Koga irrigation and watershed management project, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Tegegne, F., Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori, Japan; Mekuriaw, Y., Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Melaku, S., Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O.Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Tsunekawa, A., Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori, Japan | Protein is the major limiting nutrient in feeding ruminants especially in dryland areas. Thus, looking for locally available protein sources such as white lupin (Lupinus albus) grain is commendable. The objective of this experiment was to determine effects of supplementation of different forms of white lupin grain (WLG) on feed and nutrient intake, digestibility, growth and carcass characteristics. Twenty-five yearling male Washera sheep with initial body weight (BW) of 16.26 ± 1.41 kg (mean ± SD) were used. Animals were blocked into five based on their initial BW and were randomly assigned to one of the following five dietary treatments: Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay (RGH) alone (T1) or supplemented with 300 g (on dry matter (DM) basis) raw WLG (T2) or raw soaked and dehulled WLG (T3) or roasted WLG (T4) or raw soaked WLG (T5). Supplementation with WLG significantly improved total DM and nutrient intake (P < 0.001), nutrient digestibility (P < 0.01), and average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (P < 0.001). Carcass quality parameters were significantly (P < 0.001) higher for supplemented sheep. However, the difference in carcass quality parameters among supplemented groups was not significant (P > 0.05). It is concluded that roasting white lupin grain can lead to a better feed and nutrient intake and consequently better carcass quality. White lupin grain can be recommended not only for maintenance but also for optimum performance of ruminants. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Carcass characteristics; Digestibility; Dryland; Growth; Rhodes grass; Washera sheep; White lupin | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952879306 | Effects of different levels of dried sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaves inclusion in finisher ration on feed intake, growth, and carcass yield performance of Ross broiler chicks | Tamir B., Tsega W. | 2010 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 42 | 4 | 10.1007/s11250-009-9476-7 | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Andassa Agricultural Research Center, Andassa, Ethiopia | Tamir, B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Tsega, W., Andassa Agricultural Research Center, Andassa, Ethiopia | The effect of supplementation with increasing levels of dried leaves of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) on feed intake, body weight gain, and carcass yield characteristics of finisher Ross broiler chicks was studied at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Three hundred Ross broiler chicks aging 29 days and weighing 540 ± 5. 28 g (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed to 15 pens, each with 20 chicks, representing five treatment rations each with three replications. Dietary treatments consisted of inclusions of dried leaves of sweet potato at levels of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 g/kg DM for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days, during which, dry matter intake (DMI), body weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency; carcass yield characteristics; and weights and lengths of different parts of gastrointestinal tract were measured. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS (1998). Inclusion of dried leaves of sweet potato at the level of 200 g/kg DM resulted in lower (P ≤ 0. 01) daily DMI as compared to chicks in control diet (T1). The daily body weight gain declined (P ≤ 0. 01) when the level of dried leaves of sweet potato in the diet was 150 and 200 g/kg DM. Inclusion of dried leaves of sweet potato up to 100 g/kg DM did not affect (P > 0. 05) eviscerated carcass weight, and weights of drumstick with thigh and breast meat were not affected (P > 0. 05) by inclusion of dried leaves of sweet potato up to 150 g/kg DM. The results of this study revealed that inclusion of dried leaves of sweet potato up to 100 g/kg DM in the finisher ration might be considered as the optimum level of supplementation when chickens are sold on live weight basis, but if birds are sold on eviscerated carcass weight basis, inclusion up to 150 g/kg DM might be economically feasible as it produced higher carcass yield components. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Body weight gain; Carcass yield characteristics; Dried leaves of sweet potato; Feed intake; Finisher broiler chicks | animal; article; body weight; chicken; diet supplementation; eating; Ethiopia; growth, development and aging; physiology; plant leaf; randomization; regression analysis; sweet potato; Animals; Body Weight; Chickens; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Ethiopia; Ipomoea batatas; Plant Leaves; Random Allocation; Regression Analysis; Aves; Gallus gallus; Ipomoea batatas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947262801 | Effects of different missing data imputation techniques on the performance of undiagnosed diabetes risk prediction models in a mixed-ancestry population of South Africa | Masconi K.L., Matsha T.E., Erasmus R.T., Kengne A.P. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0139210 | Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Masconi, K.L., Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Matsha, T.E., Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Erasmus, R.T., Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Kengne, A.P., Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Background. Imputation techniques used to handle missing data are based on the principle of replacement. It is widely advocated that multiple imputation is superior to other imputation methods, however studies have suggested that simple methods for filling missing data can be just as accurate as complex methods. The objective of this study was to implement a number of simple and more complex imputation methods, and assess the effect of these techniques on the performance of undiagnosed diabetes risk prediction models during external validation. Methods. Data from the Cape Town Bellville-South cohort served as the basis for this study. Imputation methods and models were identified via recent systematic reviews. Models' discrimination was assessed and compared using C-statistic and non-parametric methods, before and after recalibration through simple intercept adjustment. Results. The study s.ample consisted of 1256 individuals, of whom 173 were excluded due to previously diagnosed diabetes. Of the final 1083 individuals, 329 (30.4%) had missing data. Family history had the highest proportion of missing data (25%). Imputation of the outcome, undiagnosed diabetes, was highest in stochastic regression imputation (163 individuals). Overall, deletion resulted in the lowest model performances while simple imputation yielded the highest C-statistic for the Cambridge Diabetes Risk model, Kuwaiti Risk model, Omani Diabetes Risk model and Rotterdam Predictive model. Multiple imputation only yielded the highest C-statistic for the Rotterdam Predictive model, which were matched by simpler imputation methods. Conclusions. Deletion was confirmed as a poor technique for handling missing data. However, despite the emphasized disadvantages of simpler imputation methods, this study showed that implementing these methods results in similar predictive utility for undiagnosed diabetes when compared to multiple imputation. © 2015 Masconi et al. | None | adult; Article; Cambridge Diabetes Risk model; cohort analysis; controlled study; diabetes mellitus; family history; female; human; Kuwaiti Risk model; male; Omani Diabetes Risk model; prediction; risk assessment; Rotterdam Predictive model; South Africa; statistical analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903217902 | Effects 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. | 2014 | Poljoprivreda | 20 | 1 | None | Ambrose Alli University, Department of Crop Science, Ekpoma, Nigeria; University of Ilorin, Department of Agriculture, Ilorin, Nigeria | Remison, S.U., Ambrose Alli University, Department of Crop Science, Ekpoma, Nigeria; Eifediyi, E.K., University of Ilorin, Department of Agriculture, Ilorin, Nigeria | The 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 shavings | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858609057 | Effects of dried baker's yeast inclusion in rice husk-based diets on performance and egg quality parameters in laying hens | Alabi O.J., Shiwoya E.L., Ayanwale B.A., Mbajiorgu C.A., Ng'ambi J.W., Egena S.S.A. | 2012 | Indian Journal of Animal Research | 46 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Agriculture, Aniaml Health and Human Ecology, University of South African, South Africa; Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Pr | Alabi, O.J., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Shiwoya, E.L., Department of Agriculture, Aniaml Health and Human Ecology, University of South African, South Africa; Ayanwale, B.A., Department of Agriculture, Aniaml Health and Human Ecology, University of South African, South Africa; Mbajiorgu, C.A., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; Ng'ambi, J.W., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Egena, S.S.A., Department of Agriculture, Aniaml Health and Human Ecology, University of South African, South Africa | The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dried baker's yeast inclusion in rice huskbased diets on performance and egg quality parameters in laying hens. A total of 150 Isa brown laying hens aged 25 weeks were allocated to five dietary treatments (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 % yeast inclusion level) with three replicates per treatment in a complete randomized design. The experiment lasted for twelve weeks. Hens fed diets with yeast had higher (P<0.05) final body weight, egg weight, egg albumen height and egg albumen weight than the control. The final body weight, egg weight, albumen weight and albumen height were optimized at 0.70, 0.99, 0.49 and 0.78, respectively. It was concluded that dried baker's yeast inclusion in rice husk-based diets improved egg weight, egg albumen height and albumen weight in Isa brown hens. | Dried baker; Laying hens; Rice husk; Yeast | Saccharomyces cerevisiae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53749102149 | Effects of environmental variables on poultry performance and pond water quality in an integrated poultry/fishery farming | Falayi F.R., Ogunlowo A.S., Alatise M.O. | 2008 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 20 | 4 | None | Agricultural Engineering Department, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Falayi, F.R., Agricultural Engineering Department, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Ogunlowo, A.S., Agricultural Engineering Department, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Alatise, M.O., Agricultural Engineering Department, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | The need to find alternative but productive means of managing animal waste in the modern day agriculture waste cannot be over emphasised. One important means of managing these wastes is through conversion to important use either as animal feeds or as manures. Fish farming can be combined with poultry, animal husbandry and irrigation practices, which can lead to higher production and net profits. This practice is called integrated fish farming or integrated aquaculture. The integration of animal husbandry, especially poultry, with fish farming in a small scale results in the production of organic manure for the fertilization of the fish pond to increase the production of the natural food organism (planktonic algae) to be eaten by the fish. In some cases, the poultry wastes are used as direct food by some fish without supplementary feedings, such species include Nile Tilapia and catfish. An integrated poultry/fishery housing unit was designed and constructed such that poultry droppings were made to drop into the ponds directly and used as feed for clarias gariepinus. The set-up was made of four concrete ponds on which three wooden battery cages were mounted except the fourth pond which served as the control. The ponds were stocked with twenty (20) juvenile clarias garipinus each. There were four treatments and 3 replicates, fish in pond 1, two and three were fed with droppings from one broiler, two broilers and three broilers respectively. While fish in ponds 4 were fed with the fish concentrate. A total of 6 birds (4 weeks old) and 80 juvenile clarias gariepinus were used. This experiment lasted for 6 months. During this period, the environmental parameters were monitored and the effect of poultry waste on the development of the fish was analysed. There were remarkable differences in the microclimate inside and outside the building. The birds were well protected from harsh environmental conditions and a uniform development was recorded. Pollution resulting from the use of poultry droppings adversely affected the development of the fish. Increase in the volume of droppings led to increase in the Bio-Chemical oxygen demand and Chemical Oxygen demand of the pond water which consequently led to a decrease in the dissolved oxygen. Water turbidity also increased with increased droppings. Other water parameters like conductivity, chloride and pH values were within acceptable values suggested in literatures. The system has shown the possibility of effective poultry waste management technique which ensured that nothing is wasted and waste handling problem is grossly reduced. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2008. | Droppings; Fishery; Integrated; Pond; Poultry | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956480039 | Effects of Ethidium® (homidium bromide) on female reproductive performance of laboratory-reared tsetse flies, Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae) | Kibugu J.K., Muchiri M.W., Ngae G.N., Mumba A.M., Kiragu J.M. | 2010 | Acta Tropica | 116 | 2 | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2010.07.007 | Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Muguga South, P.O. Box 30148, Nairobi, Kenya | Kibugu, J.K., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Muchiri, M.W., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Ngae, G.N., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Muguga South, P.O. Box 30148, Nairobi, Kenya; Mumba, A.M., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya; Kiragu, J.M., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya | Ethidium® (homidium bromide) is a trypanocide likely to be encountered as a violative residue in blood collected from abattoirs for feeding laboratory tsetse flies. We investigated its effect on female reproduction of Glossina morsitans morsitans. One-milligram homidium per kilogram body weight was intra-muscularly administered to four steers and blood aseptically collected from them between 15 and 30min post-treatment, analysed for homidium levels and processed for tsetse feeding. Two hundred teneral female flies were fed on homidium-treated diet while a control group of similar number was given untreated diet and the reproductive performance of the two groups statistically compared. Ethidium®, at 266.15ng homidium/ml blood diet, halved A-class portion of F1-pupae, highly reduced decline of F1-progeny quality associated with aging parents, but had no significant effect on the pupae viability, fecundity and abortion rate of the flies. We therefore concluded that Ethidium® has beneficial effect on laboratory tsetse attributable to clearance of unfavourable microbes mediated by the drug, and could be used as a tsetse diet additive. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Female reproduction; Glossina morsitans morsitans; Homidium | ethidium; ethidium bromide; antitrypanosomal agent; ethidium; bromide; diet; fecundity; protozoan; reproductive behavior; tsetse fly; article; bullock; controlled study; feeding; female; fertility; Glossina morsitans; male; nonhuman; paedogenesis; progeny; pupa (life cycle stage); animal; blood; cattle; comparative study; drug effect; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; growth, development and aging; physiology; reproduction; statistical model; tsetse fly; Diptera; Glossina (genus); Glossina morsitans morsitans; Glossinidae; Animals; Cattle; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Ethidium; Female; Linear Models; Reproduction; Trypanocidal Agents; Tsetse Flies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952611386 | Effects of exposure duration to cottonseed cake-based diets on broiler performance | Adeyemo G.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adeyemo, G.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Two experiments were separately conducted using cottonseed cake-based diets to feed table birds. In the first experiment (phase 1) broiler birds were fed from day old to 8 weeks of age, while in the second experiment (phase 2), the birds were fed cottonseed cake based diets from 4-8 weeks of age. Five dietary treatments were fed in both experiments formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous with Cottonseed Cake (CSC) replacing Soyabean Cake (SBC) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% respectively. The live weight of broilers in the phases differed significantly (p<0.05) with broilers in phase 2 being better. The dressed weight was higher in phase 2 than phase 1. Broilers fed CSC based diets from 4 weeks had better feed conversion ratio than those fed from day old. Similar trend was observed in haematological and serum biochemistry parameters in the different treatments of the two phases. It can be concluded that feeding CSC protein as replacement for SBC protein was better from 4 weeks of age in respect of broiler performance though at a higher cost than the former. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Broiler's diet; Cottonseed cake; Performance; Serum biochemistry | Aves; Glycine max; Micropus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952122658 | Effects of feed forms and feeding frequency on growth performance and nutrient utilization of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings | Ajani F., Dawodu M.O., Bello-Olusoji O. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Management, Bowen University, P. M. B. 284, lwo, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Bowen University, Lwo, Nigeria; Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nige | Ajani, F., Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Management, Bowen University, P. M. B. 284, lwo, Nigeria; Dawodu, M.O., Department of Chemistry, Bowen University, Lwo, Nigeria; Bello-Olusoji, O., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | A 12-week feeding experiment was conducted to determine the optimum feeding frequency and best feed form for the growth and nutrient utilization of African catfish Clarias gariepinus. Three replicate groups of fish (average weight of 3.05± 0.25 g) were fed at 5% body weight using either floating or sinking pellets at different feeding frequencies (three meals a day, two meals a day or one meal a day) in a 2 × 3 factorial experimental design. The mean weight gain and daily feed intake of the fish were not affected significantly by the feed forms; however the fish fed with floating pellets had a slight higher weight gain than those fed with the sinking pellets. The weight gain and daily feed intake of fish fed floating or sinking pellets twice a day and thrice a day were significantly higher than that of the fish fed once in a day (p < 0.05). The feeding frequency did not have any effect on the feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio in the fish fed with sinking pellet but these variables were significantly (p < 0.05) affected in the fish fed once in a day when compared with other feeding frequencies while using floating pellet. The feeding frequencies and feed forms had no significant effect on the protein content of the fish carcass. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded in the lipid content of fish as feeding frequency increases. It is therefore concluded that any of these fish feed forms can be fed at twice or thrice per day effectively for optimum result in the growth of C. gariepinus. © 2011 Academic Journals. | African catfish (Clarias gariepinus); Feed form; Feed frequency; Growth; Nutrient utilization | Clarias gariepinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899459491 | Effects of feeding bovine rumen content-blood meal (50:50) mixtures on performance and slaughter characteristics of growing rabbits | Ojebiyi O.O., Saliu A.S. | 2014 | Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences | 24 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Ojebiyi, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Saliu, A.S., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | The synergistic effects of combining bovine rumen content-blood meal (50:50) (BRC-BM) mixtures on the performance characteristics and nutrient digestibility of growing rabbits was investigated in a 12 week feeding experiment. The mixture replaced palm kernel cake and groundnut cake of the control at 10 and 20% levels. Thirty (30) cross-bred growing rabbits with average initial weights of 521.3-524.5 ±85.10 g were divided into three treatment groups of ten (10) rabbits each. Each rabbit served as a replicate in a complete randomized design experiment. The three groups were assigned to the three dietary treatments as T1 (control) - 0% Rumen content/ blood meal mixture (50:50), T2 (RB 10)- 10% Rumen content/ blood meal mixture (50:50) and T3 (RB 20) -20% Rumen content/ blood meal mixture (50:50). The final weight of rabbits on RB10 (1916g) was higher (P<0.05) compared with the control (1715g) and RB20 (1700.g) treatments. Similarly the average daily weight gain of rabbits on RB10 (16.2) was higher (P<0.05) compared with the control (11.8g) and RB20 (12.4g). The average daily feed intake of rabbits in RB10 and RB 20 (87.29g) and (85.50g) respectively was higher (P<0.05) compared to the control (82.84g). The cost per kg gain was lower (P<0.05) in the RB10 compared with control and RB20 treatments. The digestibility of nutrients was not affected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatment. The dressing percentage, relative heart and spleen weights were not affected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments; however, liver, lungs and kidney were affected (P<0.05). The relative kidney weights of rabbits on control diet 0.43 was lower (p<0.05) than 0.49 and 0.62 for RB10 and RB20 respectively. In a similar pattern the liver weights increased (p<0.05) as the level of inclusion increases. The relative lung weights of rabbits in RB10 (0.59) and RB20 (0.60) are similar (P>0.05) but higher (p<0.05) than 0.45 of the control. Experiment concluded that bovine rumen content-blood meal mixtures (BRC-BM) can replace 10% of palm kernel cake and groundnut cake in growing rabbit diets without adverse effect on growth performance, reduce the production cost and environmental pollution and the attendant impact on climate. | Bovine rumen-blood content; Digestibility; Final weights; Growing rabbits; Organ weights | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952273557 | Effects of feeding diet rich in mycotoxins on the health and growth performances of broiler chicken | Okiki P.A., Ojiezeh T.I., Ogbimi A.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 12 | 10.3923/ijps.2010.1136.1139 | Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Okiki, P.A., Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ojiezeh, T.I., Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ogbimi, A.O., Department of Microbiology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Low production performances in Nigerian poultry industry is of a serious concern. This study, an experimental exposure of broiler chicken to feed naturally contaminated with mycotoxins, is part of the efforts to unravel this problem of low productivity. Broiler chickens aged 1 day to 8 weeks were fed with diet compounded with naturally contaminated raw materials. Another set of day old broiler chicks were fed with feed compounded with high quality materials and served as control. Total aflatoxin and ochratoxin in each diet were determined by ELISA technique. The effects of mycotoxins on the birds were determined for growth performances, immunological status, as well as general well being of the birds. The total aflatoxin and ochratoxin concentrations in test feed were 200 ppb and 10 ppb respectively, while the control feed contained 15 ppb aflatoxin with no detectable level of ochratoxin. Birds fed with mycotoxin-rich diet had significantly lower growth performances (p = 0.012) and survival rate than control birds. Birds fed on mycotoxin rich diet had lower Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) antibody titres (4280±1470) than controls (6780±1250), an indication of deleterious effect on body immune responses. There is need to monitor and enforce feed quality control in developing countries to ensure that poultry production is economically viable, so that the industry can grow. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Chicken; Contaminated-feed; Health-hazard; Mycotoxicosis; Production performances | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649340615 | Effects 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 goats | Oni A.O., Arigbede O.M., Oni O.O., Onwuka C.F.I., Anele U.Y., Oduguwa B.O., Yusuf K.O. | 2010 | Livestock Science | 129 | 03-Jan | 10.1016/j.livsci.2009.12.007 | Department 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, Univ | Oni, 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, Nigeria | The 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 goats | Animalia; Bovidae; Capra hircus; Manihot esculenta; Panicum maximum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751628863 | Effects of feeding galactomannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, serum antibody levels and intestinal microbiota in newly-weaned pigs | Wang R.-L., Hou Z.P., Wang B., Liu Z.-Q., Fatufe A.A. | 2010 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 8 | 3-4 PART 1 | None | Jiangsu Institute of Education, Nanjing 210013, China; Jiangsu Food Science College, Huaian 223003, China; Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China; Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Wang, R.-L., Jiangsu Institute of Education, Nanjing 210013, China, Jiangsu Food Science College, Huaian 223003, China; Hou, Z.P., Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China; Wang, B., Jiangsu Food Science College, Huaian 223003, China; Liu, Z.-Q., Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China; Fatufe, A.A., Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | One hundred and twenty newly-weaned piglets (16-19 days old; 4 pigs per pen; 6 pens per treatment) were used to investigate the effect of feeding galactomannan oligosaccharides (GMOS; from sesbania gum, containing 20% galactose and 15% mannose) on growth performance, serum antibody levels and intestinal microbiota. Five dietary treatments were: basal diet (control), medicated diet (control +110 ppm lincomycin), and three dietary inclusion levels of GMOS (control + 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.3%). The inclusion of either lincomycin or GMOS in the diet did not influence piglet performance (P>0.10), except for a better F/G (P = 0.07, linearly) for the 14-28 day piglets fed the 0.2% GMOS compared with all other treatments. No difference (P>0.05) was observed for faecal consistency score among the dietary treatments during the experiment. On day 4 post-weaning, blood serum levels of IgA (70 vs. 87 mg·dl -1 on control vs. 0.3% GMOS), IgG (285 vs. 401 mgdl' on control vs. 0.3% GMOS) and IgM (155 vs. 273 mg·dl-1 on control vs. 0.3% GMOS) increased linearly (P<0.05) with dietary GMOS level. On day 14 post-weaning, serum IgA and IgM levels were not influenced by feeding GMOS (P>0.05). Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis indicated that medicated diet with 110 ppm lincomycin significantly reduced the diversity of ileal bacteria. Inclusion of GMOS at 0.3% appeared to alter the compositions of both ileal and colonic microbiota. These results suggest that dietary GMOS is a good alternative for dietary antibiotics for the first week post-weaning pigs. | Galactomannan oligosaccharides; Gut mircoflora; Immune response; Pigs; Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis | calcium; calcium phosphate dibasic; galactomannan; galactose; immunoglobulin A; immunoglobulin G; immunoglobulin M; lincomycin; mannose; methionine; oligosaccharide; phosphorus; threonine; animal experiment; animal food; antibody blood level; article; body growth; controlled study; corn; denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis; diet; feces analysis; feeding; ileum; immunoglobulin blood level; intestine flora; nonhuman; polymerase chain reaction; scoring system; Sesbania; soybean; swine; weaning; wheat; whey; Sesbania; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884484865 | Effects of feeding locally processed blood meal diets on reproductive performance of pigs | Abonyi F.O., Omeke B.C.O. | 2013 | Indian Journal of Animal Research | 47 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Abonyi, F.O., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Omeke, B.C.O., Department of Animal Health and Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Large White x Landrace crossbred primigravid pigs (n=24) were divided into four groups and randomly assigned to four diets replacing soya bean meal (SBM) at 0, 50, 75 and 100% levels with blood meal (BM). From farrowing through weaning, a lactating sow was fed 2.50 kg feed in addition to 0.20 kg per piglet farrowed. Body condition of the pigs was assessed at day 90, at term, mid lactation and weaning. Ten piglets from each group were used to evaluate the effects of the diets on the performance of their F1 offspring. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between different groups in mean gestation period, litter size, number of piglets weaned, litter weight, piglets' weight at mid lactation and at weaning. Pigs fed BM diets showed higher body condition score at weaning and it was most favourable in pigs where 75% SBM was replaced with BM. There was a rise in packed cell volume of the piglets as the level of BM inclusion increased. It indicated that BM can be included up to 7.5% level in the diet of gestating sows replacing SBM limited to 75%. | Body condition score; Large White x Landrace crossbreed; Nigeria; Pig diets; Swine reproduction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859474803 | Effects of feeding Moringa stenopetala leaf meal on nutrient intake and growth performance of Rhode Island Red chicks under tropical climate | Melesse A., Tiruneh W., Negesse T. | 2011 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 14 | 2 | None | Hawassa University, College of Agriculture, P. O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Dilla University, Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development, P. O. Box 419, Dilla, Ethiopia | Melesse, A., Hawassa University, College of Agriculture, P. O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Tiruneh, W., Dilla University, Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development, P. O. Box 419, Dilla, Ethiopia; Negesse, T., Hawassa University, College of Agriculture, P. O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The effects of Moringa stenopetala leaf meal (MSLM) on nutrient intake and weight gain (WG) were evaluated. Forty unsexed Rhode Island Red chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups. The control diet (T1) (MSLM 0%), the experimental diets contained MSML at a rate of 2% (T2), 4% (T3), and 6% (T4) of the diets (as fed basis) to replace 3%, 5.9% and 8.8% of the crude protein (CP) of the control diet. Daily feed, dry matter and CP intake of the chicks fed MSLM diets were higher (p<0.05) than those fed the control diet. Average weight gain (AWG) of birds fed MSLM diets were higher (p<0.05) than those fed the control diet. Chicks fed T4 showed higher (p<0.05) AWG than those on T2 and T3. Feed efficiency ratio (FER, g gain/g feed intake) and protein efficiency ratio (PER, g gain/g CP intake) were higher for chicks fed MSLM. MSLM elicited no deleterious effects in the birds. The results indicated that MSLM is a potential plant protein supplement and could be included to 6% in the diet of grower chicks to substitute expensive conventional protein sources. | Growth performance; Moringa stenopetala leaf meal; Nutrient intake; Rhode Island Red chicks | Aves; Moringa; Moringa stenopetala | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872825593 | Effects of feeding sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) vines as a supplement on feed intake, growth performance, digestibility and carcass characteristics of Sidama goats fed a basal diet of natural grass hay | Megersa T., Urge M., Nurfeta A. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 45 | 1 | 10.1007/s11250-012-0264-4 | Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia; College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 222, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Megersa, T., Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia; Urge, M., College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Nurfeta, A., School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 222, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of substituting sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam] vines for concentrate on growth performance, digestibility, and carcass characteristics. Thirty yearling bucks (15. 3 ± 1. 64 kg) were assigned into six treatments in a randomized complete block design: natural grass hay alone (T1) or supplemented with 100 % sweet potato vines (SPV) (T2), 65 % SPV + 35 % concentrate (T3), 35 % SPV + 65 % concentrate (T4), and 100 % concentrate (T5) on dry matter (DM) basis. Supplemented goats (T2, T3, T4, and T5) consumed higher (p < 0. 001) total DM (553, 567, 505, and 515 g/day), respectively, when compared to the nonsupplemented (T1) goats (349 g/day). The crude protein (CP) intake (32. 0, 48. 6, 54. 7, and 69. 2 g/day) increased with increasing levels of the concentrate in the diet for T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. The DM digestibility in T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively, was higher (P < 0. 01) (0. 69, 0. 72, 0. 72, and 0. 74) than in T1 (0. 56). Apparent digestibility of CP was observed to be higher (P < 0. 001) in T3, T4, T5 (0. 78, 0. 83, and 0. 88) when compared to the bucks in T2 (0. 60). Higher (P < 0. 001) daily weight gain (31. 2, 46. 4, 48. 6, and 47. 6 g/day) were recorded for T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively, whereas the nonsupplemented goats lost weight (-19. 5 g/day). Slaughter weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, rib-eye muscle area, and total edible offals were higher (P < 0. 05) in supplemented goats compared with nonsupplemented ones. Therefore, it could be concluded that sweet potato vine can replace the conventional concentrate and could be fed with poor quality hay to prevent body weight loss of animal in the absence of other feed supplements. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Carcass characteristics; Digestibility; Sidama goats; Substitution; Sweet potato vine | Animalia; Capra hircus; Ipomoea batatas; Swinepox virus (STRAIN KASZA); animal; animal food; article; body weight; chemistry; diet; diet supplementation; digestion; dose response; drug effect; Ethiopia; goat; growth, development and aging; male; meat; physiology; randomization; standard; sweet potato; tropic climate; Animal Feed; Animals; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethiopia; Goats; Ipomoea batatas; Male; Meat; Random Allocation; Tropical Climate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250209823 | Effects of feed restriction on performance, carcass yield, relative organ weights and some linear body measurements of weaner rabbits | Yakubu A., Salako A.E., Ladokun A.O., Adua M.M., Bature T.U.K. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Yakubu, A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Salako, A.E., Department of Animal Science, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ladokun, A.O., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Adua, M.M., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Bature, T.U.K., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria | Effects of feed restriction on performance, carcass yield, relative organ weights and some linear body measurements were investigated in weaner rabbits in a sub-humid environment in north central Nigeria. Twenty four weaner rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes with an average initial weight of 804.17±71.20g were used for the study which lasted six weeks. There were three dietary treatments consisting of diet A, ad libitum (24 hrs) feeding (control), diet B, 8 hrs per day feeding (7.00 a.m-3.00 p.m) and diet C, skip-a-day feeding. This feeding arrangement was carried out within the first five weeks of the experiment, after which all the animals in the three treatment groups were fed ad libitum for one week. Animals were fed pelletized commercial grower's feed supplemented with Centrosema pubescens. Drinking water was also supplied ad libitum throughout the duration of the experiment. Each treatment group was replicated four times while each replicate comprised two rabbits housed in the same cage. The initial and final body weights, feed conversion ratio, mortality, fasted weight, slaughter weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by feed restriction. However, average weekly feed intake (454.94, 356.36 and 331.48g) and average weekly body weight gains (1137.50, 1127.50 and 1007.50g) were significantly (p<0.05) influenced; with higher values recorded among rabbits fed ad libitum compared to those on 8 hrs feeding per day and skip-a-day feeding respectively. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in relative weights of liver, kidneys, spleen and heart among the treatment groups. Significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the relative weight of lungs, with rabbits on 8 hrs feeding per day and those on skip-a-day feeding having an edge over those fed ad libitum (0.61 versus 0.50). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in heart girth, body length, face length and ear length among the dietary treatments studied. The present results have indicated that feed restriction could be exploited in the feeding regimen of rabbits, especially in periods of inadequate supply of concentrates and forages. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Body measurements; Carcass characteristics; Feed restriction; Performance; Weaner rabbits | drinking water; animal food; animal housing; animal tissue; anthropometry; article; body height; body weight; carcass; controlled study; diet restriction; diet supplementation; facies; feeding behavior; female; fluid intake; food availability; forage; heart volume; heart weight; humidity; kidney mass; liver weight; lung weight; male; mortality; Nigeria; nonhuman; organ weight; physical performance; rabbit; sex difference; spleen weight; weight gain; Animalia; Centrosema pubescens; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952876784 | Effects of feed restriction on production and reproductive performance of Rhode Island red pullets | Tesfaye E., Tamir B., Haile A., Dessie T. | 2009 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 4 | 7 | None | Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Tesfaye, E., Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Tamir, B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Haile, A., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dessie, T., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The study examined the effect of skip a-day feed restriction on Rhode Island red chicken and evaluated the effect in relation to age, body weight, egg quality, weight of reproductive tract and liver at the onset of egg laying. Two hundred 40 day-old chicks with mean body weight of 48.92 ± 1.53 g were randomly distributed to 12 pens each with 20 chicks, representing 4 feeding regimen of T1 (unrestricted, control), T2 (restricted at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age), T3 (restricted at 35, 42, 49 and 56 days of age) and T4 (restricted at 63, 70, 77 and 84 days of age). Feed restriction was based on skipping a-day once in a week and the next day's feed offer was based on the previous day's feed intake. The average day to lay first egg was significantly longer (P < 0.05) for T3 treatment groups compared with the others. The values were 140.8 ± 0.8, 140.17 ± 2.5, 147 ± 2.2 and 143.83 ± 2.3 days for T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups, respectively. There was also highly significant (P < 0.01) difference in body weight (1305 ± 13.2, 1374.3 ± 23.2, 1352 ± 23.5 and 1429.23 ± 44.5 g for T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups, respectively) and the values were higher for birds restricted at later age of growth. Egg weight at the onset of egg lay for the respective treatments were 42.68 ± 0.72, 42.43 ± 1.91, 47.9 ± 0.87 and 41.88 ± 0.77 g. Pullets of T4 group had significantly (P < 0.01) heavier uterus weight and longer length in absolute term than the control. Except for yolk diameter and shell thickness (P < 0.05), the egg quality parameters considered were not significantly (P > 0.05) different between the treatment groups. The result revealed the conclusion that feed restriction by skip a-day feeding system at T3 resulted in higher egg weight and can be considered as the optimum age for pullet rearing. Additionally, feed restriction at T4 could also be recommended due to heavier uterus weight and longer length in absolute term as these attributes indicate good consistency for the subsequent egg production. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Body weight; Egg quality; Feed restriction; Onset of egg laying; Skip a-day | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856399864 | Effects of form of leftover khat (Catha edulis) on feed intake, digestion, and growth performance of Hararghe Highland goats | Wallie M., Mekasha Y., Urge M., Abebe G., Goetsch A.L. | 2012 | Small Ruminant Research | 102 | 1 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.07.014 | East Gojjam Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia; Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK, United States | Wallie, M., East Gojjam Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Debre Markos, Ethiopia, Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia; Mekasha, Y., East Gojjam Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Urge, M., East Gojjam Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Abebe, G., Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Goetsch, A.L., American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK, United States | Khat (Catha edulis) is a lucrative cash crop in many African countries and other areas of the world. Leftover khat can be used as a feedstuff for ruminants, although seasonal production limits the extent of utilization. Practical methods of feed conservation to preserve nutritional value would be beneficial. Thus, a study was conducted to investigate effects of feeding different forms of leftover khat on intake, digestion, and growth performance of a tropically adapted indigenous goat genotype of eastern Ethiopia. Twenty-four (six per treatment) individually housed Hararghe Highland yearling male goats with an initial body weight of 18. ±. 0.4. kg were used in an on-station experiment, and 32 similar yearlings with an initial body weight of 19. ±. 0.4. kg were employed under on-farm conditions. The on-farm experiment occurred at two villages, with four farmer groups (two farmers per group co-managing animals) per village. Four animals in each farmer group were subjected to each of the four different treatments. Experiments were 90 days in length, with inclusion of a subsequent 10-day period on-station to determine digestibility. Khat in fresh, dry, and silage forms was fed at 1.5% body weight (dry matter; DM), whereas control animals did not receive khat. Animals on-station consumed grass hay ad libitum and those on-farm grazed/browsed surrounding areas. Grass hay DM intake on-station was greater (P<. 0.05) without than with khat (528, 358, 387, and 368. g/day; SE = 20.3), although total DM intake was increased by feeding khat regardless of form (528, 649, 622, and 639. g/day for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively; SE = 22.9). Digestibility of organic matter was increased (P<. 0.05) by feeding each form of khat (62.3%, 75.7%, 75.2%, and 72.4% for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively; SE = 1.63). Nitrogen balance was increased by fresh and ensiled khat (P<. 0.05) (-0.54, 2.07, 0.80, and 0.86. g/day for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively). Average daily gain (ADG) was increased by khat regardless of form on-station (13, 49, 33, and 39. g; SE = 4.6), and on-farm ADG was less for control than for fresh and dry forms (P<. 0.05) (32, 56, 47, and 42. g for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively SE. =. 2.0). The ratio of ADG:DM intake on-station was lower for control than for fresh (P<. 0.05) and silage (P<. 0.05) (26, 76, 54, and 61. g/kg for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively; SE. =. 7.6). In conclusion, feeding leftover khat to Highland goats consuming low to moderate quality forage-based diets can increase growth performance. Khat can be preserved for use as a feedstuff throughout the year by drying or ensiling without marked effect on performance. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.. | Catha edulis; Goat; Khat; Supplementation | Animalia; Bovidae; Capra hircus; Catha edulis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959582694 | Effects of fractionation and combinatorial evaluation of Tamarindus indica fractions for antibacterial activity | Nwodo U.U., Iroegbu C.U., Ngene A.A., Chigor V.N., Okoh A.I. | 2011 | Molecules | 16 | 6 | 10.3390/molecules16064818 | Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Departme | Nwodo, U.U., Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Iroegbu, C.U., Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ngene, A.A., Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Chigor, V.N., Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Okoh, A.I., Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Six fractions, named TiA - TiF, were obtained by fractionating the crude ethanol extract of the stem bark of Tamarindus indica using column chromatographic techniques. On TLC, fraction TiB showed five bands, TiC three bands, while TiD and TiE showed two bands each. TiC, TiD and TiE were re-eluted with different solvent systems to yield two fractions each, while TiB yielded four. These subfractions were designated B1-B4; C1-C2; D1-D2 and E1-E2, respectively. Tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids, among other components, were detected, albeit in different proportions with respect to fractions and subfractions and were compartmentalized with respect to the solvent systems used. The in vitro antibacterial activity of fractions and subfractions was tested separately and in combinations using the agar well diffusion technique. The susceptibly of test strains (expressed as %) were: 83.3% (TiA and TiB), 75.0% (crude extract and TiC), 66.7% (TiD), 50.0% (TiE) and 16.7% (TiF) when used singly, whereas in combination, the corresponding susceptibilities were 100% (CE), 83.3% (DE), 66.7% (AB, AF, BC, BD, DE and EF), 50% (AC and CD), 33.3% (BE and BF) and 16.7% (AD) against Gram negative bacteria strains and 100% (EF), 80% (DE), 60% (AB, BC and CE), 40% (AC, BD, BF, CF and DF) and 20% (AE, AF, BE and CD) against Gram positive strains. Percentage susceptibility with combinatorial use of re-fractions ranged from 85.7-57.1% and 60-40% against Gram negative and positive strains (TiB subfractions), respectively, 100-85.7% and 40-0% against Gram negative and positive strains (TiC, TiD and TiE sub-fractions). © 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | Antibacterial activity; Combinatorial assay; Phytochemistry; Solvent system; Subfraction; Thin layer chromatography | antiinfective agent; plant extract; article; chemistry; drug effect; fractionation; Gram negative bacterium; Gram positive bacterium; plant stem; tamarind; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chemical Fractionation; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Plant Extracts; Plant Stems; Tamarindus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78449294239 | Effects of fresh or sun-dried cassava foliage on growth performance of goats fed basal diets of Gamba grass or sugar cane stalk | Kounnavongsa B., Phengvichith V., Preston T.R. | 2010 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 22 | 11 | None | Livestock Research Center, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, Kenya; National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, P.O. Box 811, 811, Vientiane Laos, Kenya; Finca Ecológica, UTA-Colombia, AA#48, Socorro, Santander, Colombia | Kounnavongsa, B., Livestock Research Center, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, Kenya; Phengvichith, V., National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, P.O. Box 811, 811, Vientiane Laos, Kenya; Preston, T.R., Finca Ecológica, UTA-Colombia, AA#48, Socorro, Santander, Colombia | A trial to measure the growth performance of young goats (Capra spp.) was carried out during a 3 month period at the experimental farm of Livestock Research Center, Vientiane, Laos to study the effect of feeding fresh cassava foliage or sun-dried cassava foliage in diets based on based on Gamba grass or sugar cane stalk. Twenty four goats of which twelve males and twelve females with the average body weight of 10.3 kg and at the age of 6 to 7 month old were randomly allocated to four treatments of six animals according to weight and sex. The experimental feeds were Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus cv. Kent) and sugar cane stalk (Saccharum officinarum) as basal diets, supplemented with fresh cassava foliage or sun-dried cassava foliage (Manihot esculenta, Crantz). Feeds were offered ad libitum. DM intake and daily weight gain were higher, and feed conversion better, for goats fed fresh cassava foliage than for those fed sun-dried cassava foliage. There were no differences between Gamba grass and sugar cane in weight gain but feed intake was higher and feed conversion poorer on the Gamba grrass. The cassava foliage was a higher proportion of the total DM intake on the sugar cane diet (53%) than on the Gamba grass diet (32%) and on dry (50%) than on fresh cassava foliage. There were no symptoms of HCN toxicity in the goats fed the fresh cassava foliage. In conclusion, the daily weight gain was highest when using Gamba grass as basal diet supplemented with fresh cassava foliage and the better DM feed conversion was for the treatment using sugar cane supplemented with fresh cassava foliage. | Growth; Local goats | Andropogon; Andropogon gayanus; Animalia; Capra; Capra hircus; Manihot esculenta; Saccharum; Saccharum officinarum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054884052 | Effects of fruit maturity and pre-sowing water treatment on germinative performance of Gmelina aborea seeds | Adebisi M.A., Adekunle M.F., Odebiyi O.A. | 2011 | Journal of Tropical Forest Science | 23 | 4 | None | University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Adebisi, M.A., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adekunle, M.F., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Odebiyi, O.A., University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study was initiated to determine the effects of four fruit maturity levels (colour index of maturity: greenish yellow, yellow brown, dark brown, yellow and green) and four pre-sowing water soaking treatments (0, 24, 36 and 48 hours) on five seed germinative performance traits in Gmelina arborea. Significant differences were exhibited among the fruit maturity levels and pre-sowing water treatments for all the five traits evaluated. Differences in these five traits between maturity levels were significantly influenced by pre-sowing water treatments. Seeds soaked in water for 48 hours had the highest germinative performance traits. Seeds obtained from yellow brown fruits gave superior germinative performance traits, followed closely by seeds from yellow fruits. Seeds of dark brown fruit had poor germinative performance traits. Standard germination of yellow brown fruit exhibited strong relationships with seedling length, seedling vigour index and germinative index while good relationship was found between plumule length and seedling vigour index under all fruit maturity levels except dark brown fruits. Seeds from yellow brown fruits with the best germinative performance traits when soaked in water for 48 hours were recommended for producing good and robust seedlings in forest plantation establishment. © Forest Research Institute Malaysia. | Correlation; Fruit colour; Maturation level; Relationship; Seed quality; Soaking; Vigour | Maturation level; Relationship; Seed quality; Soaking; Vigour; Forestry; Seed; Water treatment; Fruits; color morph; correlation; deciduous tree; food quality; fruit; germination; maturation; performance assessment; plantation; vigor; water treatment; Forestry; Fruits; Seeds; Water Treatment; Gmelina; Gmelina arborea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922576120 | Effects of gas distribution profile on flotation cell performance: An experimental investigation | Bhondayi C., Moys M.H. | 2015 | International Journal of Mineral Processing | 135 | None | 10.1016/j.minpro.2015.01.004 | School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg WITS, South Africa | Bhondayi, C., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg WITS, South Africa; Moys, M.H., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Johannesburg WITS, South Africa | A flotation cell that enables the study of the effects of different air distribution profiles on flotation performance has been designed. Three distinct gas fluxes viz. high gas flux at the back of the flotation cell (impeller and gas distribution mechanism at the back), high gas flux at the centre (impeller and gas distribution mechanism at the centre) and high gas flux close to the concentrate weir (impeller and gas distribution mechanism close to concentrate weir). Pseudo-steady state experiments using an artificial ore comprising of 80% silica as gangue and 20% limestone as floatable component were done. Results indicated that high gas rate at the back of the flotation cell resulted in higher limestone recovery when compared to the other gas distribution profiles investigated while high gas flux close to the concentrate weir resulted in high limestone grade. The differences in recovery ranged between 5 and 10% while the grade differences ranged between 0.5 and 5% with high gas flux at the centre produced lower values for all froth depths and gas rates. The effect of gas distribution profile on limestone grade was found to dwindle as froth height was increased; changes in limestone grade ranged between 0.47 and 2% for a froth depth of 10.1 cm while those for a froth height of 6.3 cm ranged between 1.40 and 5%. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Flotation cell; Gas distribution profile; Impeller; Superficial gas velocity | Cells; Cytology; Flotation; Hydraulic structures; Impellers; Limestone; Molecular biology; Weirs; Air distribution; Experimental investigations; Flotation cell; Flotation performance; Gas distribution; High gas fluxes; Pseudo steady state; Superficial gas velocities; Gases | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51249087895 | Effects of gender on the performance of micro and small enterprises in Malawi | Chirwa E.W. | 2008 | Development Southern Africa | 25 | 3 | 10.1080/03768350802212139 | Department of Economics, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, South Africa | Chirwa, E.W., Department of Economics, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, South Africa | Women are increasingly venturing into ownership of micro and small enterprises, either on their own or in partnership with male entrepreneurs. Using national survey data from Malawi, this study compares the performance of enterprises owned by females with those owned by males. The results show that the relationship between gender and business performance is complex. While there are no significant differences in profit margins, female-owned enterprises tend to grow more rapidly in terms of employment than male-owned ones. Gender-based regression results also show that while there are common factors that affect the performance of both kinds of enterprise, there are also differential effects in which education is a critical factor for the success of female-owned enterprises. | None | entrepreneur; firm ownership; gender role; microenterprise; small and medium-sized enterprise; Africa; East Africa; Malawi; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856867483 | Effects of genetic group x ambient temperature interactions on performance and physiological responses of Naked-neck chickens and their F 1 crosses with Lohmann White and New Hampshire laying hens | Melesse A., Maak S., Von Lengerken G. | 2011 | Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences | 20 | 4 | None | Hawassa University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Research Unit Muscle Biology and Growth, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, D-18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany | Melesse, A., Hawassa University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Maak, S., Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Research Unit Muscle Biology and Growth, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, D-18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; Von Lengerken, G., Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 11, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany | The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of genotype x temperature interactions on hormonal heat stress indicators and performance traits. Two-hundred forty female one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design in a 5×2 factorial arrangement with 5 genotypes (Naked-neck, Na, from Ethiopia; New Hampshire, NH; Lohmann White, LW and F 1 crosses of Na with NH and LW) and 2 ambient temperatures (thermo-neutral, 18-20°C; heat stress, 30-32 °C). Blood samples were taken from 12 randomly selected birds per genotype and ambient temperature at 22, 38, 51 and 65 weeks of age. Levels of corticosterone (CS) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T 3) were determined in blood plasma. Heat stress effects on egg production traits were most severe in LW and NH, least severe in Na and Na × LW, intermediate in Na × NH. Plasma T 3 level was significantly reduced by 27.9% in heat stressed genotypes. Plasma CS increased by 12.6% in heat exposed genotypes. However, inconsistent responses of CS and T 3 levels were observed at different ages. The Na and their F 1 crosses demonstrated relatively better thermotolerance than LW and NH hens. Levels of plasma T 3 hormone might be considered as indicator of long-term heat stress in hens. | 3,5,3'-Triiodothyronine; Corticosterone; F 1 crosses; Genotype x temperature interaction; Heat stress; Naked-neck chicken | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548476044 | Effects of genotype and housing system on the laying performance of chickens in different seasons in the semi-humid tropics | Yakubu A., Salako A.E., Ige A.O. | 2007 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 6 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke, Akintola University of | Yakubu, A., Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, Nigeria; Salako, A.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ige, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke, Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | An experiment was designed to study the effects of genotype and housing system on the performance of two commercial layers, Bovans Brown and Lohmann Brown in the hot-dry and wet seasons in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Six hundred, 27 week-old layers were used. One hundred and fifty birds of each strain were randomly assigned to the battery cage system, while another one hundred and fifty birds of each strain were managed on deep litter. The observation for the hot-dry and wet seasons lasted 2 months each respectively in the year 2004. Body weight, hen-housed egg production, egg weight and mortality rate were significantly better in Lohmann Brown than Bovans Brown (1.75±0.01kg vs. 1.69±0.01kg, 74.50±0.84% vs. 68.72±0.86%, 53.70±0.24g vs. 52.43±0.26g, 0.58±0.09% vs. 1.20±0.15%; p<0.05). Birds in cages were superior to those on deep litter in terms of hen-housed egg production, egg weight and mortality (74.06±0.75% vs. 69.16±1.02%, 53.40±0.24g vs. 52.73±0.29g, 0.68±0.10% vs. 1.10±0.15%; p<0.05). Generally, birds performed better in the wet than hot-dry season in body weight, hen-housed egg production, feed intake, egg weight, egg cracks and mortality (1.76±0.01kg vs. 1.68±0.01kg, 74.92±0.74% vs. 68.30±0.86%, 98.51±0.50g vs. 90.90±0.23g, 53.92±0.18g vs. 52.22±0.27g, 1.99±0.23% vs.5.12±0.39%, 0.55±0.08% vs. 1.22±0.15%; p<0.05). The interactions between genotypexhousing system, genotypexseason and housing systemxseason produced significant results. Proper housing design, provision of quality and adequate feeds and proper timing of the laying period were recommended. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Exotic strains; Interaction; Management system; Performance parameters; Season | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941421858 | Effects of genotype and sex on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens | Benyi K., Tshilate T.S., Netshipale A.J., Mahlako K.T. | 2015 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 47 | 7 | 10.1007/s11250-015-0850-3 | Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Benyi, K., Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Tshilate, T.S., Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Netshipale, A.J., Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Mahlako, K.T., Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa | Six hundred and eight day-old chicks of Ross 308 and Cobb Avian 48 broiler strains were used in a 49-day experiment to examine the effects of genotype and sex on the growth performance and carcass characteristics. Body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate were recorded. Over all, genotype had a significant effect only on feed conversion ratio, Cobb being a better efficient in converting feed than Ross. Males consumed more feed, utilized the feed more efficiently, gained more body weight, and were heavier at 49 days of age than females but had a higher mortality rate. There were significant genotype × sex interaction effects on 49-day body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and mortality rate. As regards carcass characteristics, genotype affected only liver weight with a heavier liver in Cobb than Ross. Sex significantly affected carcass, back, wing, leg, liver, gizzard, and abdominal fat weights with higher means for males than females for all the traits except abdominal fat weight where females had higher means than males. Genotype × sex interaction effects significantly influenced carcass, breast, back, wing, leg, and liver weights. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Broilers; Carcass characteristics; Genotype; Growth performance; Sex | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646418402 | Effects of graded levels of palm-kernel cake on performance of grower rabbits | Orunmuyi M., Bawa G.S., Adeyinka F.D., Daudu O.M., Adeyinka I.A. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 1 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.71.74 | Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; National Animal Production, Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria | Orunmuyi, M., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Bawa, G.S., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Adeyinka, F.D., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Daudu, O.M., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Adeyinka, I.A., National Animal Production, Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria | A total of forty (40) growing rabbits with an average initial weight of 921.5g were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% palm kernel cake as replacement for soyabean cake respectively. All diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (20% CP). The final live weights of the rabbits were higher in the control diet compared to those on palm kernel cake diets. With the exception of the rabbits placed on 40% level of palm kernel cake daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed efficiency values compared favourably with those on control diet. Carcass weight and weight of primal cuts expressed as percentage of carcass weight did not show any significant difference between the treatment means. Animals on 40% palm kernel cake diets had the highest (P<0.05) cost per kg gain compared to those on other dietary treatments. It was concluded that palm kernel cake can be used up to 30% level in a maize - soyabean meal based diet for grower rabbits without adverse effect on the performance of the animals. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Grower rabbits; Growth and carcass characteristics; Palm kernel cake; Soyabean meal | palm oil; animal experiment; animal food; article; carcass; controlled study; diet supplementation; food composition; food intake; meat industry; nonhuman; nutrient supply; nutritional health; nutritional value; rabbit; randomization; seed kernel; soybean; test meal; weight gain; Animalia; Glycine max; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846489092 | Effects of group design of loan repayment performance of formal farmer groups in Nigeria | Mkpado M., Arene C.J. | 2006 | Journal of Rural Development | 25 | 4 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Mkpado, M., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Arene, C.J., Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Poor loan repayment has been a major factor limiting sustainable micro finance programme and projects in Nigeria despite the adoption of group lending techniques which has worked out in many developing economies. The study has documented group design characteristics that positively and negatively affect farm loan repayment. The study was conducted in Imo State of Nigeria. Two micro finance institutions were purposely selected and stratified random sampling was used to select 54 micro credit groups. Results show that micro credit groups are doing well in processing and distributing farm loans and that major positive determinant of loan repayment is fund size. Thus, continued use of micro credit groups and increased fund size for beneficiaries were recommended. | None | agricultural worker; balance of payments; credit provision; financial provision; lending behavior; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890377175 | Effects of hydration strategies on competitive squash performance [Effetti delle strategie di idratazione sulle prestazioni da squash competitivo] | Fritz S., Toriola A.L., Neveling N. | 2013 | Medicina dello Sport | 66 | 3 | None | Department of Sport, Rehabilitation and Dental Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Fritz, S., Department of Sport, Rehabilitation and Dental Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Toriola, A.L., Department of Sport, Rehabilitation and Dental Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Neveling, N., Department of Sport, Rehabilitation and Dental Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Aim: Squash racket is a high intensity sport, which places considerable demand on the body's energy system. There is currently little information in the literature concerning the effects of squash racket on hydration status and performance. The objectives of this study were to determine if squash players do dehydrate during competitive squash-play and evaluate the effect of fluid loss on their performance. Methods: Thirteen elite male squash players (aged 23.8±3.26 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Following a VO2max test and fat percentage measurements, subjects completed two further sessions on a squash court on separate days in which measurements of body weight, bioelectrical impedance analysis, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were undertaken and a squash specific movement test (ghosting test) was performed before and after match-play. The same protocol was used during sessions A (no fluid consumption) and B (fluid consumption). During session B, the subjects consumed a total of 400 mL tap water (200 mL after game 1 and 200 mL after game 2). Results: The findings of the study suggest that the squash players' body weight decreased during both session A (74.78 kg to 73.78 kg) and session B (74.66 kg to 73.93 kg). Both sessions A and B recorded significant changes when the pre- and post-match body weights were compared. The largest fluid loss during the study was 1.33% during session A (no fluid consumption). Osmolality increased during both session A (291.53 to 296.46 mOsm.kg1) and session B (295.69 to 298.15 mOsm.kg') but a significant difference was only recorded during session A (without fluid consuming). Significant changes in intracellular and extracellular water content were recorded (P<0.05). There was an improvement during sessions A and B when comparing pre- and post-match results for the squash-specific movement test. Conclusion: Whilst significant alterations in a number of hydration markers were observed, the results of the study support the notion that squash racket players should drink water during competitive games lasting 30 minutes or longer, if the player started the match fully hydrated. Further research is necessary to confirm the present findings. | Body fluids; Dehydration; Osmolar concentration; Racquet sports | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745178484 | Effects of impeller speed and aeration rate on flotation performance of sulphide ore | Yang X.-S., Aldrich C. | 2006 | Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (English Edition) | 16 | 1 | 10.1016/S1003-6326(06)60033-2 | Institute of Mineral Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China; Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Yang, X.-S., Institute of Mineral Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China; Aldrich, C., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | The effects of aeration rate and impeller speed on the concentrate sulfur grade and recovery for batch flotation of a complex sulphide ore were investigated. The relationships between the water recovery and solid entrainment were discussed. It is found that the solid entrainment is linearly related to the water recovery regardless of aeration rate and impeller speed, and the higher sulfur recovery at the aeration rate of 2 and 4 L/min for the impeller speed of 1500 r/min is considered to be the contribution of true flotation. Finally, the sulfur recovery flux is correlated with the bubble surface area flux based on the froth image at the different aeration rates and impeller speeds. | Aeration rate; Impeller speed; Solid entrainment; Water recovery | Bubbles (in fluids); Froth flotation; Impellers; Ore treatment; Recovery; Sulfur deposits; Aeration rate; Bubble surface area flux; Impeller speed; Solid entrainment; Sulfur recovery flux; Sulphide ore; Water recovery; Sulfide minerals | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79251609836 | Effects of in ovo administration of L-carnitine on hatching events and juvenile performance of layer-type chick | Nouboukpo K.E., Tona K., Kamers B., Everaert N., Willemsen H., Onagbesan O.M., Gbeassor M., Decuypere E. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 10 | 10.3923/ijps.2010.980.983 | Laboratory of Poultry Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lome, B.P. 1515, Lome, Togo; Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Laboratory for Physiology and Immunology of Domestic Animals, Department of Bios | Nouboukpo, K.E., Laboratory of Poultry Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lome, B.P. 1515, Lome, Togo; Tona, K., Laboratory of Poultry Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lome, B.P. 1515, Lome, Togo; Kamers, B., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Everaert, N., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Willemsen, H., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Onagbesan, O.M., Department of Animal Physiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Gbeassor, M., Laboratory of Poultry Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lome, B.P. 1515, Lome, Togo; Decuypere, E., Laboratory for Physiology and Immunology of Domestic Animals, Department of Biosystems, K.U. Leuven, Belgium | The effects of in ovo injection of L-carnitine on hatchability and juvenile performance of 360 layer-type chicks were investigated. Fertilized eggs were injected in air chamber with L-carnitine (500 and 1000 umol) dissolved in 0.9% of Saline (NaCI) at d 18 of incubation. Two control groups (non-injected and injected with 0.9% of Saline were also included. Hatched chicks was recorded after every 4 h, beginning at 490 h of incubation and ending at 514 h, for incubation length and hatching spread determination. At the end of incubation, hatched chicks were recorded according to treatment for determination of hatchability. At 3, 7 and 14 d post-hatch, chick body weight (BW) and morbidity were recorded. Also, at d 3 and 7 post-hatch, 14 birds from each of 2 replicate groups within each treatment were used for intestine and yolk sac weight determination. Results indicate that BW, hatchability, or relative intestine weights were not affected by treatment. However, incubation length was longer while hatching spread was shorter in L-carnitine groups compared to control groups. Yolk sac relative weight was decreased by treatment with L-carnitine (P < 0.05). Also, the percentage of chicks showing morbidity sign was lower in L-carnitine treated groups from d 7 onwards. The results of the present study suggest that in ovo injection of L-carnitine at d 18 of incubation delayed hatching time but resulted in narrower hatching spread, faster utilization of yolk sac content and improved morbidity. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Hatchability; Juvenile performance; L-carnitine; Layer chick | Aves; Spondias purpurea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77649104658 | Effects of integrating companion cropping and nitrogen application on the performance and infestation of collards by Brevicoryne brassicae | Mutiga S.K., Gohole L.S., Auma E.O. | 2010 | Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata | 134 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1570-7458.2009.00952.x | Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Moi University, PO Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Cornell University, 335 Plant Science Building, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States | Mutiga, S.K., Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Moi University, PO Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya, Cornell University, 335 Plant Science Building, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States; Gohole, L.S., Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Moi University, PO Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Auma, E.O., Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Moi University, PO Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya | Sustainable management of cabbage aphids, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major goal for collard, Brassica oleracea (L.) var. acephala (Brassicaceae), growers globally. Host finding ability of insect pests is significantly affected by diversified cropping systems, and this approach is being utilized currently as a pest management tool. Soil nutrition and its interaction with the cropping systems could have a significant effect on the general performance of collards and the infestation by cabbage aphids. In a search for a sustainable cabbage aphid control, a two-season field experiment was carried out with two intercrops, collards and chilli, Capsicum frutescens (L.) (Solanaceae), and collards and spring onions, Allium cepa (L.) (Alliaceae), and a collard monoculture. For each of the cropping systems, nitrogen (N) was applied to the soil as a top-dress at 20, 25, 30, and 35 g per collard plant. The response factors monitored were collard yield (fresh weight) and aphid infestation on collards. Spring onion-collard intercrop had the lowest aphid density and the highest yield. Collard monoculture had the highest aphid infestation and the lowest yield. High levels of N led to increased infestation of collards by aphids, but also led to a significant increase in the yield of collards. Significant interactions between the N rates and the cropping systems were observed on some sampling dates, with the highest yield being realized under a combination of spring onion-collard intercrop at a N rate of 30 g per plant. High aphid density led to a decrease in the yield of collards. It was concluded that with a spring onion-collard intercrop, the soil N level could be raised from the blanket rate of 20-30 g per plant and this would lead to an increase in yield. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 The Netherlands Entomological Society. | Allium cepa; Aphididae; Brassica oleracea var. acephala; Capsicum frutescens; Hemiptera; Intercropping; Top-dress; Yield | agronomy; aphid; crop yield; experimental study; fertilizer application; intercropping; monoculture; pest control; soil nutrient; vegetable; Alliaceae; Allium cepa; Aphididae; Brassica oleracea var. acephala; Brassica oleracea var. capitata; Brassica oleracea var. viridis; Brassicaceae; Brevicoryne brassicae; Capsicum frutescens; Hemiptera; Hexapoda; Magnoliophyta; Solanaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-49249120911 | Effects of interactions between filter parasitics and power interconnects on EMI filter performance | Wang S., Van Wyk J.D., Lee F.C. | 2007 | IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics | 54 | 6 | 10.1109/TIE.2007.906126 | Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States; Department of Electrical and Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Wang, S., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States; Van Wyk, J.D., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States, Department of Electrical and Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Lee, F.C., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States | This paper first analyzes the electrical parameters of differential-mode (DM) and common-mode (CM) propagation on power interconnects. The impedance-transformation effects of the power interconnects are then investigated. The interactions between the parasitic parameters in electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filters and the transformed impedances by the power interconnects are explored in detail. It is found that the interactions can degrade EMI-filter performance at high frequencies. Simulations and experiments are finally carried out to verify the analysis. © 2007 IEEE. | Electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filter; Equivalent parallel capacitance (EPC); Equivalent series inductance (ESL); Impedance transformation; Power interconnects; Transmission line | Electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filter; Equivalent parallel capacitance (EPC); Equivalent series inductance; Impedance transformation; Transmission line; Electronics engineering; Industrial electronics; Electromagnetism | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893334876 | Effects of job evaluation on decisions involving pay equity | Chaneta I. | 2014 | Asian Social Science | 10 | 4 | 10.5539/ass.v10n4p145 | Arts and Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe | Chaneta, I., Arts and Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe | Job evaluation's purpose is to compare all the jobs in the organisation, one with another, with the aim of producing a rank order. This rank order may be then be subdivided into groups of jobs of the same size which can, if desired, be placed within pay ranges or grades. While this approach is clearly more appropriate to large organisations, even in small organisations judgements have to be made about how one job compares with another, otherwise no decision can be made about relative pay and status. So, in effect, even where there is no formal method of job evaluation, jobs are evaluated in any case. It is really a question of how analytical the organisation wants to be. | Analytical; Appropriate; Pay ranges; Rank order; Relative pay; Subdivided | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548743570 | Effects of landrace legumes-velvet bean, lima bean and African yam bean-on the performance of yam, cassava based crop mixtures | Ibeawuchi I.I., Ofoh M.C., Nwufo M.I., Obiefuna J.C. | 2007 | Journal of Plant Sciences | 2 | 4 | None | Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria | Ibeawuchi, I.I., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Ofoh, M.C., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Nwufo, M.I., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria; Obiefuna, J.C., Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Nigeria | This study appraised the effects of landrace legumes, velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens Var. utilis) Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) and African yam bean (Stenostylis sternocarpa) on the performance of yam, cassava based crop mixtures. The three-landrace legumes were intercropped with tuber based cropping system. The 18 treatments comprising yam/maize/mucuna, yam/maize/lima, yam/maize/African yam bean, yam/maize cassava/maize/mucuna, cassava/maize/lima, cassava/maize/African yam bean, cassava/maize, yam/maize/cassava/mucuna, yam/maize/cassava/mucuna, yam/maize/cassava/ African yam bean, yam/maize/cassava, yam, cassava, maize, Mucuna, Lima bean and African yam beans were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The research was canied out at the training and research farm of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, located at latitude 5° 20′N and 5° 29′N, longitude 7°E and 7°02′E in the humid rainforest zone of southeastern Nigeria. Growth and yield data were collected and statistically analysed. The heavy canopy cover of mucuna in all crop combination associated with it coupled with high number of component crops per plot reduced maize and cassava plant heights as well as maize grain yield, fresh cassava roots and fresh yam tubers. However, crop mixtures with lima bean and or African yam bean did not significantly p≥ 0.05 affect maize and cassava plant heights nor depressed fresh cassava roots, maize grain and fresh yam tuber yields. All the legume crops performed well in sole cropping system than in mixture of more than three component crops as a result of competition for the necessary growth resources. © 2007 Academic Journals Inc. | Cassava based crop mixtures; Landrace legumes; Yam | Dioscorea alata; Manihot esculenta; Mucuna; Mucuna pruriens var. utilis; Phaseolus lunatus; Sphenostylis stenocarpa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952254683 | Effects of lemmon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaf meal feed supplement on growth performance of broiler chicks | Mmereole F.U.C. | 2010 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 9 | 12 | 10.3923/ijps.2010.1107.1111 | Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria | Mmereole, F.U.C., Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria | An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of Lemmon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) Leaf Meal (LGLM) on growth performances of broiler chickens and its ability to be utilized as a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. The experiment involved two hundred and seventy day-old Abor-acre broiler chickens randomly separated into 3 experimental diet groups, with each being replicated 3 times. Ninety day-old birds were randomly allocated to each group and thirty birds per replicate. The diet groups were: Diet 1 (D 1 = control = basal diet), Diet 2 (D 2 = basal diet+1% LGLM) and Diet 3 (D 3 = basal diet+1% Teramycin antibiotic growth promoter). The birds were brood-reared for six weeks. At day-old the birds were weighed to obtain the initial weight and subsequently weighed weekly to determine weekly body weights and weekly body weight gains. Other parameters taken weekly included feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality rates. All the parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 2006. The results obtained indicate that the performances of the birds placed on control diet (D1) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in all parameters than those placed on D2 and D3. The results further indicated that, although the final body weight of the birds on D2 (1895.56 g) was quantitatively higher than that of the birds in D3 (1875.92 g), the difference was not significant (p>0.05). With respect to feed intake and feed conversion ratio, it was observed that there were no significant differences between the birds in D2 and D3. At the end of the experiment the cumulative mortality rate in D2 (3.67%) was found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower than the mortality rate for the birds in D3 (3.98%). Based on these results, it can be concluded that, considering the risk of drug resistance which the antibiotics tend to impose on broilers, Lemmon grass leaf meal can be considered as a viable alternative to antibiotics growth promoters. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010. | Broiler chickens; Leaf meal; Lemmon grass | Aves; Cymbopogon citratus; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872569478 | Effects of levamisole hydrochloride on cellular immune response and flock performance of commercial broilers | Oladele O.A., Emikpe B.O., Adeyefa C.A.O., Enibe F. | 2012 | Revista Brasileira de Ciencia Avicola | 14 | 4 | None | Departments of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Oladele, O.A., Departments of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Emikpe, B.O., Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeyefa, C.A.O., Departments of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Enibe, F., Departments of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Levamisole hydrochloride (Lev.HCl) has been acclaimed to boost immune response particularly in immunocompromised state. Its routine use as an immunomodulator in poultry production is yet to be well embraced, thus its effects of on cellular immunity and flock performance of commercial broilers were evaluated. One hundred and fifty Anak broiler chicks were separated into two groups of 75 each. Broilers in group 1 were sensitized with 150μg of Staphylococcus aureus antigen each at 4 and 5 weeks, while those in group 2 were not sensitized. Each group was further divided into subgroups A, B, and C. Levamisole hydrochloride (40 mg/kg) was administered orally to 1A and 2A at 45 and 46 days of age and to 1B and 2B at 47 and 48 days of age, while 1C and 2C were not treated. At 47 days of age, 12 broilers from all subgroups were challenged with 75μg of S. aureus antigen each at the right wattle. Wattle thickness was measured till 72 hours post challenge (pc) and delayed wattle reaction (DWR) was determined. Tissues were harvested at 72 hours pc for histopathology. Morbidity, mortality and live weights at 8 weeks of age were recorded. DWR peaked at 4 hours pc in 1A (2.22 ± 0.21 mm) and 1B (2.96 ± 0.21 mm) and 24 hours pc in 1C (3.39 ± 0.34 mm), the difference being significant (p<0.05). Inflammatory lesions were observed in wattles of sensitized subgroups and were more severe in 1C. Mortality rates were 4.17% and 29.17% in 1A and 1C respectively. Mean live weights in A and B i.e. 1.57± 0.06 kg and 1.56 ± 0.06 kg respectively, were significantly higher (p<0.0) than 1.43 ± 0.08 kg in C. Levamisole enhanced DTH via an early response, improved broiler liveability, and its anti-inflammatory property was confirmed. | Broilers; Cellular immunity; Delayed wattle reaction; Immunocompromised; Levamisole hydrochloride | Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862843375 | Effects of level of concentrate supplementation on growth performance of Arsi-Bale and Boer × Arsi-Bale male goats consuming low-quality grass hay | Mohammed S., Urge M., Animut G., Awigechew K., Abebe G., Goetsch A.L. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-011-0056-2 | Alage Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training College, Alage, Ethiopia; School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, Alemaya, Ethiopia; Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK, United States | Mohammed, S., Alage Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training College, Alage, Ethiopia; Urge, M., School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, Alemaya, Ethiopia; Animut, G., School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, Alemaya, Ethiopia; Awigechew, K., Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abebe, G., Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Goetsch, A.L., American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK, United States | Eighteen Arsi-Bale (local) and 18 Boer × Arsi-Bale (crossbred) male goats, initially approximately 10 months of age, were used in a 12-week experiment to investigate potential interactions between genotype and nutritional plane in growth performance, carcass and skin characteristics, and mass of non-carcass components. Grass hay (6.7% crude protein and 71.9% neutral detergent fiber) was consumed ad libitum supplemented with 150, 300, or 450 g/day (dry matter; low, moderate, and high, respectively) of a concentrate mixture (50% wheat bran, 49% noug seed cake, and 1% salt). Initial body weight was 20.7 and 14.0 kg for crossbred and local goats, respectively (SE = 0.36). Hay dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) for crossbred vs. local goats (461 and 429 g/day) and similar among concentrate levels (438, 444, and 451 g/day for high, moderate, and low, respectively; SE = 4.7). Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.05) for crossbred than for local goats (36.6 and 20.8 g) and differed (P < 0.05) among each level of concentrate (43.7, 29.6, and 12.8 g for high, moderate, and low, respectively). Dressing percentage was similar between genotypes (41.1% and 41.1% live body weight for crossbred and local goats, respectively; SE = 0.59) and greater (P < 0.05) for high vs. low (43.5% vs. 38.7% live body weight). Carcass weight differed (P < 0.05) between genotypes (9.23 and 6.23 kg for crossbred and local goats, respectively) and high and low (8.80 and 6.66 kg, respectively). Carcass concentrations of physically dissectible lean and fat were similar between genotypes and high and low concentrate levels. There were few differences between genotypes or concentrate levels in other carcass characteristics such as color and skin properties. Relative to empty body weight, the mass of most non-carcass tissues and organs did not differ between genotypes. However, the low concentrate-level mass of omental-mesenteric fat was greater (P < 0.05) for local vs. crossbred goats (1.06% vs. 0.54% empty body weight, respectively). In conclusion, growth performance and carcass weight advantages from crossing Boer and Arsi-Bale goats were similar with a low-quality basal grass hay diet regardless of level of supplemental concentrate. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Breed; Carcass; Goat; Growth; Supplementation | adipose tissue; animal; animal disease; animal food; article; body weight; clinical trial; comparative study; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; cross breeding; diet supplementation; dietary fiber; Ethiopia; genetics; genotype; goat; growth, development and aging; male; morphometrics; physiology; plant seed; randomized controlled trial; statistical model; Adipose Tissue; Animal Feed; Animals; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; Crosses, Genetic; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Ethiopia; Genotype; Goats; Linear Models; Male; Seeds; Capra hircus; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940475844 | Effects of light deprivation in physical performance and psychophysiological responses to a time-to-exhaustion exercise test | Pinheiro F.A., Santos T.M., Ugrinowitsch C., Noakes T.D., Pires F.O. | 2015 | Physiology and Behavior | 151 | None | 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.08.022 | Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil; School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, Physical Education Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, PE, Brazil; Sports Science Institute of South Africa, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Pinheiro, F.A., Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Santos, T.M., Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil, Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, Physical Education Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, PE, Brazil; Ugrinowitsch, C., School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Noakes, T.D., Sports Science Institute of South Africa, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Pires, F.O., Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Brazil | Studies have shown that there is no effect of light deprivation in closed-loop exercise performance, however less is known about the open-loop exercise performance. Thus, we verified if light deprivation may affect performance and psychophysiological responses to a time-to-exhaustion (TE), constant intensity exercise test. Twelve men performed TE tests (at 80% WPEAK of maximal incremental test) in control and light-deprived condition. Gaseous exchange (VE and VO2), heart rate (HR) and vastus lateralis electromyography (EMG) were continuously assessed, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and associative thoughts to exercise (ATE) were obtained every 60s. Responses at absolute time of exercise matched by the shortest time to exhaustion, and responses at exhaustion were compared between conditions (P<0.05). Exhaustion was shortened (5.0±1.6min vs 6.4±2.4min) and RPE slope was elevated in light deprivation, when compared to control (P<0.05). Responses of VE, VO2 and RPE were greater at exhaustion in light deprivation TE test than at the equivalent, paired time in control test. However, responses were similar at exhaustion of both TE tests; the exception was the lower EMG when the light was deprived. The light deprivation shortened the exhaustion and increased RPE in TE test, until the attainment of similar maximal psychophysiological responses. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Exercise regulation; Open-loop exercise; Ratings of perceived exertion; Visual stimuli | adult; Article; associative thought to exercise; controlled study; cycling; electromyography; exercise test; exercise tolerance; exhaustion; heart rate; human; human experiment; light; light deprivation; male; normal human; oxygen consumption; physical performance; priority journal; psychophysiology; rating of perceived exertion; task performance; time to exhaustion exercise test; vastus lateralis muscle; warm up | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870826383 | Effects of male-female exposure period on some reproductive parameters of grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) and the pre-weaning growth performance of their young ones | Hagan B.A., Asafu-Adjaye A., Darfour-Oduro K.A., Boa-Amponsem K. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 12 | None | CSIR-Animal Research Institute, P. O. Box AH 20, Achimota, Ghana | Hagan, B.A., CSIR-Animal Research Institute, P. O. Box AH 20, Achimota, Ghana; Asafu-Adjaye, A., CSIR-Animal Research Institute, P. O. Box AH 20, Achimota, Ghana; Darfour-Oduro, K.A., CSIR-Animal Research Institute, P. O. Box AH 20, Achimota, Ghana; Boa-Amponsem, K., CSIR-Animal Research Institute, P. O. Box AH 20, Achimota, Ghana | The effect of male-female exposure period on some reproductive parameters of grasscutter was undertaken at the Grasscutter Unit of CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Pokuase between June 2008 and December 2009. Twenty-eight female grasscutters and 10 males were paired in the first round of mating whilst 29 females and 15 males were used in the second round of mating. Mating colonies of grasscutter were subdivided into three groups based on male-female exposure periods (M-FEP) of 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The mean litter size, time of exposure to parturition (TEP) and litter sex ratio were 3.96±0.32, 164.7±1.45 days and 0.43±0.05 respectively. The time to conception (TC) was 12.7±1.45 days. Male-female exposure period did not affect (P>0.05) TC, litter size, TEP, and litter sex ratio. Conception rate and percentage littering were higher for females that were exposed for 6 weeks. Sixty-four percent (64%) of all females that conceived did so within two weeks expo sure to the males. The pre-weaning average daily gain of the young grasscutters was 5 g/day. This study suggests that male-female exposure periods did not have any significant effect on reproductive traits of grasscutters. Grasscutter farmers could therefore separate their females after 2 weeks of exposure and the extra males can be fattened and sold for income generation. | Conception rate; Gestation length; Litter size; Mating; Time to conception | Animalia; Thryonomys swinderianus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949734629 | Effects of maternal protein nutrition and subsequent grazing on chicory (Cichorium intybus) on parasitism and performance of lambs | Kidane A., Houdijk J.G.M., Athanasiadou S., Tolkamp B.J., Kyriazakis I. | 2010 | Journal of Animal Science | 88 | 4 | 10.2527/jas.2009-2530 | Animal Health, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, Scotland, United Kingdom; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, PO Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia; Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, PO Box 199, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom | Kidane, A., Animal Health, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, Scotland, United Kingdom, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, PO Box 05, Awassa, Ethiopia; Houdijk, J.G.M., Animal Health, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, Scotland, United Kingdom; Athanasiadou, S., Animal Health, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, Scotland, United Kingdom; Tolkamp, B.J., Animal Health, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, Scotland, United Kingdom; Kyriazakis, I., Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, PO Box 199, 43100 Karditsa, Greece, School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom | Forty-eight 4- to 5-yr-old Blackface × Bluefaced Leicester (Mule) ewes and their 24-d-old twin lambs were used to assess the effects of maternal protein nutrition and subsequent grazing on chicory (Cichorium intybus) on performance and parasitism. The experiment consisted of 2 grazing periods: safe pasture period and experimental pasture period. During an adaptation period of 66 d, ewes were infected through oral dosing with Teladorsagia circumcincta infective larvae (3 d per wk) and were supplemented with protein (HP) or not (LP) for the last 45 d of this period. At the end of this period, ewes and their lambs were turned out onto a parasitologically safe pasture; all ewes continued to be dosed with parasite (once a week), and HP ewes received protein supplementation for the first 35 d. Ewes and lambs grazed the safe pasture for an additional 43 d after termination of protein supplementation and of oral dosing with parasites. Ewes and their lambs were then moved onto newly established experimental pastures sown with chicory or grass/clover (Lolium perenne/Trifolium repens). During the safe pasture period, HP ewes had decreased fecal egg counts (FEC) compared with LP ewes, whereas HP lambs had temporarily less (P < 0.05) FEC, decreased (P < 0.001) plasma pepsinogen concentrations, and grew faster (P = 0.028) than LP lambs. Lambs grazing chicory had consistently less (P < 0.001) FEC and grew faster (P = 0.013) than lambs grazing grass/clover but had greater (P < 0.001) concentrations of pepsinogen. Pasture larvae counts were decreased (P = 0.07) for the chicory compared with the grass/clover plots. There were no interactions (P > 0.10) between maternal nutrition and grazed forage type on performance or parasitological measurements. Our results suggest that increased maternal protein nutrition and subsequent grazing of chicory independently improve lamb performance and reduce lamb parasitism. © 2010 American Society of Animal Science. | Chicory; Fecal egg count; Lamb performance; Metabolizable protein; Teladorsagia circumcincta | pepsinogen; serum albumin; animal; animal food; animal husbandry; article; blood; chicory; diet supplementation; female; growth, development and aging; male; Medicago; parasite identification; parasitology; pathophysiology; physiology; protein intake; sheep; sheep disease; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Chicory; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Female; Male; Medicago; Parasite Egg Count; Pepsinogen A; Serum Albumin; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Cichorium intybus; Lolium; Ovis aries; Teladorsagia circumcincta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891444788 | Effects of music tempo on performance, psychological, and physiological variables during 20 km cycling in well-trained cyclists | Dyer B.J., Mckune A.J. | 2013 | Perceptual and Motor Skills | 117 | 2 | 10.2466/29.22.PMS.117x24z8 | Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Dyer, B.J., Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Mckune, A.J., Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Few studies have investigated the effects of music on trained athletes during high intensity endurance tasks. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of different music tempi on performance, psychological, and physiological responses of well-trained cyclists to time trial cycling. 10 male road cyclists (M age = 35 yr., SD = 7), with a minimum of three years racing experience, performed four 20-km time trials on a Computrainer™ Pro 3D indoor cycle trainer over a period of four weeks. The time-trials were spaced one week apart. The music conditions for each trial were randomised between fast-tempo (140 bpm), medium-tempo (120 bpm), slow-tempo (100 bpm), and no music. Performance (completion time, power output, average speed and cadence), physiological (heart rate, oxygen consumption, breathing frequency and respiratory exchange ratio), psychophysical (RPE), and psychological (mood states) data were collected for each trial. Results indicated no significant changes in performance, physiological, or psychophysical variables. Total mood disturbance and tension increased significantly in the fast-tempo trial when compared with medium and no-music conditions. © Perceptual & Motor Skills 2013. | None | adult; affect; article; athletic performance; bicycle; heart rate; human; male; music; oxygen consumption; physiology; psychological aspect; time; Adult; Affect; Athletic Performance; Bicycling; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Music; Oxygen Consumption; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942513086 | Effects of nicotine on the digestive performance of nectar-feeding birds reflect their relative tolerance to this alkaloid | Lerch-Henning S., Nicolson S.W. | 2015 | Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology -Part A : Molecular and Integrative Physiology | 190 | None | 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.08.015 | Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa | Lerch-Henning, S., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa; Nicolson, S.W., Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa | The paradox of secondary metabolites, toxic defence compounds produced by plants, in nectar and fruits is well known. Deterrence of feeding by nectarivorous and frugivorous birds is better understood than the effect of these chemicals on the digestive performance of birds. Digestive parameters such as transit time and sugar assimilation are important in assessing nutrient utilization and deterrence may be related to post-ingestive effects involving these parameters. Nectar and many fruits contain mainly sugars and water, and avian consumers compensate for low sugar content in their diet by increasing food intake: this may also increase their intake of secondary metabolites. We investigated how the alkaloid nicotine, naturally present in nectar of Nicotiana species, influences compensatory feeding and digestive performance of nectar-feeding birds. High nicotine concentration negatively affected compensatory feeding and apparent assimilation efficiency of white-bellied sunbirds Cinnyris talatala and Cape white-eyes Zosterops virens; but nicotine slowed gut transit time only in the latter species. In contrast, food intake and digestive performance of dark-capped bulbuls Pycnonotus tricolor was unaffected by nicotine up to a concentration of 50. μM. Bulbuls are primarily frugivorous; hence, they are more exposed to secondary metabolites than sunbirds and possibly white-eyes. Because their diet is richer in toxins, frugivorous birds may have evolved more efficient detoxification strategies than those of specialist nectar-feeding birds. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Apparent assimilation efficiency; Bird pollinators; Foraging behaviour; Gut transit time; Secondary metabolites | nicotine; animal experiment; Article; bird; controlled study; digestion; feeding; foraging behavior; intestine transit time; nectar; nectarivore; nonhuman; secondary metabolism | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-42549157498 | Effects of night-reading on daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and academic performance of undergraduate pharmacy students in Nigeria | Adeosun S.O., Asa S.O., Babalola O.O., Akanmu M.A. | 2008 | Sleep and Biological Rhythms | 6 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1479-8425.2008.00338.x | Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; D | Adeosun, S.O., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; Asa, S.O., Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Faculty of Social Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; Babalola, O.O., Department of Clinical Pharmacy Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria; Akanmu, M.A., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220-005 Osun State, Nigeria | We evaluated the impact of night reading on daytime sleepiness, quality of sleep and performance of student. Pharmacy students (N = 253, 71.5% response rate) completed a sleep and study lifestyle questionnaire, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and the Epworth sleepiness scale questionnaires, and their grade indices (were obtained. The results showed that the prevalence of night reading was 76.7% and there was a significant (P < 0.05) association between night reading and sleep quality, and also between sleep quality and academic performance. Thus, habitual night reading may affect academic performance, possibly due to the reduced sleep and poor sleep quality of habitual night readers. © 2008 The Authors Journal compilation © 2008 Japanese Society of Sleep Research. | Academic performance; Daytime sleepiness; PSQI; Sleep education; Sleep quality | academic achievement; adolescent; adult; article; controlled study; daytime somnolence; Epworth sleepiness scale; female; human; human experiment; lifestyle; male; Nigeria; night; normal human; pharmacy student; prevalence; priority journal; questionnaire; reading; scoring system; sex difference; sleep; sleep time | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69249104653 | Effects of Nitrogen Application and Weed Interference on Performance of Some Tropical Maize Genotypes in Nigeria | AZEEZ J.O. | 2009 | Pedosphere | 19 | 5 | 10.1016/S1002-0160(09)60160-0 | Department of Soil Science and Land Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | AZEEZ, J.O., Department of Soil Science and Land Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Low soil nitrogen (N) and weed infestations are some of the major constraints to maize production in Nigeria. A split-split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replicates was established at two sites with different agroecological zones, Ikenne (Typic Paleudalf) and Shika (Typic Tropaquept), in Nigeria in 2002 and 2003 rainy seasons to investigate the responses of four maize genotypes (Oba super II, Low N pool C2, TZB-SR, and ACR 8328 BN C7) to N fertilizer applied at four rates, 0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N ha-1, and three weed pressure treatments, no weed pressure (weekly weeding), low weed pressure (inter-row weekly weeding), and high weed pressure (no weeding throughout the growing season). Growth and yield parameters of maize and weeds were taken at flowering and harvest. The results indicated that there was a significant reduction in maize leaf area, leaf area index, and photosynthetically active radiation due to weed interference at both sites. The application of nitrogen at 90 kg N ha-1 significantly increased maize leaf area. Reductions in maize growth and yield at flowering and harvest were significant due to weed interference at both Ikenne and Shika, thus showing that the reductions in maize growth and yield due to weed interference were not ecological zone specific even though weed species and their seed banks may differ. Ameliorative management options could thus be the same in the two agroecological zones. Application of 90 kg N ha-1 led to a significant increase in maize grain yield at Shika while there was no fertilizer effect at Ikenne on grain yield. There was no significant difference between 60 and 90 kg N ha-1, suggesting that 60 kg N ha-1 could be a possible replacement for the higher fertilizer rate at least for the identified maize genotypes. Low weed pressure treatment led to 26% and 35% reductions in maize grain yield at Ikenne and Shika, respectively, while 22% and 51 % reductions, respectively, were observed due to high weed pressure. Generally, maize grain yield was higher at Ikenne than Shika. The maize genotypes Low N pool C2 and ACR 8328 BN C7 performed better than the other genotypes at Ikenne while the maize genotype Oba super II had the best performance at harvest at Shika. Application of nitrogen increased weed biomass at flowering at Ikenne. The maize grain yield was highest in the N-efficient genotypes, Oba super II and Low N pool C2; the susceptible genotype TZB-SR had the least yield at Shika. There existed a negative and significant correlation between maize grain yield and weed biomass at both sites. © 2009 Soil Science Society of China. | maize growth; maize yield; N efficiency; soil nitrogen; weed pressure | agroecology; crop performance; crop production; crop yield; experimental study; fertilizer application; genotype; growth response; leaf area; leaf area index; maize; photosynthetically active radiation; seed bank; soil nitrogen; weed; Africa; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943248401 | Effects of NPK single fertilizers on relative growth performances of two cycles of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in a degraded soil of Southwest Nigeria | Chukwuka K.S., Ajala S., Nwosu P.C., Omotayo O.E. | 2015 | Journal of Agronomy | 14 | 4 | 10.3923/ja.2015.203.211 | Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria | Chukwuka, K.S., Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ajala, S., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria; Nwosu, P.C., Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Omotayo, O.E., Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The balanced use of inorganic amendments to enhance effective crop production for developing world economies like Nigeria is paramount to achieve her Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for its teeming population. Thus this study was carried out to assess the relative growth performances of a major food crop under different regimes of fertilizer application. Field and Green House experiments were carried out to assess the relative growth performances of two Cycles of Zea mays L. (LNTP-W C0and C3) used as test crops for the amendment of degraded soil using N, P and K single fertilizers. The single fertilizers (treatments) used were Urea, Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and Muriate of Potash and the study was carried out in the Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The experiment consisted of 4 treatments applied at 2 levels (C0 and C3) and replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to give a total of 48 experimental units. The application of Nitrogen (N) was done at four levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha–1), while the Phosphorous (P2O5) and Potassium (K) were applied at a constant rate of about 60 kg ha–1 for all the pots except for the experimental control pots. The design was adopted for both Green House and Field experiments. The results from the study showed that C3 performed better than C0 in Field and Green House experiments with respect to their relative performances of the growth parameters; plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), number of leaves, leaf length (cm) and leaf width (cm) measured within the Pre-flowering period of 8 weeks. The treatment combination of 90 kg ha–1 N, 60 kg ha–1 P and 60 kg ha–1 K gave the best performance in this study. The study also revealed that the growth rate of the maize plant was directly proportional to the level of N applied with constant levels of P and K providing the basis for developing optimum NPK fertilizer level for the amendment of degraded soil for higher productivity using maize with tolerance to low soil Nitrogen. The study showed that more derelict soils can be put to good use with the appropriate level of NPK Fertilizer application optimum for the right crop, thus aiding the use of hitherto abandoned degraded land and putting more land under cultivation. © 2015 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Eroded soil; Fertilizer application; Performance; Zea mays L | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896332310 | Effects of nutrient density and photoperiod on the performance and abdominal fat of broilers | Oyedeji J.O., Atteh J.O. | 2005 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 4 | 3 | 10.3923/ijps.2005.149.152 | Department of Agriculture, Benson Idahosa University, P. M. B. 1100, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production,University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Oyedeji, J.O., Department of Agriculture, Benson Idahosa University, P. M. B. 1100, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Atteh, J.O., Department of Animal Production,University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | The study investigated the effects of photoperiod and nutrient density on the performance and abdominal fat of broilers. Treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of two diets containing 3200kcal/kg ME and 23% Protein and 2800kcal/kg ME and 18% Protein administered to broilers under either 12hour light per day, 8hour light per day or 6 hour light per day for 8 weeks. Results at market age showed that no significant interactions existed between nutrient density and photoperiod for feed intake, body weight gain and feed gain ratio (P > 0.05, P > 0.01). Also no significant interactions existed between factors for protein retention, fat utilization, available fibre, abdominal fat and cost to benefit ratio (P > 0.05, P > 0.01). Broilers subjected to low nutrient density diets experienced reduction in body weight gain and poorer feed to gain ratio (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was significant reduction in feed intake and abdominal fat of broilers exposed to only 6 hours of light per day as against the usual 12 hours of light per day (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). It was concluded that no meaningful interactions existed between nutrient density and photoperiod with respect to broilers performance. However, reducing photoperiod to 6 hours per day could be used as a tool for reducing abdominal fat hence, reducing sudden death syndrome and upgrading carcass quality of broilers. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2005. | Abdominal fat; Feed gain ratio; Feed intake; Nutrient density; Photoperiod; Weight gain | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949664971 | Effects of organic acid and probiotic on performance and gut morphology in broiler chickens | Agboola A.F., Omidiwura B.R.O., Odu O., Popoola I.O., Iyayi E.A. | 2015 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 45 | 5 | 10.4314/sajas.v45i5.6 | Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Agboola, A.F., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Omidiwura, B.R.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Odu, O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Popoola, I.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Iyayi, E.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The effects of organic acid, probiotic and a combination of the two on performance and gut morphology in broiler chickens were investigated. Two hundred and forty one-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with six replicates, each with eight birds. The treatments were basal diet (negative control, NC), basal diet + antibiotic (positive control (PC)), NC + 0.4% organic acid (OA), NC + 0.3% probiotic (PB) and NC + 0.4% OA and 0.3% PB. Reduced body weight gain (BWG) was recorded for birds on the NC diet at the starter phase and over the total period. The addition of OA significantly increased BWG compared to values obtained in birds on the NC and other diets. Diet had no effect on BWG at the grower phase or on feed intake, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio in any growth phase. Gain : feed ratio was lowered in the NC diet, but improved significantly by OA and PB in the starter phase. Organic acid supplementation reduced the weight of the bursa of Fabricius. The weight of pancreas, height of villi and crypt depth were reduced in birds on the NC diet compared with those on OA, PB and a combination of these. Diet had no effects on the weights of the lungs, heart, spleen, kidneys, liver, villus width, villus height : crypt depth ratio, lactic acid bacteria, coliform bacteria and total bacterial count in any gut section. In conclusion, supplementation of broiler diets with OA and PB could improve their growth and gut morphology better than antibiotics would, with a greater positive effect in the starter phase. | Broiler chickens; Gut health; Organic acids; Performance; Probiotics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940720688 | Effects of Organic Modifiers on a Palladium Catalyst in the Competitive Hydrogenation of 1-Octene Versus Octanal: An Evaluation of Solid Catalysts with an Ionic Liquid Layer | Miller S.F., Friedrich H.B., Holzapfel C.W., Dasireddy V.D.B.C. | 2015 | ChemCatChem | 7 | 17 | 10.1002/cctc.201500401 | School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa | Miller, S.F., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Friedrich, H.B., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private bag X54001, Durban, South Africa; Holzapfel, C.W., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dasireddy, V.D.B.C., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private bag X54001, Durban, South Africa | The competitive hydrogenation between 1-octene and octanal has been investigated with a ≈5% palladium on alumina catalyst prepared in situ with the following organic modifiers: pyridine, 1-methylimidazole, 1,3-dimethylimidazole methylsulfate, 1,3-dimethylimidazole bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and methyltri-sec-butylphosphonium methylsulfate. The results of these investigations indicate that the ionic liquid modifiers have significant and specific effects on catalytic performance, for example, certain systems can completely suppress octanal conversion. In addition, analytical techniques reveal that the matrix and quantity of organic species on the used catalysts are different if different ionic liquids are used as modifiers. Surface studies also reveal that the modifiers have a noticeable effect on the crystallite size and chemisorption properties of the catalysts. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | chemisorption; heterogeneous catalysis; hydrogenation; ionic liquids; palladium | Alumina; Catalysis; Catalyst activity; Catalysts; Chemisorption; Crystallite size; Hydrogenation; Liquids; Palladium; 1-methylimidazole; Catalytic performance; Liquid modifiers; Organic modifier; Organic species; Palladium catalyst; Palladium on alumina; Specific effects; Ionic liquids | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33747359079 | Effects of partial replacement of soyabean meal with bread fruit (Artocarpus altilis) seed meal in broiler finisher diets on their performance, water consumption, nitrogen retention and carcass characteristics | Nwokoro S.O., Obasuyi J.O.I. | 2006 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 5 | 5 | 10.3923/ijps.2006.404.407 | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Agriculture Services Department, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, GRA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Nwokoro, S.O., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Obasuyi, J.O.I., Agriculture Services Department, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, GRA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | The study was carried out to determine the effects of partial replacement of soyabean meal in broiler finisher chickens diets with breadfruit seed meal on their performances, nitrogen retention and carcass characteristics. 300, four weeks old broiler chickens were divided into 15 replicates of twenty birds each such that three replicates were allocated to a diet. The diet (2900kcalMEkg -1 and 20%CP were formulated such that 26.7% of soyabean meal in the control diet were partially replaced with breadfruit meal at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 percent (weight- for- weight). The birds were fed and watered ad libitum. Results emanating from the study indicated that final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, water intake, nitrogen retention, eviscerated carcass weights and head portion were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments. Apart from the nitrogen retention and head portion, the control diet (diet 1) recorded the highest values and there were significant (P<0.05) decrease between diet 1 (0) and diet 5 (40%). The best feed per gain ratio, dressing percentage and nitrogen retention were recorded in diets 1 (0), 1(0) and 3(30) respectively. There were significant increases in nitrogen retention between diet 1 and 3, followed by significant decreasing order thereafter. Higher level of breadfruit seed meal replacement beyond 30% seems not to favour the broiler finisher chickens under the conditions of the study. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Breadfruit seed meal; Broiler diet; Soyabean meal | Artocarpus altilis; Aves; Gallus gallus; Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873634126 | Effects of particle morphology of ZnO buffer layer on the performance of organic solar cell devices | Mbule P.S., Kim T.H., Kim B.S., Swart H.C., Ntwaeaborwa O.M. | 2013 | Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells | 112 | None | 10.1016/j.solmat.2013.01.010 | Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein ZA9300, South Africa; Photo-electronic Hybrids Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 136-791, South Korea | Mbule, P.S., Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein ZA9300, South Africa; Kim, T.H., Photo-electronic Hybrids Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 136-791, South Korea; Kim, B.S., Photo-electronic Hybrids Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 136-791, South Korea; Swart, H.C., Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein ZA9300, South Africa; Ntwaeaborwa, O.M., Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein ZA9300, South Africa | The performance of poly(3-hexyltheopene):[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester or P3HT:PCBM based organic solar cell (OSC) devices can be improved by adding an electron extraction layer of a wide band gap semiconducting material such as ZnO or TiO2 that facilitates the electron transport from the photo-active layer (P3HT:PCBM blend) to the top metal electrode (e.g. Al) and, at the same time, blocks holes from reaching the top electrode. Other factors that determine performance of the OSC devices include morphology, thickness and donor-acceptor ratio. In this study we investigated the effects of concentration and particle morphology (nanoparticle versus nanoflake) of ZnO electron extraction layer on the performance of the OSC devices with configuration ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/ ZnO/Al. The concentration of ZnO nanoparticle or nanoflake solutions was varied from 0.5 to 20 mg/ml. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.08% was recorded from devices incorporating ZnO nanoflake electron extraction layer, whereas PCE of 2.37% was recorded from devices with ZnO nanoparticles as the electron extraction layer. The maximum PCE was obtained from a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml ZnO for both devices. The influence of the particle morphology and the concentration of the ZnO electron extraction layer on the general performance of the OSC devices is discussed in detail. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | P3HT:PCBM; Photoactive; Photovoltaic; ZnO nanoparticles/nanoflakes | Donor-acceptors; Electron extraction; Electron transport; Metal electrodes; Methyl esters; Organic solar cell; P3HT:PCBM; Particle morphologies; Photoactive; Photovoltaic; Power conversion efficiencies; Semiconducting materials; TiO; Wide band gap; ZnO; ZnO buffer layer; ZnO nanoparticles; Conversion efficiency; Electrons; Extraction; Metal nanoparticles; Morphology; Solar cells; Titanium dioxide; Zinc oxide | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859202094 | Effects of particle Size, Shape, and density on the performance of an air fluidized bed in dry coal beneficiation | Chikerema P., Moys M. | 2012 | International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization | 32 | 2 | 10.1080/19392699.2011.640297 | University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, P. Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa | Chikerema, P., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, P. Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Moys, M., University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, P. Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa | We consider here the implementation of dry coal beneficiation using air fluidized bed technology. Although the applications of the fluidized bed dry coal separator have been done successfully on an industrial scale in the past, the process has been characterized by relatively poor Ep values. In this study, a 40×40×60cm dry batch air fluidized bed coal separator with a relatively uniform and stable average magnetite-silica bed density of 1.64 was used for the detailed separations test using particles of the different densities, shapes, and sizes ranging from +9.5-53mm. The separation tests were conducted at relatively low throughput and average Ep values as low as 0.05 were recorded for the separation of +37-53mm and +22-31.5mm particles. On the other hand, the separation of the +16-22mm and +9.5-16mm particles was characterized by relatively high average Ep values of 0.07 and 0.11, respectively. The continuous shift of the cut density for the +9.5-16mm made it difficult to efficiently separate the particles. Particle shape is a difficult parameter to control, but the observed separation trends for the +16-22mm particles of different shapes indicate that it has a significant effect on the separation performance of the dry air fluidized bed just like other parameters such as particle size and density. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Dry coal benefication; Fluidized bed | Bed density; Coal beneficiation; Different shapes; Dry air; Dry coal benefication; Fluidized bed technology; Industrial scale; Particle shape; Separation performance; Coal; Coal industry; Fluidized beds; Separators; Silica; Separation | None |
| None | None | Effects of period of stay in feedlot on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Tanzanian long fat-tailed sheep | Shirima E.J.M., Mtenga L.A., Kimambo A.E., Laswai G.E., Mgheni D.M., Mkwanda A.T., Lemoringata T.S. | 2012 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 24 | 2 | None | Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, P.O. Box 9152, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Ministry of Home Affairs, P.O. Box 534, Mtwara, Tanzania; Community Research and Development Services, P.O. Box 50 Kibaya-Kiteto, Tanzania | Shirima, E.J.M., Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, P.O. Box 9152, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Mtenga, L.A., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kimambo, A.E., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Laswai, G.E., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mgheni, D.M., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mkwanda, A.T., Ministry of Home Affairs, P.O. Box 534, Mtwara, Tanzania; Lemoringata, T.S., Community Research and Development Services, P.O. Box 50 Kibaya-Kiteto, Tanzania | Seventy castrated sheep (wethers) of Tanzanian long fat-tailed strain (21.1 ± 0.6 kg initial body weight, aged 12 months) were used to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics under different fattening period in feedlot. The experiment lasted for 84 days and the animals were randomly allocated to seven treatments as 0 (D0), 14 (D14), 28 (D28), 42 (D42), 56 (D56), 70 (D70) and 84 (D84) days to stay in feedlot each with 10 animals per treatment in a completely randomized block design. Animals in D0 (control) were slaughtered immediately after being purchased from livestock keepers. The experimental units (D14, D28, D42, D56, D70 and D84) were provided with ad libitum iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets containing molasses based diet (MBD) and forage hay of Cenchrus ciliaris spp. Data were collected on feed intake, growth rates, slaughter and carcass weights and carcass composition. The total dry matter intake (DMI) increased by almost 31% more for 84 days (D84) treatment as compared to intake observed in the 14 (D14) days treatment. The highest average daily gains and lowest feed conversion ratio were observed at 42 (D42) days treatment. Hot carcass weight (HCW) increased from 6.5 kg to 13.5 kg in control (D0) to 84 days treatment (D84), respectively which was almost 108% weight increment which was also corresponding with an increase in energy intake from 4.6 MJ ME/day to 6.2MJ ME/day. Also, dressing percentage (DP) was highest at 56 (D56) days treatment (47.7%) followed by 42 (D42) days treatment (45.2%). The proportion of carcass joints (as % HCW) of neck, ribs, breast, loin, and chump increased while that of hind leg and shoulder decreased proportionally with increasing days to stay in the feedlot. Similarly, the pooled proportion of lean tissue in the joints showed that hind leg and shoulder were much leaner (64.4% and 60.6% respectively) and less fat deposits (12.9% and 12.5% respectively). The present study revealed that the most appropriate fattening treatment for 12 months old Tanzanian long fat-tailed with MBD was 42 days (D42) for highest daily gain and dressing percentage. Also, it can be concluded that yield of non-carcass components and wholesale cuts respond differently to fattening periods however, 42 days period was almost optimal to most of the parameters used. | Carcass yield; Fattening; Indigenous sheep; Molasses; Wethers | Animalia; Cenchrus; Cenchrus ciliaris; Ovis aries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892525449 | Effects of poor training and development on the work performance of the fast food employees in Cape Town | Ukandu N.E., Ukpere W.I. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p571 | Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, P. o. Box, 524, Johannesburg, South Africa | Ukandu, N.E., Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, P. o. Box, 524, Johannesburg, South Africa | This research was conducted to establish whether the fast food employees within the Cape Town metropolis were being trained, and if not, what can be the possible reason for the lack of training. Fast food employers depend on their workers' skills, knowledge and abilities for effective customer services, which make it necessary for workers to be trained and developed to achieve a better work performance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the state of training and development within the fast food outlets, in order to establish the impact of the current state of training and development on employees' work performance. The purpose is to suggest ways of improving employee job performances through training and development at fast food outlets in Cape Town. Furthermore, to encourage the management of fast food outlets in Cape Town, in order to implement training and development of workers in their workplaces as this will improve the work performance of their employees. The sample consisted of 200 employees from different fast food outlets, out of which 123 responded. A triangulation method was utilized to find information from the different units within the fast food outlets. The the managers, cashiers, production units and others form part of the sample. A closed-ended questionnaire was used. The results obtained proved that a majority of fast food employees in Cape Town do not receive enough training compared to what they should. However, some ex-staff members suggested that there is a need for employee training and development at fast food outlets to improve their job performances. | Development; Employee work performance; Fast food outlets; Job satisfaction; Skills; Training; Workplace | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649342384 | Effects of refined petroleum product (kerosene) Flame and fumes on the performance of broiler chickens | Amakiri A.O., Owen O.J., Iboh I.I. | 2009 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 8 | 2 | 10.3923/ijps.2009.188.191 | Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Amakiri, A.O., Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Owen, O.J., Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Iboh, I.I., Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | An investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of refined petroleum product (kerosene) flame on body weight gains, feed intake, feed conversion, mortality and internal organ weights (liver, lungs, kidney and heart) of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty day old broiler birds (Aboika breed) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups of 30 birds per treatment, replicated thrice with 10 birds per replicate using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Kerosene flame in a designed burner was placed 4, 8 and 12 metres from the birds respectively, which represented treatments 1, 2 and 3 while treatment 4 was in another poultry house without flame. The birds were fed ad-libitum on a proprietary starters mash for 5 weeks and a broiler finisher mash for 3 weeks. Water was provided ad-libitum. Routine inoculations and other medications were administered when due. Burning was from 6.00 am-10.00 pm daily for 56 days. Results indicated that the distances (treatments) did not significantly (p>0.05) affect mortality and organ weights. However, the flame distance significantly (p<0.05) affected weekly feed conversion, body weight gains and feed consumption. This research was a simulation of what obtains in a gas field, where gas flaring is carried out close to poultry farms and also to determine the impact of using kerosene in lanterns and stoves for brooding day old chickens. © Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Aboika breed; Broiler chickens; Kerosene; Performance | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34047170305 | Effects of replacing maize with sun-dried cassava waste meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of meat type rabbit | Olorunsanya B., Ayoola M.A., Fayeye T.R., Olagunju T.A., Olorunsanya E.O. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 4 | None | Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Olorunsanya, B., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Ayoola, M.A., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Fayeye, T.R., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Olagunju, T.A., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Olorunsanya, E.O., Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Thirty rabbits of mixed sexes with an average initial weight of 600g were used to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with sun dried cassava waste meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits. Five experimental isonitrogenous (18%cp) diets were formulated such that sun dried cassava waste replace maize at 0%, 25%, 75% and 100%. The rabbits were randomly allocated to these 5 isonitrogenous diets. Each dietary treatment consists of 2 replicates with 3 rabbits in each replicate. Water and feed were provided ad-libitum throughout the experimental period of 91 days. The result shows that dietary treatment did not have effect on feed in take, average daily weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics. The cost of producing a unit weight of rabbit was greatly reduced by replacing maize with cassava waste meal. Cassava waste meal may therefore be used instead of maize in rabbit diets to reduce cost of feed and the heavy dependence on maize in animal feeding. | Carcass characteristics; Cassava waste; Growth performance; Rabbit | Animalia; Manihot esculenta; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863802492 | Effects of replacing maize with yam peel meal on short term laying performance of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) | Edache J.A., Yisa A.G., Opkala E.J. | 2012 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 11 | 7 | None | Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria | Edache, J.A., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Yisa, A.G., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Opkala, E.J., Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria | A 6-week feeding trail was conducted to determine the effect of varying levels of yam peel meal (CP; 8.07% and ME; 2701 kcal/kg) on the laying performance of Japanese quails. One hundred and fifty 4 - week old female quails divided into 4 groups having 3 replicates of 12 birds each were used in this study. Four isonitrogenous (20% CP) diets incorporating graded levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of yam peel meal were compounded. The diets, however, varied in energy levels having 2,626 (Diet A), 2,553 (Diet B), 2,480 Diet C and 2,406 kcalME/kg (Diet D) respectively. Each diet was replicated three times. Average daily feed intake (34.77, 31.13, 31.50 and 33.23 g/bird) and hen-day production (30.06, 22.17, 18.81 and 16.19%) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the test diets. However, respective daily weight gains (10.23, 8.93, 10.40, 7.83 g/bird), feed conversion ratio (7.96, 7.78, 6.90, 8.07) and egg weights (7.0, 8.8, 8.67 and 7.47 g) were not significantly (p>0.05) affected. As the level of yam peel meal increased in the diet, hen-day egg production was dropping. Feed cost/kg diet (N) decreased from diet A (41.24), B (38.02), C (34.52) to 31.02 (diet D) which had a cost saving of 25% over the control diet. By this study, it is indicated that at dietary crude protein level of 20% and Metabolizable Energy of between 2,480 and 2,626 kcal/kg, 20% level of yam peel meal inclusion in Japanese quail diet is acceptable for satisfactory egg production. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Japanese quail; Productive performance; Yam peel | protein; animal experiment; article; controlled study; cost control; Coturnix; coturnix coturnix japonica; diet; egg laying; egg production; energy metabolism; female; food intake; maize; meal; nonhuman; weight gain; yam; yam peel; Aves; Coturnix japonica; Dioscorea alata; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956526884 | Effects of rootstock on grapevine performance, petiole and must composition, and overall wine score of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay and pinot noir | Wooldridge J., Louw P.J.E., Conradie W.J. | 2010 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 31 | 1 | None | ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Sapex Exports (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Wooldridge, 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 Africa | Characteristics 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; Yield | Vitaceae; Vitis; Vitis vinifera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859206874 | Effects 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 diets | Ademola S.G., Egbewande O.O., Lawal T.E., Isah A.T., Kuranga S.M. | 2012 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 11 | 1 | None | Department 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 Univer | Ademola, 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, Nigeria | The 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 offal | Triticum aestivum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68949105688 | Effects of season and regulated photoperiod on the reproductive performance of sows | Chokoe T.C., Siebrits F.K. | 2009 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 39 | 1 | None | 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 | Chokoe, 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 Africa | Reproductive 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; Season | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921369967 | Effects of selected corporate governance characteristics on firm performance: Empirical evidence from Kenya | Ongore V.O., K’Obonyo P.O. | 2011 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 1 | 3 | None | Kenya Revenue Authority, Nairobi, Kenya; Business Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya | Ongore, V.O., Kenya Revenue Authority, Nairobi, Kenya; K’Obonyo, P.O., Business Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya | This paper examines the interrelations among ownership, board and manager characteristics and firm performance in a sample of 54 firms listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). These governance characteristics, designed to minimize agency problems between principals and agents are operationalized in terms of ownership concentration, ownership identity, board effectiveness and managerial discretion. The typical ownership identities at the NSE are government, foreign, institutional, manager and diverse ownership forms. Firm performance is measured using Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Dividend Yield (DY). Using PPMC, Logistic Regression and Stepwise Regression, the paper presents evidence of significant positive relationship between foreign, insider, institutional and diverse ownership forms, and firm performance. However, the relationship between ownership concentration and government, and firm performance was significantly negative. The role of boards was found to be of very little value, mainly due to lack of adherence to board member selection criteria. The results also show significant positive relationship between managerial discretion and performance. Collectively, these results are consistent with pertinent literature with regard to the implications of government, foreign, manager (insider) and institutional ownership forms, but significantly differ concerning the effects of ownership concentration and diverse ownership on firm performance. © 2011, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Agency theory; Firm performance; Managerial discretion; Ownership concentration; Ownership identity; Ownership structure | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934299363 | Effects of selected tropical legume and oil seeds on egg quality and performance of laying hens in Nigeria | Akanji A.M., Ogungbesan A.M., Ologhobo A.D. | 2015 | Tropical Agriculture | 92 | 1 | None | Olabisi Onabanjo University, College of Agricultural Sciences, Dept. of Animal Production, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Akanji, A.M., Olabisi Onabanjo University, College of Agricultural Sciences, Dept. of Animal Production, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ogungbesan, A.M., Olabisi Onabanjo University, College of Agricultural Sciences, Dept. of Animal Production, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ologhobo, A.D., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Raw jack-beans, bambara groundnuts and benne seeds were fed to exotic hens in a six - week experimental study to assess their toxicological effects on egg quality and laying performance. The legume and oil seeds selected for this study were used to replace soy bean meal at 25% and 50% levels. Egg weight and hen - day production were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in birds fed 25% and 50% raw benne seed - based diets. Feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.05) increased in birds fed 50% raw benne seeds. Egg yolk index and haugh unit were significantly (P<0.05) reduced across the groups. The reductions were however more pronounced in birds fed 50% raw jack beans and 50% raw benne seeds respectively. The whole egg protein was similar in all the groups. The yolk protein and albumen protein were however significantly (P<0.05) reduced across the groups. The fat contents of the whole eggs and yolk were more significantly (P<0.05) reduced in birds fed 50% raw jack beans and 50% bambara groundnuts respectively. Regression analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) correlations between egg weight and haemagglutinin (r = -0.47), tannin, (r = -0.55),; Yolk index and haemagglutinin (r = -0.54), trypsin inhibitor (r = -0.51); Haugh unit and tannin (r = -0.68), oxalate (r = -0.51); Yolk protein and haemagglutinin (r = -0.48), trypsin inhibitor (r = -0.48). © 2015 Trop. Agric. (Trinidad). | Eggs; Hens; Oil seeds; Raw legumes | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34447530889 | Effects of shade provision on some physiological parameters, behavior and performance of pack donkeys (Equinus asinus) during the hot-dry season | Minka N.S., Ayo J.O. | 2007 | Journal of Equine Science | 18 | 2 | 10.1294/jes.18.39 | College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 2134, Mando Kaduna, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Minka, N.S., College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B 2134, Mando Kaduna, Nigeria; Ayo, J.O., Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study examined the effects of shade provision on some physiological parameters and draft performance of pack donkeys (Equinus asinus) during the packing period of the hot-dry season. Ten donkeys provided with shelter in the form of an open-sided shade after packing work served as the experimental animals. Another ten donkeys not provided with shade served as the control. Rectal temperature (RT, °C), heart rate (HR, beats per minute) and respiratory rate (RR, breaths per minute) recorded pre- and post- packing indicated that unshaded donkeys had significantly (P<0.05) higher values than shaded donkeys pre- and post-packing. The frequency of lying bouts per unshaded donkey was higher in the (P<0.05) pre- and post-packing periods; while the time spent by the donkeys lying down was lower (P<0.01) in unshaded donkeys than the shaded donkeys, apparently due to the high (53.5 ± 0.1-55.2 ± 0.3°C) soil temperature. The percent change in RT, HR, RR and liveweight loss values was higher (P<0.05) in unshaded donkeys. The change rate in behavioral values, except for the frequency of lying down and the donkeys speed, was not different (P>0.05) between the shaded and unshaded donkeys. The pack load and the distance covered by the donkeys in both groups were not significantly (P>0.05) different. The speed of shaded donkeys was significantly (P<0.05) faster than that of the unshaded donkeys during packing. Packing increased (P<0.05) the time spent by the donkeys in eating and drinking in both groups. In conclusion, the provision of shade during the hot-dry season alleviates work and heat stress and enhances work productivity in pack donkeys. | Pack donkeys; Performance; Physiological parameters; Shading | Animalia; Equus asinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449413684 | Effects of single and dual applications of selected trichoderma and bacillus isolates on performance of dry bean seedlings grown in composted pine bark growth medium under shadehouse conditions | Yobo K.S., Laing M.D., Hunter C.H. | 2009 | Journal of Plant Nutrition | 32 | 8 | 10.1080/01904160903005996 | Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Discipline of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Yobo, K.S., Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Laing, M.D., Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Hunter, C.H., Discipline of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | A shadehouse pot trial was conducted to study the efficiency of single and dual inoculations with selected Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates on performance of dry bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in composted pine bark (CPB) potting medium. All the plant treatments inoculated with Trichoderma spp. and/or Bacillus spp. had higher photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm values). Of the treatments, only B. subtilis B69 showed a significant increase (P = 0.02) in Fv/Fm values over the growth period. The Trichoderma and Bacillus treated plants showed increase in dry shoot biomass. The greatest degree of nodulation was observed in Trichoderma and/or Bacillus treated plants. Increase in nitrogen concentrations were observed in leaves of plants inoculated with Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates. Only T. atroviride SY3A significantly increased phosphorus concentrations in leaves. These results depict and highlight the role these organisms can play in plant root-plant growth promoting rhizobacteria or plant growth promoting fungi (PGPR/PGPF) interaction in a nutrient-poor growth medium. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Bacillus; Dry bean; Mineral uptake; Nodulation; Photosynthetic efficiency; Trichoderma | Bacillus subtilis; Fungi; Phaseolus vulgaris; Rhizobiales; Trichoderma; Trichoderma atroviride | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876960079 | Effects of soil parent material and climate on the performance of Vitis vinifera L. cvs. Sauvignon blanc and cabernet Sauvignon - Part I. Soil analysis, soil water status, root system characteristics, leaf water potential, cane mass and yield | Shange L.P., Conradie W.J. | 2012 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 33 | 2 | None | ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Shange, L.P., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Conradie, W.J., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599, Stellenbosch, South Africa | In the Helderberg area of the Western Cape, South Africa, soil parent material may vary between granite and shale over relatively short distances. However, little information is available concerning the possible effects of different soil parent materials on grapevine performance. A five-year investigation (2004/05 to 2008/09) was therefore carried out. Two Sauvignon blanc and two Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard blocks were selected at four localities. Soils derived mainly from granite and shale were identified in each vineyard block. Climate and soil parameters, root distribution, grapevine water status, cane mass and yield were evaluated at all localities. Shale-derived soils contained significantly greater amounts of fine sand, but less coarse sand, than granite-derived soils. These differences resulted in water-holding capacities that were generally higher in the shale-derived soils. Shale-derived soils contained higher concentrations of total potassium (K), but the levels of water-soluble K were generally greater in the granitic soils. Root system development could not be related directly to soil parent material. However, in most cases fine root density in the granite-derived soils tended to be higher, while the cane mass and yield of grapevines in the same soils also tended to be higher, at least at two of the four localities. The effect of soil parent material on grapevine water constraints seemed more prominent during the drier seasons, namely 2004/05 and 2005/06, compared to the wet and coolest seasons, 2007/08 and 2008/09. | Fine root density; Granite; Grapevine performance; Shale; Soil water status | Vitaceae; Vitis; Vitis vinifera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876959735 | Effects of soil parent material and climate on the performance of vitis vinifrra L. cvs. Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon - Part II. Climate, leaf analysis, juice analysis and wine quality | Shange L.P., Conradie W.J. | 2012 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 33 | 2 | None | ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Shange, L.P., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Conradie, W.J., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, 7599 Stellenbosch, South Africa | A five-year investigation (2004/05 to 2008/09) was carried out in two Sauvignon blanc and two Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the Helderberg area, Western Cape, South Africa. Soils, derived mainly from granite and shale, were identified in each vineyard. Climatic parameters were measured, while leaves and juice were analysed. Experimental wines were prepared and evaluated annually. The nutritional status of the leaf blades and petioles was not affected by soil parent materials in a consistent pattern. Juice N of grapevines on the shale-derived soil was usually higher than that of vines on the granite-derived soil. The effect of soil parent material on Sauvignon blanc wine style appeared to have been more distinct at the locality where wine quality was highest. At this locality, wine from the grapevines on shale-derived soil (higher water-holding capacity) was best in 2004/05 (dry season), while the reverse was true in the 2007/08 season (wet). The style and/or quality of Cabernet Sauvignon wines were affected to a greater extent by differences in soil parent materials, relative to Sauvignon blanc. Differences were especially noticeable during the cooler and wetter seasons. Better drainage in the case of the granite-derived soils, due to the higher coarse sand fraction, may have played a positive role during these seasons. | Granite; Juice nitrogen; Shale; Wine style | Vitis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887746789 | Effects of soil surface management practices on soil and tree parameters in a Cripps Pink/M7 apple orchard 2. Tree performance and root distribution | Wooldridge J., Fourie J., Joubert M.E. | 2013 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 30 | 3 | 10.1080/02571862.2013.854416 | Soil and Water Science, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Wooldridge, J., Soil and Water Science, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Fourie, J., Soil and Water Science, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Joubert, M.E., Soil and Water Science, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Effects of integrated production (IP) and organic-acceptable soil surface management practices were investigated in a Cripps Pink/M7 apple orchard in the Elgin area, South Africa. Work row treatments included cover crops, weeds and straw mulch. In the IP tree rows, weeds were controlled with herbicide and nitrogen (N) was supplied in inorganic form. Tree rows in the organic treatments received mineral nutrients in compost, and a straw mulch was used to control weeds. Tree and soil parameters were determined over a seven-year period. Compost usage in the organic treatments led to high soil phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations, but less acidity, than in the IP treatments. Stem circumferences, pruning weights and root numbers were generally greater in the organic than the IP treatments. Conversely, yields and yields per cm2 stem area were mostly lower in the organic, than in the IP, treatments. To improve yields in organic apple orchards the balance between vegetative growth and flowering and bearing structures must be improved, mainly through better control over orchard nutrition. Such control will be facilitated if composts are standardised with regard to mineral nutrient contents, ratios between N, P and K, and delivery rates. © 2013 Combined Congress Continuing Committee. | Compost; Cover crops; Integrated production; Organic; Straw mulch | acidity; compost; cover crop; flowering; herbicide; mineral; mulch; nitrogen; nutrition; orchard; phosphorus; potassium; root system; soil surface; straw; tree; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650715330 | Effects of spectral variation on the device performance of copper indium diselenide and multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules | Okullo W., Munji M.K., Vorster F.J., Van Dyk E.E. | 2011 | Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells | 95 | 2 | 10.1016/j.solmat.2010.10.018 | Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Okullo, W., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Munji, M.K., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Vorster, F.J., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Van Dyk, E.E., Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | We present results of an experimental investigation of the effects of the daily spectral variation on the device performance of copper indium diselenide and multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules. Such investigations are of importance in characterization of photovoltaic devices. The investigation centres on the analysis of outdoor solar spectral measurements carried out at 10 min intervals on clear-sky days. We have shown that the shift in the solar spectrum towards infrared has a negative impact on the device performance of both modules. The spectral bands in the visible region contribute more to the short circuit current than the bands in the infrared region while the ultraviolet region contributes least. The quantitative effects of the spectral variation on the performance of the two photovoltaic modules are reflected on their respective device performance parameters. The decrease in the visible and the increase in infrared of the late afternoon spectra in each case account for the decreased current collection and hence power and efficiency of both modules. © 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. | CuInSe2; Multi-crystalline silicon; Performance; Photovoltaic modules; Spectral variation | CuInSe2; Multi-crystalline silicon; Performance; Photovoltaic modules; Spectral variation; Crystalline materials; Indium; Selenium compounds; Photovoltaic effects | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845640890 | Effects of stocking density and group size on the performance of white and brown Hyline layers in semi-arid conditions | Benyi K., Norris D., Tsatsinyane P.M. | 2006 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 38 | 42559 | 10.1007/s11250-006-4417-1 | Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Department of Animal Production, Turfloop Campus, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa; Department of Animal Science, Mafikeng Campus, Northwest University, Mmabatho, South Africa | Benyi, K., Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Norris, D., Department of Animal Production, Turfloop Campus, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa; Tsatsinyane, P.M., Department of Animal Science, Mafikeng Campus, Northwest University, Mmabatho, South Africa | The effect of housing two Hyline strains of commercial laying hens White Hyline (W-98) and Brown Hyline (Hyline Brown) at densities of 2, 3 or 4 per cage (1100, 733 or 550 cm2/hen, respectively) was investigated over 3 months. Hyline Brown layers gained more weight, laid more but lighter eggs, utilized feed more efficiently and had a lower mortality than W-98 layers. Housing birds 2 or 3 per cage resulted in greater body weight gain, higher egg production, heavier eggs, better feed conversion ratio and a lower mortality than housing them 4 per cage. There were significant interactions between strain and stocking density for egg production, egg weight, egg output and mortality. It is suggested that for egg production in semi-arid areas Hyline Brown hens could be used and housed at a density of 733 cm2/hen. © 2006 Springer Science + Business Media B.V. | Laying performance; Stocking density; Strain | animal; animal housing; animal husbandry; article; chicken; crowding; egg; egg laying; female; growth, development and aging; methodology; physiology; population density; population dynamics; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Chickens; Crowding; Eggs; Female; Housing, Animal; Oviposition; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952184894 | Effects of strain and different skip-a-day feed restriction periods on the growth performance of broiler chickens | Benyi K., Acheampong-Boateng O., Norris D. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 4 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9775-z | Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa | Benyi, K., Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Acheampong-Boateng, O., Department of Animal Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa; Norris, D., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa | The effects of 6, 10 and 14 days of skip-a-day feed removal during the starter and grower periods on the growth performance of Ross 308 and Hubbard broiler chickens were studied in a 49-day production period. Ross 308 was superior to Hubbard in weight gain, market weight and feed utilization but consumed more feed, deposited more abdominal fat and had a higher mortality rate. Overall, feed removal improved feed efficiency, had insignificant effects on abdominal fatness and mortality rate and reduced feed intake, weight gain and market weight. On each restricted-feeding regime, the birds gained as much weight as their fully fed counterparts during the period of resumed full feeding but were unable to compensate fully for the weight loss and were lighter at the end of the trial. It is suggested that for profitable broiler production under tropical conditions, Ross 308 and skip-a-day feed removal for less than 6 days from 7 to 17 days of age be considered. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Growth performance; Skip-a-day feeding; Strain | animal; animal food; animal husbandry; article; body weight; chicken; eating; food deprivation; genetics; growth, development and aging; male; methodology; pedigree; tropic climate; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Body Weight; Chickens; Eating; Food Deprivation; Male; Pedigree; Tropical Climate; Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70049100990 | Effects of substitution of freshwater shrimp meal (Caridina nilotica Roux) with hydrolyzed feather meal on growth performance and apparent digestibility in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) under different culture conditions | Munguti J.M., Waidbacher H., Liti D.M., Straif M., Zollitsch W.J. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 8 | None | Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Sangoro Aquaculture Station, P.O Box 136, PAP-Onditi Kisumu, Kenya; BOKU- University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, 17 Max-Emanuel-Straße, A-1180 Vienna, Austria; Moi University, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; BOKU- University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, Gregor Mendel-Straße 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria | Munguti, J.M., Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Sangoro Aquaculture Station, P.O Box 136, PAP-Onditi Kisumu, Kenya; Waidbacher, H., BOKU- University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, 17 Max-Emanuel-Straße, A-1180 Vienna, Austria; Liti, D.M., Moi University, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Straif, M., BOKU- University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, 17 Max-Emanuel-Straße, A-1180 Vienna, Austria; Zollitsch, W.J., BOKU- University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, Gregor Mendel-Straße 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria | The effects of substituting hydrolysed feather meal (HFM) for freshwater shrimp meal (FSM; Caridina nilotica, Roux) on growth, digestibility and survival in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) were evaluated under laboratory and practical culture conditions. Fingerlings with mean ranges of 26.0-26.5 and 35.4-37.0g were held indoor in aquaria with recirculating water, and in cages that were installed in 800m2 fertilized pond, respectively. Five isocaloric (12.3kJg-1) diets, containing between 28.5 and 31.0% of crude protein, were prepared by gradually substituting HFM for FSM at rates of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and fed to fish in aquaria; tilapia in cages were fed diets at substitution levels 0, 50 and 100%. All fish were fed at 10% of body weight day-1 in three replicates for 84 days. Results indicated that substitution of HFM for FSM at levels above 50% led to significant (P<0.05) growth reductions in aquaria. However, even 100% substitution rate did not significantly (P>0.05) affect growth of fish in the cages. In both experiments, survival was similar among treatments, but apparent protein digestibility decreased with increasing levels of HFM in the diet. In conclusion, at least 50% substitution of HFM for FSM is possible in semi-intensive culture of Oreochromis niloticus, where natural food is available and where moderate growth performance levels may be accepted. | Amino acids; Aquaria; Cage; Nutrients; Ponds | Caridina nitotica; Decapoda (Crustacea); Oreochromis niloticus; Tilapia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878486138 | Effects of substitution of groundnut cake with poultry litter on productive and reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows fed a basal diet of maize Stover | Mekasha Y., Urge M. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 6 | None | School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Mekasha, Y., School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Urge, M., School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | The effect of substitution of poultry litter (PL) by groundnut cake in a dairy ration was evaluated using 20 crossbred (Holstein Frisian x Zebu) dairy cows at Haramaya University dairy farm, Ethiopia. The mean (±SD) initial body weight of the animals was 437.2±54.6 kg. Experimental animals were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments, which included supplementation of concentrate mix containing PL and groundnut cake (GNC) varying at different proportion. Animals were fed a basal diet of chopped maize stover ad libitum. Treatments were: PL45= 45% PL and 0% GNC; PL35=35% PL and 10% GNC; PL22= 22%PL and 17% GNC; PL0=0% PL and 29% GNC. Dairy cows fed PL22 diet had the highest (P<0.05) basal and total Dry Matter Intake (DMI) followed by PL35, while cows in PL0 had the highest (P<0.05) supplement DMI followed by PL22. Inclusion of PL at 22% (PL22) and 35% (PL35) of the concentrate mix improved (P<0.05) basal DMI by 13% and 9%, respectively. However, supplement and total CPI was the highest (P<0.001) for cows in PL0 followed by PL22. Dairy cows fed PL0 diet produced the highest (P<0.05) daily and 305-days milk yield followed by PL22. Including PL at 35% (PL35) and 22% (PL22) of the concentrate mix significantly extended lactation length. Dairy cows in PL35 produced milk more efficiently (P<0.05) per unit DMI. But no difference (P>0.05) noted between cows in PL22 and PL0. Efficiency of protein utilization for milk production was also the highest for cows in PL35 followed by PL22, but least for cows in PL0. In general, inclusion of PL beyond 22% resulted in loss of milk yield, body weight change, and reproductive wastage. The economic efficiency of dairy cows for milk production was highest for PL45 followed by PL22 but lower for other treatments. It is, therefore, concluded that PL could substitute GNC up to 22% of the concentrate mix for dairy cows fed a basal diet of maize stover, and this could be considered as an alternative feeding strategy to improve the performance of high-grade dairy cows. | Economic-efficiency; Milk-production; Reference; Tropics | Animalia; Arachis hypogaea; Bos; Bos indicus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921938676 | Effects of supplementing cassava peels with cassava leaves and cowpea haulms on the performance, intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African Dwarf goats | Abatan O., Oni A.O., Adebayo K., Iposu S., Sowande O.S., Onwuka C.F.I. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 47 | 1 | 10.1007/s11250-014-0695-1 | Department 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, Nigeria | A 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 goats | nitrogen; 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 Leaves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856730758 | Effects of supplementing Erythrina brucei leaf as a substitute for cotton seed meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Sidama goats fed basal diet of natural grass hay | Yinnesu A., Nurfeta A. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-011-9916-z | Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 222, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Yinnesu, A., Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia; Nurfeta, A., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 222, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The replacement value of dried Erythrina brucei leaf for cotton seed meal (CSM) on growth performance and carcass characteristics was evaluated. Twenty-five yearling buck goats (15.8 ± 1.4 kg) were assigned into five treatments in a randomized complete block design: natural grass hay alone (T1) or supplemented with 100% CSM (T2), 67% CSM + 33% E. brucei (T3), 33% CSM + 67% E. brucei (T4), and 100% E. brucei (T5) on dry matter (DM) basis. Supplemented goats consumed more (P < 0.05) total DM and organic matter (OM) than the non-supplemented group, but the intakes were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the proportion of the supplements. The highest (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) intake was observed in goats supplemented with CSM alone, whereas the lowest intake was observed in the non-supplemented group. Total CP intake decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of E. brucei in the supplement mixture. The supplemented goats gained more (P < 0.05) weight than the control group. Apparent DM and OM digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) in supplemented goats than in the non-supplemented ones, but similar (P > 0.05) among the supplemented group. The digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.05) for supplemented goats, except in those goats fed E. brucei alone, than the non-supplemented group. Slaughter weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, rib eye muscle area, and total edible offals were higher (P < 0.05) for supplemented goats than for the non-supplemented ones. It could be concluded that E. brucei could be used as a substitute to CSM under smallholder production systems. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Carcass characteristics; Cotton seed meal; Erythrina brucei; Feed intake; Goats; Growth performance | cotton seed oil; animal; animal food; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diet supplementation; dose response; Erythrina; goat; growth, development and aging; male; meat; metabolism; nutritional value; physiology; plant leaf; randomization; randomized controlled trial; standard; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cottonseed Oil; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrina; Goats; Male; Meat; Nutritive Value; Plant Leaves; Random Allocation; Capra hircus; Erythrina brucei; Gossypium hirsutum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898753975 | Effects of supplementing Leucaena leucocephala and conserved forages from natural pasture on the performance of grazing calves | Ojo V.O.A., Aina A.B.J., Fasae O.A., Oni A.O., Aderinboye R.Y., Dele P.A., Idowu O.J., Adelusi O.O., Shittu O.O., Okeniyi F.A., Jolaosho A.O. | 2014 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 46 | 1 | 10.1007/s11250-013-0476-2 | Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Lives | Ojo, V.O.A., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Aina, A.B.J., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Fasae, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oni, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Aderinboye, R.Y., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Dele, P.A., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Idowu, O.J., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adelusi, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Shittu, O.O., Institute of Food Security, Environment Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Okeniyi, F.A., Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria; Jolaosho, A.O., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2240 Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Twelve white Fulani × N'dama cross-bred calves weighing 83.79±1.16 kg were used in an 84-day experiment to investigate the utilization of forage resources from natural grazing land. The experimental diets were sole grazing, grazing + hay, grazing + silage and grazing + Leucaena leucocephala leaves. The calves were divided into four groups of three animals each and were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets. Crude protein (CP) contents of the forages ranged from 59 to 171 g/kg dry matter (DM). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents of the forages ranged from 560 to 705 g/kg DM and 363 to 440 g/kg DM, respectively. Significantly (P <0.05) higher values inmineral contents (Ca, K, P and Mg) were recorded for L. leucocephala leaves compared to other forage resources. Variations (P <0.05) were observed in the average daily gain. Animals on grazing + L. leucocephala leaves diet had the highest (113 g/day) average daily gain, while those on sole grazing showed the least value (26.2 g/day). Packed cell volume (PCV), total serum protein, urea and calcium concentration showed significant differences (P <0.05). Effective utilization of forage resources from the natural pasture by the calves was attained on supplementation with conserved forages and L. leucocephala leaves without any deleterious effects on the haematological and serum parameters. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013. | Calves; Conserved forages; Haematology; Natural grazing land; Performance | animal; animal disease; animal food; animal husbandry; article; cattle; diet; eating; Fabaceae; growth, development and aging; randomization; season; silage; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cattle; Diet; Eating; Fabaceae; Random Allocation; Seasons; Silage; Weight Gain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903473830 | Effects of three cooperative learning strategies on the performance of secondary school students in physics | Gambari I.A., Yusuf M.O. | 2014 | Chemistry | 23 | 3 | None | Department of Science Education, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Educational Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Gambari, I.A., Department of Science Education, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Yusuf, M.O., Department of Educational Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | This study investigated the effects of three co-operative learning strategies on the performance of secondary students in physics. It also examined whether the performance of the students would vary with gender and achievement levels. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two senior secondary (SSS II) physics students from two intact classes in the selected four secondary schools in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The students were in STAD (n = 48), Jigsaw II (n = 42), TAI (n = 41), and ICI (n = 38) groups. Computer-Assisted Learning Package (CALP) and Physics Achievement Test (PAT) were used as treatment and test instruments respectively. Analysis of Covariance and Scheffe test were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that there was significant difference in the performance of the groups. In addition, students' gender had no influence on their performances. Also, achievement levels had significant influence on students' performance in cooperative settings. Based on the findings, it was recommended among other that teachers should be encouraged to use computer-supported cooperative strategies in the classroom for teaching physics concepts. | Achievement level; Computer in education; Gender; ICI; Jigsaw II; STAD; TAI | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20444440776 | Effects of two pheromone trap densities against banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus, populations and their impact on plant damage in Uganda | Tinzaara W., Gold C.S., Kagezi G.H., Dicke M., Van Huis A., Nankinga C.M., Tushemereirwe W., Ragama P.E. | 2005 | Journal of Applied Entomology | 129 | 5 | 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2005.00962.x | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Centre, Kampala, Uganda; National Agricultural Research Organisation, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, EH Wageningen, Netherlands; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Centre, P. O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda | Tinzaara, W., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Centre, Kampala, Uganda, National Agricultural Research Organisation, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda, Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, EH Wageningen, Netherlands, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Centre, P. O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda; Gold, C.S., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Centre, Kampala, Uganda; Kagezi, G.H., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Centre, Kampala, Uganda; Dicke, M., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, EH Wageningen, Netherlands; Van Huis, A., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, EH Wageningen, Netherlands; Nankinga, C.M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Centre, Kampala, Uganda, National Agricultural Research Organisation, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Tushemereirwe, W., National Agricultural Research Organisation, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Ragama, P.E., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Centre, Kampala, Uganda | An on-farm study to evaluate the effect of pheromone trap density on the population of the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Col., Curculionidae) was conducted in Masaka district, Uganda. The pheromone used was Cosmolure+, a commercially available weevil aggregation pheromone. Forty-two farms were assigned to one of three treatments: 0, 4 and 8 pheromone traps/ha. Pheromone lures were changed monthly at which time the traps were moved to a different location within the stand. Adult weevil population densities were estimated by using mark and recapture methodology at 0, 6, 12, 18 and 21 months, while damage to the banana corm was assessed at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 21 months since the start of the experiment. Pheromone trap captures were generally low: about 10 weevils per trap per month. There were no significant differences in mean catches of C. sordidus per trap per month except for February 2002 when doubling the pheromone trap density decreased weevil catches. Although not significant, decreased efficiency was also the trend in higher trap densities over all the data sets. Doubling the number of traps increased the number of weevils caught per hectare per month from 0.4 to 0.6%. There was no significant difference in plant damage between the pheromone treatments in low-compared with high-trap densities. There were generally no significant differences in weevil populations and plant damage between pheromone-treated and control farms. Possible reasons for the low-trap efficacy in this study are discussed. © 2005 Blackwell Verlag. | Aggregation pheromone; Cosmopolites sordidus; Curculionidae; Pheromone-baited trap; Trap density | beetle; performance assessment; pest control; pest damage; pheromone trap; spacing; Africa; East Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Masaka District; South Buganda; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda; World; Cosmopolites sordidus; Curculionidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880132414 | Effects of urea-treated fibrous diets on nutrient intake, digestibility, performance and haematological parameters of Yankasa rams | Alabi J.O., Arigbede M., Ng'ambi J., Norris D., Shiawoya E., Onyekachi S. | 2013 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 45 | 6 | 10.1007/s11250-013-0368-5 | Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Depa | Alabi, J.O., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Arigbede, M., Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ng'ambi, J., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Norris, D., Department of Animal Production, University of Limpopo, P Bag X 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Shiawoya, E., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Onyekachi, S., Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria | An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of urea-treated fibrous diets on the intake, nutrient digestibility, performance and haematological parameters of Yankasa rams. A total of 48 Yankasa rams (BW 10.00 ± 1.50 kg; 6-8 months old) were allocated into four treatment groups in a completely randomised design (12 rams per treatment). Animals were placed on complete rations of yam peels, maize bran and rice husk treated with 0, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 % urea. The experiment lasted for 18 weeks. Yankasa rams fed with urea-treated diets had higher feed intake (949.88 and 938.04 g/day for U15 and U20, respectively), daily weight gain (227.67 and 181.00 g/day for U15 and U20, respectively) and better feed conversion ratio (4.17 and 5.18 for U15 and U20, respectively). Rams on urea-treated diets had higher haemoglobin and red blood cell contents and higher weight gains, indicating that urea treatment enhanced nutrient supply and utilisation at the tissue level. It was concluded that urea treatment of fibrous farm by-products is a promising feeding strategy especially during the dry season when there is scarcity of high-quality forages. Addition of 1.5 % urea to roughage diets and farm by-products to form a total mixed ration may preclude the search for supplements. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | By-product; Fibrous diet; Haematological analyses; Urea; Yankasa rams | urea; animal; animal disease; animal food; article; blood analysis; caloric intake; diet; diet supplementation; dietary fiber; digestion; domestic sheep; feeding behavior; male; metabolism; Nigeria; physiology; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Blood Chemical Analysis; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Male; Nigeria; Sheep, Domestic; Urea; Animalia; Dioscorea alata; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845619157 | Effects of various durations of water deprivation on performance of weaner rabbits in a sub-humid environment | Bawa G.S., Afolayan S.B., Olumeyan D.B., Ashiru R. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 5 | 6 | 10.3923/pjn.2006.551.554 | Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; College of Agriculture, DAC, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Bawa, G.S., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Afolayan, S.B., College of Agriculture, DAC, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Olumeyan, D.B., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Ashiru, R., Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of various duration of water deprivation on performance of weaner rabbits in a sub-humid environment. Forty eight (48) nine-week old weaner rabbits of mixed breed and sex with an average initial weight of 622 ± 0.12g were used for the study which lasted 56 days There were four watering treatments such that water supply was restricted for 0, 6, 12 or 18 hours corresponding to 24, 18, 12 or 6 hours of access to water per day respectively. The rabbits were randomly assigned based on initial live weight and sex to the four watering treatments in a completely randomized design. Free water intake decreased linearly and significantly (P<0.05) as the duration of water deprivation increased. There were no significant treatment effects (P>0.05) on daily feed intake. There were significant (P<0.05) decreases in live weight gains, feed efficiency and water to feed ratio with increase in duration of water deprivation respectively. Mortality rate of about 16 and 33% were recorded among rabbits groups deprived of water for 12 and 18 hours per day respectively. Results of the study showed that for optimum growth performance, weaning rabbits should have access to free drinking water for a minimum period of 12 hours in a day. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2006. | Sub-humid environment; Water deprivation; Weaner rabbits | drinking water; animal experiment; article; body growth; body weight; controlled study; female; fluid intake; food intake; humidity; male; mortality; nonhuman; rabbit; statistical significance; water deprivation; water supply; weaning; weight gain; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953949563 | Effects of varying dietary protein levels on the breeding performance of Clarias gariepinus broodstocks and fry growth rate | Sotolu A.O. | 2010 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 22 | 4 | None | Nasarawa State University Keffi, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria | Sotolu, A.O., Nasarawa State University Keffi, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria | Breeding performance of Clarias gariepinus under different dietary crude protein (CP) levels 30%, 35%, 40% and a broodstock diet (imported feed) as the control. Female broodstocks were subsequently induced for breeding and were stripped after 11 hours latency period. Weight of eggs stripped increased with increase in dietary protein levels and no broodstock mortality was recorded. Hatchability rate was highest in fish fed 40% C.P (90.33± 0.44%) which was only marginally different from fish fed 35% CP (89.42± 0.01%) while fish fed 30% CP diet had the least hatchability rate (84.70± 0.12%). Advanced frys were monitored for 3 weeks under intensive feeding and frys from fish fed 40% CP dietary level had superior mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio indicating sufficient level of nutrient for gonad development while fry from fish fed 35% CP diet only had marginally different specific growth rate compared with the former (p>0.05). This study revealed that dietary protein level at 35% CP was able to ensure fish growth maintenance, while 40% CP diet sustained the fish further to ensure proper gonadal development and maturation and consequently, superior performance of the hatchlings. | Advanced frys; Breeding performance; Clarias gariepinus; Gonad development; Hatchability rate | Clarias gariepinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891494103 | Effects of water chemistry on structure and performance of polyamide composite membranes | Wang J., Mo Y., Mahendra S., Hoek E.M.V. | 2014 | Journal of Membrane Science | 452 | None | 10.1016/j.memsci.2013.09.022 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Wang, J., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Mo, Y., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Mahendra, S., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Hoek, E.M.V., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The effects of feed solution ionic strength, pH and divalent cation content on NF/RO membrane structure and performance were elucidated experimentally and fitted with a modified solution-diffusion transport model that describes polyamide thin film free volume through an effective pore radius and structure factor. All the membranes tested became more hydrophilic and swollen with increasing feed solution ionic strength, pH, and divalent cation concentrations. Generally, water permeabilities of all three membranes decreased with ionic strength and divalent cation content, but increased with pH. For RO membranes, neutral solute rejection decreased with pH and divalent cation content, but increased with ionic strength and the salt rejection remained independent with water chemistry except for very low pH of 3; for a NF membrane, solute rejection was more sensitive to water chemistry and neutral solute rejection decreased with ionic strength and pH, but increased with divalent cation content. The results presented herein provide new insight into the fundamental relationship between changes in NF/RO membrane structure and performance. Ultimately, these new insights may be useful in selection of already commercial or design of new NF/RO membranes for removal of chemicals of emerging concern in water treatment. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Membrane structure; Nanofiltration; Polyamide; Reverse osmosis; Water chemistry | Effective pore radius; Polyamide composite membranes; Polyamide thin films; Solution-diffusion; Structure and performance; Transport modeling; Water chemistry; Water permeability; Chemical water treatment; Composite membranes; Ionic strength; Membrane structures; Nanofiltration; Polyamides; Positive ions; Reverse osmosis; Hydrochemistry; divalent cation; polyamide; sodium chloride; water; article; chemistry; diffusion; hydrophilicity; ionic strength; membrane; membrane structure; nanofiltration; pH; priority journal; reverse osmosis; water permeability; water treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27644597711 | Effects of watering regimes on aphid infestation and performance of selected varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in a humid rainforest zone of Nigeria | Agele S.O., Ofuya T.I., James P.O. | 2006 | Crop Protection | 25 | 1 | 10.1016/j.cropro.2005.03.005 | Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | Agele, S.O., Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; Ofuya, T.I., Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria; James, P.O., Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria | Host plant drought stress affects plant productivity (growth and reproduction) and insect performance. This study was conducted to determine whether resistance to one major cowpea insect pest (Aphis craccivora, Koch) in identified cowpea varieties holds under different soil moisture regimes in the dry season period in a humid tropical rainforest zone. This information is basic to the use of insect resistant varieties for agricultural development under marginal conditions. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three water application regimes by four cowpea varieties grown in drainage lysimeters installed on the field in the dry season period in Akure, rainforest zone of Nigeria. Two aphid susceptible (Ife brown and Vita 7) and two aphid resistant (IT845-2246 and IT835-728-5) varieties were compared under soil moisture regimes. Reduction in the amount of water available to the cowpea plant (soil moisture deficit stress) in the host plant affected population trends of aphids in the different growth stages of cowpea. There were significant variations among tested aphid susceptible and aphid resistant cowpea varieties on aphid survival, population density (colony size), damage levels and seed yield reductions in relation to soil moisture regimes. A significantly lower number of aphids was observed in the resistant varieties than in the susceptible varieties. Significant interactions between watering regimes and varieties were found for aphid survival rates, biomass and fruit yields in this study. The resistant varieties supported significantly lower aphid survival rates compared with susceptible varieties. Significant negative linear correlations were found for watering intervals (regimes) and aphid population, shoot biomass and seed (grain) yield. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Aphid; Cowpea; Infestation; Tropics; Watering regimes; Yield | aphid; drought stress; host plant; pest resistance; trend analysis; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; World; Aphididae; Aphis craccivora; Insecta; Vigna unguiculata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650195928 | Effects of whey and molasses as silage additives on potato hash silage quality and growth performance of lambs | Nkosi B.D., Meeske R. | 2010 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 40 | 3 | None | ARC-LBD: Animal Production Institute, P/Bag x 2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Western Cape Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 249, George 6530, South Africa | Nkosi, B.D., ARC-LBD: Animal Production Institute, P/Bag x 2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Meeske, R., Western Cape Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 249, George 6530, South Africa | The aim of the study was to determine the effect of whey or molasses on the fermentation quality when added to potato hash silage. In addition, lamb performance, digestibility and feed intake of diets containing potato hash silage were compared with a diet containing maize silage (MSd). Potato hash silage (treated with no additive, or whey, or molasses) and MS were produced in 210 L drums for 90 days and the fermentation quality of the silages was determined thereafter. Diets were formulated and fed ad libitum to 32 South African Dorper lambs (23.5 ± 0.873 kg live weight) for 63 days. A digestibility study was conducted during the last week of the study. The untreated potato hash silage (UPHS) was poorly fermented as indicated by higher concentrations of butyric acid, ammonia-N and pH compared to the other silages. Higher dry matter intake (DMI) and daily weight gains (218 and 250 g/d) were obtained with MSd and molasses treated potato hash silage diet (MPHSd) compared to the other diets. Nutrient digestibility was lower in the UPHS diet compared to the other dietary treatments. It was concluded that the fermentation quality of potato hash was improved with the addition of whey and molasses. Furthermore, growth performance was higher with the MSd and MPHSd than of the other treatments, suggesting that MPHSd can safely replace MSd in a lamb diet at a dietary inclusion level of 20% without any adverse effect on animal performance. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Digestibility; Dry matter; Fermentation; Intake; Maize silage | Animalia; Ovis aries; Solanum tuberosum; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880042718 | Effects of within-litter birth weight variation of piglets on performance at 3 weeks of age and at weaning in a Large White×Landrace sow herd | Zindove T.J., Dzomba E.F., Kanengoni A.T., Chimonyo M. | 2013 | Livestock Science | 155 | 42403 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.04.013 | Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Genetics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Animal Production Institute, ARC, P. Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa | Zindove, T.J., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Dzomba, E.F., Genetics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Kanengoni, A.T., Animal Production Institute, ARC, P. Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Chimonyo, M., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | The effect of piglet birth weight variation on subsequent weight variations and litter performance in Large White×Landrace sows is not well understood. The objective of the current study was to determine the relationship between within-litter birth weight coefficient of variation (CVB) and performance of piglets at 3 weeks and at weaning. A total of 1836 litter records, collected between January 1998 and September 2010 at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Irene, were used. The CVB had a linear relationship with survival at 3 weeks (SURV3) (b=-0.20; P<0.05) and within-litter weight coefficient of variation at 3 weeks (CV3) (b=0.50; P<0.05). Litters with high CVB had more deaths at 3 weeks (P<0.05). Increase of CV3 with CVB varied with parity (P<0.05). The rate of increase of CV3 with CVB was highest in Parity 1 (b=0.41) followed by Parity 2 (b=0.36) then middle aged (Parity 3-5) sows (b=0.32). There was no significant relationship between CVB and litter weight at 3 weeks (LWt3) or mean litter weight at 3 weeks (MWt3) (P>0.05). Weight variation at weaning was positively skewed (skewness value of 0.81). The survival to 3 weeks (SURV3) ranged from 13.3% to 100% with a mean of 87.6%. The CVB had a linear relationship with both within-litter weaning weight coefficient of variation (CVW) (b=0.50; P<0.05) and percent survival to weaning (SURVW) (b=-0.04; P<0.05). There was an unfavorable positive relationship between CVB with both CVW and SURVW. It can be concluded that litter performance at weaning is related to CVB. © 2013. | Coefficient of variation; Parity; Piglets; Survivability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959323429 | Effects of zinc supplementation on laying performance, serum chemistry and Zn residue in tibia bone, liver, excreta and egg shell of laying hens | Idowu O.M.O., Ajuwon R.O., Oso A.O., Akinloye O.A. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 3 | 10.3923/ijps.2011.225.230 | Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technol | Idowu, O.M.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ajuwon, R.O., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Akinloye, O.A., Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | The effect of different sources of Zinc (Zn) in the diets of laying birds was investigated in a 10 weeks trial. Diets were formulated to include Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4), Zinc Carbonate (ZnCO3) and Zinc Proteinate (ZnP) in which Zn in each diet was supplied at 140 mgKg-' diet. Responses measured included performance, some serum biochemistry, Zn residues in tibia bone, liver, excreta and egg shell. Significant (p<0.05) differences were recorded among the treatment means in final body weight, feed intake, egg production and feed conversion ratio. Birds fed control diet significantly (p<0.05) consumed more feed than the birds on ZnP and other inorganic Zn sources. Birds on ZnP supplemented diet recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher egg production, this was however similar to the group fed ZnSO4 supplemented diet. Egg qualities were not significantly (p>0.05) different due to Zn sources except HU values. Serum glucose, SGPT and creatinine concentrations did not vary (p>0.05) due to Zn sources while serum protein, uric acid, SGOT and serum Zn concentrations were consistently lowered (p<0.05) in the control group. Birds on ZnP supplemented diet showed marked significant (p<0.05) difference in the value of Zn residue in tibia bone, liver and excreta of the chickens. The values of the stress indicators were consistently more pronounced in the control group than birds on Zn supplemented diets. For better laying performance, higher Zn retention and alleviation of stress, 140 ppm of Zn in bioplex form (Zn proteinate) was recommended for laying chickens in the tropics. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Laying hens; Residues; Zinc salts | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350271457 | Effects on performance of growing pigs fed diets containing different levels of dried cashew pulp | Oddoye E.O.K., Takrama J.F., Anchirina V., Agyente-Badu K. | 2009 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 41 | 7 | 10.1007/s11250-009-9349-0 | Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana | Oddoye, E.O.K., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana; Takrama, J.F., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana; Anchirina, V., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana; Agyente-Badu, K., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana | The purpose was to investigate the use of dried cashew pulp (DrCP), the sun-dried residue after juice has been extracted from the cashew apple, as a feed ingredient in growing pig diets. The growth rate, feed intake, feed to gain ratio and cost of gain of grower pigs fed diets containing 0 (0DrCP), 100 (100DrCP), 150 (150DrCP) or 200 (200DrCP) g kg-1 of dried cashew pulp was investigated in a feeding trial set up as a Completely randomized design with 4 treatments replicated 3 times and lasting 112 days. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among treatments in the parameters measured. It was concluded that dried cashew pulp could be used in growing pig diets up to a level of 200 g kg-1 without any deleterious effects. Future work will look at higher levels of DrCP inclusion in the diets of growing pigs. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V 2009. | Cashew; Dried cashew pulp; Feeding trial; Growing pigs | animal; animal disease; animal food; article; cashew nut; diet; economics; Ghana; growth, development and aging; swine; Anacardium; Animal Feed; Animals; Diet; Ghana; Sus scrofa; Anacardium occidentale; Malus x domestica; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924066605 | Efficacy and pharmacokinetic evaluation of a novel anti-malarial compound (NP046) in a mouse model | Abay E.T., Van Der Westuizen J.H., Swart K.J., Gibhard L., Lawrence N., Dambuza N., Wilhelm A., Pravin K., Wiesner L. | 2015 | Malaria Journal | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-14-8 | Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; PAREXEL International Clinical Research Organization, Private Bag X09, Brandhof, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Research Development, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Abay, E.T., Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa, PAREXEL International Clinical Research Organization, Private Bag X09, Brandhof, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Van Der Westuizen, J.H., Research Development, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Swart, K.J., PAREXEL International Clinical Research Organization, Private Bag X09, Brandhof, Bloemfontein, South Africa, Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Gibhard, L., Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Lawrence, N., Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Dambuza, N., Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Wilhelm, A., Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Pravin, K., Research Development, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Wiesner, L., Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Even though malaria is a completely preventable and treatable disease, it remains a threat to human life and a burden to the global economy due to the emergence of multiple-drug resistant malaria parasites. According to the World Malaria Report 2013, in 2012 there were an estimated 207 million malaria cases and 627,000 deaths. Thus, the discovery and development of new, effective anti-malarial drugs are required. To achieve this goal, the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State has synthesized a number of novel amino-alkylated chalcones and analogues, which showed in vitro anti-malarial activity against both chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains. The lead compound (NP046) was selected for a comprehensive pharmacokinetic (PK) and in vivo efficacy evaluation in a mouse model. Methods: In vivo efficacy: Water solutions of NP046 were administered orally at 50 and 10 mg/kg using oral gavage and IV at 5 and 1 mg/kg via the dorsal penile vein to Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) infected male C57BL/6 mice (n = 5), once a day for four days. Blood samples were collected via tail bleeding in tubes containing phosphate buffer saline (PBS) on day five to determine the % parasitaemia by flow cytometry. In vivo PK: NP046 solutions in water were administered orally (50 and 10 mg/kg) and IV (5 mg/kg) to male C57BL/6 mice (n = 5). Blood samples were collected via tail bleeding into heparinized tubes and analysed using a validated LC-MS/MS assay. Data obtained from the concentration-time profile was evaluated using Summit PK software to determine the PK parameters of NP046. Results: NP046 inhibited parasite growth for the oral and IV groups. Better parasite growth inhibition was observed for the IV group. The PK evaluation of NP046 showed low oral bioavailability (3.2% and 6% at 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg dose, respectively and a moderate mean half-life ranging from 3.1 to 4.4 hours. Conclusion: Even though the oral bioavailability of NP046 is low, its percentage parasite growth inhibition is promising, but in order to improve the oral bioavailability, structure-activity-relationship (SAR) optimization studies are currently being conducted. © 2015 Abay et al. | Drug development; In vivo efficacy; Malaria; Pharmacokinetics | antimalarial agent; chloroquine; hydrocortisone; np 046; reserpine; unclassified drug; animal experiment; antimalarial activity; area under the curve; Article; blood sampling; controlled study; drug bioavailability; drug clearance; drug efficacy; drug penetration; flow cytometry; in vivo study; lipophilicity; liquid chromatography; male; maximum plasma concentration; mouse; nonhuman; pharmacokinetics; plasma concentration-time curve; Plasmodium berghei; Plasmodium berghei infection; tandem mass spectrometry; time to maximum plasma concentration | MRC, South African Medical Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892679366 | Efficacy and safety of longer-term administration of evolocumab (AMG 145) in patients with hypercholesterolemia: 52-week results from the open-label study of long-term evaluation against LDL-C (OSLER) randomized trial | Koren M.J., Giugliano R.P., Raal F.J., Sullivan D., Bolognese M., Langslet G., Civeira F., Somaratne R., Nelson P., Liu T., Scott R., Wasserman S.M., Sabatine M.S. | 2014 | Circulation | 129 | 2 | 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.007012 | Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research, University Blvd S, Ste 1, Jacksonville, FL 32216, United States; TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; University of the Witwatersrand, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia; Bethesda Health Research Center, Bethesda, MD, United States; Lipid Clinic, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain; Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States | Koren, M.J., Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research, University Blvd S, Ste 1, Jacksonville, FL 32216, United States; Giugliano, R.P., TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Raal, F.J., University of the Witwatersrand, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sullivan, D., Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia; Bolognese, M., Bethesda Health Research Center, Bethesda, MD, United States; Langslet, G., Lipid Clinic, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Civeira, F., Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain; Somaratne, R., Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States; Nelson, P., Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States; Liu, T., Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States; Scott, R., Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States; Wasserman, S.M., Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States; Sabatine, M.S., TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States | BACKGROUND-: Evolocumab (AMG 145), a monoclonal antibody against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in phase 2 studies of 12 weeks' duration. The longer-term efficacy and safety of PCSK9 inhibition remain undefined. METHODS AND RESULTS-: Of 1359 randomized and dosed patients in the 4 evolocumab phase 2 parent studies, 1104 (81%) elected to enroll into the Open-Label Study of Long-term Evaluation Against LDL-C (OSLER) study. Regardless of their treatment assignment in the parent study, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive either open-label subcutaneous evolocumab 420 mg every 4 weeks with standard of care (SOC) (evolocumab+SOC, n=736) or SOC alone (n=368). Ninety-two percent of patients in the evolocumab+SOC group and 89% of patients in the SOC group completed 52 weeks of follow-up. Patients who first received evolocumab in OSLER experienced a mean 52.3% [SE, 1.8%] reduction in LDL-C at week 52 (P<0.0001). Patients who received 1 of 6 dosing regimens of evolocumab in the parent studies and received evolocumab+SOC in OSLER had persistent LDL-C reductions (mean reduction, 50.4% [SE, 0.8%] at the end of the parent study versus 52.1% [SE, 1.0%] at 52 weeks; P=0.31). In patients who discontinued evolocumab on entry into OSLER, LDL-C levels returned to near baseline levels. Adverse events and serious adverse events occurred in 81.4% and 7.1% of the evolocumab+SOC group patients and 73.1% and 6.3% of the SOC group patients, respectively. CONCLUSION-: Evolocumab dosed every 4 weeks demonstrated continued efficacy and encouraging safety and tolerability over 1 year of treatment in the largest and longest evaluation of a PCSK9 inhibitor in hypercholesterolemic patients to date. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01439880. © 2013 American Heart Association, Inc. | cholesterol; hypercholesterolemia; LDL; randomized controlled trial; serine proteases | alanine aminotransferase; antilipemic agent; apolipoprotein B; aspartate aminotransferase; atorvastatin; creatine kinase; evolocumab; ezetimibe; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor; lipoprotein A; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; rosuvastatin; simvastatin; triacylglycerol; abnormal substrate concentration in blood; adult; arthralgia; article; backache; controlled study; dizziness; drug efficacy; drug safety; drug tolerability; drug withdrawal; female; follow up; headache; health care quality; human; hypercholesterolemia; hypertransaminasemia; influenza; injection site reaction; insomnia; long term care; lung embolism; major clinical study; male; middle aged; multicenter study; open study; phase 2 clinical trial; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; rhinopharyngitis; treatment duration; upper respiratory tract infection; cholesterol, LDL; hypercholesterolemia; randomized controlled trial; serine proteases; Aged; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Cholesterol, LDL; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Proprotein Convertases; Serine Endopeptidases; Standard of Care; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903301490 | Efficacy evaluation of a leadership development assessment centre for managers | Jorgensen L.I., Els B. | 2013 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 23 | 1 | 10.1080/14330237.2013.10820603 | School of Human Resource Management Sciences, Workwell Research Unit, Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Jorgensen, L.I., School of Human Resource Management Sciences, Workwell Research Unit, Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Els, B., School of Human Resource Management Sciences, Workwell Research Unit, Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | This study evaluated the efficacy of a leadership development intervention using an assessment centre approach. Participants were 72 managers and peer workers (50%) with a steel manufacturing organisation from the Gauteng province of South Africa (females = 17% and males = 83%). A randomised group design was used to evaluate the programme. The intervention involved a leadership development assessment centre which included simulations to develop a leader. Pre-post intervention data were collected using the New Leadership Behaviour Inventory - Version 2 (LBI - 2). The results indicate that the leadership development intervention was effective in developing the key competencies of a leader. The most significant increase was found between the pre- and post-test for the competency, and articulating vision. Leaders should have a vision for themselves and the company and should share a dream and direction which their subordinates and peers wish to share and follow. | Development assessment centre; Efficacy; Intervention; Leadership; Manager | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875046791 | Efficacy evaluation of flavored combination parasiticide tablets in a laboratory study for the removal of natural Dipylidium caninum (tapeworm) infections in dogs | Barnett S., King S., Kok D., Luempert L. | 2013 | International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine | 11 | 1 | None | Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., 3200 Northline Ave., Suite 300, Greensboro NC 27408, United States; ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 11186, Universitas, 9321, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Barnett, S., Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., 3200 Northline Ave., Suite 300, Greensboro NC 27408, United States; King, S., Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., 3200 Northline Ave., Suite 300, Greensboro NC 27408, United States; Kok, D., ClinVet International (Pty) Ltd., PO Box 11186, Universitas, 9321, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Luempert, L., Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., 3200 Northline Ave., Suite 300, Greensboro NC 27408, United States | A pivotal blinded laboratory study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of two novel formulations of flavored combination tablets against Dipylidium caninum in naturally infected dogs. One formulation was a 3-way combination of the active ingredients praziquantel, milbemycin oxime and lufenuron; the other was a 2-way combination of praziquantel and milbemycin oxime, both administered orally. The study also included a negative control group that received Sentinel ® Flavor Tabs® (milbemycin oxime and lufenuron) and a placebo control group that received vehicle placebo tablets. Each treatment or control group consisted of 10 dogs and the study was conducted in two phases. Dogs were housed in individual pens from Day -14 until necropsy on Day 12. The selection of study animals was based on infection with D. caninum as demonstrated by shed proglottids once before and once during the 14-day acclimatization period. Microfilaria tests were conducted on blood samples collected during acclimatization and only heartworm negative dogs were enrolled in the study. Dogs were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to treatment groups. Male and female animals were represented within every treatment group. Dogs in all groups were treated once on Day 0, within approximately 30 minutes of ingesting a full meal, and observed hourly for the first six hours post-treatment, and then again at 8, 10, 12, 18 and 24 hours post-treatment to determine acute tolerance. General health observations were performed daily for the duration of the study. Dogs were euthanized on Day 12 and the intestines were examined for the presence of D. caninum. One dog in the vehicle placebo group was removed from the trial on Day 6 due to ehrlichiosis. Tapeworms were recovered from 18 of 20 control dogs while no tapeworms were found in any of the dogs that received either the 3-way or 2-way combination tablets, which contained praziquantel. Therefore, the efficacy against naturally acquired D. caninum infection was 100% for both the 3-way and the 2-way combination tablets. Clinical abnormalities were confined to self-limiting gastrointestinal signs observed in both treatment and control groups. | Dipylidium caninum; Praziquantel; Tapeworm | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952960232 | Efficiency impacts of information and communication technologies in the Nigerian printing and publishing industry | Adeoti J.O., Adeyinka F.M., Ubaru M.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development | 3 | 3 | 10.1504/IJTLID.2010.036493 | Economic and Technology Development Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Oyo Road, Ojoo, P.M.B. 5 UIPO, Ibadan, Nigeria; Technology Development Agency (NITDA), 28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Garki Area 11 | Adeoti, J.O., Economic and Technology Development Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Oyo Road, Ojoo, P.M.B. 5 UIPO, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeyinka, F.M., Economic and Technology Development Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Oyo Road, Ojoo, P.M.B. 5 UIPO, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ubaru, M.O., Technology Development Agency (NITDA), 28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Garki Area 11, Abuja, Nigeria | The study reported in this paper examines the use of ICTs and their efficiency impacts in the Nigerian printing and publishing industry. The findings provide evidence of the diffusion of ICTs in the industry, and regression of technical efficiency scores on firm characteristics and indicators of ICT investment showed that age of firm, age of main production equipment, size of firm and ownership structure have no significant impact on technical efficiency of firms in the research sample. Factors that have significant impact on technical efficiency of firms include physical capital, sales turnover, proportion of workers with higher education, and three aspects of ICT investment (viz., investment in computers, investment in computer software, and investment in e-business facility). The results demonstrate that ICT investments have significant positive impacts on technical efficiency, but firms are however prone to adopting hardware without requisite in-house ICT skills and adequate knowledge of software. Promoting ICT investment should therefore, be accompanied by deliberate efforts to guide firms to acquire ICT skills and software in tandem with investment in ICT hardware. © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | ICTs; industrial development; information and communication technologies; Nigeria; printing and publishing; technical efficiency | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000295535500012 | Efficient monitoring of HIV-1 vertically infected children in Kenya on first-line antiretroviral therapy | Bi, Xiuqiong,Ichimura, Hiroshi,Ishizaki, Azumi,Lihana, Raphael W.,Lwembe, Raphael M.,Musoke, Rachel,Ochieng, Washingtone,Okoth, Frederick A.,Owens, Mary,Palakudy, Tresa,Panikulam, Annie,Songok, Elijah M. | 2011 | JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY | 52 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jcv.2011.06.014 | Kanazawa University, University of Nairobi, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr, Nyumbani Childrens Home | "Bi, Xiuqiong: Kanazawa University","Ichimura, Hiroshi: Kanazawa University","Ishizaki, Azumi: Kanazawa University","Musoke, Rachel: University of Nairobi", | Background: Worldwide access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low- and middle-income countries has significantly increased. Although this presents better treatment options for HIV-infected individuals, the challenge of monitoring ART in these settings still remains.
Objective: To investigate efficient and cost-effective criteria for assessing ART failure among HIV-1-infected children on first-line ART in resource-limited settings.
Study design: Retrospective analysis of 75 HIV-1 vertically infected Kenyan children with a follow-up period of 24 months after initiating ART. Plasma viral load, peripheral CD4(+)T-cell counts and HIV-1 drug-resistance mutations were monitored biannually.
Results: Plasma viral load (VL) was suppressed to undetectable level or more than 1.5 log(10) from baseline levels in 53 (70.7%) children within 24 months. VL in the remaining 22 (29.3%) children was not suppressed significantly. Of the 22 children, 21 were infected with HIV-1 strains that developed drug-resistance mutations; 9 within 12 months and 12 between 12 and 24 months. Among the 53 who were successfully treated, VL was suppressed in 33 within 12 months and in 20 between 12 and 24 months. There was no significant difference in VL at baseline and the change of CD4(+)T-cell counts after initiating ART between those treated successfully and the failure groups.
Conclusion: After initiating ART, children may require longer times to achieve complete viral suppression. Plasma viral load testing 24 months after initiating ART could be used to differentiate ART failures among HIV-1 vertically infected children in resource-limited settings. Additionally, drug resistance testing, if affordable, would be helpful in identifying those failing therapy and in choosing second-line regimens. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved. | "ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",CHILDREN,HIV-1,KENYA,"CD4 CELL COUNT","DISEASE PROGRESSION","DRUG-RESISTANCE MUTATIONS","FIXED-DOSE COMBINATION","HIV-1-INFECTED CHILDREN","IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS TYPE-1","RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTINGS","REVERSE-TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITO | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940825986 | Efficient purification of rhG-CSF and its PEGylated forms and evaluation for in vitro activities | Tiwari D., Haque S., Jawed A., Mishra M.K., Govender T., Kruger H.G. | 2015 | Protein and Peptide Letters | 22 | 10 | None | Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Rajeev Gandhi International Biotech Park, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Hinjwadi, Pune, India; Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India; Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia | Tiwari, D., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Rajeev Gandhi International Biotech Park, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Hinjwadi, Pune, India; Haque, S., Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India, Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; Jawed, A., Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; Mishra, M.K., Rajeev Gandhi International Biotech Park, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Hinjwadi, Pune, India; Govender, T., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Kruger, H.G., Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has commonly been used to help the patients to recover from neutropenia inflicted due to radiotherapy, organ transplants and chemotherapy. As the number of people undergoing these therapies and procedures are increasing world-wide, the need for more economical ways of G-CSF production and improvement in its efficacy has become increasingly crucial. In the present study, recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF) was expressed in E. coli and its purification process was optimized by demonstrating better efficiency and higher recoveries (upto 54%) in a multi-step chromatographic purification process, which is greater than the existing reports. Additionally, the efficacy of rhG-CSF was increased by derivatizing with polyethylene glycol (PEG; upto 85% PEGylation), which increases the plasma clearance time, reduces the immunogenicity and requires less frequent administration to the patient. Overall, the present study suggests a cost-effective purification process of rhG-CSF and also proposes its efficient conjugation with PEG for enhanced efficacy as compared to the existing commercially available forms. © 2015 Bentham Science Publishers. | Chromatography; Neutropenia; Pegylation; Purification; Rhg-csf | macrogol; recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor; granulocyte colony stimulating factor; macrogol derivative; polyethylene glycol 1000; recombinant protein; Article; cost effectiveness analysis; drug conjugation; drug efficacy; drug formulation; drug purification; drug screening; Escherichia coli; immunogenicity; in vitro study; ion exchange chromatography; nonhuman; plasma clearance; process optimization; protein expression; biosynthesis; chemistry; human; isolation and purification; metabolism; Escherichia coli; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Polyethylene Glycols; Recombinant Proteins | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745700882 | Efforts by small-scale farmers to maintain soil fertility and their impacts on soil properties, Luwero District, Uganda | Nyombi K., Zake J.Y.K., Esser K.B. | 2006 | Journal of Sustainable Agriculture | 27 | 4 | 10.1300/J064v27n04_03 | Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Noragric, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O. Box 5001, N-1432 Aas, Norway | Nyombi, K., Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Zake, J.Y.K., Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Esser, K.B., Noragric, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O. Box 5001, N-1432 Aas, Norway | Low soil fertility remains a major reason for rural poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. In light of the need to set priorities and formulate development policies, this study investigates efforts by farmers in central Uganda to maintain soil fertility, factors affecting their capacity to act and impacts on soil fertility parameters. Using questionnaire-based interviews and soil chemical analyses, information from 60 randomly selected farms was collected in four subcounties. Farmers use traditional conservation methods like legumes, crop rotation, cover crops, fallow and agroforestry in addition to applying manure, ash, mineral fertilizers and concoctions to improve soil fertility. Most farmers construct some soil bunds. Limited access to supplies, markets, credit and extension service, labor and organic materials are limitations to their ability to maintain soil fertility. Present application of fertility measures are clearly insufficient and are not reflected in soil fertility parameters. Copyright © 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. | Fertilizer; Soil conservation; Soil fertility; Subsistence farming | farming system; soil conservation; soil fertility; soil property; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650691088 | Egg production performance of first and second filial generation naked neck (NaNa, NaNa) and normal feathered (NaNa) birds of a cross between indigenous naked neck (NaNa, NaNa) males and exotic commercial females (NaNa) | Adomako K., Hagan J.K., Olympio O.S. | 2010 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 22 | 12 | None | Department of Animal Science, P.M.B., KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Animal Science, P.M.B, UCC, Cape Coast, Ghana | Adomako, K., Department of Animal Science, P.M.B., KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Hagan, J.K., Department of Animal Science, P.M.B, UCC, Cape Coast, Ghana; Olympio, O.S., Department of Animal Science, P.M.B., KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana | An experiment was conducted to compare the laying performance of first and second filial generation birds (naked neck, Nana and NaNa and normal feathered, nana) of a cross between indigenous naked neck males (Nana) and exotic commercial females (nana) under semi-intensive system. The crossing produced offspring in the proportion of 48.7% Nana (390 birds) to 51.3% nana (410 birds) in the F1 generation. The two genotypes (Nana, nana) were compared in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experiment, with the three villages, where the birds were raised, as blocks and the two genotypes (Nana, nana) as treatments. Each block had 240 birds, 120 each of Nana and nana layers. Nana birds were significantly (P<0.05) higher in number of eggs per clutch, hen-housed and hen-day rates of lay, egg size and survivability, than their nana counterparts. However, age at first egg and egg size to body weight ratio were significantly better in the nana birds compared to the Nana ones. In the second mating, males and females of F1 Nana birds were selected and mated inter se. This produced 16.8% NaNa (202 birds), 54.5% Nana (654 birds) and 28.7% nana (344 birds) offspring in the F2 generation and these were compared in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experiment, with the three villages, where the birds were raised, as blocks and the three genotypes (NaNa, Nana and nana) as treatments. Each block had 270 birds, 90 each of NaNa, Nana and nana layers. It was observed that Nana and NaNa birds were significantly (P<0.05) higher in number of eggs per clutch, hen-housed and hen-day rates of lay, egg size and survivability. Using birds that show the naked neck phenotype in local chicken production will enhance egg production performance significantly. | Chicken; Clutch-size; Crossing; Hen-day; Hen-housed | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24344462085 | Egg traits, hatchability and early growth performance of the Fulani-ecotype chicken | Fayeye T.R., Adeshiyan A.B., Olugbami A.A. | 2005 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 17 | 8 | None | Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Fayeye, T.R., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Adeshiyan, A.B., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Olugbami, A.A., Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Three studies were conducted to evaluate Fulani-ecotype chicken for egg, hatchability and growth traits. In study one, 30 eggs were used to evaluate thirteen internal and external egg traits including egg weight, egg length, egg width, egg index, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk diameter, shell weight, shell thickness, albumen height, albumen weight, haugh unit and egg index. In study two, 165 eggs were used to evaluate fertility and hatchability traits. In study three, sixty-eight day-old Fulani-ecotype chicks were evaluated for growth performance. Mean values for egg traits were 40.73g, 20.25g, 4.92mm, 75.53 percent, 13.03g, 14.27mm, 24.68mm and 0.58 for egg weight, albumen weight, albumen height, haugh unit, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk width and yolk index, respectively. Mean value for shell weight, shell thickness, egg length, egg width and egg index were 5.12g, 0.58mm, 34.91mm, 23.59mm and 1.48, respectively. Fertility percent, live germs at 18th day and percent hatchability were 76 percent, 75 percent, and 47 percent, respectively. Body weight gain in chickens increased from hatch to 3 weeks of age, and afterward declined. Indices of egg internal quality suggested that the Fulani-ecotype chicken is highly desirable. Its good shell thickness may be exploited in reducing losses due to cracked eggs. Mean chick weight increased by more than eleven times within the first eight weeks of life. The present report suggests that Fulani-ecotype chicken has good potential for meat and egg production, therefore selection along these two directions may help to develop indigenous strains of meat type chicken. | Early growth; Egg traits; Fulani-ecotype | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949475648 | E(Lab)orating performance: transnationalism and blended learning in the theatre classroom | Cloete N., Dinesh N., Hazou R.T., Matchett S. | 2015 | Research in Drama Education | 20 | 4 | 10.1080/13569783.2015.1065723 | Department of Art History, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Drama, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School of English and Media Studies, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand | Cloete, N., Department of Art History, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dinesh, N., Department of Drama, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hazou, R.T., School of English and Media Studies, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand; Matchett, S., Department of Drama, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | E(Lab)orating Performance is a transnational collaborative teaching and learning project involving Massey University (New Zealand), University of Cape Town (South Africa), UWC Mahindra College (India), and University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa). The project was devised to facilitate creative engagements between students and educators in theatre and performance classrooms at the participating institutions. By using online platforms to create transnational teaching and learning spaces, the project explored the affordances and the limitations of blended learning approaches to ‘live’ disciplines like Theatre and Performance Studies. In addition to exploring aspects of blended learning, the project was guided by an assumption that it might facilitate transnational cultural citizenship, through which participating students and educators might develop cosmopolitan engagements and openness to cultural differences. This paper critically examines the E(Lab)orating Performance project by providing an overview, a reflection on its various productive mistranslations, and a consideration of its effectiveness as a teaching and learning initiative. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | blended learning; collaborative teaching; cosmopolitanism; cultural citizenship; documentary theatre; selfie performance; transnational learning | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892560238 | E-learning's impact on the academic performance of student-teachers: A curriculum lens | Lumadi M.W. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 14 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p695 | Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | Lumadi, M.W., Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa | This study was planned to explore the impact of eLearning on the academic performance of student-teachers. The researchers' concern with e-Learning was sanctioned by the need for a teaching and learning strategy that can help institutions of learning address their problems and improve on their outcome. In this respect, the researchers conducted an experiment to find out whether student-teachers taught using the method of e-Learning (blended learning) perform better than studentteachers taught using the traditional method of teaching and learning. Findings offers new evidence that e-Learning has a significant influence on the performance of students as student-teachers taught using eLearning consistently performed better than student-teachers taught using the traditional method. Based on this result, recommendations are made to training institutions to embrace ICTs and become more flexible by adopting learning approaches that are dynamic and multidimensional as problems in education are becoming more complex. | Academic performance; Blended Learning; Competences; E-Learning | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903976200 | Electrical performance evaluation of Johansson biomass gasifier system coupled to a 150KVA generator | Nwokolo N., Mamphweli S., Meyer E., Tangwe S. | 2014 | Renewable Energy | 71 | None | 10.1016/j.renene.2014.06.018 | University of Fort Hare, Institute of Technology, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; University of Fort Hare, Physics Department, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | Nwokolo, N., University of Fort Hare, Institute of Technology, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa, University of Fort Hare, Physics Department, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Mamphweli, S., University of Fort Hare, Institute of Technology, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Meyer, E., University of Fort Hare, Institute of Technology, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Tangwe, S., University of Fort Hare, Institute of Technology, P/Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa | The economic development of any community or society at large is directly linked to energy availability and usage. Concern for climate change due to intense use of fossil fuel for energy production has increased interest in alternative energy technologies such as biomass gasification. A Johansson biomass gasifier system at Melani village in Eastern Cape South Africa was installed to assess the viability of biomass gasification for energy production in South Africa. This system utilizes chunks of wood coming from a sawmill industry located nearby, which produces large quantities of biomass waste that pose a challenge in terms of disposal. A study on the implementation of the latter gasification project has been carried out. Therefore this present study aims at evaluating the performance of the system when operated on a full electrical load. A custom-built gas and temperature profiling system was used to measure the gas profiles from which the gas heating value was calculated. A measuring balance/scale was used to measure the quantity of wood fed into the gasifier. A dummy load bank was constructed using 12kW water heating elements connected such that they draw maximum power from each of the three phases. A power meter was used to measure the current, voltage, power as well as energy from the generator during operation. A cold gas efficiency of 88.11% was obtained and the overall efficiency from feedstock to electrical power was found to be 20.5% at a specific consumption rate of 1.075kg/kWh. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Conversion efficiency; Downdraft gasifier; Electrical performance; Gasification | Biomass; Climate change; Conversion efficiency; Gas generators; Waste disposal; Alternative energy technologies; Biomass Gasification; Downdraft gasifier; Economic development; Electrical performance; Electrical performance evaluation; Energy availability; Temperature profiling; Gasification; biomass; economic development; fossil fuel; heating; operations technology; performance assessment; waste disposal; Eastern Cape; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958150855 | Electrical performance results of an energy efficient building with an integrated photovoltaic system | Ziuku S., Meyer E.L. | 2010 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 21 | 3 | None | Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | Ziuku, S., Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Meyer, E.L., Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | A 3.8 kW rooftop photovoltaic generator has been installed on an energy efficient house built at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus, South Africa. The system, located on the north facing roof, started generating electrical power in February 2009. In addition to providing electrical energy, the photovoltaic panels also act as the building roofing material. An instrumentation and data acquisition system was installed to record the indoor and outdoor ambient temperature, indoor and outdoor relative humidity, wind speed and direction, solar irradiance, electrical energy produced by the solar panels and the household energy consumption. This paper presents the initial results of the electrical performance of the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) generator and energy consumption patterns in the energy efficient house. | Building integrated photovoltaics; Energy consumption; Energy demand; Energy efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868459367 | Electrical resistivity survey for groundwater investigations and shallow subsurface evaluation of the basaltic-greenstone formation of the urban Bulawayo aquifer | Muchingami I., Hlatywayo D.J., Nel J.M., Chuma C. | 2012 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2012.08.014 | Applied Physics Department, National University of Science and Technology, Box AC939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Box X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Muchingami, I., Applied Physics Department, National University of Science and Technology, Box AC939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Box X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Hlatywayo, D.J., Applied Physics Department, National University of Science and Technology, Box AC939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Nel, J.M., Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Box X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Chuma, C., Applied Physics Department, National University of Science and Technology, Box AC939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Electrical resistivity surveying methods have been widely used to determine the thickness and resistivity of layered media for the purpose of assessing groundwater potential and siting boreholes in fractured unconfined aquifers. Traditionally, this has been done using one-dimensional (1D) vertical electrical sounding (VES) surveys. However, 1D VES surveys only model layered structures of the subsurface and do not provide comprehensive information for interpreting the structure and extent of subsurface hydro-geological features. As such the incorporation of two-dimensional (2D) geophysical techniques for groundwater prospecting has often been used to provide a more detailed interpretation of the subsurface hydro-geological features from which potential sites for successful borehole location are identified. In this study, 2D electrical resistivity tomography was combined with 1D VES to produce a subsurface resistivity model for assessing the availability of groundwater in the basaltic-greenstone formation of the Matsheumhlope well field in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Low resistivity readings (<50. Ωm) towards the central region of the study area suggest a high groundwater potential, while high resistivities (>500. Ωm) around the western margin of the study area suggests a low groundwater potential. 2D electrical resistivity surveys provide a more detailed subsurface structure and may assist in identifying the configuration of possible fractures which could conduct groundwater into the shallow subsurface of study area. It is concluded that 2D electrical resistivity methods is an effective tool for assessing the availability of groundwater in the highly weathered and fractured basaltic greenstone rocks. The methods provided a more precise hydro-geophysical model for the study area compared to the traditional VES. Results from this study are useful for technical groundwater management as they clearly identified suitable borehole locations for long term groundwater prospecting. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | 2D (two-dimensional); Electrical resistivity; Groundwater; Resistivity models; Unconfined aquifer | Comprehensive information; Effective tool; Electrical resistivity; Electrical resistivity tomography; Geophysical techniques; Groundwater management; High resistivity; Layered media; Layered Structures; Low resistivity; Potential sites; Resistivity models; Shallow subsurface; Study areas; Subsurface structures; Unconfined aquifers; Vertical electrical sounding; Zimbabwe; Aquifers; Basalt; Boreholes; Electric conductivity; Electric prospecting; Geophysics; Groundwater; Hydrogeology; Structural geology; Surveys; Two dimensional; Water management; Groundwater resources; basalt; borehole; electrical resistivity; greenstone; groundwater; tomography; two-dimensional modeling; unconfined aquifer; urban area; vertical electrical sounding; water management; Bulawayo [Bulawayo (PRV)]; Bulawayo [Zimbabwe]; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748927816 | Electricity sector reform in Mozambique: a projection into the poverty and social impacts | Nhete T.D. | 2007 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 15 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2005.11.058 | Infrastructure Services, Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) Southern Africa, 4 Ludlow Road, Newlands, Harare, Zimbabwe | Nhete, T.D., Infrastructure Services, Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) Southern Africa, 4 Ludlow Road, Newlands, Harare, Zimbabwe | The Government of Mozambique, in step with global trends, has embarked on a process of regulatory and structural reform of its electricity sector with support from the World Bank. The reform which is part of the Energy Reform and Access Programme (ERAP) aims to increase efficiency of the electricity distribution services, as well as expand access mainly in the urban and peri-urban areas. This paper takes a closer look at the basis for the reform, as well as a projection into the likely poverty and social impacts of this process on the poor. The paper draws mainly from secondary literature from Latin America, Africa and Asia to compare and contrast the presence of needed critical success factors from past experiences, if the reform is to deliver on its objectives. In conclusion, the paper makes recommendations on how the process could be adjusted to deliver on poverty and social objectives in line with the government framework, as set out in the Action Plan for the Reduction of Absolute Poverty (PARPA 2001-2005). © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Electricity sector reform; Mozambique; Poverty | Electric power distribution; Energy policy; Regulatory compliance; Social aspects; Strategic planning; Urban planning; Electricity sector reform; Energy Reform and Access Programme (ERAP); Mozambique; Poverty; Electricity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904599779 | Electrochemical and quantum chemical studies on adsorption and corrosion inhibition performance of quinoline-thiazole derivatives on mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution | Yadav M., Kumar S., Behera D., Bahadur I., Ramjugernath D. | 2014 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 9 | 9 | None | Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826004, India; Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa | Yadav, M., Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826004, India; Kumar, S., Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826004, India; Behera, D., Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826004, India; Bahadur, I., Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Ramjugernath, D., Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa | In the present study two quinoline-thiazole derivatives namely, {4-[1-aza-2-(phenyl)vinyl]-3-phenyl-2-thioxo(1,3-thiazoline-5-yl)}-N-[1-aza-2-(2-chloro(3-quinolyl))vinyl] (Inh I) and {4-[1-aza-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)vinyl]-3-phenyl-2-thioxo(1,3-thiazoline-5-yl)}-N-[1-aza-2-(2 chloro (3-quinolyl))vinyl] (Inh II) were synthesized and investigated as an inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl solution by using weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The inhibitors Inh I and Inh II show corrosion inhibition efficiencies of 81.5% and 84.0% at a 20 ppm concentration and 95.0% and 96.3% at a 200 ppm concentration, respectively, at 333 K. It was found that the inhibition efficiency of both the inhibitors increases with an increase in temperature and concentration of inhibitors. Polarization studies show that both the studied inhibitors are of mixed type in nature. The adsorption of inhibitors on the mild steel surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were performed for the surface study of uninhibited and inhibited mild steel samples. The semi-empirical AM1 method was employed for theoretical calculations. © 2014 The Authors. | Corrosion inhibition; EIS; Hydrochloric acid; Mild steel; Quantum chemical studies; Quinoline-thiazole derivatives | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871104204 | Electrochemical corrosion resistance evaluation of ferritic stainless steel in HCl | Loto C.A., Loto R.T. | 2012 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 7 | 11 | None | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Loto, C.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Loto, R.T., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Corrosion resistance behaviour of S43903 ferritic stainless steel was evaluated in different hydrochloric acid and the acid chloride concentrations. The experiments were performed at ambient temperature using potentiodynamic polarization measurement. This paper reports the observed electrochemical response of the experimental tests. Different concentrations of the test media were used with sodium chloride addition. Tafel and polarization resistance techniques were used to estimate the corrosion rate and the polarisation resistance of the alloy samples tested. The results obtained showed some magnitude of corrosion susceptibility for the stainless steel at higher HCl concentrations and also in the acid chloride test media. © 2012 by ESG. | Corrosion; Ferritic stainless steel; Hydrochloric acid; Polarization; Sodium chloride | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929429757 | Electrochemical evaluation and DFT studies of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-4,6-dioxo-8-phenyl-4,6-dihydropyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazine-7-carbonitrile of carbon steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid | Belayachi M., Serrar H., El Assyry A., Oudda H., Boukhris S., Ebn Touhami M., Zarrouk A., Hammouti B., Ebenso E.E., El Midaoui A. | 2015 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 10 | 4 | None | Laboratoire des procèdes de séparation, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique, Organométallique et Théorique, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Laboratoire d'Optoélectronique et de Physico-chimie des Matériaux, Unité associée au CNRST, Département de Physique,Université Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kénitra, Morocco; Laboratoire Matériaux, Electrochimie et Environnement, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco; LCAE-URAC18, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed 1er, Oujda, Morocco; Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa | Belayachi, M., Laboratoire des procèdes de séparation, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Serrar, H., Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique, Organométallique et Théorique, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; El Assyry, A., Laboratoire d'Optoélectronique et de Physico-chimie des Matériaux, Unité associée au CNRST, Département de Physique,Université Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kénitra, Morocco; Oudda, H., Laboratoire des procèdes de séparation, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Boukhris, S., Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique, Organométallique et Théorique, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Ebn Touhami, M., Laboratoire Matériaux, Electrochimie et Environnement, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco; Zarrouk, A., LCAE-URAC18, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed 1er, Oujda, Morocco; Hammouti, B., LCAE-URAC18, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed 1er, Oujda, Morocco, Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Ebenso, E.E., Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; El Midaoui, A., Laboratoire des procèdes de séparation, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco | In present study corrosion inhibition property of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-4,6-dioxo-8-phenyl-4,6-dihydropyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazine-7-carbonitrile (CHPPC) in 1.0 M HCl was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization and DFT studies. From electrochemical measurements it is observed that inhibition efficiency increases with CHPPC concentration and maximum efficiency (98.9) was obtained at 1.0 mM. The potentiodynamic study reveals that pyrimidothiazine derivative is a mixed type inhibitor with predominant cathodic action. EIS plot indicates that the addition of inhibitor increases the charge-transfer resistance (R<inf>ct</inf>) and decreases the double-layer capacitance (C<inf>dl</inf>) of the corrosion process, these observation reveal that investigated pyrimidothiazine derivative inhibits carbon steel corrosion by adsorption mechanism. Adsorption of pyrimidothiazine derivative on carbon steel surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The effect of temperature on the corrosion rate was investigated and some thermodynamic parameters were also calculated in order to explain the mechanism of adsorption. A theoretical study of the corrosion inhibition efficiency of this pyrimidothiazine derivative, was carried out using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. © 2015 The Authors. | Corrosion inhibition; DFT; Electrochemical techniques; Pyrimidothiazine derivative; Steel | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944316139 | Electrochemical evaluation of linseed oil as environment friendly inhibitor for corrosion of steel in HCL solution | Afia L., Salghi R., Benali O., Jodeh S., Warad I., Ebenso E., Hammouti B. | 2015 | Portugaliae Electrochimica Acta | 33 | 3 | 10.4152/pea.201503137 | Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, ENSA, Ibn Zohr University, P.O. Box 1136, Agadir, Morocco; Department of Biology, Dr. Tahar Moulay University of Saïda, Algeria; Department of Chemistry, An-Najah National University, P. O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine; Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; LCAE-URAC 18, University of Mohammed Premier, P.O. Box 717, Oujda, Morocco | Afia, L., Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, ENSA, Ibn Zohr University, P.O. Box 1136, Agadir, Morocco; Salghi, R., Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, ENSA, Ibn Zohr University, P.O. Box 1136, Agadir, Morocco; Benali, O., Department of Biology, Dr. Tahar Moulay University of Saïda, Algeria; Jodeh, S., Department of Chemistry, An-Najah National University, P. O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine; Warad, I., Department of Chemistry, An-Najah National University, P. O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine; Ebenso, E., Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; Hammouti, B., LCAE-URAC 18, University of Mohammed Premier, P.O. Box 717, Oujda, Morocco | The effect of linseed oil (LO) on the corrosion of carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique and weight loss measurements. The inhibiting action increases with the concentration of the tested inhibitor. The highest efficiency (98.2%) is obtained at 3g/L of LO. The influence of temperature on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in 1 M HCl, with the addition of LO was also studied. The obtained data from EIS measurements were analyzed to model the corrosion inhibition process through an appropriate equivalent circuit model; a constant phase element (CPE) has been used. Polarization measurements show also that LO acts as a good mixed inhibitor. The inhibition process is attributed to the formation of an adsorbed film of the inhibitor on the metal surface which protects the metal against corrosion. LO is adsorbed on the steel surface according to a Langmuir isotherm adsorption model. The results obtained showed that the linseed oil could serve as an effective green inhibitor of the corrosion of carbon steel in hydrochloric acid medium. © 2015, Sociedade Portuguesa de Electroquimica. All rights reserved. | Carbon steel; Corrosion; Inhibition; Linseed oil | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944865482 | Electrochemical performance of Anthocleista djalonensis on steel-reinforcement corrosion in concrete immersed in saline/marine simulating-environment | Okeniyi J.O., Loto C.A., Popoola A.P.I. | 2014 | Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals | 67 | 6 | 10.1007/s12666-014-0424-5 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Loto, C.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Popoola, A.P.I., Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | In this paper, electrochemical techniques were employed to study performance of different concentrations of Anthocleista djalonensis leaf-extract admixtures on the corrosion of steel-reinforcement in concrete immersed in 3.5 % NaCl, for simulating saline/marine environment. Analysed test-results showed that the corrosion rate correlated directly with admixture concentration and inversely with cube of the ratio of standard deviations of corrosion potential and corrosion current. The 0.4167 % A. djalonensis (per weight of cement) exhibited optimal inhibition efficiency, g = 97.43 ± 1.20 %, from analysed experimental data, or 94.80 ± 3.39 %, from predicted correlation model, on steel-reinforcement corrosion in the medium. The other admixture concentrations also exhibited high efficiencies at inhibiting steel-reinforcement corrosion in the chloride contaminated environment. Isotherm fittings of he experimental and predicted performance suggest that they both obeyed the Langmuir adsorption model. Evaluated parameters from the isotherm model indicated favourable adsorption and predominant chemisorption mechanism by this environmentally-friendly inhibitor of steel-reinforcement corrosion in the saline/marine simulating- environment. © 2014, The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM. | Correlation analyses; Electrochemical techniques; Green-inhibitor; Inhibition efficiency; Saline/marine environment; Steel-rebar corrosion | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907815441 | Electrochemical performance of Phyllanthus Muellerianus on the corrosion of concrete steel-reinforcement in industrial/microbial simulating-environment | Okeniyi J.O., Loto C.A., Popoola A.P.I. | 2014 | Portugaliae Electrochimica Acta | 32 | 3 | 10.4152/pea.201403199 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Loto, C.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Popoola, A.P.I., Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Electrochemical monitoring techniques were employed in this study to assess anticorrosion performance of Phyllanthus muellerianus leaf-extract on concrete steel-reinforcement in 0.5 M H2SO4, used for simulating industrial/microbial environment. For this, steel-reinforced concretes admixed with different concentrations of the natural plant leaf-extract were partially immersed in the acidic test-solution and subjected to electrochemical monitoring of corrosion potential, corrosion current and corrosion rate. Test responses analysed as per ASTM G16-95 R04, showed that the corrosion rate correlated, r = 84.93%, ANOVA p-value = 0.0403, with the leaf-extract concentration admixed in concrete and the ratio of the standard deviation of potential to the standard deviation of current. These identified the 0.3333% Phyllanthus muellerianus (per weight of cement) with optimum effectiveness at inhibiting steel-reinforcement corrosion both by the experimental model, η = 91.66±2.51%, and by the prediction from the correlation fitting model, η = 85.54±14.44%. Fittings of both the experimental and the predicted data followed the Flory–Huggins and the Frumkin adsorption isotherms which suggest prevalent mechanism of physical adsorption (physisorption) of the extract on steel-rebar surface. These support the use of Phyllanthus muellerianus as environmentally-friendly admixture for inhibiting concrete steel-reinforcement corrosion in the industrial/microbial service-environment. © 2014, Sociedade Portuguesa de Electroquimica. All rights reserved. | Adsorption isotherm; Correlation fitting analysis; Environmentally-friendly inhibitor; Inhibition efficiency; Steel-rebar corrosion in acidic environment | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884686701 | Electrochemical performance of sodium dichromate partial replacement models by triethanolamine admixtures on steel-rebar corrosion in concretes | Okeniyi J.O., Ambrose I.J., Oladele I.O., Loto C.A., Popoola P.A.I. | 2013 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 8 | 8 | None | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Ambrose, I.J., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Oladele, I.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Loto, C.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, PMB 1023, Ota, Nigeria, Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Popoola, P.A.I., Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper studies electrochemical performance of partial replacement models of sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7) inhibitor by triethanolamine (C6H15NO3) admixtures on the corrosion of steel-rebar embedded in concrete immersed in corrosive environments. For these, 3.5% NaCl and 0.5M H2SO4 media were employed for respectively simulating saline/marine and industrial/microbial corrosive test-environments. Test-results of electrochemical monitoring techniques were subjected to statistical modelling of probability distribution fittings, goodness-of-fit tests and analyses for detailing admixture performance in steel-reinforced concretes. Results from these identified 6 g Na2Cr2O7 + 2 g C6H15NO3 and the 2 g Na2Cr2O7 + 6 g C6H15NO3 partial Na2Cr2O7 replacement admixtures with excellent inhibition efficiencies, η = 91.7% and η = 90.0%, respectively in the NaCl-immersed concretes. Also, the 2 g Na2Cr2O7 + 6 g C6H15NO3 exhibited inhibition efficiency η = 52.5% that lagged behind η = 72.0% of 8 g Na2Cr2O7 but which both represent good efficiency criteria in the H2SO4-immersed concretes. © 2013 by ESG. | Concrete steel-rebar corrosion; Goodness-of-fit statistics; Numerical correlation modelling; Partial dichromate replacement admixture; Probability distribution functions; Saline/acidic environments | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874961089 | Electrochemical potential monitoring of corrosion and inhibitors protection of mild steel embedded in concrete in NaCl solution | Loto C.A., Popoola A.P.I. | 2012 | Journal of Materials and Environmental Science | 3 | 5 | None | Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota, Nigeria | Loto, C.A., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota, Nigeria; Popoola, A.P.I., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa | The corrosion and protection behaviour of mild steel embedded in concrete, and partially immersed in 3.5% sodium chloride solution, was studied in this investigation at ambient temperature by potential monitoring technique. The work was performed with a digital multimeter and a Cu/CuSO4 electrode (CSE) as the reference electrode. Extracts of pawpaw (carica papaya) leaves and sodium nitrite in different concentrations were separately and in combination, used as inhibitors. This paper reports the observed electrochemical response from the electrode potential monitoring of the embedded mild steel during the experiments. The results obtained, showed a reduction in the active corrosion reactions behaviour of the embedded mild steel in concrete admixed with different concentrations of sodium nitrite and the pawpaw leaves extracts thus indicating corrosion inhibition characteristic. The observed inhibition was attributed to the protective film provided on the steel's surface in the concrete by the complex chemical compounds of the plant leaves' extracts and the reaction of sodium nitrite with the alkaline environment of the concrete and its constituents. The combination of pawpaw extracts and the NaNO2 solution provided effective corrosion inhibition of the embedded steel by synergism. The 100% concentration of each of the inhibitors and when in combinations, exhibited the most effective corrosion inhibition performance. | Concrete; Corrosion; Inhibitors; Pawpaw; Sodium chloride; Sodium nitrite; Steel | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874950999 | Electrode potential evaluation of effect of inhibitors on the electrochemical corrosion behaviour of mild steel reinforcement in concrete in H2SO4 | Loto C.A. | 2012 | Journal of Materials and Environmental Science | 3 | 1 | None | Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria | Loto, C.A., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Nigeria | The electrochemical corrosion behaviour of mild steel embedded in concrete, and partially immersed in 0.2M H2SO4, was studied in this investigation at ambient temperature by potential monitoring technique. The experimental work was performed with a digital multimeter and a Cu/CuSO4 electrode (CSE) as the reference electrode. Extracts of carica papaya leaves and sodium nitrite (NaNO2) in different concentrations were separately and in combination, used as inhibitors. This paper reports the observed electrochemical response from the electrode potential monitoring of the embedded steel rebar during the experiments. The results obtained, showed a reduction in the active corrosion reactions behaviour of the embedded mild steel in concrete with added different concentrations of sodium nitrite and the pawpaw leaves extracts in the acidic test environment. This reduced active corrosion reaction was an indication of corrosion inhibition / protection characteristic. The observed inhibition was associated with the protective film provided on the embedded steel's surface in the concrete by the complex chemical compounds of the plant leaves' extracts and of the sodium nitrite with the alkaline composition/environment of the concrete constituents. The protective film prevented and/or reduced the chloride ions penetration to the steel surface. The combination of c. papaya extracts and the NaNO2 solution also provided effective corrosion inhibition of the embedded steel by synergism. The 100% concentration of each of the inhibitors and when in combinations, exhibited the most effective corrosion inhibition performance in the sulphuric acid test environment. | Carica papaya; Concrete; Corrosion; Inhibitors; Mild steel; Sodium nitrite; Sulphuric acid | None | None |
| None | None | Electronic monitoring of treatment adherence and validation of alternative adherence measures in tuberculosis patients: A pilot study | van den Boogaard J., Lyimo R.A., Boeree M.J., Kibiki G.S., Aarnoutse R.E. | 2011 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 89 | 9 | 10.2471/BLT.11.086462 | Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, University Centre for Chronic Diseases Dekkerswald, Nijmeegsebaan 31, 6560 AB, Groesbeek, Netherlands; Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands | van den Boogaard, J., Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, University Centre for Chronic Diseases Dekkerswald, Nijmeegsebaan 31, 6560 AB, Groesbeek, Netherlands; Lyimo, R.A., Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Boeree, M.J., Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, University Centre for Chronic Diseases Dekkerswald, Nijmeegsebaan 31, 6560 AB, Groesbeek, Netherlands; Kibiki, G.S., Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Aarnoutse, R.E., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands | Objective: To assess adherence to community-based directly observed treatment (DOT) among Tanzanian tuberculosis patients using the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) and to validate alternative adherence measures for resource-limited settings using MEMS as a gold standard. Methods: This was a longitudinal pilot study of 50 patients recruited consecutively from one rural hospital, one urban hospital and two urban health centres. Treatment adherence was monitored with MEMS and the validity of the following adherence measures was assessed: isoniazid urine test, urine colour test, Morisky scale, Brief Medication Questionnaire, adapted AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) adherence questionnaire, pill counts and medication refill visits. Findings: The mean adherence rate in the study population was 96.3% (standard deviation, SD: 7.7). Adherence was less than 100% in 70% of the patients, less than 95% in 21% of them, and less than 80% in 2%. The ACTG adherence questionnaire and urine colour test had the highest sensitivities but lowest specificities. The Morisky scale and refill visits had the highest specificities but lowest sensitivities. Pill counts and refill visits combined, used in routine practice, yielded moderate sensitivity and specificity, but sensitivity improved when the ACTG adherence questionnaire was added. Conclusion: Patients on community-based DOT showed good adherence in this study. The combination of pill counts, refill visits and the ACTG adherence questionnaire could be used to monitor adherence in settings where MEMS is not affordable. The findings with regard to adherence and to the validity of simple adherence measures should be confirmed in larger populations with wider variability in adherence rates. | None | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; isoniazid; disease incidence; disease treatment; health geography; model validation; monitoring; questionnaire survey; tuberculosis; adapted AIDS Clinical Trial Group adherence questionnaire; adult; article; Brief Medication Questionnaire; clinical article; directly observed therapy; drug urine level; electronic medical record; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; longitudinal study; male; Morisky scale; patient attitude; patient compliance; pilot study; questionnaire; rating scale; rural area; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; Tanzania; treatment outcome; tuberculosis; urban area; urinalysis; Adult; Directly Observed Therapy; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Questionnaires; Tanzania; Tuberculosis; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548264707 | Electronic structure of trigonal-planar transition-metal - Imido complexes: Spin-state energetics, spin-density profiles, and the remarkable performance of the OLYP functional | Conradie J., Ghosh A. | 2007 | Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation | 3 | 3 | 10.1021/ct600337j | Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa | Conradie, J., Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway, Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, 9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa; Ghosh, A., Center for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway | We have carried out a detailed multifunctional density functional theory study of first-row transition-metal (Cr to Cu) β-diketiminato ("nacnac") imido and oxo complexes. All the complexes studied exhibit essentially the same d-orbital energy ordering, which is a1 (d x 2-z 2) ≤ a2 (d xy) ≤ a1 (dy2) < b2 (d yz) < b1 (dxz), where the metal-imido vector is identified with the z axis and metal-N3 plane is identified with the xz plane. A curious aspect of this orbital ordering is that the metal d z 2-z 2 orbital, one of whose lobes points directly at the imido nitrogen, is considerably lower in energy than the dπ orbitale. We have determined that the remarkable stability of the dσ-type orbitale owes largely to the way these orbitals hybridize or "shape-shift" as a result of the absence of ligands trans or equatorial with respect to the imido (or oxo) group. Of the many functionals examined, OLYP and OPBE, based on the Handy-Cohen OPTX exchange functional, appear to provide the best overall description of the spin-state energetics of the various complexes. In particular, these two functionals predict an S = 3/2 ground state for Fe(III) nacnac imido complexes and an S = 0 ground state for Co(III) nacnac imido complexes, as observed experimentally. In contrast, classic pure functionals such as PW91 predict S = 1/2 ground states or at best equienergetic S = 1/2 and S = 3/2 states for the Fe(III) imido complexes, while hybrid functionals such as B3LYP and O3LYP predict S = 1 or 2 ground states for the Co(III) nacnac imido complexes. © 2007 American Chemical Society. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925047350 | Electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol and glycerol at palladium-decorated FeCo@Fe core-shell nanocatalysts for alkaline direct alcohol fuel cells: Functionalized MWCNT supports and impact on product selectivity | Fashedemi O.O., Miller H.A., Marchionni A., Vizza F., Ozoemena K.I. | 2015 | Journal of Materials Chemistry A | 3 | 13 | 10.1039/c5ta00076a | Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Istituto di Chimica Dei Composti Organometallici, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (ICCOM-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto, Fiorentino, Italy; Energy Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa | Fashedemi, O.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Miller, H.A., Istituto di Chimica Dei Composti Organometallici, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (ICCOM-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto, Fiorentino, Italy; Marchionni, A., Istituto di Chimica Dei Composti Organometallici, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (ICCOM-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto, Fiorentino, Italy; Vizza, F., Istituto di Chimica Dei Composti Organometallici, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (ICCOM-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto, Fiorentino, Italy; Ozoemena, K.I., Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, Energy Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa | Half-cell reactions and alkaline direct ethylene glycol and glycerol fuel cells (DEGFC and DGFC) have been studied on Pd-based ternary core-shell (FeCo@Fe@Pd) nanocatalyst using multi-walled carbon nanotubes bearing carboxylic (MWCNT-COOH) and sulfonic acid (MWCNT-SO3H) as supporting platforms. The core-shell-shell nature of this nanocatalyst, obtained via the "microwave-induced top-down nanostructuring and decoration", was clearly proven from atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy (ARTEM). The functional groups of the MWCNTs show a huge impact on the physico-chemical properties of the FeCo@Fe@Pd nanocatalyst towards the electrocatalytic oxidation of EG and GLY in alkaline media. The FeCo@Fe@Pd on -COOH-treated MWCNTs showed the small particle size of ca. 7.4 nm, uniform loading of the catalyst on the support, large electrochemically-active surface area and enhanced electrocatalytic activity compared to the FeCo@Fe@Pd on -SO3H-bearing MWCNTs. As a preliminary test, FeCo@Fe@Pd/MWCNT-COOH was used for passive, air-breathing anion-exchange membrane based fuel cells (AEM-DEGFC and AEM-DGFC). The analysis of the exhaust products, established using NMR spectroscopy, revealed a high selectivity towards the complete oxidation of both EG and GLY under benign experimental conditions. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | Alkaline fuel cells; Alkalinity; Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFC); Electrocatalysis; Electrooxidation; Ethylene; Ethylene glycol; Fuel cells; Functional groups; Gas fuel purification; Glycerol; Ion exchange membranes; Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCN); Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Oxidation; Particle size; Polyols; Shells (structures); Transmission electron microscopy; Yarn; Anion exchange membrane; Electro-catalytic oxidation; Electrocatalytic activity; Electrochemically active surface areas; Experimental conditions; Functionalized-MWCNT; Physicochemical property; Product selectivities; Palladium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907218157 | Electro-oxidation performance and photo-structural characterization of induced natural additive on chloride electrolyte thin film coated steel | Sunday F.O., Popoola A.P., Tau V. | 2014 | Journal of the Chemical Society of Pakistan | 36 | 4 | None | Department of Chemical Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, P.M.B. X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Technology Innovation Agency, Technology Station in Chemical, Ga-rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa | Sunday, F.O., Department of Chemical Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, P.M.B. X680, Pretoria, South Africa, Technology Innovation Agency, Technology Station in Chemical, Ga-rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa; Popoola, A.P., Department of Chemical Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, P.M.B. X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Tau, V., Technology Innovation Agency, Technology Station in Chemical, Ga-rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa | Improvement of engineering materials to avert corrosion, toxicity and to enhance the appealing value of steel has led to an enlarged interest in electro-deposition industries. The effect of solanum tuberosum (ST) extracted juice and Al dispersed particulate for Zn bath electrodeposition on mild steel from aqueous chloride solutions was investigated. The electrodeposition was carried out by adding Al particles and ST to a zinc-containing bath. Corrosion tests were performed at room temperature in 3.65 mol dm-3NaCl solutions by cyclic potentiodynamic and open circuit polarization. Characterizations of the electrodeposited coatings were carried out using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) and X-ray analysis diffraction (XRD). The experimental results show that significant change in the presence of the additives influences the crystal orientations, resulting into precipitation of ZnAl3.Si and Zn2Al5 phases. The change in structure can also be linked to a robust blocking effect of the cationic surfactant of solanum tuberosum juice and Al dispatched oxide films which might influence nuclei replenishment and impact smaller grain size. | Deposition; Enhancement; Interface; Microstructure; Solanum tuberosum | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876240875 | Elemental composition and nutritional value of the edible fruits of Harpephyllum caffrum and impact of soil quality on their chemical characteristics | Moodley R., Koorbanally N., Jonnalagadda S.B. | 2013 | Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part B Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes | 48 | 7 | 10.1080/03601234.2013.774230 | School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Moodley, R., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Koorbanally, N., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Harpephyllum caffrum is a medicinal plant and common street tree distributed throughout the eastern part of South Africa. The elemental concentration in the edible fruit of H. caffrum was determined to assess for nutritional value and health impact. Concentrations of metals in the fruit and growth soil were determined from samples acquired from eight different sites in eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to evaluate the impact of soil parameters on elemental distribution in the fruit. Typical elemental concentrations (μg g-1, dry mass) in soil (Exchangeable/Total) and fruit samples, at Umhlanga, north of Durban, were Ca (1221/696 and 3333), Co (2.5/2.1 and 0.16), Cr (35/0.8 and 5.8), Cu (14/9 and 21), Fe (9424/394 and 116), Mg (199/139 and 915), Mn (268/187 and 13), Ni (2.8/0.51 and 3.4), Pb (36/32 and 1.2), and Zn (26/21 and 15). The analytical results showed that metal interactions in soil influenced their availability, but uptake was to a greater extent controlled by the plant. The concentrations of elements in the fruits were found to be in the order of Ca > Mg > Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co. The concentrations of toxic metals, arsenic and lead were low. The fruits can contribute to the health and nutritional needs of individuals for most elements. It has potential to improve the Fe status and contribute towards a balanced diet. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | edible fruit; Elemental distribution; Harpephyllum caffrum; impact of soil quality; nutritional value; toxic metal | Edible fruits; Elemental distribution; Harpephyllum caffrum; Nutritional value; Soil quality; Toxic metals; Calcium; Copper; Fruits; Lead; Manganese; Metals; Nickel; Soils; Zinc; Magnesium; metal; arsenic; concentration (composition); diet; fruit; growth; health impact; lead; medicinal plant; soil quality; toxic substance; Anacardiaceae; article; chemistry; food contamination; fruit; nutritional value; soil; soil pollutant; Anacardiaceae; Food Contamination; Fruit; Metals; Nutritive Value; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Durban; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Harpephyllum caffrum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930248448 | Elemental distribution and chemical composition of amadumbe (colocasia esculenta) leaf and impact of soil quality | Mngadi S., Moodley R., Jonnalagadda S.B. | 2015 | Fresenius Environmental Bulletin | 24 | 4 | None | School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 54001, Chiltern-Hills-Durban, South Africa | Mngadi, S., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 54001, Chiltern-Hills-Durban, South Africa; Moodley, R., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 54001, Chiltern-Hills-Durban, South Africa; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 54001, Chiltern-Hills-Durban, South Africa | The increased consumption of edible Amadumbe (Colocasia esculenta) leaves and bulbs around the world, including South Africa, has triggered investigations on its impact on ones nutritional needs and its potential toxicity. The elemental distribution in Amadumbe leaves and bulbs from eight sites in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa was investigated. The concentration of the elements in Amadumbe leaves was found to be in decreasing order of Ca Mg Fe Mn Zn Cu Ni Pb Se Cr Co. At Tongaat, north of Durban, typical elemental concentrations (in g g-1, dry mass) in the (Amadumbe leaves soil) were Ca (11014 24671), Co (0.2 3.5), Cr (5.2 75), Cu (16 40), Fe (453 21728), Mg (2368 1058), Mn (181 107), Ni (6.2 29), Pb (7.1 135), Se (6.7 5.7) and Zn (62 39). Except for Zn, concentrations of the studied elements were higher in the leaves than the bulbs. Amadumbe leaves appear to be a rich source of many es-sential elements, and macro elements, with low concentrations of the toxic metals. | Antagonism; Colocasia esculenta; Contamination; Nutrition; Synergy; Toxic elements; Yams | chemical composition; leaf; nutritive value; phytotoxicity; root vegetable; soil quality; toxic material; Durban; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Colocasia esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857528417 | Elemental evaluation of some herbal plants used in ghana using INAA | Debrah S.K., Ayivor J.E., Denutsui D., Buah-Kwofie A., Forson A., Nuviadenu C. | 2011 | Der Pharma Chemica | 3 | 5 | None | National Reactors Research Centre, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Department of Chemistry, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Debrah, S.K., Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Ayivor, J.E., National Reactors Research Centre, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Denutsui, D., Department of Chemistry, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Buah-Kwofie, A., Department of Chemistry, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Forson, A., Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Nuviadenu, C., Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana | Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was employed to quantitatively study some elemental contents of some medicinal plants used for the treatment of various ailments in Ghana. The accuracy and precision of the method were guaranteed by analyzing certified reference materials under the same conditions as the samples. Various elements of biological importance for human metabolism were found to be present in varying concentrations. Potentially toxic element when exceeding RDI, Al, was also detected in the medicinal plants considered in this study. The concentrations of the various elements in the medicinal plants have been discussed in detail. | Elemental analysis; Ghana; INAA; Medicinal plants | aluminum; calcium; magnesium; manganese; potassium; sodium; accuracy; article; Astralagus membranaceus; Calendula officinalus; concentration (parameters); controlled study; echinacea pallida; Galium verum; Ghana; instrumental neutron activation analysis; medicinal plant; metabolism; neutron activation analysis; nonhuman; plant leaf; powder; quantitative study; Stevia; Uncaria tometosa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902362340 | Elemental uptake and distribution of nutrients in avocado mesocarp and the impact of soil quality | Reddy M., Moodley R., Jonnalagadda S.B. | 2014 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 186 | 7 | 10.1007/s10661-014-3716-7 | School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | Reddy, M., School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Moodley, R., School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; Jonnalagadda, S.B., School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa | The distribution of 14 elements (both essential and non-essential) in the Hass and Fuerte cultivars of avocados grown at six different sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was investigated. Soils from the different sites were concurrently analysed for elemental concentration (both total and exchangeable), pH, organic matter and cation exchange capacity. In both varieties of the fruit, concentrations of the elements Cd, Co, Cr, Pb and Se were extremely low with the other elements being in decreasing order of Mg > Ca > Fe > Al > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > As. Nutritionally, avocados were found to be a good dietary source of the micronutrients Cu and Mn. In soil, Pb concentrations indicated enrichment (positive geoaccumuluation indices) but this did not influence uptake of the metal by the plant. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate the impact of soil quality parameters on the nutrient composition of the fruits. This analysis indicated the prevalence of complex metal interactions at the soil-plant interface that influenced their uptake by the plant. However, the plant invariably controlled metal uptake according to metabolic needs as evidenced by their accumulation and exclusion. © 2014 Springer International Publishing. | Antagonism; Avocado; Bioavailability; Elemental distribution; Nutrient uptake; Synergism | Biochemistry; Fruits; Lead; Magnesium; Manganese; Nutrients; Pollution; Soils; Antagonism; Avocado; Bioavailability; Elemental distribution; Nutrient uptake; Synergism; Quality control; aluminum; arsenic; cadmium; calcium; chromium; cobalt; copper; iron; lead; magnesium; manganese; nickel; organic matter; selenium; zinc; bioaccumulation; bioavailability; biological uptake; cation exchange capacity; concentration (composition); crop plant; cultivar; fruit; nutrient uptake; organic matter; parameterization; pH; soil quality; spatial distribution; article; avocado; cation exchange; chemical composition; concentration (parameters); controlled study; nonhuman; plant nutrient; plant parameters; plant soil relationship; soil acidity; soil analysis; soil quality; South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Persea americana; Environmental Monitoring; Metals; Nutritive Value; Persea; Soil; Soil Pollutants; South Africa; Trace Elements | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-50849139863 | Elephant impact on dragonflies | Samways M.J., Grant P.B.C. | 2008 | Journal of Insect Conservation | 12 | 5 | 10.1007/s10841-007-9089-2 | Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Centre for Agricultural Biodiversity, University of Stellenbosch, Post Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Samways, M.J., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Centre for Agricultural Biodiversity, University of Stellenbosch, Post Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Grant, P.B.C., Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Centre for Agricultural Biodiversity, University of Stellenbosch, Post Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | African elephants and other indigenous megaherbivores have a major impact on local vegetation structure, including aquatic communities, as their big feet and large mass pound the fringes of water bodies. This disturbance is likely to have a profound influence on the structure and composition of insect assemblages in these habitats. We investigated which dragonfly (Odonata) species were tolerant of trampling by elephants and other game. Assemblage composition differed according to extremely high, very high or high disturbance levels. Dragonfly abundance was greatest where impact was high, and decreasing when disturbance became very high or extremely high. Several odonate species are well-adapted to fairly high levels of disturbance, although too much is impoverishing. Medium and low impact sites were geographically separated, and this, combined with much lower disturbance levels, had a considerable influence on promoting regional dragonfly diversity. Several regional specialist species only occurred in the geographically separated, low-impact sites. The full complement of dragonflies is present only when there is a combination of various disturbance levels combined with spatial variation. Elephant impact is similar to that of humans, with too much of either or both, leading to a species-poor, habitat-generalist dragonfly assemblage. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007. | Dragonfly biodiversity; Elephant trampling; Parallels with human impact | abundance; anthropogenic effect; biodiversity; community composition; community structure; dragonfly; spatial variation; species diversity; vegetation structure; Africa; Anisoptera (dragonflies); Elephantidae; Hexapoda; Loxodonta; Odonata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81255167454 | Elephant seal dive behaviour is influenced by ocean temperature: Implications for climate change impacts on an ocean predator | McIntyre T., Ansorge I.J., Bornemann H., Plötz J., Tosh C.A., Bester M.N. | 2011 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 441 | None | 10.3354/meps09383 | Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Department of Oceanography, Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Postfach 120161, 27515 Bremerhaven, Germany | McIntyre, T., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Ansorge, I.J., Department of Oceanography, Marine Research Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Bornemann, H., Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Postfach 120161, 27515 Bremerhaven, Germany; Plötz, J., Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Postfach 120161, 27515 Bremerhaven, Germany; Tosh, C.A., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; Bester, M.N., Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa | The potential effects of ocean warming on marine predators are largely unknown, though the impact on the distribution of prey in vertical space may have far reaching impacts on diving predators such as southern elephant seals. We used data from satellite-tracked southern elephant seals from Marion Island to investigate the relationship between their dive characteristics (dive depths, dive durations and time-at-depth index values) and environmental variables (temperature at depth, depth of maximum temperature below 100 m, frontal zone and bathymetry) as well as other demographic and behavioural variables (migration stage, age-class, track day and vertical diel strategy). While other variables, such as bathymetry and vertical diel strategy also influenced dive depth, our results consistently indicated a significant influence of temperature at depth on dive depths. This relationship was positive for all groups of animals, indicating that seals dived to deeper depths when foraging in warmer waters. Female seals adjusted their dive depths proportionally more than males in warmer water. Dive durations were also influenced by temperature at depth, though to a lesser extent. Results from time-at-depth indices showed that both male and female seals spent less time at targeted dive depths in warmer water, and were presumably less successful foragers when diving in warmer water. Continued warming of the Southern Ocean may result in the distribution of prey for southern elephant seals shifting either poleward and/or to increasing depths. Marion Island elephant seals are expected to adapt their ranging and diving behaviour accordingly, though such changes may result in greater physiological costs associated with foraging. © Inter-Research 2011. | Bio-logging; Climate change; Foraging ecology; Marine mammals; Marion Island; Southern elephant seals | adaptation; bathymetry; climate change; demography; diving behavior; foraging behavior; global warming; home range; pinniped; predator-prey interaction; satellite imagery; water depth; water temperature; Marion Island; Prince Edward Islands; Animalia; Mammalia; Mirounga; Mirounga leonina | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907077910 | Elucidating the role of different mulching materials on the growth performance of hot pepper (Capsicum annum) | Tolasa M., Eshetu B., Tulu S. | 2014 | International Journal of Agricultural Research | 9 | 6 | 10.3923/ijar.2014.284.293 | Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Tolasa, M., Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Eshetu, B., Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Tulu, S., Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Hot pepper (Capsicum annum L.) is one of the commercially cultivated crops in most part of the world. It can be consumed both in the green states as well as matured. It is important crop in Ethiopia and high value cash crop, the production of which is generally confined to areas were water is often limiting. However, the yield of the crop in the dry season is limited attributing to the soil moisture stress in spite of the maximum sun light intensities. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted in 2014 cropping season at JUCAVM research site under irrigation to determine the effect of different types of mulches on the germination and growth performance of local hot pepper. The experiment had four treatments: Dry banana leaves, dry Vetivar-grass, plastic and bare plot laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) each replicated three times. Data was collected on seedling emergency and growth performance of hot pepper. The results indicated that using different mulches did not show any significant difference on germination and growth performance of hot pepper. This result gives us two conclusion lines: the first line is telling us that using any type of mulching material do not have unique implication on the growth performance of hot pepper. The other one is telling us that it might be because of uncontrolled environmental factors like heavy rain, snow in our experimental site. Likewise, the time for data collection also was early. However, the plastic mulches showed higher mean value in plant height, seedling emergency and number of plant. From this study, it is clear that even though the different mulching materials have no statistically significant differences on the growth performance of hot pepper still the plastic mulch showed better performance on seedling emergency, plant height and number of branch per plant under JUCAVM research site condition. © 2014 Academic Journals Inc. | Ethiopia; Hot pepper; JUCAVM; Mulching; Seeding emergency | Capsicum annuum; Capsicum frutescens | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860830558 | Embracing the mobile phone technology: Its social and linguistic impact with special reference to Zimbabwean Ndebele | Nkomo D., Khumalo L. | 2012 | African Identities | 10 | 2 | 10.1080/14725843.2012.657832 | School of Languages, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Department of Linguistics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Nkomo, D., School of Languages, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Khumalo, L., Department of Linguistics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Mobile phone technology has revolutionised the art of communication across all societies. Access to this form of communication has made personal contact much easier than before, with mobile phone networks in many countries now reaching rural areas where fixed telephones were rare. However, the popularity of mobile phones and mobile text messaging has come to evoke excessive hype and hysteria about the kinds of cultural, social and psychological impacts that the new technology is having. Central among these is the concern about the way that standard use of language and conventional linguistic and communicative practices are affected. The mobile phone presents one area of study in which language change is evident. This article highlights how the mobile phone has been embraced among the Ndebele speaking people of Zimbabwe by discussing, among other things, the SMS language, turn-taking in telephone conversation and naming around the mobile phone. Having done that, it argues that the gadget is not solely responsible for all the undesirable linguistic and communicative developments mainly because mobile phone users are at times able to control technology. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | communication; culture; mobile phone; Ndebele language; SMS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650879039 | Emerging breast cancer epidemic: Impact on palliative care | Merriman A. | 2010 | Breast Cancer Research | 12 | SUPPL. 4 | 10.1186/bcr2740 | Hospice Africa Uganda, PO Box 7757, Kampala, Uganda | Merriman, A., Hospice Africa Uganda, PO Box 7757, Kampala, Uganda | [No abstract available] | None | amitriptyline; metronidazole; morphine; nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent; phenytoin; Africa; article; bleeding; bone pain; breast cancer; breast surgery; epidemic; hospice; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lymphedema; mammography; neuropathic pain; pain; palliative therapy; paraplegia; prevalence; smelling; Uganda; breast tumor; economics; female; health care delivery; hospice care; pain; palliative therapy; Uganda; Breast Neoplasms; Economics; Epidemics; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Hospice Care; Humans; Pain; Palliative Care; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958810394 | Empirical analysis of impact of capital market development on Nigeria's economic growth (1981-2008) (case study: Nigerian stock exchange) | Obiakor R.T., Okwu A.T. | 2011 | DLSU Business and Economics Review | 20 | 2 | None | Babcock University, Nigeria | Obiakor, R.T., Babcock University, Nigeria; Okwu, A.T., Babcock University, Nigeria | This study empirically examined the impact of capital market development on economic growth in Nigeria for the period 1981-2008. The major tool we employed for empirical analysis is a multiple regression analysis model specified on the basis of hypothesized functional relationship between capital market development and economic growth. For capital market development indicators, we considered ratios of value of shares traded, market capitalization, gross capital formation and foreign private investment, to gross domestic product, as explanatory variables, while we used growth rate of gross domestic product as the dependent variable. We introduced an error correction term to capture the flexibility in adjustment to long-run equilibrium. We estimated the model via the ordinary least squares (OLS) techniques. Further, we evaluated the model using relevant statistics. The results showed that while market capitalization, gross capital formation, and foreign private investment individually exerted statistically significant impact on growth of the economy, value of shares traded exerted positive but statistically insignificant impact during the review period. However, the variables jointly exerted statistically significant impact on growth of the economy. In addition, the model exhibited a very high explanatory power and high flexibility in adjustment to long-run equilibrium. The variables time series were stationary at second difference, showed existence of long-run relationship between the two sets of variables, and exhibited stability for the study period. Based on the findings, the study recommended, among others, sustainable development of the capital market to enhance faster rates of capital accumulation for greater productivity gains and economic growth as well as the need to complement market development with real sector macroeconomic policy thrust like significant reduction in lending rates to stimulate investment and manufacturing activities in the real sector and translate capital market gains to real sector output growth. © 2011 De La Salle University, Philippines. | Capital market; Development; Economic growth | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953799754 | Empirical analysis of school plant planning as a determinant of secondary school students' academic performance | Ijaduola K.O., Oni J., Muraina K.O. | 2011 | Academic Leadership | 9 | 1 | None | Department of Educational Management, College of Applied Education and Vocational Technology, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria | Ijaduola, K.O., Department of Educational Management, College of Applied Education and Vocational Technology, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria; Oni, J.; Muraina, K.O. | This study analysed the relationship between school plant planning and students' academic performance in secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. 800 classroom teachers, purposively selected from schools in the four geo-political zones of the state, participated in the study. A questionnaire called: School Plant Planning and academic Performance Questionnaire (SPPAPQ) was used for data collection. Three hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance while the research instrument has a clrombach alpha of 0.84. The reason product moment correlation coefficient was employed for data analysis. It was established that significant relationship exists between school plant planning and students' academic performance. As a result, it was suggested among others that there is need for more provision of school plants and maintenance culture should be improved so as to enhance the educational performance of secondary school students. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927176457 | Empirical assessment of e-learning on performance in principles of economics | Aljamal A., Cader H., Chiemeke C., Speece M. | 2015 | International Review of Economics Education | 18 | None | 10.1016/j.iree.2015.02.002 | Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, P.O. Box 3323, Safat, Kuwait; Monetary Policy Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Central Business District, No. 33, Tafawa Belewa Way, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria; Depa | Aljamal, A., Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, P.O. Box 3323, Safat, Kuwait; Cader, H., Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, P.O. Box 3323, Safat, Kuwait; Chiemeke, C., Monetary Policy Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Central Business District, No. 33, Tafawa Belewa Way, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria; Speece, M., Department of Marketing, College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, P.O. Box 3323, Safat, Kuwait | Abstract This research assessed the effectiveness of online assignments in principles of macroeconomics classes. Students were divided into two groups where the first was required to submit online assignments (treatment) while the other was not (control). Standardized examinations were used as Pretest and Posttest to quantify the online assignments' impact on students' performance. Results showed no significant difference in performance between treatment and control groups. Furthermore, when looking closely at students' performance within the treatment group, results indicate that neither the use of online assignments, nor the degree or intensity of their use tends to have significant impact on students' performance. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | e-Learning; Economic education; Higher education; Online assignments | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651368161 | Empirical determination of the motion resistance of pneumatic bicycle wheels for on and off-road performance | Akande F.B., Ahmad D., Jamarie O.B., Sulaiman S., Fashina A.B. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 23 | None | Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, DE, Malaysia; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Akande, F.B., Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, DE, Malaysia; Ahmad, D., Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, DE, Malaysia; Jamarie, O.B., Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, DE, Malaysia; Sulaiman, S., Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, DE, Malaysia; Fashina, A.B., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Four pneumatic bicycle wheels of diameters 405 mm (16'), 510 mm (20'), 610 mm (24') and 660 mm (26') were tested on three different test surfaces (paved surface, grass field and tilled (sandy-clay loam) soil at selected tyre inflation pressures of 276 kPa (40 psi), 337.5 kPa (50 psi) and 414 kPa (60 psi) with varied (added) dynamic loads of 98.1 N (10 kg), 196.2 N (20 kg), 392.4 N (40 kg) and 588.6 N(60 kg) respectively. The motion resistances of these wheels at various dynamic loads and the selected inflation pressures were compared, to identify the wheel with the lowest motion resistance. On all the test surfaces, the 660 mm diameter recorded the lowest motion resistance measured with an average of 16 out of the 36 total number of test outcomes. The 660 mm diameter wheel, if used, has the potential to increase the pull (draft) and can be used in the development of simple, easy to maintain and low-cost agricultural machines with narrow wheels; as traction member for the low-income farmers and the rural dwellers to boost their agricultural productivity. ©2010 Academic Journals. | Dynamic loads; Inflation pressure; Motion resistance; Narrow wheel; Pneumatic bicycle wheel; Test surfaces | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943813789 | Empirical evaluation of China imports on employment in the South African textile industry | Edoun E.I., Netshiozwi E.E. | 2015 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 13 | 2 | None | Senior Research Fellow, Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Edoun, E.I., Senior Research Fellow, Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Netshiozwi, E.E., Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | This paper is set to generate some empirical perspective on the impact of Chinese imports on employment levels in the South African textile industry. Using regression analysis as a method of inquiry, this paper critically assesses the relationship that exists between textile imports and employment levels as well as between exchange rates and employment levels. South Africa's imports data, employment data and exchange rate (South African Rand per Chinese Yuan) for the period from 1993 to 2011 are used to analyze the relationship between high level of imports from China and employment levels in the industry. Initial findings reveal that an increase in the value of textile imports from China will cause a decline in employment levels in the South African textile industry. | China; Exports; Imports; South Africa; Textile industries; Trade agreement | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949524892 | Empirical investigation of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) performance in hospital buildings in Nigeria | Stephen Nimlyat P., Zin Kandar M., Sediadi E. | 2015 | Jurnal Teknologi | 77 | 14 | 10.11113/jt.v77.6445 | Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Department of Architecture, University of Jos, Nigeria | Stephen Nimlyat, P., Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, Department of Architecture, University of Jos, Nigeria; Zin Kandar, M., Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Sediadi, E., Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia | This study investigates and summarises the results of physical measurement of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in hospital building wards in Plateau State, Nigeria comparing two hospital settings. The results indicate that the mean indoor air temperature in the case study hospital ward buildings exceeded the range of 23-26 °C as recommended by international standards. The temperature levels in the teaching hospital ward buildings were relatively lower than what was obtained in the specialist hospital whose ward buildings lack proper ventilation. The amount of daylight requirement on an average were below 300Lux in the specialist hospital whose façade orientation and window-wall-ratio (WWR) could not allow for maximum sunlight penetration, while it was above 300Lux in the teaching hospital. However, the sound intensity level in both hospital ward buildings ranged between 52.7dBA and 71.3dBA. This study therefore recommend that, hospital building design or retrofitting should employed common strategies towards increasing ventilation and daylight with minimal energy consumption. © 2015 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved. | Environmental quality; Hospital buildings; Indoor; Measurement; Parameters | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896299991 | Empirical investigation of wireless sensor network performance in noisy environments | Kiyang S.T., van Zyl R. | 2014 | Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology | 12 | 1 | 10.1108/JEDT-02-2012-0006 | Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Kiyang, S.T., Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; van Zyl, R., Department of Electrical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose: The purpose of this work is to assess the influence of ambient noise on the performance of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) empirically and, based on these findings, develop a mathematical tool to assist technicians to determine the maximum inter-node separation before deploying a new WSN. Design/methodology/approach: A WSN test platform is set up in an electromagnetically shielded environment (RF chamber) to accurately control and quantify the ambient noise level. The test platform is subsequently placed in an operational laboratory to record network performance in typical unshielded spaces. Results from the RF chamber and the real-life environments are analysed. Findings: A minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at which the network still functions was found to be of the order 30 dB. In the real-life scenarios (machines, telecommunications and computer laboratories), the measured SNR exceeded this minimum value by more than 20 dB. This is due to the low ambient industrial noise levels observed in the 2.4 GHz ISM band for typical environments found at academic institutions. It, therefore, suggests that WSNs are less prone to industrial interferences than anticipated. Originality/value: A predictive mathematical tool is developed that can be used by technicians to determine the maximum inter-node separation before the WSN is deployed. The tool yields reliable results and promises to save installation time. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Electrical engineering; Interference; Signal-to-noise ratio; White noise; Wireless communications; Wireless sensor networks | Acoustic noise; Electrical engineering; Network performance; Signal to noise ratio; Tools; Wave interference; White noise; Wireless sensor networks; Wireless telecommunication systems; Academic institutions; Computer laboratory; Design/methodology/approach; Empirical investigation; Mathematical tools; Signaltonoise ratio (SNR); Wireless communications; Wireless sensor network (WSNs); Sensor nodes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649778038 | Empirical modelling of the impact of financial innovation on the demand for money in Nigeria | Matthew O.A., Fasina F.F., Olowe O., Adegboye B.F. | 2010 | International Research Journal of Finance and Economics | 58 | None | None | Department of Economics, Development Studies, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Department of Banking and Finance, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Matthew, O.A., Department of Economics, Development Studies, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Fasina, F.F., Department of Economics, Development Studies, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Olowe, O., Department of Banking and Finance, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adegboye, B.F., Department of Banking and Finance, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Financial innovation refers both to technological advances which facilitate access to information, trading and means of payment. The demand for money is very crucial in the conduct and determination of the effectiveness of monetary policy. This study attempts to analyse whether financial innovations that occurred in Nigeria after the Structural Adjustment Programme of 1986 has affected the demand for money in Nigeria using the Engle and Granger Two-Step Cointegration technique. Though the study revealed that demand for money conforms to the theory that income is positively related to the demand for cash balances and interest rate has an inverse relationship with the demand for real cash balances, it was also discovered that the financial innovations introduced into the financial system have not significantly affected the demand for money in Nigeria. Based on the results obtained, a policy of attracting more participants (non-government) and private sector funds to the money market is necessary as this will deepen the market and make the market more dynamic and amenable to monetary policy. Therefore, the study concludes that financial innovation has had no significant impact on the demand for money in Nigeria and the SAP era financial liberalization policies have had no indirect impact on the demand for money as well. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2010. | DD; Deposit; Interest rate; M; Money demand; Narrow money; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77149121798 | Employee flow as an integrated and qualitative system: Impact on business-to-business service quality | Lee G.J. | 2010 | Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing | 17 | 1 | 10.1080/10517120903000348 | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Lee, G.J., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Purpose: This article develops and tests the effect of a complete model of employee flow on business-to-business (B2B) customer service outcomes. Methodology: Employee flow in organizations refers to all inflows, outflows, and internal movements of staff, and is a crucial human resources area. However, research rarely deals with employee flow as a whole. Instead, studies generally limit themselves to individual employee flow aspects, such as employee turnover, and limit outcomes to internal organizational issues. This study employs hierarchical regression and structural equation to model the effect of an integrated and qualitative measure on B2B service quality through the INDSERV scale. Findings: Employee flow, especially net outflows, affects service quality perceptions through various mediated relationships. Employee flow affects outcome quality through potential and soft process quality and impacts hard process quality through potential quality. Relationship frequency, supply chain integration of the customer, and environmental characteristics are significant moderators. Research implications: The introduction of complete employee flow as a predictor variable is a research advance and can be extended to many research settings. Confirmation that INDSERV scales have an internal progression is new and informs future model building. Practical implications: Managers, especially in bigger and service-oriented companies, might employ integrated employee flow indices as a practical management metric. The tendency of B2B processes to separate client and customer staff (e.g., through technological bridges and call centers) is discouraged by the finding that employee flow affects outcomes partly through soft process, relational quality. Managers should attend to frequency and customer integration. Contribution: The use of integrated and qualitative employee flow models in modeling service outcomes, especially in B2B settings, is an original contribution, as is the hitherto untested progression within the subconstructs of the INDSERV B2B service quality scale. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Business-to-business service quality; Customer integration; Employee acquisition; Employee flow; Employee turnover; Frequency; INDSERV; South Africa | None | None |
| None | None | Employee layoffs, shareholder wealth and firm performance: Evidence from the UK | Hillier D., Marshall A., McColgan P., Werema S. | 2007 | Journal of Business Finance and Accounting | 34 | 42433 | 10.1111/j.1468-5957.2007.02042.x | Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, United Kingdom; Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom; Faculty of Business Management, Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania; Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, Curran Building, 100 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0LN, United Kingdom | Hillier, D., Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, United Kingdom; Marshall, A., Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom; McColgan, P., Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Strathclyde, Curran Building, 100 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0LN, United Kingdom; Werema, S., Faculty of Business Management, Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania | We examine the financial performance of UK listed companies surrounding the announcement of permanent employee layoffs. We find that poor operating and stock price performance, increased gearing, and threats from external markets for corporate control precede employee layoffs. Layoff announcements elicit a significantly negative stock price reaction, which is driven by announcements that are reactive to poor financial conditions. We also find that layoffs result in significant increases in employee productivity and corporate focus. We conclude that layoffs represent an efficient response to poor financial conditions, but that their occurrence is strongly dependent on pressure from external control markets. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Corporate control; Corporate restructuring; Employee layoffs; Firm performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897430772 | Employee Performance Management at a South African Government Organization | Khan S., Ukpere W.I. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 3 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n3p661 | Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Khan, S., Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ukpere, W.I., Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Performance Management is a process by which the outputs of employees are measured and controlled in order to improve organisational effectiveness and reward employees accordingly. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Performance Management, inclusive of its policies; administration processes and systems on employees and determine how to optimize its current status at a South African Government Organization. Face-to-face interviews and performance management compliance audits were conducted with all Line Managers and a sample of employees in order to determine its impacts on employees and the management of their performance. It has been found that gaps exist in terms of understanding the use of the electronic performance management system, compliance to performance management policy & timelines, pertinent feedback from management with regard to development areas, and a lack of training initiatives to address training needs in order develop organisational effectiveness & employee morale. It is recommended that mechanisms are initiated such as information sharing sessions, feedback timelines and training plans in order to address these challenges effectually. | Challenges; Current status; Impacts; Performance Management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900536218 | Employee performance measurement and performance appraisal policy in an organisation | Akinbowale M.A., Lourens M.E., Jinabhai D.C. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p342 | Department of Human Resources Management, Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Akinbowale, M.A., Department of Human Resources Management, Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Lourens, M.E., Department of Human Resources Management, Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Jinabhai, D.C., Department of Human Resources Management, Durban University of Technology, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Performance appraisal policy has been viewed by organizations and human resources practitioners as an effective tool for human resources management. However, effective performance appraisal policy remains a practical challenge to managers and employees because of cognitive, motivational and behavioural factors. There are various methods of performance appraisal. In fact, each organization may have its own unique policy and method of appraisal. In one organization, it may be continuing and informal where personal opinion of a superior about his/her subordinates may be the basis of appraisal. In another, it may be well-defined and a particular policy and approach may be followed by all managers. Usually the method of performance appraisal dictates the time and effort spent by both supervisors and employees and determines which areas of performance are emphasized. Ideally, a performance appraisal policy should be objective, accurate and easy to perform. | Appraisal; Concepts; Employee; Measurement; Perception; Performance; Policy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84955251161 | Employee turnover rate and organizational performance in South Africa | Rijamampianina R. | 2015 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 13 | 4 | None | Management Advancement Programmes, Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa | Rijamampianina, R., Management Advancement Programmes, Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa | Within the business community, employee turnover is widely assumed to affect organizational performance. Different variations of this relationship have been proposed over the years. This study seeks to confirm if a curvilinear relationship exists between employee turnover rates and organizational performance that could inform an optimal employee turnover rate for organizations in South Africa. To this purpose, a cross-sectional study that collected quantitative data through the use of a self-administered questionnaire was employed. Through multiple linear and nonlinear regression, the results indicate that voluntary employee turnover rate significantly predicted financial and organizational performance through a cubic function. The optimal functional voluntary employee turnover rate for organizations in South Africa was calculated to be between 14 and 19%. © Rasoava Rijamampianina, 2015. | Curvilinear; Employee turnover rate; Optimal; Organizational performance; Voluntary turnover | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000308629800019 | Empowering Professional Soccer Players in South Africa: Evaluation of Project Ithuseng | Draper, Catherine E.,Forbes, Jared,Lambert, Mike I.,Taylor, Gill | 2012 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCE & COACHING | 7 | 3 | None | University of Cape Town, Sports Sci Inst S Africa | "Draper, Catherine E.: University of Cape Town","Forbes, Jared: University of Cape Town","Lambert, Mike I.: University of Cape Town" | The aim of this study was to evaluate Project Ithuseng, a life skills programme for professional soccer players in South Africa (SA). Prior to implementation, a needs assessment questionnaire was administered to all players, and seven focus groups were conducted with players. A life skills questionnaire was administered to all players pre- and post-implementation (n=123). Post-implementation, seven focus groups and nine key informant interviews were conducted. Priority issues identified in the formative evaluation were planning for the future, leadership, communication, teamwork, self-confidence, taking responsibility and financial skills. Post-implementation focus groups revealed that Project Ithuseng was generally perceived as beneficial for players. The main factor influencing successful implementation was the support of team management. There was a significant difference between pre- and post-implementation scores on the life skills questionnaire (p=0.046). Through encouraging collaboration between soccer stakeholders in SA, Project Ithuseng has created a platform for future work in this area. | "association football","life skills","programme evaluation",SOCCER,CONTEXT,EDUCATION,IMPACT,"LIFE-SKILLS PROGRAM",PREVENTION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903146983 | EM programmer's notebook: On alternative evaluations of the integrals Cin(z) and Si(z) | Davidson D.B., Mahony J.D. | 2014 | IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine | 56 | 2 | 10.1109/MAP.2014.6837079 | Dept. e and e Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; 5 Bluewater View, Mount Pleasant, Christchurch 8081, New Zealand | Davidson, D.B., Dept. e and e Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Mahony, J.D., 5 Bluewater View, Mount Pleasant, Christchurch 8081, New Zealand | A method is proposed for the evaluation of the integrals Cin(z) and Si(z), using integer-order Bessel functions. The results add to the repertoire, and are well suited for use in Excel spreadsheet applications, where functions of the Bessel type are part of an easily accessible library. © 1990-2011 IEEE. | None | Antennas; Condensed matter physics; Excel spreadsheets; Silicon | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-10444282107 | Enclave tourism and its socio-economic impacts in the Okavango Delta, Botswana | Mbaiwa J.E. | 2005 | Tourism Management | 26 | 2 | 10.1016/j.tourman.2003.11.005 | H. Oppenheimer Okavango Res. Centre, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana | Mbaiwa, J.E., H. Oppenheimer Okavango Res. Centre, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana | This paper draws on the dependency paradigm to explain the development of enclave tourism and its socio-economic impacts in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Using both primary and secondary data source, the study indicates that international tourists, foreign safari companies and investors dominate the tourism industry in the Okavango Delta. The foreign domination and ownership of tourism facilities has led to the repatriation of tourism revenue, domination of management positions by expatriates, lower salaries for citizen workers, and a general failure by tourism to significantly contribute to rural poverty alleviation in the Okavango region. Tourism as a result has a minimal economic impact on rural development mainly because it has weak linkages with the domestic economy, particularly agriculture. Because of its nature, tourism in the Okavango Delta cannot be described as being sustainable from a socio-economic perspective. In order to address problems of enclave tourism development and promote more inclusive and beneficial tourism development in the Okavango, there is need to adopt policies and strategies that will ensure that substantial amounts of tourism revenue are retained in the Okavango and Botswana. These strategies should also ensure that tourism development in the Okavango Delta has strong linkages with the rest of the economy in Botswana. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Dependency paradigm; Enclave tourism; International and domestic tourism; Okavango Delta; Poverty; Sustainable development | international tourism; rural economy; socioeconomic impact; sustainable development; tourism development; Africa; Botswana; Eastern Hemisphere; Okavango Delta; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950956880 | Endocrine correlates of musth and the impact of ecological and social factors in free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana) | Ganswindt A., Muenscher S., Henley M., Henley S., Heistermann M., Palme R., Thompson P., Bertschinger H. | 2010 | Hormones and Behavior | 57 | 42465 | 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.02.009 | Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Reproductive Biology Unit, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Applied Behavioural Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X5, Florida 1710, South Africa; Save the Elephants, Transboundary Elephant Research Programme, P.O. Box 960, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences-Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria | Ganswindt, A., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Reproductive Biology Unit, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Muenscher, S., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Henley, M., Applied Behavioural Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X5, Florida 1710, South Africa, Save the Elephants, Transboundary Elephant Research Programme, P.O. Box 960, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa; Henley, S., Applied Behavioural Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X5, Florida 1710, South Africa, Save the Elephants, Transboundary Elephant Research Programme, P.O. Box 960, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa; Heistermann, M., Reproductive Biology Unit, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Palme, R., Department of Biomedical Sciences-Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; Thompson, P., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Bertschinger, H., Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa | Sexual activity in mature male African elephants is predominantly associated with the occurrence of musth, a state or condition which refers to a set of physical, physiological and behavioral characteristics, including an elevation in androgen levels. Although musth appears to be energetically costly, the degree to which it is associated with changes in adrenal endocrine function (e.g., glucocorticoid output) is still unclear. To investigate the possible effect of musth on adrenocortical function, and the impact of socioecological changes on androgen and glucocorticoid levels, six adult African elephant bulls were followed for 13. months in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and observations and fecal sample collection for endocrine monitoring was carried out about twice weekly. Our data showed that the occurrence of musth was associated with reduced glucocorticoid output, suggesting that musth does not represent a physiological stress mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This confirms previous findings in captive-housed animals, providing evidence for a suppressive effect of the musth condition on adrenocortical activity. Furthermore, a seasonal effect on androgen and glucocorticoid levels was found, which appears to vary depending on the reproductive status of the animal. The results also indicate a relationship between the presence or absence of social partners and changes in testicular and adrenal endocrine activity. Finally, the data confirm previous findings in captive-housed elephants, that an elevation in androgen concentrations usually occurs before the onset of physical musth signs, and therefore support the idea that the change in androgen levels represents the initial stimulus for the musth condition. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. | African elephant; Association; Cortisol; Enzyme immunoassay; Kruger National Park; Loxodonta africana; Male reproduction; Season; Stress; Testosterone | androgen; glucocorticoid; adrenal cortex; adult animal; animal behavior; animal experiment; article; controlled study; ecology; elephant; endocrine system; hypothalamus hypophysis adrenal system; male; musth; nonhuman; priority journal; sexual behavior; social aspect; South Africa; stress; Androgens; Animals; Animals, Wild; Animals, Zoo; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Elephants; Environment; Feces; Female; Glucocorticoids; Male; Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Social Environment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910135346 | Energy absorption and ballistic limit of nanocomposite laminates subjected to impact loading | Balaganesan G., Velmurugan R., Srinivasan M., Gupta N.K., Kanny K. | 2014 | International Journal of Impact Engineering | 74 | None | 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2014.02.017 | Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; SERC, IISc Bangalore, India; Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Delhi, India; Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | Balaganesan, G., Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; Velmurugan, R., Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; Srinivasan, M., Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; Gupta, N.K., SERC, IISc Bangalore, India, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Delhi, India; Kanny, K., Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | Composite laminates made of glass/epoxy with and without nano fillers were subjected to projectile impact. The laminates of different thicknesses were prepared by hand lay-up and compression molding processes. Laminates were made from glass woven roving mats of 610 gsm, epoxy resin and nano clay of 1-5 wt.% of matrix. A piston type gas gun setup was used to impact a spherical nose projectile of diameter 9.5 mm and mass of 7.6 g, on the nanocomposite laminates at impact velocities in the range of their ballistic limit and above. The energy absorbed during penetration and ballistic limit of the nanocomposite laminates were studied both experimentally and analytically. The analytical model also predicts the energy absorbed in various failure modes due to tensile failure of primary fibers, deformation of secondary fibers, delamination and matrix crack. Mechanical properties like tensile modulus, stress-strain function, shear modulus, and strain energy release rate were used as input to the analytical model. Laminates of three, five and eight layers have been considered for the analysis. The effect of clay dispersion in the matrix for different failure modes is discussed. Ballistic limit obtained from the model is validated with experimental results and good agreement is found. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Ballistic limit; Energy absorption; Impact damage; Impact loading; Nanocomposites | Analytical models; Ballistics; Compression molding; Elastic moduli; Energy absorption; Epoxy resins; Failure (mechanical); Glass; Laminated composites; Mechanical properties; Nanocomposites; Projectiles; Strain; Strain rate; Stresses; Ballistic Limit; Composite laminate; Compression molding process; Impact damages; Impact loadings; Impact velocities; Projectile impact; Stress-strain functions; Laminates | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910049227 | Energy consumption and QoS performances to compare combined routing protocol and mobility model for cbr traffic in manet | El-Kafhali S., Hanini M., Haqiq A. | 2014 | Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology | 69 | 1 | None | Department of Computer Engineering and Telecommunications, National School of Applied Sciences, Khouribga, Taiwan; Hassan 1st University, Computer, Networks, Mobility and Modeling laboratory, Taiwan; Department of Mathematics and Computer, Settat, Taiwan; Hassan 1st University, e-NGN Research group, South Africa | El-Kafhali, S., Department of Computer Engineering and Telecommunications, National School of Applied Sciences, Khouribga, Taiwan, Hassan 1st University, Computer, Networks, Mobility and Modeling laboratory, Taiwan, Hassan 1st University, e-NGN Research group, South Africa; Hanini, M., Hassan 1st University, Computer, Networks, Mobility and Modeling laboratory, Taiwan, Department of Mathematics and Computer, Settat, Taiwan, Hassan 1st University, e-NGN Research group, South Africa; Haqiq, A., Hassan 1st University, Computer, Networks, Mobility and Modeling laboratory, Taiwan, Department of Mathematics and Computer, Settat, Taiwan, Hassan 1st University, e-NGN Research group, South Africa | A Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) has the property to be formed dynamically by a system of mobile nodes which are connected via wireless links with no centralized administration. All nodes can be mobile resulting in a possibly dynamic network topology. Two of the major problems in this network are energy consumption and Quality of Service (QoS) related to traffic requirements. This paper aims to explore the performances of the combination of routing protocol and mobility model in terms of QoS relating to CBR traffic and to network lifetime. Hence, simulations have been performed to evaluate the performance of AODV, DSR and DSDV routing protocols under various mobility models. The mobility models used in this work are Random Waypoint, Reference Point Group and Manhattan Grid. Obtained results show that the best combination protocol/mobility depends on the average speed of nodes. © 2005-2014 JATIT & LLS. All rights reserved. | CBR Traffic; Energy Consumption; MANET; Mobility Models; NS-2; QoS Parameters; Routing Protocols | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937395866 | Energy consumption, institutional quality and the performance of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria (1999-2013) | Edame G.E., Oko O.B. | 2015 | International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy | 5 | 3 | None | Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Edame, G.E., Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria; Oko, O.B., Department of Economics, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | This study assessed the effect of energy consumption and institutional quality, on the performance of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria between 1999 and 2013 through the use of the ordinary least square technique. The study used three measures of institutional quality: Economic freedom index, corruption perception index and contract intensive money. On the other hand, the industrial sector consumption of electricity (CSL), the total consumption of gas (GCS) and the total consumption of petroleum (PCN) were used as proxies for the consumption of energy. The results of the study show that industrial sector consumption of electricity, petroleum and gas do not have a significant impact on manufacturing sector performance. The results also indicated that the level of corruption perception has a significant effect on the performance of the manufacturing sector. Based on this, the study makes several recommendations including: the improvement in the country’s capacity to refine petroleum products; the maintenance of the current policy stand in the electricity industry by the new government; the removal of executive interference in the operations of the country’s institutions. © 2015, Econjournals. All right resurved. | Energy consumption; Ordinary least squares; İnstitutional quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903778139 | Energy efficient environment monitoring system based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for low cost requirements | Kumar A., Hancke G.P. | 2014 | IEEE Sensors Journal | 14 | 8 | 10.1109/JSEN.2014.2313348 | Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, South Africa; Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong | Kumar, A., Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, South Africa; Hancke, G.P., Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, South Africa, Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong | Power consumption, portability, and system cost are important parameters in designing pervasive measurement systems. With these parameters in mind, wireless environment monitoring system with a capability to monitor greenhouse gases, such as CO, {\rm CO}-{2} , {\rm SO}-{\rm x} , {\rm NO}-{\rm x} , {\rm O}-{2} with environmental parameter is developed. In order to achieve the target design goals, the communication module, the wireless smart transducer interface module, and wireless network capable application processor module were developed based on the IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 1451.2, and IEEE 1451.1 standards, respectively. The low cost and energy efficient gas sensing modules were successfully developed with improved tolerance to EMF/RFI noise. We defined recalibration of the system at time intervals to ensure that the desired accuracy is maintained. This paper presents the undertaken design detailing solutions to issues raised in previous research. © 2001-2012 IEEE. | electrochemical gas sensor array; IEEE 802.15.4standard; network capable application processor; Smart sensor, smart transducer interfacemodule | Energy efficiency; Greenhouse gases; Monitoring; Transducers; Electrochemical gas sensors; Environment monitoring system; Environmental parameter; IEEE 802.15.4 standards; IEEE 802.15.4standard; Network capable application processor; Smart transducer interface modules; Smart transducers; Standards | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956350487 | Engaging sport-for-development for social impact in the South African context | Burnett C. | 2009 | Sport in Society | 12 | 9 | 10.1080/17430430903137852 | Department of Sport and Movement Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Burnett, C., Department of Sport and Movement Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | The politics of development ideology and global leadership set the scene for sport (for) development in South Africa. Academic inquiry followed in an ad hoc way, mostly in the wake of contracted and/or externally and diverse disciplinary infused research paradigms. Diverse research agenda and donor requirements set the scene for Participatory Action Research as an enabling tool for researchers, funders and research participants whereby indigenous knowledge systems can be accessed and enriched in a collaborative venture of knowledge production. Four case studies of sport-for-development projects in the South African context explain the evolving architecture in this field. A discussion of three distinct and interrelated models, based on the rationale of Mintzberg (2006), affords insights within a social capital framework of a top-down, bottom-up and outside-in approach in various integrated formats. It is apparent that social impact and networking evolved around strategic alliance formation and development agendas of major stakeholders. © 2009 Taylor & Francis. | None | None | ASC, Australian Agency for International Development; AusAID, Australian Agency for International Development |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857012370 | Engineering of microbial proteases: Improving stability and catalytic performances | Mienda B.S., Yahya A. | 2012 | IIOAB Journal | 2 | 8 | None | Department of Biological sciences Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience and Bioengineering University Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia | Mienda, B.S., Department of Biological sciences Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria, Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience and Bioengineering University Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia; Yahya, A., Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience and Bioengineering University Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia | Proteolytic enzymes are becoming more ubiquitous as bacteria and fungi. Some proteases from microbial sources are industrially important enzymes but often have to be improved for their catalytic efficiency and stabilities in solvents and temperature at industrial scales in order to suit their applications. Research on protein engineering of microbial proteases to improve their stability and catalytic performances have been extensively conducted by various researchers across the globe using different molecular approaches vis a vis site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) and directed evolutions (DE). SDM has been extremely useful in substitution of important amino acids of microbial proteases; though its major obstacle is that it is imperative to know the three dimensional (3D) structure of the protease in question. Directed evolutions (DE) subsequently emerged as an alternative to SDM, since the knowledge of the enzymes 3D structure is less significant, though its major drawback has been the creation of large mutant libraries and high through put screening of mutant with desired properties. To overcome the drawback of DE, a flow cytometry based screening system have been recently developed which may likely pave way for efficient and fastest way of screening of mutants with improved desired properties. Sometimes these two approaches can be applied concurrently to obtain enzymes with novel properties. This review aimed at gathering the disperse literature on the approaches where bacteria and fungi have been chosen as sources of microbial proteases. A recent flow cytometry based screening system for DE of proteases has also been reported. | Cytometry; Enzymes; Microbes; Proteases | alanine; alpha levo fucosidase; amidase; aqualysin I; aspartate aminotransferase; aspartic acid; aspartic proteinase; aspergillopepsin; bacterial enzyme; beta galactosidase; beta lactamase; cysteine; dihydropyrimidinase; esterase; fructose bisphosphate aldolase; fungal enzyme; glycine; leucine; methionine; pepsin A; peroxidase; protein LasA; proteinase; serine; serine proteinase; subtilisin; triacylglycerol lipase; unclassified drug; amino acid substitution; article; Aspergillus oryzae; aspergillus saitoi; Bacillus subtilis; catalysis; directed molecular evolution; Eggerthella lenta; enzyme engineering; enzyme stability; enzyme structure; flow cytometry; fungus; Geobacillus stearothermophilus; Lactobacillus delbrueckii; Lysobacter; mutant; nonhuman; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; rhizopus niveus; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; site directed mutagenesis; thermostability; Thermus aquaticus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957488704 | Engine performance, exhaust emissions and combustion characteristics of a CI engine fuelled with croton megalocarpus methyl ester with antioxidant | Kivevele T.T., Kristóf L., Bereczky A., Mbarawa M.M. | 2011 | Fuel | 90 | 8 | 10.1016/j.fuel.2011.03.048 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Megyetem rkp. 3-9, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary | Kivevele, T.T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Kristóf, L., Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Megyetem rkp. 3-9, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary; Bereczky, A., Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Megyetem rkp. 3-9, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary; Mbarawa, M.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The use of biodiesel as a substitute for petroleum-based diesel has become of great interest for the reasons of combating the destruction of the environment, the price of petroleum-based diesel and dependency on foreign energy sources. But for practical feasibility of biodiesel, antioxidants are added to increase the oxidation stability during long term storage. It is quite possible that these additives may affect the clean burning characteristics of biodiesel. This study investigated the experimental effects of antioxidants on the oxidation stability, engine performance, exhaust emissions and combustion characteristics of a four cylinder turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine fuelled with biodiesel from croton megalocarpus oil. The three synthetic antioxidants evaluated its effectiveness on oxidation stability of croton oil methyl ester (COME) were 1, 2, 3 tri-hydroxy benzene (Pyrogallol, PY), 3, 4, 5-tri hydroxy benzoic acid (Propyl Gallate, PG) and 2-tert butyl-4-methoxy phenol (Butylated Hydroxyanisole, BHA). The fuel sample tested in TDI diesel engine include pure croton biodiesel (B100), croton biodiesel dosed with 1000 ppm of an effective antioxidant (B100 + PY1000), B20 (20% croton biodiesel and 80% mineral diesel) and diesel fuel which was used as base fuel. The result showed that the effectiveness of the antioxidants was in the order of PY > PG > BHA. The brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of biodiesel fuel with antioxidants decreased more than that of biodiesel fuel without antioxidants, but both were higher than that of diesel. Antioxidants had few effects on the exhaust emissions of a diesel engine running on biodiesel. Combustion characteristics in diesel engine were not influenced by the addition of antioxidants in biodiesel fuel. This study recommends PY and PG to be used for safeguarding biodiesel fuel from the effects of autoxidation during storage. Overall, the biodiesel derived from croton megalocarpus oil can be utilized as partial substitute for mineral diesel. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antioxidants; Combustion; Croton methyl ester; Emissions; Engine performance | Antioxidants; Benzoic acid; Bio-diesel fuel; Brake specific fuel consumption; CI engine; Clean burning; Combustion characteristics; Croton methyl ester; Emissions; Energy source; Engine performance; Exhaust emission; Fuel samples; Long-term storage; Methyl esters; Oxidation stability; Propyl gallate; Synthetic antioxidants; TDI diesel engine; Benzene; Biodiesel; Carboxylic acids; Combustion; Diesel engines; Diesel fuels; Direct injection; Engines; Esterification; Esters; Fuel consumption; Fuel storage; Machine design; Oxidation; Phenols; Silicate minerals; Synthetic fuels; Vegetable oils; Engine cylinders | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904805226 | English and the academy for african skilled migrants: The impact of english as an 'Academic Lingua Franca' | Hurst E. | 2014 | International Perspectives on Higher Education Research | 11 | None | 10.1108/S1479-362820140000011015 | Humanities Education Development Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Hurst, E., Humanities Education Development Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This chapter analyses interviews with 13 African scholars from a range of countries who are currently working at a South African university. The interviews explore aspects of their migration journeys and the role that language, particularly the English language, has played in their mobility. The majority of the participants originate from Englishspeaking African countries, and are fluent English speakers. English is currently the international language of the academy, and English fluency can almost be seen as a prerequisite for an international academic career. The driving question behind this research is what have these African highly skilled academic migrants gained and lost from English in terms of their mobility, careers and identities? The participants show complex orientations towards the medium. On the one hand, English is recognised as an enabling medium for international success in academia, and for career and educational opportunities aboard. On the other hand, participants perceive that the emphasis on the English medium has negative effects on their relationships with their home languages and their home countries. The research raises questions about the role of English in higher education in Africa. © 2014 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941194969 | Enhanced catalytic performance of a Pt-xCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene catalyst for DMFCs by adjusting the crystal-plane and shape of nanoscale ceria | Wang W., Zhu M., Lu X., Gao Y., Li L., Cao Z., Li C., Liu J., Zheng H. | 2015 | RSC Advances | 5 | 91 | 10.1039/c5ra08144k | College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Wang, W., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Zhu, M., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Lu, X., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Gao, Y., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Li, L., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Cao, Z., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Li, C., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Liu, J., College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China; Zheng, H., Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Oxygen storage capacity is influenced by the morphology and crystal-plane(s) of CeO<inf>2</inf>, which can thus affect the ability of this material to oxidise carbon monoxide. To investigate the effect of different morphologies/crystal-planes of CeO<inf>2</inf> on the electrocatalytic performance of DMFCs (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell), three different types of CeO<inf>2</inf> nanocrystals with different crystal-planes were synthesised and later assembled into Pt-xCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene composites with graphene and Pt nanoparticles as the electrocatalyst for DMFCs. According to the HRTEM images, the original morphology and crystal-plane structures of CeO<inf>2</inf> are essentially maintained in the three types of Pt-xCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene composite catalysts investigated in this work. The catalytic performance of the Pt-xCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene composites for methanol electrocatalytic oxidation was investigated by a series of electrochemical measurements. Compared with the other catalysts, Pt-rCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene demonstrates superior catalytic activity (onset potential: 0.15 V) and the strongest resistance to poisoning by carbonaceous species (I<inf>f</inf>/I<inf>b</inf>: 2.11). The results of H<inf>2</inf>-TPR shows that rCeO<inf>2</inf> with the {110} facet has the best surface reducibility among the xCeO<inf>2</inf> with different facets being investigated, which provides a rationale for the superior performance of the Pt-rCeO<inf>2</inf>/Graphene catalyst. This study indicates that metallic oxides with a suitable crystal plane and shape can effectively enhance the electrocatalytic performance of Pt-based catalysts for methanol electrooxidation. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015. | None | Carbon; Carbon monoxide; Catalyst poisoning; Catalysts; Catalytic oxidation; Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC); Electrocatalysis; Electrocatalysts; Electrooxidation; Fuel cells; Metallic compounds; Metals; Methanol; Methanol fuels; Morphology; Platinum; Carbonaceous species; Catalytic performance; Electrocatalytic performance; Electrochemical measurements; Methanol electrocatalytic oxidation; Methanol electrooxidation; Oxygen storage capacity; Resistance to poisoning; Catalyst activity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947722705 | Enhanced low-humidity performance in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell by the insertion of microcrystalline cellulose between the gas diffusion layer and the anode catalyst layer | Hou S., Su H., Zou H., Dang D., Song H., Li X., Liao S. | 2015 | International Journal of Hydrogen Energy | 40 | 45 | 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.09.084 | Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa | Hou, S., Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Su, H., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Zou, H., Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Dang, D., Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Song, H., Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Li, X., Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Liao, S., Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China | A high-performance self-humidifying membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was prepared by inserting hygroscopic microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) between the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and the catalyst layer (CL). At low humidity, the MEA exhibited good self-humidification, including high output and good stability. With our optimal MEA, in which the MCC loading was ca. 0.5 mg cm-2, the current density at 0.6 V reached 1100 mA cm-2 and the maximum power density was 751 mW cm-2, at a relative humidity (RH) of 30% for both anode and cathode gases and a cell temperature of 70 °C; the performance was comparable to that of a MEA prepared without added MCC and operated at 100% RH. Further, after 24 h of operation at low humidity and 0.6 V, the MEA's current density decreased by only 9.1%, compared with the 60% decline experienced by the MEA without MCC after 3 h under the same conditions, demonstrating the former's good self-humidification stability. When we attempted to insert the MCC layer elsewhere, including between the membrane and the anode CL, we found that inserting it between the GDL and the anode CL yielded the best performance. The high self-humidification performance of this MEA is attributable to the strong wettability and water-retention capacity of MCC. The MCC layer between the GDL and the anode CL ensured the latter would remain sufficiently wet and accelerated hydrogen activation and proton transfer, resulting in the MEA having high self-humidification under conditions of low humidity and high cell temperature. © 2015 Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. | Low humidity; Membrane electrode assembly; Microcrystalline cellulose; Proton exchange membrane fuel cell; Self-humidifying | Anodes; Catalysts; Cellulose; Crystalline materials; Density of gases; Diffusion in gases; Electrodes; Fuel cells; Membranes; Gas diffusion layers; Low humidity; Maximum power density; Membrane electrode assemblies; Micro-crystalline cellulose; Self-humidifying; Self-humidifying membranes; Water retention capacity; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC); Catalysts; Diffusion; Fuel Cells; Humidity; MicrOCRystalline Cellulose | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923219807 | Enhanced optical limiting performance in phthalocyanine-quantum dot nanocomposites by free-carrier absorption mechanism | Sanusi K., Khene S., Nyokong T. | 2014 | Optical Materials | 37 | C | 10.1016/j.optmat.2014.07.024 | Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Sanusi, K., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Khene, S., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Nyokong, T., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Enhanced nonlinear optical properties (in dimethyl sulphoxide) is observed for 2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis-(4-aminophenoxy)phthalocyaninato indium(III) chloride (InPc) when covalently linked to CdSe/ZnS or CdSe quantum dots (QDs). The experimental nonlinear optical parameters were obtained from Z-Scan measurements. Contributions from two-photon absorption (2PA) due to the InPc, and free-carrier absorption (FCA) by QDS have been identified as the main factors responsible for the enhanced optical limiting. The effective nonlinear absorption coefficient for InPc-CdSe/ZnS was found to be 700.0 cm/GW. The FCA cross-sections for InPc-CdSe/ZnS and InPc-CdSe composites were found to be 1.52 × 10-19 and 6.00 × 10-20 cm2 respectively. A much lower limiting threshold of 92 mJ cm-2 was observed for InPc-CdSe/ZnS nanocomposite, hence, making it suitable for use as optical limiting material. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations on similar phthalocyanine-quantum dots system was modeled in order to explain the enhancement in the observed nonlinear optical properties of the Pc in the presence of the QDs. The experimentally determined nonlinear optical properties are well within the range of the DFT calculated properties. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Free-carrier absorption; Indium phthalocyanine; Nonlinear optical absorption; Two photon absorption | Chlorine compounds; Density functional theory; Electromagnetic wave absorption; Indium; Light absorption; Nanocomposites; Nanocrystals; Nitrogen compounds; Optical properties; Photons; Semiconductor quantum dots; Solvents; Two photon processes; Free carrier absorption; Non-linear optical properties; Nonlinear absorption coefficient; Nonlinear optical absorption; Nonlinear optical parameters; Optical limiting performance; Two photon absorption; Two photon absorption (2PA); Nonlinear optics | CSIR, Department of Science and Technology, Republic of South Africa; DST, Department of Science and Technology, Republic of South Africa; Department of Science and Technology, Republic of South Africa |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920414663 | Enhanced performance and stability of high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell by incorporating zirconium hydrogen phosphate in catalyst layer | Barron O., Su H., Linkov V., Pollet B.G., Pasupathi S. | 2015 | Journal of Power Sources | 278 | None | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.12.139 | HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa | Barron, O., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Su, H., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Linkov, V., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Pollet, B.G., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Pasupathi, S., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa | Zirconium hydrogen phosphate (ZHP) together with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer binder is incorporated into the catalyst layers (CLs) of ABPBI (poly(2,5-benzimidazole))-based high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFCs) to improve its performance and durability. The influence of ZHP content (normalised with respect to dry PTFE) on the CL properties are structurally characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Electrochemical analyses of the resultant membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are performed by recording polarisation curves and impedance spectra at 160 °C, ambient pressure and humidity. The result show that a 30 wt.% ZHP/PTFE content in the CL is optimum for improving fuel cell performance, the resultant MEA delivers a peak power of 592 mW cm-2 at a cell voltage of 380 mV. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) indicate that 30% ZHP in the CL can increase the proton conductivity compared to the pristine PTFE-gas diffusion electrode (GDE). A short term stability test (∼500 h) on the 30 wt.% ZHP/PTFE-GDE shows a remarkable high durability with a degradation rate as low as ∼19 μV h-1 at 0.2 A cm-2, while 195 μV h-1 was obtained for the pristine GDE. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Catalyst layer; Gas diffusion electrode; High temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell; Membrane electrode assembly; Poly(2 5-benzimidazole); Zirconium hydrogen phosphate | Catalysts; Degradation; Diffusion in gases; Durability; Electrochemical electrodes; Electrodes; Fuel cells; Hydrogen; Membranes; Polyelectrolytes; Polymers; Polytetrafluoroethylenes; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC); Scanning electron microscopy; Solid solutions; Zirconium; Catalyst layers; Gas diffusion electrodes; High temperature polymer electrolyte membranes; Membrane electrode assemblies; Poly(2 5-benzimidazole); Zirconium hydrogen phosphate; Solid electrolytes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879293436 | Enhanced performance of polybenzimidazole-based high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell with gas diffusion electrodes prepared by automatic catalyst spraying under irradiation technique | Su H., Pasupathi S., Bladergroen B.J., Linkov V., Pollet B.G. | 2013 | Journal of Power Sources | 242 | None | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.05.128 | HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | Su, H., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Pasupathi, S., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Bladergroen, B.J., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Linkov, V., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Pollet, B.G., HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) prepared by a novel automatic catalyst spraying under irradiation (ACSUI) technique are investigated for improving the performance of phosphoric acid (PA)-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The physical properties of the GDEs are characterized by pore size distribution and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical properties of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with the GDEs are evaluated and analyzed by polarization curve, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Effects of PTFE binder content, PA impregnation and heat treatment on the GDEs are investigated to determine the optimum performance of the single cell. At ambient pressure and 160 C, the maximum power density can reach 0.61 W cm -2, and the current density at 0.6 V is up to 0.38 A cm-2, with H2/air and a platinum loading of 0.5 mg cm-2 on both electrodes. The MEA with the GDEs shows good stability for fuel cell operating in a short term durability test. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Automatic catalyst spraying under; Gas diffusion electrode; High temperature proton exchange; irradiation; Membrane electrode assembly; membrane fuel cell; Phosphoric acid-doped; Polybenzimidazole | Automatic catalyst spraying under; Gas diffusion electrodes; Membrane electrode assemblies; Membrane fuel cells; Phosphoric acid-doped; Polybenzimidazole; Proton exchange; Electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy; Gas diffusion electrodes; High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Maximum power density; Membrane electrode assemblies; Optimum performance; Polybenzimidazole; Short-term durabilities; Catalysts; Cyclic voltammetry; Diffusion in gases; Durability; Irradiation; Loading; Phosphoric acid; Scanning electron microscopy; Catalysts; Cyclic voltammetry; Diffusion; Diffusion in gases; Durability; Electrochemical electrodes; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Fuel cells; Irradiation; Membranes; Phosphoric acid; Phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC); Pore size; Protons; Scanning electron microscopy; Size distribution; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC); Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748963805 | Enhancement of GMM speaker identification performance using complementary feature sets | Lerato L., Mashao D.J. | 2005 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 96 | 1 | None | Intelleca Voice and Mobile (Pty) Ltd., P O Box 1537, Parklands, 2121, South Africa; Speech Technology and Research (STAR), Dept. of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7800, South Africa | Lerato, L., Intelleca Voice and Mobile (Pty) Ltd., P O Box 1537, Parklands, 2121, South Africa; Mashao, D.J., Speech Technology and Research (STAR), Dept. of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7800, South Africa | This paper describes a way of enhancing speaker identification (SiD) performance using N-best list method which utilises complementary feature sets. The SiD process is first done by training the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) classifier using parameterised feature sets (PFS) to form speaker models. During testing, the likelihood of a speaker, given a set of speaker models is her score. Performance scores of SiD system is normally degraded as the population of speakers increases. This paper addresses this problem by using linear prediction cepstral coefficients (LPCC) to complement the results obtained from the PFS and the final identification is performed on a smaller population set. Results obtained using 2-best list indicate performance improvement. | LPCC; N-best list; PFS; Speaker identification | Linear prediction cepstral coefficients (LPCC); N-best list; Parameterised feature sets (PFS); Speaker identification; Classification (of information); Identification (control systems); Linear systems; Mathematical models; Problem solving; Speech recognition | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74049155522 | Enhancement of magnetic signatures of impact structures | Cowan D.R., Cooper G.R.J. | 2005 | Special Paper of the Geological Society of America | 384 | None | 10.1130/0-8137-2384-1.51 | Cowan Geodata Services, 12 Edna Road, Dalkeith, WA 6009, Australia; School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Cowan, D.R., Cowan Geodata Services, 12 Edna Road, Dalkeith, WA 6009, Australia; Cooper, G.R.J., School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Aeromagnetic surveys are a useful tool in the detection and analysis of terrestrial impact structures. Although gravity anomalies provide clearer and simpler signatures of impact craters, large regional-scale aeromagnetic surveys are more widely available. A combination of many factors, such as the nature of the target rocks, the impact-related magnetization, and effects of crater fill and post-impact cover results in a great variation of magnetic signatures in the terrestrial impact craters. In crystalline basement targets, the most common signature of a complex impact structure is a magnetic low with a central peak or ring uplift magnetic anomaly. Contributions to the magnetic signature include demagnetization, shock remagnetization, and thermal and chemical remanent magnetization effects. Impact craters in sedimentary targets usually are of small magnetic amplitude, depending on the lithology. The origin of the magnetic signatures in sedimentary targets is not well understood. Enhancement of magnetic signatures of terrestrial impact structures using filtering techniques is an important part of detection and analysis. Derivative and derivative-based (such as sunshading) techniques, along with separation filtering, are probably the most used methods. Here we present our new developments of algorithms for fractional order derivatives and circular shaded relief that have dramatically improved filter results. The fractional derivative order can be varied to optimize the separation of the impact magnetic signature. Given a chosen center location, the circular shaded relief algorithm treats all directions equally, thus preventing fade-out of features subparallel to the shading direction evident in conventional shaded relief. Unlike Hough transform based algorithms, the circular sunshading method is not sensitive to the radius of the circular feature being searched for, and no radius parameter is specified during the data processing We illustrate the new fractional derivative and circular shaded relief algorithms using selected Australian and Canadian impact crater data sets involving both crystalline basement and sedimentary targets. © 2005 Geological Society of America. | Aeromagnetic surveys; Circular shaded relief; Fractional order derivatives; Impact structures; Magnetization | aeromagnetic survey; algorithm; crater; crystalline rock; data set; gravity anomaly; magnetic anomaly; magnetization; relief; uplift; Australia; Canada | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881303746 | Enhancement of speech communication technology performance using adaptive-control factor based spectral subtraction method | Alimia I.A., Kolawolea M.O. | 2013 | Journal of Telecommunications and Information Technology | 2013 | 2 | None | Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Engineering Department, Positive FM, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Alimia, I.A., Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Kolawolea, M.O., Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, Engineering Department, Positive FM, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | This paper presents speech enhancement technique based on Spectral Subtraction (SS) method. SS is a renowned noise reduction technique that works on the principle that noise spectrum estimate over the entire speech spectrum can be subtracted from the noisy signal. On the contrary, most of the noise encountered in the real-world conditions is majorly colored. Unlike Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN), colored noise does not affect the speech signal uniformly over the entire spectrum. To mitigate effects of colored noise on the processed signal, we propose a Multi-Band Spectral Subtraction (MBSS) method using novel Adaptive-Control Factor (ACF). The spectrum is divided into frequency sub bands based on a nonlinear multi-band frame and various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) are considered. The proposed scheme results in better system performance with quality signal and unlike the basic SS method. It mitigates the effects of anomaly known as "musical" tones artifacts in the processed signal that result in residual noise and speech distortion. The computational complexity involved is minimal. Furthermore, simulation results show that the proposed algorithm removes more colored noise without removing the relatively low amplitude speech signal over the entire speech spectrum. Subjective listening tests, with clean speech signals and different noise levels, show discernable performance of our proposed method when compared with the conventional SS approach. | Adaptive-Control Factor; MBSS; Musical noise; Sub-bands | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939630358 | Enhancing growth performance of Chromolaena odorata in two soil samples by using cow manure as amendment | Anyasi R., Atagana H. | 2014 | Pakistan Journal of Botany | 46 | 5 | None | Department of Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Institute for Science and Technology Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | Anyasi, R., Department of Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Atagana, H., Institute for Science and Technology Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa | A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of cow manure on the growth of Chromolaena odorata propagated for the purpose of phytoremediation of organic contaminant in soil. Cow manure was mixed separately with two soil types: clay soil and sandy-loam soils in a ratio of 9:1 (soil:manure) and put into 2 L PVC pots, the homogenized soil types were measured into 2 L PVC planting pots. Selected sprouting stem cuttings of Chromolaena odorata were transplanted into the pots containing the soil-manure mixture. Nutrient status of the soil was monitored weekly through the period of experimentation and the growth of the plants and biomass accumulation were measured. Control experiment was set up with manure. Survival of plants after transplanting was highest for cuttings transplanting after 3 weeks (95%) and 5 weeks (50%) of sprouting in the nursery. Profuse growth of plants in the both amended soil types were observed when compared with the control. Biomass accumulation was significantly higher in amended soils compared to the control. This study has shown that organic manure amendment to both soil types can enhance the growth and biomass accumulation of Chromolaena odorata. This is a good indication that the amendment could be beneficial in soil phytoremediation studies involving C. odorata. © 2014, Pakistan Botanical Society. All rights reserved. | Chromolaena odorata; Growth enhancement; Growth performances; Soil | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55149118711 | Enhancing laparoscopic performance with the LTS3E: a computerized hybrid physical reality simulator | Soyinka A.S., Schollmeyer T., Meinhold-Heerlein I., Gopalghare D.V., Hasson H., Mettler L. | 2008 | Fertility and Sterility | 90 | 5 | 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.08.077 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein-Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Pawana Hospital, Somatane Phata, Tal-Ma | Soyinka, A.S., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Osun State, Nigeria; Schollmeyer, T., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein-Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Meinhold-Heerlein, I., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein-Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Gopalghare, D.V., Pawana Hospital, Somatane Phata, Tal-Maval, Dist-Poona, India; Hasson, H., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Mettler, L., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein-Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany | Objective: To determine the value of this simulator in acquiring basic laparoscopic skills and to evaluate the correlation between the frequency of trials and performance. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany. Patient(s): Twenty-five in-training gynecological endoscopists and 15 medical students. Intervention(s): A demonstration of 10 laparoscopic skill tasks was shown to participants before administration of a pretest. Voluntary rounds of further trials were encouraged thereafter. The post-tests were administered 5 days later. Assessments were conducted by the same independent supervisor. Main Outcome Measure(s): Improvements in overall scores and relative performance mean scores were compared using the independent t test. The comparison of various trial groups' mean was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result(s): There were significantly better post-test scores in all tasks for both groups compared to the pretest scores. There was no statistical difference between the overall relative training outcomes of both groups. There was a significant difference in group mean scores between the group of trainees who performed five or more rounds of trials and those who performed two to three trials. Conclusion(s): The LTS3e simulator contributes to the acquisition of laparoscopic skills in less experienced surgeons. Performance improves progressively with practice. © 2008 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. | endoscopy skills; Laparoscopy; LTS3e; simulator models | adult; article; endoscopy; female; human; human experiment; laparoscopy; male; medical student; normal human; priority journal; skill; stimulation; task performance; training; Adult; Clinical Competence; Computer Simulation; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Cross-Sectional Studies; Education, Medical, Graduate; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Motor Skills; Task Performance and Analysis; User-Computer Interface; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38349113448 | Enhancing Nigerian business students' interests and performance in office management through the cooperative learning approach | Koko M.N. | 2007 | European Journal of Scientific Research | 19 | 1 | None | Business Education Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Koko, M.N., Business Education Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | This 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. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921437116 | Enhancing Participatory Evaluation of Land Management through Photo Elicitation and Photovoice | Kong T.M., Kellner K., Austin D.E., Els Y., Orr B.J. | 2015 | Society and Natural Resources | 28 | 2 | 10.1080/08941920.2014.941448 | Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Botany Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Kong, T.M., Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Kellner, K., Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Austin, D.E., School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Els, Y., Botany Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Orr, B.J., School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States | Land management evaluation can be made more relevant and holistic by incorporating local knowledge and perspectives. We examined whether photo elicitation and photovoice could enhance semi-structured interviews in capturing local livestock farmers’ knowledge and perspectives in a participatory evaluation in Mier and Molopo, South Africa. The participants discussed themes including veld condition, land management, and evaluation criteria. Photo elicitation provided more details (62% of instances analyzed [Mier]; 58% [Molopo]) and new information (75% of instances analyzed [Mier]; 65% [Molopo]) beyond those in semi-structured interviews. Photo elicitation also enriched data with personal or concrete examples, comparisons, contrasts, explanatory information, and revelation of attitudes or values. Photovoice created opportunities for mutual learning among the participants. The main drawbacks for the two photographic methods were additional time and equipment requirements, and the risk of omission. These two methods represent unrealized potential for supporting natural resource management research and projects. © 2015, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | dryland restoration; environmental assessment; local knowledge; participatory research; photo elicitation; photovoice; qualitative method; stakeholder participation | environmental assessment; knowledge; land management; livestock farming; local participation; participatory approach; resource management; stakeholder; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956950520 | Enhancing PMIPv6 for better handover performance among heterogeneous wireless networks in a micromobility domain | Magagula L.A., Falowo O.E., Chan H.A. | 2010 | Eurasip Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking | 2010 | None | 10.1155/2010/274935 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Magagula, L.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Falowo, O.E., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chan, H.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper analyzes the reduction of handover delay in a network-based localized mobility management framework assisted by IEEE 802.21 MIH services. It compares the handover signaling procedures with host-based localized MIPv6 (HMIPv6), with network-based localized MIPv6 (PMIPv6), and with PMIPv6 assisted by IEEE 802.21 to show how much handover delay reduction can be achieved. Furthermore, the paper proposes and gives an in-depth analysis of PMIPv6 optimized with a handover coordinator (HC), which is a network-based entity, to further improve handover performance in terms of handover delay and packet loss while maintaining minimal signaling overhead in the air interface among converged heterogeneous wireless networks. Simulation and analytical results show that indeed handover delay and packet loss are reduced. Copyright © 2010 Linoh A. Magagula et al. | None | Air interface; Analytical results; Handover; Handover coordinators; Handover delay; Handover performance; Heterogeneous wireless network; Host-based; IEEE802.21; In-depth analysis; Micro-mobility; Network-based; Network-based localized mobility management; Signaling overheads; Signaling procedure; Packet loss; Signaling; Wireless networks | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879584016 | Enhancing self-regulated learning in teaching spoken communication: Does it affect speaking efficacy and performance? | Aregu B.B. | 2013 | Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching | 10 | 1 | None | Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia | Aregu, B.B., Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia | The 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. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84957538919 | Enhancing students’ reading comprehension performance through think and search questions. A study of selected secondary schools in Kaduna, Nigeria | Yusuf H. | 2015 | Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology | 2015 | None | None | Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Yusuf, H., Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study focused on using “think and search” questions to enhance student’s performance in reading comprehension. A sample of sixty (60) senior secondary schools from Kaduna metropolis was used for the study. Quasi experimental research design was used for the study. Government Secondary School, Kigo Road was used as the experimental school, while Government Secondary School Ungwan Muazu was used as the control school. Senior secondary two (i.e SS2) students were used for the study. Thirty (30) students (intact class) from each of the schools were used for the study. Both groups were exposed to six (6) weeks of teaching. Prior to teaching, both groups were exposed to pretest to establish the homogeneity of the two groups of students. Both groups were assessed after six (6) weeks of teaching using reading comprehension test. T-test was used to test the hypothesis raised in the study. The findings revealed significant differences in the performance of students taught reading comprehension using “think and search” questions. Teachers are encouraged to enhance students’ performance in reading comprehension by engaging students in “think and search” questions during reading comprehension lessons. Curriculum planners and text book writers are equally encouraged to provide think and search questions for students before during and after every reading comprehension passage as a means of evaluating each reading task. © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology. | Enhance student’s | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000267176400006 | Enhancing teacher assessment practices in South African schools: Evaluation of the assessment resource banks | Kanjee, Anil | 2009 | EDUCATION AS CHANGE | 13 | 1 | 10.1080/16823200902940599 | Human Sciences Research Council-South Africa | None | The effective use of assessment by teachers can have a significant impact on improving learning. However, teachers require adequate support and appropriate resources to enhance their classroom assessment practices. This article reports on the results of a study which evaluated the effectiveness of Assessment Resource Banks (ARBs) for supporting teachers in rural primary schools to improve their classroom assessment practices. These ARBs are teacher booklets that comprise sets of Literacy and Numeracy tasks for use in assessing learner performance against the national Assessment Standards. The ARBs were piloted in 450 rural schools across four provinces. Data for the evaluation was obtained from classroom observations and interviews conducted in a sample of pilot schools and teacher and principal surveys administered in all pilot schools. The results of the evaluation indicate that providing teachers with relevant assessment resources can improve their classroom assessment practice. Most teachers reported that they found the ARBs to be extremely useful for conducting classroom assessments, and used them on a regular basis. In addition, the ARBs also provided a valuable resource for the planning and presentation of lessons as well as for assigning class work and homework exercises. The article concludes by highlighting future development and research needs in the deployment of ARBs in South African schools. | "assessment resource banks","classroom assessment","teacher assessment" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890094748 | Enhancing team performance through tool use: How critical technology-related issues influence the performance of virtual project teams | Weimann P., Pollock M., Scott E., Brown I. | 2013 | IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication | 56 | 4 | 10.1109/TPC.2013.2287571 | Faculty of Economic and Social Science, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Berlin 10629, Germany; Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Weimann, P., Faculty of Economic and Social Science, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Berlin 10629, Germany; Pollock, M., Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Scott, E., Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Brown, I., Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Research problem: The project management of virtual teams differs from that of traditional ones. Traditional project risks, such as complexity, the uncertainty of factors influencing the project, and the high interdependency of project tasks must be managed alongside changed temporal, geographic, and cultural dimensions. Only a few studies have investigated the effect of critical technological issues, such as wrong tool selection or limited internet access on performance as well as team and team member satisfaction in virtual work settings. Research questions: How do critical technology-related issues concerning the selection and use of web-based tools influence the performance and satisfaction of virtual project teams? Literature review: Instead of categorizing virtual teams as a type of team that contrasts with traditional or face-to-face teams, the focus has shifted to virtualness as a characteristic present in all teams. Project teamwork is often integrated in university degree programs in order to prepare students appropriately for real-life projects. While these student teams are often not geographically spread across countries, they have a high degree of virtualness because of their diverse team composition, the necessity for working at different places, and the limited face-to-face meeting opportunities. Performance, effectiveness, and satisfaction are central issues in the evaluation and measurement of project teams: Team performance is often evaluated on the basis of acceptance of a specified output by a customer. Through specific mediating processes, team performance can alternatively be assessed by inquiring the team's perception on their performance. Effectiveness can be defined as the achievement of clear goals and objectives and it is often related to the team's performance. Finally, satisfaction can be defined as having three dimensions - satisfaction with the team, the satisfaction of meeting customer needs, and general satisfaction with extrinsic rewards and work. Technology use is substantial for distributed teamwork and can be assessed by the extent to which it supports communication, collaboration, and project-management tasks. Methodology: Fifteen teams were observed and interviewed over a two-year period. The resulting data were analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach, which revealed how the selection and use of tools for communication, collaboration, and project management in the different project activities influenced the team's performance. Results and conclusions: Our results contribute to practice by providing a number of guidelines for the management of virtual teams as well as knowledge required by companies wishing to launch projects with virtual teams. Differing performances of teams can, in many cases, be attributed to such conditions as: internet availability and bandwidth; lack of training for certain tools; the selection and appropriate use of tools; integrated tool support for task management; as well as the promotion of transparency about progress made. It was found that restrictions in internet access of even a single member within a team limited the team's technological choices, which affected the team's performance. © 1988-2012 IEEE. | Communication; internet; performance; project management; teams; tools; virtual teams | Cultural dimensions; Face-to-face meetings; Grounded theory approach; performance; Research questions; teams; Virtual project teams; Virtual team; Communication; Customer satisfaction; Internet; Management science; Project management; Tools; Human resource management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-18844437026 | Enhancing the capacity of national scientists to generate and transfer maize technology in West and Central Africa: Research implementation, monitoring and evaluation | Badu-Apraku B., Fakorede M.A.B., Menkir A., Marfo K.A., Akanvou L. | 2005 | Experimental Agriculture | 41 | 2 | 10.1017/S0014479704002492 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, c/o Lambourn (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Department of Plant Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Crops Research Institute, Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; CNRA, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire | Badu-Apraku, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, c/o Lambourn (UK) Limited, Carolyn House, 26 Dingwall Road, Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Fakorede, M.A.B., Department of Plant Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Marfo, K.A., Crops Research Institute, Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Akanvou, L., CNRA, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire | The West and Central Africa Collaborative Maize Research Network (WECAMAN) was established in 1987 to strengthen the capacity and capability of national programmes of West and Central Africa (WCA) to tackle regional constraints to maize production. The Network created several mechanisms for implementing, monitoring and evaluating maize research and development activities, including research project development and implementation, attendance and quality of paper presentation at technical conferences organized by the Network, scientific monitoring tours, consultation visits, mid-term reviews, and end-of-project reviews and impact assessment. WECAMAN's approach to the system of allocating research responsibilities and competitive grants resulted in increased research efficiency and the generation of susiainable technologies that have catalysed increased maize production in the region. © 2005 Cambridge University Press. | None | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883225342 | Ensuring quality in AFRINEST and SATT: Clinical standardization and monitoring | Wall S.N., Mazzeo C.I., Adejuyigbe E.A., Ayede A.I., Bahl R., Baqui A.H., Blackwelder W.C., Brandes N., Darmstadt G.L., Esamai F., Hibberd P.L., Jacobs M., Klein J.O., Mwinga K., Rollins N.C., Saloojee H., Tshefu A.K., Wammanda R.D., Zaidi A.K.M., Qazi S. | 2013 | Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal | 32 | 9 SUPPL. | 10.1097/INF.0b013e31829ff801 | Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children, 2000 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States; University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States; United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Health Promotion Cluster, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Congo; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Congo; Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan | Wall, S.N., Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children, 2000 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Mazzeo, C.I., Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children, 2000 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Adejuyigbe, E.A., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ayede, A.I., Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Bahl, R., Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Baqui, A.H., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States; Blackwelder, W.C., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States; Brandes, N., United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Darmstadt, G.L., Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Esamai, F., Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Hibberd, P.L., Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Jacobs, M., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Klein, J.O., Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Mwinga, K., Health Promotion Cluster, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Congo; Rollins, N.C., Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Saloojee, H., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tshefu, A.K., University of Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Congo; Wammanda, R.D., Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Zaidi, A.K.M., Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; Qazi, S.A., Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | BACKGROUND:: Three randomized open-label clinical trials [Simplified Antibiotic Therapy Trial (SATT) Bangladesh, SATT Pakistan and African Neonatal Sepsis Trial (AFRINEST)] were developed to test the equivalence of simplified antibiotic regimens compared with the standard regimen of 7 days of parenteral antibiotics. These trials were originally conceived and designed separately; subsequently, significant efforts were made to develop and implement a common protocol and approach. Previous articles in this supplement briefly describe the specific quality control methods used in the individual trials; this article presents additional information about the systematic approaches used to minimize threats to validity and ensure quality across the trials. METHODS:: A critical component of quality control for AFRINEST and SATT was striving to eliminate variation in clinical assessments and decisions regarding eligibility, enrollment and treatment outcomes. Ensuring appropriate and consistent clinical judgment was accomplished through standardized approaches applied across the trials, including training, assessment of clinical skills and refresher training. Standardized monitoring procedures were also applied across the trials, including routine (day-to-day) internal monitoring of performance and adherence to protocols, systematic external monitoring by funding agencies and external monitoring by experienced, independent trial monitors. A group of independent experts (Technical Steering Committee/Technical Advisory Group) provided regular monitoring and technical oversight for the trials. CONCLUSIONS:: Harmonization of AFRINEST and SATT have helped to ensure consistency and quality of implementation, both internally and across the trials as a whole, thereby minimizing potential threats to the validity of the trials' results. Copyright © 2013 by World Health Organization. | Community-based research; Quality assurance; Trial monitoring | antibiotic agent; advisory committee; apparent life threatening event; article; Bangladesh; clinical assessment; clinical protocol; data base; ethical decision making; funding; human; information processing; internal validity; medical education; monitoring; patient safety; priority journal; protocol compliance; quality control; randomized controlled trial (topic); refresher course; standardization; strategic planning; treatment outcome | World Health Organization |
| None | None | Entomological evaluation of malaria vectors at different altitudes in Hai District, Northeastern Tanzania | Kulkarni M.A., Kweka E., Nyale E., Lyatuu E., Mosha F.W., Chandramohan D., Rau M.E., Drakeley C. | 2006 | Journal of Medical Entomology | 43 | 3 | 10.1603/0022-2585(2006)43[580:EEOMVA]2.0.CO;2 | Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Que. H9X 3V9, Canada; Joint Malaria Programme, P.O. Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P.O. Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Kulkarni, M.A., Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Que. H9X 3V9, Canada, Joint Malaria Programme, P.O. Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Kweka, E., Joint Malaria Programme, P.O. Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Nyale, E., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P.O. Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Lyatuu, E., Joint Malaria Programme, P.O. Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania; Mosha, F.W., Joint Malaria Programme, P.O. Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P.O. Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania; Chandramohan, D., Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Rau, M.E., Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Que. H9X 3V9, Canada; Drakeley, C., Joint Malaria Programme, P.O. Box 2228, Moshi, Tanzania, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Entomological monitoring in four villages situated along an altitude transect in the Hai District of Northeastern Tanzania identified Anopheles arabiensis Patton as the principal vector of malaria and detected seasonal changes in vector behavior. Over a 13-mo sampling period, 10,557 mosquitoes were collected with CDC light traps, pyrethrum spray catches, and pit traps of which 5,969 (56.5%) were An. arabiensis, 762 (7.2%) were Anopheles funestus Giles s.l., 3,578 (33.9%) were culicines, and 248 (2.3%) were nonvector anophelines. Vector densities declined rapidly with increasing altitude, demonstrating a 50% decrease in annual human biting rate for every 86-m rise in altitude. Light traps were found to be more efficient than spray catches for the collection of An. arabiensis. This observation was attributed to increased exophily of this species, most notably in the wet season, and is supported by seasonal changes in the human blood index and fed/gravid ratio. These results indicate that spray catches may underestimate the abundance of exophilic vectors such as An. arabiensis and that entomological monitoring may require more than one collection method, especially at low vector densities. The annual entomological inoculation rate (EIR) decreased sharply with increasing altitude, with large variation around the estimate at low vector densities. Increased transmission because of unpredictable short rains at low altitudes and spatial clustering of infective mosquitoes may contribute to elevated EIR estimates. © 2006 Entomological Society of America. | Altitude; Anopheles arabiensis; Entomological inoculation rate; Malaria; Tanzania | Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles funestus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950355449 | Entrepreneurial orientation and export marketing performance | Ezirim A.C., Maclayton D.W. | 2010 | International Research Journal of Finance and Economics | 38 | None | None | Marketing Department, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Marketing Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Ezirim, A.C., Marketing Department, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Maclayton, D.W., Marketing Department, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The recent global heightened interest on the assessment of the relationship between the entrepreneurial orientation and export marketing performance of firms in varied economies also received its pride of place in Nigeria, but the field has been under-researched in the Nigerian non-oil sector. Upon all the efforts so far by the previous researchers to rescue the firms from their export performance problems, the said problems of the sector continued to increase. To this effect, this present study therefore focused on the determination of the extent of the relationship between the stated variables above. A causal, non-contrived, survey research and paradigm triangulation design study was conducted. Questionnaire data was generated from 205 firms export managers and personal interview was further conducted on 60 of these same export managers as key informants.Our integrated findings revealed that:(1)there was a weak influence of the firms entrepreneurial orientation on their export marketing performance, (2) country image abroad showed insignificant influence on the relationship between the firms entrepreneurial orientation and their export marketing performance, (3) Export Market knowledge, Export risk and Innovative behaviour indicated weak influence on the firms growth in sales and negative influence on their growth in profit.Export market knowledge and export risk showed weak influences on growth in marketshare while Innovative behaviour indicated negative influence on growth in marketshare. The study therefore concludes that the relationship between the firms entrepreneurial orientation and their export marketing performance is weak in the Nigerian non-oil sector. The recommendation is that, there should be immediate call for the change agents like export marketing consultants and managers who can subject these export managers of the sector to seminars, workshops, conferences trad-fairs, trademissions, etc. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2010. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84955288709 | Entrepreneurial self-efficacy and small business performance: The mediating effect of entrepreneurial mindset and openness to experience | Ngek N.B. | 2015 | Problems and Perspectives in Management | 13 | 4 | None | Department of Business Management, University of Free State, South Africa | Ngek, N.B., Department of Business Management, University of Free State, South Africa | Small business performance is a key concern around the globe as small businesses play a vital role in fostering economic growth and development. Despite the increasing research on enhancing small business performance, most small businesses still fail within the first three years of operations. As such, unearthing the underlying aspects on how several factors affect small business performance continues to be an important research agenda. This study focuses on examining the mediating effect of entrepreneurial mindset and openness to experience on the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and small business performance. The empirical findings indicate that both entrepreneurial mindset and openness to experience fully mediate the ESE-performance relationship. These findings act as an enrichment of our current understanding of the ESE-performance relationship. The study culminates by providing both theoretical and practical implications for entrepreneurship theory and practice. © Neneh Brownhilder Ngek, 2015. | Entrepreneurial mindset; Entrepreneurial self-efficacy; Firm performance; Openness to experience; Small businesses | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943011778 | Entry qualifications and academic performance of architecture students in Nigerian Polytechnics: Are the admission requirements still relevant? | Adewale P.O., Adhuze O.B. | 2014 | Frontiers of Architectural Research | 3 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foar.2013.11.002 | Department of Architectural Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria | Adewale, P.O., Department of Architectural Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria; Adhuze, O.B., Department of Architectural Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria | The competence of fresh graduates of architecture has been continuously criticized by the industry for inadequate knowledge. This is often blamed on the poor standard of education evidenced by poor performances in professional and degree/diploma examinations conducted by various schools of architecture in the country. Although, factors responsible for the scenario are well documented in the literature, most of these works are based on testimonial and circumstantial evidences relating to management of architectural education only. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between entry qualifications and the performance of architecture students in Nigerian Polytechnics with a view to determining the relevance of current admission policy to architectural education in Nigeria. Data were obtained from official records in the Department of Architecture in four randomly selected polytechnics in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (. r) was used to test the hypotheses. Findings reveal weak relationship between the two variables (physics and mathematics). This is contrary to the expectations of most scholars and policy makers who opine that students' proficiency in these subjects would enhance their performance at higher levels. The paper traces the contradiction to the poor handling of public examinations and misconception of architecture as being pure science. It holds that if these requirements are still relied upon for the admission of students into schools of architecture, wrong candidates would continue to gain entry into the profession. The paper concludes by recommending certain measures that are capable of reversing the trend. © 2014 Higher Education Press Limited Company. | Academic performance; Admission criteria; Architecture; Arts; Education; Science | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744526973 | Environmental accounting: A management tool for enhancing corporate environmental and economic performance | de Beer P., Friend F. | 2006 | Ecological Economics | 58 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2005.07.026 | Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | de Beer, P., Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Friend, F., Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Industries are becoming progressively more aware of the environmental and social liabilities pertaining to their operations and products, with associated financial effects. Uncertainties in measuring these financial effects can be addressed by using environmental evaluation and accounting techniques. Environmental accounting assists in expressing environmental and social liabilities as environmental costs. While environmental accounting systems now form part of industrial decision making in first world countries, there is a lack of similar systems in South Africa. The EEGECOST model was developed to promote environmental accounting in South Africa. Implementation of the model will provide South African industries with the framework for corporate evaluation of alternative investments, projects and processes and for estimating economic and environmental performance at present and especially in the future. The model identifies, records and allocates internal and external environmental costs to five identified cost types, categorised into several environmental media groups. It also assists in the capital budgeting process for alternative investments. Applicability of the model was tested in a case study conducted on the life cycle assessment of a functional unit of one million cigarettes. The model indicated that Type V costs (external costs, with Types I to IV being different internal cost types) contributed 12% of the total production costs of a functional unit of cigarettes. As Type V costs are subjective, it is recommended that further research be conducted to structure an objective framework to evaluate and determine cost factors involved in the development of Type V costs. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Capital budgeting; Environmental accounting; Environmental media; External costs; Internal costs | cost-benefit analysis; economic analysis; environmental assessment; industrial development; life cycle; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84932199472 | Environmental and health impact of potentially harmful elements distribution in the Panyam (Sura) volcanic province, Jos Plateau, Central Nigeria | Lar U.A., Gusikit R.B. | 2015 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 74 | 2 | 10.1007/s12665-015-4178-0 | Department of Geology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria | Lar, U.A., Department of Geology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria; Gusikit, R.B., Department of Geology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria | The Panyam volcanic province is a plateau covering a superficial area of about 1200 km2, dotted by a number of dormant volcanoes forming prominent landmarks above the host continental gneiss–migmatite–granite rocks and stretching for about 12 km. The volcanism is basaltic, characterized by alkaline–calc–alkaline compositions. Large population of people live and depend on the volcanic environment for potable water and agriculture, most of whom display various forms of health problems ranging from dental caries, goitre, podoconiosis, etc. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the concentration levels of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the various components of the volcanic environment and their relationship with the inherent human health problems in the area. Volcanic soils and underground waters (springs/boreholes waters) were collected from within the volcanic province for the analysis of major cations and anions. Samples of the volcanic soils were analyzed for the following heavy elements; Be, Co, Cr, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Se, V, and Zn. Water samples were analyzed for the major cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+ and K+) and major anions (NO<inf>3</inf>2-, SO<inf>4</inf>2-, Cl−, HCO<inf>3</inf>- and F−) to determine their hydrogeochemical characteristics so as to identify the major sources of the cations and anions and factors controlling their distribution. The volcanic soils display mean values in Be, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sb and Se above the baseline regional values with enrichment factors (EF) (2 ≤ EF ≤ 5) indicating moderate to strong enrichment in the volcanic soils. Contrarily, there is clear impoverishment of As, Cd, Cu, V and Zn in the volcanic soils relative to the baseline values (0 ≤ EF ≤ 2). Except for Ni and Se which seem to have contaminated the volcanic soils [pollution load index (PLI) > 1], these other elements As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sb, V and Zn with PLI < 1 did not, possibly suggesting little or no anthropogenic input. The rare earth elements (REEs) are equally enriched in the volcanic soils and like most of the other PHEs, they must have been scavenged and co-precipitated with Fe during the weathering of the parent basaltic rock. The significantly lower La/Ce ratios (0.30–0.57) in the volcanic soils attest to the moderate to slightly severe intensity of weathering the parent basaltic rock was subjected to. The waters are predominantly (80 %) of Ca–Mg–HCO<inf>3</inf> type with the remaining 20 % of Na–K–HCO<inf>3</inf> type suggesting a control by water–rock alteration process from the host granitic basement and the overlying basaltic rocks. The fluoride content in all the water sources is positively correlated with the contents of Mg2+, Na+, and K+ suggesting a similar source and geochemical process. Tooth decay, a common tooth disease conditions in the volcanic province, could be linked to the low F content in the waters. © 2015, The Author(s). | Basaltic rocks; Human health; Jos Plateau; Panyam volcanic line; PHEs; Volcanoes | Basalt; Beryllium; Calcium; Chemical elements; Exploratory geochemistry; Groundwater; Health; Ions; Lead; Nickel; Positive ions; Potable water; Rocks; Soil pollution; Soils; Stretching; Volcanoes; Weathering; Zinc; Basaltic rocks; Human health; Jos Plateau; Panyam volcanic line; PHEs; Volcanic rocks; alkalinity; basalt; baseline conditions; basement rock; borehole; concentration (composition); dental health; enrichment; environmental impact assessment; gneiss; granite; health impact; heavy metal; heritability; hydrogeochemistry; ionic composition; migmatite; parent material; precipitation (chemistry); public health; rare earth element; scavenging (chemistry); soil pollution; spatial distribution; spring (hydrology); volcanic soil; volcanism; water-rock interaction; weathering; Jos Plateau; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866283096 | Environmental health impacts of dispersed mineralisation in South Africa | Davies T.C., Mundalamo H.R. | 2010 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 58 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2010.08.009 | Department of Mining and Environmental Geology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Davies, T.C., Department of Mining and Environmental Geology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; Mundalamo, H.R., Department of Mining and Environmental Geology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | The crust of South Africa has undergone various episodes and styles of mineralisation, dating as far back as the Archaean. The suite of minerals produced is diverse and includes metals, non-metals and industrial minerals. Since the Pleistocene, substantial quantities of elements, both nutritional and toxic, that were involved in ore forming processes, have been remobilised and redistributed by surficial processes of intense tropical weathering, leaching, eluviation, podsolisation and gleying; and more recently, by mining and related processes, as well as by other urban and industrial activities. As a result of this " dispersion" it is not uncommon to find large tracts of the country containing anomalous trace element contents or deficiencies in essential micro-nutrient elements. Through water and food crops, extremes in trace element variation in soils are transmitted into the food chain, with often undesirable consequences for human and animal health. But the known variations are not as yet adequately documented. Nor is there sufficient knowledge on the implications of these variations for the health of the environment and its ecosystems. Nutrient deficient soils may be the principal causative factor in the devastating endemic osteoarthritic disease that afflicts two-thirds of the women in Maputaland, for instance. The generally low Se status of agricultural soils could represent an important co-factor in the relatively high diffusion rates of HIV-AIDS in the country. The impact of geology on animal health also remains an area of critical concern to both farmers and managers of the hugely important wildlife game reserves. This paper discusses a few known relationships between trace element excess/deficiency stemming originally from mineralisation processes, and the local and regional distribution of diseases in man and animals in South Africa. It is submitted that the challenge for future research in medical geology would lie in an organised effort aimed at detecting, verifying and documenting such relationships. This would help greatly in broadening the diagnostic spectrum and therapy for a number of environmental diseases in the country. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Dispersed mineralisation; Environmental diseases; South Africa | chemical weathering; ecosystem response; environmental impact; food chain; future prospect; health impact; human activity; leaching; mineralization; mining; remobilization; research work; trace element; South Africa; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865738671 | Environmental impact and vulnerability of the surface and ground water system from municipal solid waste disposal site: Koshe, Addis Ababa | Haile T., Abiye T.A. | 2012 | Environmental Earth Sciences | 67 | 1 | 10.1007/s12665-011-1480-3 | Department of Earth Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, P.O. Box Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Haile, T., Department of Earth Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abiye, T.A., School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, P.O. Box Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Geo-environmental assessment and geophysical investigations were carried out over the only functional municipal solid waste disposal site of the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, known locally as Koshe. The accumulated wastes from Koshe have impact on the surrounding human and physical environment since the disposal site was not designed. The study deserves emphasis because the city of Addis Ababa currently obtains a considerable portion of its domestic water supply from a well field developed not much farther from and along a groundwater flow direction in relation to the waste disposal site. It was found out that the leachates from the site contain high concentration of biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, chloride and sulphate besides high concentration of cobalt, nickel and zinc in the surrounding soils. The geophysical results have mapped weak zones and near-vertical discontinuities that could potentially be conduits for the leachate from the wastes into the deep groundwater system. Further, a zone of potential leachate migration from the landfill was identified from the electrical models; the location of this zone is consistent with the predicted direction of groundwater flow across the site. The results further suggested that the open dump site tends to cause increasing amount of pollution on the surrounding soil, surface and ground waters. Furthermore, it was observed that the Koshe waste disposal site has grown beyond its capacity and the poor management of the open dump landfill has reduced the aesthetic value of the surrounding environments. The need to change/relocate the existing waste disposal site to a more suitable and technologically appropriate site is emphasized. © 2012 Springer-Verlag. | Environmental pollution; Koshe-Addis Ababa; Leachate; Open dump | Aesthetic value; Biological oxygen demand; Deep groundwaters; Disposal sites; Domestic water supply; Electrical models; Environmental pollutions; Ethiopia; Ground water systems; Groundwater flow directions; High concentration; Koshe-Addis Ababa; Leachate migration; Leachates; Open dump; Physical environments; Sulphates; Surrounding environment; Surrounding soils; Waste disposal sites; Biochemical oxygen demand; Chlorine compounds; Cobalt; Environmental impact; Geophysics; Groundwater; Groundwater flow; Leachate treatment; Municipal solid waste; Soil pollution; Waste disposal; bioaccumulation; concentration (composition); environmental assessment; environmental impact; groundwater flow; heavy metal; landfill; leachate; municipal solid waste; numerical model; soil pollution; sulfate; surface water; vulnerability; waste disposal; water pollution; water supply; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34347247256 | Environmental impact assessment during project execution phases: Towards a stage-gate project management model for the raw materials processing industry of the energy sector | Brent A.C., Petrick W. | 2007 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 25 | 2 | 10.3152/146155107X205832 | Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Resource Based Sustainable Development, Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Brent, A.C., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Resource Based Sustainable Development, Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Petrick, W., Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are usually required for all projects in the raw materials processing industry of the South African energy sector; they range in comprehensiveness from screening or abridged to full EIAs. Technical projects are typically on extremely tight schedules and project managers are tasked to properly align project lifecycles with the EIA process. However, the South African EIA legislation fails to take project management models and practices into consideration. A survey was conducted to establish the model that is usually followed. It focused on the stages of an EIA in relation to the project execution lifecycle phases. It ascertained problems that currently exist with the EIA procedure in the raw materials processing industry of the energy sector and that negatively affect the efficiency of project management practices in South Africa. Possible solutions are discussed and a stage-gate model is subsequently proposed, whereby the proper alignment of the South African EIA process and a typical project lifecycle is ensured for the energy sector. Further research is required to test the model through South African cases to determine the benefits and inefficiencies of such an approach, its critical elements such as quality assurance, and its influence on the stakeholders involved in an EIA. © IAIA 2007. | EIA; Environmental assessment; Life cycle management; Project management; Stage-gate model | environmental impact assessment; environmental legislation; management practice; processing; project management; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886290654 | Environmental Impact Assessment in Kenya | Biamah E.K., Kiio J., Kogo B. | 2013 | Developments in Earth Surface Processes | 16 | None | 10.1016/B978-0-444-59559-1.00018-9 | Water Systems Engineering, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Agricultural Economist, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya; Environmental and Biosystems Engineer, Norken Consult, Kenya | Biamah, E.K., Water Systems Engineering, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Kiio, J., Agricultural Economist, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya; Kogo, B., Environmental and Biosystems Engineer, Norken Consult, Kenya | In Kenya, environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been used to ensure that environmental management is integrated into project planning and decision-making with a view of achieving ecologically sustainable development. Best-practice EIA identifies environmental risks, lessens resource use conflicts by promoting community participation, minimizes adverse environmental effects, informs decision-makers, and helps lay the base for environmentally sound projects. In the integration of an EIA, due considerations are made in all stages of a project, from exploration and planning through construction, operations, decommissioning, and beyond site closure. Therefore, this chapter brings out an in-depth understanding of the EIA in the Kenyan context. Some of the key issues looked into are the goals and principles of the EIA, the EIA process, public consultation and participation in environmental assessment, social dimensions in environmental assessment, and the legislative and regulatory framework for environmental management in Kenya. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Assessment; Consultation; Development; Environment; Impact; Integration; Participation; Planning; Social; Sustainability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951546609 | Environmental impact assessment, land degradation and remediation in Nigeria: Current problems and implications for future global change in agricultural and mining areas | Chukwuma Sr. C. | 2011 | International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology | 18 | 1 | 10.1080/13504509.2011.543837 | Chrysanthus Centre for Future-Oriented Studies, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria | Chukwuma Sr., C., Chrysanthus Centre for Future-Oriented Studies, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria | Natural 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; remediation | agricultural 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; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920252018 | Environmental impact assessment of a new nuclear power plant (NPP) based on atmospheric dispersion modeling | Aliyu A.S., Ramli A.T., Saleh M.A. | 2014 | Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment | 28 | 7 | 10.1007/s00477-014-0856-9 | Nuclear Laboratory, Department of Physics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria | Aliyu, A.S., Nuclear Laboratory, Department of Physics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria; Ramli, A.T., Nuclear Laboratory, Department of Physics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Saleh, M.A., Nuclear Laboratory, Department of Physics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM, Johor Bahru, Malaysia | The US Environmental Protection Agency’s short-range atmospheric dispersion model (AERMOD 12345) is a good candidate for radiological dose calculations to the general public and the environment. It advanced capability should provide better confidence in the accuracy of offsite dose and risk assessment. The code has been used to compute the scaling factors for air concentration and ground level deposition of fission products based on routine and hypothetical accident releases from the NPP site in Geregu, Nigeria (7°33′N, 6°41′E). All computations were within the 16 km emergency planing zone of a generic reactor design considered by the study. The scaling factors have been used to assess the potential environmental risk of the NPP using an integrated approach to the assessment and management of environmental risks from ionizing radiation (D-ERICA). Obtained results should provide baseline information for decision making in terms of operation license provision for the pioneer NPP. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | AERMOD; Atmosphere; Environmental risk; ERICA Tool; Nigeria; Nuclear power plant | Atmospheric movements; Decision making; Earth atmosphere; Environmental impact assessments; Environmental Protection Agency; Fission products; Ionizing radiation; Nuclear energy; Nuclear power plants; Nuclear reactor accidents; Risk assessment; Structural design; AERMOD; Air concentrations; Atmospheric dispersion modeling; Environmental risks; Integrated approach; Nigeria; Radiological dose; US Environmental Protection Agency; Environmental impact | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864850766 | Environmental impact assessment of Attenda abattoir, Ogbomoso southwestern Nigeria on surface and groundwater quality using geo-electrical imaging and microbiological analysis | Adelowo O.O., Akinlabi I.A., Fagade O.E. | 2012 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 184 | 7 | 10.1007/s10661-011-2285-2 | Dept of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Earth Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnol | Adelowo, O.O., Dept of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Akinlabi, I.A., Department of Earth Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Fagade, O.E., Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Dept of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The impact of Attenda abattoir, Ogbomoso southwestern Nigeria on four water sources was investigated using geoelectrical imaging and microbiological analysis. 2D electrical resistivity imaging indicated groundwater contamination by leachate from the abattoir. Electrical resistivity values measured by the traverse run directly on the waste dump and other areas impacted by the waste from the abattoir are generally very low (6.68-16.7 Ωm) in comparison to other positions (135-288 Ωm). The total viable bacteria count of the water samples ranged from 0.49×106 to 2.85×108 cfu/ml and all samples are contaminated with coliforms with the most probable number (MPN)/100 ml ranging from 110 to ≥1,600 MPN/100 ml. Among bacteria isolated from the study site (n=95), resistance to eight antibiotics ranged from 35.8% to 94%. In addition, 85% of Streptococcus agalactiae (n=31) and Staph-ylococci (n=9) showed haemolytic activity while 92% of all isolates showed β-lactamase activity. These results suggest that operations of the abattoir may impact negatively on surrounding aquatic ecosystem and endanger the health of surrounding residents who use water from the wells for domestic purposes. Furthermore, such aquatic ecosystems may serve as reservoir of antibiotic resistant bacteria. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011. | Abattoir; Antibiotics resistance; Bacteria; Pollution; Water quality | Abattoir; Antibiotic-resistant bacteria; Antibiotics resistance; Aquatic ecosystem; Coliforms; Domestic purpose; Electrical resistivity; Electrical resistivity imaging; Geoelectrical; Ground-water qualities; Groundwater contamination; Lactamases; Leachates; Microbiological analysis; Most probable number; Nigeria; Streptococcus agalactiae; Study sites; Waste dumps; Water samples; Water source; Antibiotics; Ecosystems; Electric conductivity; Environmental impact assessments; Pollution; Reservoirs (water); Water quality; Bacteria; ampicillin; beta lactamase; chloramphenicol; ciprofloxacin; cloxacillin; cotrimoxazole; erythromycin; gentamicin; ground water; ofloxacin; penicillin G; streptomycin; surface water; antibiotic resistance; aquatic ecosystem; electrical resistivity; environmental impact assessment; geoelectric field; groundwater; health risk; human activity; leachate; microbiology; water resource; analytic method; antibiotic sensitivity; aquatic environment; article; Bacillus cereus; Bacillus licheniformis; Bacillus subtilis; bacterium isolate; bacterium isolation; Burkholderia cepacia; colony forming unit; environmental impact assessment; environmental monitoring; enzyme activity; Escherichia coli; geoelectrical imaging; Klebsiella aerogenes; Klebsiella pneumoniae; microbiological analysis; minimum inhibitory concentration; morphology; Nigeria; nonhuman; Proteus vulgaris; Pseudomonas putida; Rhodococcus equi; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Streptococcus agalactiae; water analysis; water contamination; water quality; water supply; Abattoirs; Environment; Environmental Monitoring; Groundwater; Nigeria; Remote Sensing Technology; Water Microbiology; Water Pollutants; Water Pollution; Nigeria; Ogbomosho; Oyo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921000981 | Environmental impact assessment of coal mining at Enugu, Nigeria | Ogbonna P.C., Nzegbule E.C., Okorie P.E. | 2015 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 33 | 1 | 10.1080/14615517.2014.941711 | Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Environmental Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P. | Ogbonna, P.C., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Nzegbule, E.C., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Okorie, P.E., Department of Forestry and Environmental Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | This study determined the views of respondents in Akwuke and Iva mine communities concerning the impact of coal mining activities on animal and plant species, pattern of settlement, pollution effect and health of people living in these two mined areas in Enugu, Nigeria. Data were generated through sample survey using a well-structured questionnaire and personal observation in the field. Khaya ivorensis (mahogany) was the major tree species that had gone extinct (72% of respondents), and Geochelone sulcata (tortoise) was the major animal species that has gone extinct (80% of respondents) in the two mined areas. Sixty-five percent of the respondents said that water pollution was most severe environmental impact of mining in Akwuke. The major health hazard caused by mining in Akwuke (55% of respondents) and Iva (65% of respondents) was blindness. Indeed, 82.5% of respondents indicated that mining affected the pattern of settlement in the two mined areas. Emphatically, coal mining affected negatively some of the socio-economic activities of the inhabitants of the mined area through removal of vegetation to access coal deposit vis-à-vis blasting, quarrying and crushing of coal. © 2015, © 2014 IAIA. | animal species; coal mining; health effect; pattern of settlement; pollution impact; tree species | animal; coal mining; environmental impact assessment; health impact; human activity; tree; water pollution; Enugu [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Animalia; Geochelone sulcata; Iva; Khaya ivorensis; Swietenia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36448940830 | Environmental impact assessment of risk associated with groundwater overdraft remediation in cone of depression, Jining, China | Ong'or B.T.I., Shu L.-C., Liu P.-G. | 2007 | Environmental Geology | 53 | 4 | 10.1007/s00254-007-0687-9 | College of Water Resources and Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Science and Technology, Western University, P.O. Box 190, Kakamega 50100, Kenya | Ong'or, B.T.I., College of Water Resources and Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China, College of Science and Technology, Western University, P.O. Box 190, Kakamega 50100, Kenya; Shu, L.-C., College of Water Resources and Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Liu, P.-G., College of Water Resources and Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China | In this paper, a simple scenario and probabilistic approach is used to assess the potential groundwater risk due to proposed overdraft remedial actions in cone of depression, Jining City, China. Focusing on the concentrations of Chloride ions (Cl -) and total hardness (TH), the impact of artificial recharge and reduced pumping on groundwater quality and quantity is analysed by using the three-dimensional finite difference groundwater flow and transport model, Visual MODFLOW, to simulate groundwater flow and transport within the study area based on scenarios, and utilizes SURFER software to map risk levels. Although 5, 10 or 15% reduced pumping with artificial recharge leads to more decrease in Cl - and TH concentrations than the 25%, less volume increase is achieved for the remediation of land subsidence and other environmental problems in the cone of depression. The Cl - concentrations in recovered groundwater are within the desired concentration of 200 mg/l; however, TH in some cases are above the maximum permissible limit of 500 mg/l, with an exceedence probability of about 0.67 for recharge and recharge with reduced pumping at 25%. The presence of fractures and hydrogeological complexity greatly determines impacts of remediation, and the 22% reduced pumping with artificial recharge offers an optimum strategy for overdraft remediation in the Jining cone of depression. © 2007 Springer-Verlag. | Artificial recharge; Groundwater quality and quantity; Jining China; Reduced pumping; Risk assessments; Visual MODFLOW | Chlorine compounds; Environmental impact; Hydrogeology; Probabilistic logics; Remediation; Risk assessment; Three dimensional; Chloride ions; Overdraft remedial actions; Three-dimensional finite difference groundwater flow; Transport model; Groundwater; chloride; degradation; environmental impact assessment; groundwater flow; hardness; recharge; remediation; risk assessment; three-dimensional flow; water quality; Asia; China; Eurasia; Far East; Jining; Shandong | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951006349 | Environmental impact assessment of two polluting sources on stream in Nigeria | Akinbile C.O., Olugbojo W.O., Olubanjo O.O. | 2015 | International Agricultural Engineering Journal | 17 | 3 | None | Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia | Akinbile, C.O., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia; Olugbojo, W.O., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Olubanjo, O.O., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | The environmental impact of locating two polluting sources of landfill (refuse dump) and petrochemicals on Alaba stream in Akure, Nigeria was assessed. Twenty physio-chemical parameters were analyzed for wet and dry seasons respectively with three sampling points within 5m intervals from one another of the two polluting sources on the stream. The parameters include: colour, odour, taste, pH, temperature, turbidity, alkalinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and total solids (TS). Others were chloride (CL-), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), lead (Pb), nitrate (NO3), sulphate (SO4-2), oil and grease, Escherichia coli (E-coli) and faecal coliform. Some parameters were determined in-situ while others were determined using APHA (2005) standard procedures and results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. All the samples investigated contained a considerable degree of pollution which asserted the pollution of the stream. The results for dry and wet seasons indicated that the conductivity, 353.33±15.0 and 256.67±26.58, Alkalinity, 52.83±16.0 and 90.90±20.98, DO, 0.33±0.08 and 0.48±0.01mg/l, Turbidity, 57.22±7.15 and 8.10±1.70, BOD, 0.20±0.10 and 0.22±0.11, TDS, 0.18±0.16 and 0.46±0.42. E-coli had values 55.37±7.45 and 8.99±3.23, faecal coliform, 241.50±11.64 and 129.83±35.06 and Pb, 13.72±7.68 and 11.88±5.20 respectively. Others were sulphate, 1298.33±422.52 and 1273.33±423.77, nitrate, 6.40±0.96, chloride, 0.33±0.12. Most of the values (with the exception of pH and alkalinity) were above the maximum permissible levels of FAO, WHO and NSDWQ standards and parameters such as pH, turbidity, DO, BOD, Pb, E-coli and faecal coliform decreased as the distance from the polluting sources increased. Statistical analyses showed significant differences at specific confidence levels while treatment of Alaba stream is required to achieve minimum acceptable level for domestic uses, public awareness on the dangers inherent in polluting the stream should be carried out. | Akure; Landfill; Microbiological parameters; Petrochemical; Physico-chemical parameters; Pollution; Stream | Alkalinity; Biochemical oxygen demand; Chemical analysis; Chlorine compounds; Dissolved oxygen; Environmental impact assessments; Escherichia coli; Land fill; Lead; Nitrates; Petrochemicals; pH; Pollution; River pollution; Statistical methods; Turbidity; Akure; Degree of pollutions; Dry and wet seasons; Micro-biological parameters; Physico - chemical parameters; Stream; Total dissolved solids; Total suspended solids; Environmental impact | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48249158364 | Environmental impact assessment using FORM and groundwater system reliability concept: Case study Jining, China | Shu L.C., Liu P.G., Ongor B.T.I. | 2008 | Environmental Geology | 55 | 3 | 10.1007/s00254-007-1016-z | State Key Lab. of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 190, Kakamega 50100, Kenya | Shu, L.C., State Key Lab. of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Liu, P.G., State Key Lab. of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Ongor, B.T.I., State Key Lab. of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 190, Kakamega 50100, Kenya | In this paper, fist-order reliability method (FORM) is used to evaluate the impacts of uncertainties posed by traditional deterministic models on the environment in Jining, China. Because of groundwater contamination in shallow aquifer, and an increase in water demand, the new wells target the confined aquifer with constant pumping rate of 5,000 m 3/d. Using Theis equation, the groundwater drawdown is analyzed to determine whether the confined aquifer will be contaminated. Although the piezometric level is higher than the phreatic level by 11.0 m, the risk of drawdown is still 19.49% when the pumping rate of 5,000 m 3/d is maintained for 2 years. The deterministic model indicates a drawdown of 8.94 m which is lower than the maximum tolerance drawdown of 11.0 m. The sensitivity and uncertainty analysis reveal that the model result is more sensitive to transmissivity than specific yield, while the reliability analysis offers significant information for the decision makers. This approach exposes and minimizes the risk of undesirable consequences such as groundwater contamination. © 2007 Springer-Verlag. | China; FORM; Groundwater drawdown; Jining; Reliability analysis; Risk | Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; Groundwater; Groundwater resources; Hydrogeology; Offshore oil well production; Underground reservoirs; Case studies; Confined aquifers; Deterministic modeling; Ground water systems; Groundwater contamination; Impact Assessment (IA); Pumping rates; Reliability methods; Shallow aquifers; Water demands; Groundwater pollution; aquifer pollution; confined aquifer; environmental impact assessment; hydrological modeling; piezometer; reliability analysis; sensitivity analysis; uncertainty analysis; water demand; Asia; China; Eurasia; Far East; Jining; Shandong | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744486604 | Environmental impact of agricultural production practices in the savannas of northern Nigeria | Chianu J.N., Tsujii H., Awange J. | 2006 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 4 | 2 | None | TSBF-CIAT, c/o World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), UN Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Bioproduction Science, Faculty of Bioresources, Ishikwa Prefectural University, 1-308 Suematsu, Nonoichicho, Ishikawagun, Ishikawa, 921-8836, Japan; School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, P.M.B., Maseno, Kenya | Chianu, J.N., TSBF-CIAT, c/o World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), UN Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; Tsujii, H., Department of Bioproduction Science, Faculty of Bioresources, Ishikwa Prefectural University, 1-308 Suematsu, Nonoichicho, Ishikawagun, Ishikawa, 921-8836, Japan; Awange, J., School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Maseno University, P.M.B., Maseno, Kenya | The study highlights the salient agricultural production practices that impact on the environment in the savannas of northern Nigeria. Due to population pressure on land and the need to maintain household food supplies farmers have increased their land-use intensity and natural resources extraction practices that degrade the environment. Some agricultural production practices were, however, found to be environmental friendly. The study recommends remedial measures that have to be taken to avert agricultural production practices that predispose farmers to practices and extractive activities that undermine the environment. | Agricultural production practices; Environmental impact; Land-use intensity; Nigeria; Savannas | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872174349 | Environmental impact of an industrial compressed air system with a solar powered compressor in South Africa | Gouws R. | 2012 | Energy and Environment | 23 | 8 | 10.1260/0958-305X.23.8.1327 | Faculty of Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2522, South Africa | Gouws, R., Faculty of Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2522, South Africa | Almost 14% of the electricity generated by the national energy supplier (Eskom) in South Africa is sold directly to the mining sector and almost 20% is utilized directly by the compressed air systems of the mining sector. The industrial compressed air systems in South Africa therefore have a substantial impact on the environment in terms of emissions output. In this paper a solar powered compressor is installed parallel to an existing industrial compressed air system. The environmental (emissions) impact and energy consumption of the industrial compressed air system with the solar powered compressor is calculated and the results are provided. It is shown from the results that the solar powered air compressor improved the overall system efficiency and lowered the carbon footprint of the industrial compressed air system. The impact of the energy improvement on the amount of trees required to offset the calculated amount of CO2 is also provided. | emissions impact; energy efficiency; Industrial compressed air; solar power | Compressed air system; Energy suppliers; Impact on the environment; Mining sector; Solar-powered; South Africa; System efficiency; Carbon dioxide; Carbon footprint; Compressed air; Compressed air motors; Compressors; Energy efficiency; Energy utilization; Environmental impact; Industry; Solar energy; Industrial emissions; carbon dioxide; carbon emission; compressed air; energy efficiency; environmental impact; mining industry; solar power; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960451830 | Environmental impact of coffee processing effluent on the ecological integrity of rivers found in gomma woreda of Jimma zone, Ethiopia | Kebede Y.K., Kebede T., Assefa F., Amsalu A. | 2010 | Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology | 10 | 42404 | 10.2478/v10104-011-0019-2 | Soil and Water Management Research Division, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 28019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Soil and Water Management Research Division, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 192, Jimma, Ethiopia; Biology Department, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Geography and Environmental Studies Department, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150223, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kebede, Y.K., Soil and Water Management Research Division, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 28019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kebede, T., Soil and Water Management Research Division, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 192, Jimma, Ethiopia; Assefa, F., Biology Department, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Amsalu, A., Geography and Environmental Studies Department, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150223, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The physico-chemical parameters of coffee effluent consists of very high amount of BOD (2200 mg dm -3), TDS (1810 mg dm -3), NO 3 (26.4 mg dm -3), NH 4 + (12.6 mg dm -3), low pH (4.3) and zero DO values. Despite the reduction of these values by dilution effect of river water, BOD values as high as 1900 mg dm -3 and 1700 mg dm -3 were found at the downstream sites of Bore and Fite rivers. For biological assemblage study, 6047 macroinvertebrates representing 27 different taxa were identified from riffle sampling sites. The average Shannon and equitability indices and total EPT taxa were reduced at the downstream sites. The habitat score of the study sites was in the range of 27% (very poor) up to 84% (excellent). | Coffee effluent; Environmental impact; Gomma; Macroinvertebrates | ammonium; biochemical oxygen demand; dissolved matter; dissolved oxygen; ecological impact; effluent; environmental impact; freshwater ecosystem; Index of Biotic Integrity; industrial waste; macroinvertebrate; nitrate; parameterization; pH; physicochemical property; Ethiopia; Jimma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952299774 | Environmental impact of elemental concentration and distribution in waters, soils and plants along the Lokoja-Abuja pipeline routes of Bida Basin, northwestern Nigeria | Boboye O.A., Abumere I.O. | 2014 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 99 | None | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2014.04.008 | Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Blueback Reservoirs Ltd., 1 Berry Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom | Boboye, O.A., Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Abumere, I.O., Blueback Reservoirs Ltd., 1 Berry Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom | This paper presents environmental study carried out to evaluate the impacts of elements' concentrations in water, soil, plants and the level of environmental damage. This is to establish the rate of pollution and degree of enrichment to enhance delineation of highly polluted areas along the pipeline routes. It was achieved by determining their spatial distribution, concentration and/or occurrences as well as the possible sources of enrichment. Forty-six (46) surface water samples were collected during the dry season while thirty (30) surface water samples were collected in the wet season respectively. The sampling was systematically carried out at diverse locations along the streams and major rivers to broadly cover the variation in the area. Fifty-one (51) soil samples were collected during dry and wet seasons to determine the texture, heavy metal concentration and physico-chemical characteristics. Thirty (30) and twenty-six (26) samples of stream and river sediments were also collected during the dry and wet seasons for physico-chemical characterization, texture and heavy metal concentrations. Ten plant tissues were collected and analysed to ascertain the rate of absorption. The results of the surface water during the dry and wet seasons showed slight acidity while the Electrical Conductivity revealed that the major ions are higher in the dry season. The major anions and cations accounted for about 71% and 29% of the Total Dissolved Solids respectively. The higher concentrations of Fe in the stream sediments and soil than that in the water and plant tissues suggest the weathering of oolitic, pisolitic and argillaceous ironstone within the area. Concentration of NH4 emanate from anthropogenic sources. Textural classification revealed sand dominated soil which confirmed that the soil and stream sediment are autochthonous. The concentration of heavy metals and cations for both seasons in the plant tissues showed no discrepancy. The hydro-chemical facies characterization of the surface water identified two water groups of Ca-HCO3 and Na-K-Cl. The water chemistry evolution in this area is controlled dominantly by weathering and precipitation in the wet season. There is strong soil-plant relationship which is evident in their enrichment. Heavy metal distribution is generally within the acceptable limit except for few locations where Pb, Zn and Fe are of high concentration. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Autochthonous; Enrichments; Facies; Heavy metals; Seasons; Texture | concentration (composition); enrichment; environmental impact; heavy metal; pipeline; surface water; water pollution; water quality; wet season; Bida Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555202675 | Environmental impact of increased consumption of engine oil in the combustion chamber of a spark ignited engine | Udeozor O.S., Nzeako A.N. | 2011 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 3 | 9 | None | Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Udeozor, O.S., Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Nzeako, A.N., Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Blue smoke is a classic sign of oil consumption in the engine and the major causes of these emissions are found to be worn-out piston rings, valve seals and valve guides. These causes are the resultant effect of increased oil consumption in the internal combustion engine, leading to excessive release of harmful exhaust emissions. This study is aimed at looking at the environmental impact of such increased oil consumption, by collecting exhaust samples from some vehicles that have oil consumption problems, using the Exhaust Gas Analyzer. Thereafter the pollutants are analyzed and estimated to determine their concentration and consequential impact on the environment. The result obtained showed that excessive engine oil consumed in the combustion chamber of the spark ignited engine can lead to high concentration of pollutants (NOX, CO, CxHy) released into the environment. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011. | Blue smoke; Exhaust gas analyzer; Oil consumption | Engine oil; Exhaust emission; Exhaust gas analyzer; Exhaust gas analyzers; High concentration; Impact on the environment; Oil consumption; Spark-ignited engines; Valve guide; Combustion; Combustion chambers; Electric sparks; Engines; Gas emissions; Internal combustion engines; Lubricating oils; Piston rings; Pollution; Seals; Environmental impact | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859239041 | Environmental impact of landfill on groundwater quality and agricultural soils in Nigeria | Akinbile C.O. | 2012 | Soil and Water Research | 7 | 1 | None | School of Civil Engineering, University Sains Malaysia (USM), Nibong Tebal, Penang 14300, Malaysia; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Akinbile, C.O., School of Civil Engineering, University Sains Malaysia (USM), Nibong Tebal, Penang 14300, Malaysia, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses were carried out of water samples from three boreholes located near a landfill, and or soil samples at Akure, Nigeria, to ascertain the effect of the dumpsite on the groundwater and soil quality. The samples from borehole locations with radial distances of 50, 80, and 100 m, respectively, away from the landfill and twelve soil samples collected at distances 0 (dump centre), 10, 20, and 30 m away from the refuse dump were analysed. The parameters determined were the turbidity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), total iron, nitrate, nitrite, chloride, calcium and heavy metals like copper, zinc, and lead. Most of these parameters indicated pollution but were below the World Health Organization (WHO) limits for consumption. The pH ranged from 5.7 to 6.8 indicating toxic pollution, the turbidity values were between 1.6 and 6.6 NTU, and the temperature ranged from 26.5°C to 27.5°C. The concentrations of iron, nitrate, nitrite and calcium ranged from 0.9 to 1.4, 30 to 61, 0.7 to 0.9, and 17 to 122 mg/l, respectively. Out of heavy metals, zinc ranged between 3.3 and 5.4 mg/l and lead ranged from 1.1 to 1.2 mg/l. Soil water holding capacity, porosity, pH, organic matter, organic carbon and organic nitrogen ranged from 38 to 54, 44 to 48, 6.9-7.5, 2.44-4.27, 1.42-2.48, and 0.12-0.21%, respectively. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences at 95% level. The results showed that all the boreholes were not strongly polluted but require treatment before use while the soil is absolutely unsuitable for the crop production. Re-designing of sanitary landfills to prevent leachate from getting to the water table, adoption of clean technology for recycling greenhouse gases and a sustainable land management programme for reclamation are recommended. | Chemical land use; Parameters; Pollution; Wastes; Water | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938348842 | Environmental impact of mining and pedogeochemistry of Agunjin area, southwestern Nigeria | Odewumi Shola C., Aminu Ahmed A., Abuh M., Bulus Joseph A. | 2015 | International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering | 8 | 2 | None | Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Jos, P.M.B 2084, Jos, Nigeria; Department of Mineral Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Geology and Mining, University of Jos, | Odewumi Shola, C., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Jos, P.M.B 2084, Jos, Nigeria; Aminu Ahmed, A., Department of Mineral Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria; Abuh, M., Department of Geology and Mining, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Nigeria; Bulus Joseph, A., Department of Geology and Mining, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Nigeria | Agunjin area occurs in the southwestern sector of the Nigerian Basement Complex along Ajase Ipo- Igbaja road. The present study is to assess the environmental impact of mining and the extent of contaminations in the soil. Soil samples were collected at a distance of about 100-400metres in N-S and E-W direction to the mining phase in Agunjin area. Twelve Soil samples were analyzed for major oxides and trace elements using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The major element compositions of Na2O ranges from 0.26 to 0.50wt%, K2O ranges from 0.21 to 0.47wt%, Al2O3 varies from 0.85 to 1.50wt%, MgO varies from 1.51 to 2.83wt%, CaO ranges from 15.39 to 55.97wt%, Fe2O3 and MnO ranges from 0.087 to 0.28wt% and 0.093 to 0.14wt% respectively. Results from the studies revealed that the concentration of Cu ranges from 5.49 to 27.56ppm and Zn ranges from 0.33 to 6.59ppm. The high concentrations of the CaO, Zn and Cu in the soil could be linked to the elemental concentrations in the marble and other metasedimentary rocks in the area which were mechanically dispersed by the mining activities and surface erosion. These elements will eventually find their way into the drainage system leading to some contaminations and possibly bioaccumulations. Total environmental impact score of mining in the area is (-) 3850 indicating major injurious impact on environment and the excess of Mn in soil is hazardous to the people living in the area. © 2015 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved. | Bioaccumulation; Ecosystem; Toxic elements; Zinc and copper | Absorption spectroscopy; Atomic absorption spectrometry; Bioaccumulation; Biochemistry; Ecosystems; Manganese; Manganese oxide; Soil surveys; Soils; Trace elements; Zinc; Basement complex; Drainage systems; Elemental concentrations; Metasedimentary rocks; Mining activities; Southwestern nigeria; Surface erosion; Toxic elements; Environmental impact; bioaccumulation; copper; environmental impact; geochemistry; mining; pedology; soil pollution; toxic substance; zinc; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-45749107747 | Environmental impact of oil exploration on the crustacean zooplankton of Osse River, Southern Nigeria | Omoigberale M.O., Ogbeibu A.E. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research | 50 | 4 | None | Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P. M. B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | Omoigberale, M.O., Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P. M. B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Ogbeibu, A.E., Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P. M. B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | The impact of crude oil exploration on the crustacean zooplankton of Osse River, Edo State (Nigeria) was investigated at five sites between July 2000 and June 2002. Cladocera accounted for 60.85% of the total number of organisms collected from all the five stations, while Copepoda contributed 39.15%. Chydoridae, the only cladoceran family was represented by 11 taxa of two subfamilies, Aloninae (7) and Chydorinae (4). The overall abundance of Cladocera was significantly different (P < 0.05) among the stations. posteriori Duncan Multiple Range (DMR) test showed that the abundance of Cladocera was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 3 stations, whereas, Copepod abundance was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 2 stations. The diversity indices revealed the highest and the lowest taxa richness, while Shannon-Wiener and Evenness indices were higher in 3 stations. The temporal dynamics revealed higher faunal abundance during the dry season. | Bio-diversity; Crustacea; Fresh water; Nigerian river environment; Oil exploration impact; Zooplankton | abundance; biodiversity; crude oil; crustacean; environmental impact; oil production; pollution effect; river water; species richness; temporal variation; zooplankton; Africa; Edo; Nigeria; Osse River; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Chydoridae; Cladocera; Copepoda; Crustacea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646248611 | Environmental impact of the Brazilian Agrarian Reform process from 1985 to 2001 | Van De Steeg J.A., Sparovek G., Lima Ranieri S.B., Maule R.F., Cooper M., Neto D.D., Alves M.C. | 2006 | Scientia Agricola | 63 | 2 | None | ILRI, P.O. Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; USP/ESALQ, Depto. de Solos e Nutrição de Plantas, C.P. 09, 13418-900 - Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Entropix, R. Maria Manieiro 458, 13405-124 - Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; USP/ESALQ, Depto. de Produção Vegetal, Brazil; USP/ESALQ, Siesalq, Brazil | Van De Steeg, J.A., ILRI, P.O. Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya; Sparovek, G., USP/ESALQ, Depto. de Solos e Nutrição de Plantas, C.P. 09, 13418-900 - Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Lima Ranieri, S.B., USP/ESALQ, Depto. de Solos e Nutrição de Plantas, C.P. 09, 13418-900 - Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Maule, R.F., Entropix, R. Maria Manieiro 458, 13405-124 - Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Cooper, M., USP/ESALQ, Depto. de Solos e Nutrição de Plantas, C.P. 09, 13418-900 - Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; Neto, D.D., USP/ESALQ, Depto. de Produção Vegetal, Brazil; Alves, M.C., USP/ESALQ, Siesalq, Brazil | During the past 20 years, most settlements of the Brazilian Agrarian Reform (AR) have been established in or near better-preserved natural ecosystems, where environmental impact is likely to be negative and contribute to natural resources degradation. The objective of this work is providing a first, comprehensive insight of the impacts related to the environmental quality of these settlements, based on the primary survey of 4,340 AR settlements installed between 1985 and 2001. An index was calculated to integrate different aspects of environmental impacts in one single number. The index showed significant regional variation, with lower values (low environmental quality) for the North and Northeast of Brazil, intermediate values for the Central-west and Southeast, and high values for the South. Environmental impacts resulting from AR and settlement creation are slowly decreasing with time, but are still very high in absolute values. The lack of protection of riparian areas, cultivation of legal reserves, and deforestation, are the main concerns related to environmental impacts. | Brazil; Deforestation; Environmental index | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57049084462 | Environmental impact prediction of air quality in a food processing environment | Chukwu O. | 2008 | International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation | 1 | 3 | 10.1504/IJPTI.2008.021469 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | Chukwu, O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | An impact study of food processing factory in Nigeria on air quality of its environment was studied using a factorial experiment. The effects of three primary air pollutants (by-products of the food processing): nitrogen (IV) oxide (NO2), carbon (IV) oxide (CO2) and sulphur (IV) oxide (SO2) on formation of acid rain also studied. These factors and their interactions in the predictive model showed significant impact on hydrogen ion concentration [H+], which is the key intrinsic parameter of acid rain. However, SO2 had higher detrimental influence than the other pollutants. 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 0.9999 between the measured and predicted values. Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Acid rain; Air quality; Environmental impact; Food processing industry | None | None |
| None | None | Environmental impacts of cage culture in Lake Victoria: the case of Shirati Bay-Sota, Tanzania | Kashindye B.B., Nsinda P., Kayanda R., Ngupula G.W., Mashafi C.A., Ezekiel C.N. | 2015 | SpringerPlus | 4 | 1 | 10.1186/s40064-015-1241-y | Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), P. O. Box 475, Mwanza, Tanzania; Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), P. O. Box 46, Sota, Shirati, Mara region, Tanzania | Kashindye, B.B., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), P. O. Box 475, Mwanza, Tanzania; Nsinda, P., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), P. O. Box 46, Sota, Shirati, Mara region, Tanzania; Kayanda, R., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), P. O. Box 475, Mwanza, Tanzania; Ngupula, G.W., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), P. O. Box 475, Mwanza, Tanzania; Mashafi, C.A., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), P. O. Box 475, Mwanza, Tanzania; Ezekiel, C.N., Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), P. O. Box 475, Mwanza, Tanzania | The experimental cage culture was conducted at Shirati bay, Lake Victoria from February to August 2013, to investigate the impacts of the small scale cage culture on the environment. Three locations along the cages, at the intermediate and one in the offshore (control) were sampled for water quality parameters, phytoplankton and macro invertebrates. A notable increase in nutrient concentration was observed after the set of cages among the stations. However DO, pH, and water transparency showed no major changes and was within the recommended ranges. Cyanophytes an indicator of inorganic pollution dominated before and after the set of cages, an increase in phytoplankton numerical abundance was observed after stocking of fish in cages. In addition there was an increase in the invertebrate community especially bivalves and gastropods. In conclusion we found no consistent environmental change caused by cage culture, and therefore it can be allowed in Lake Victoria, Tanzania part, with close monitoring of its impacts. © 2015, Kashindye et al. | Cage culture; Nutrient enrichment; Waste food; Water quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48749112976 | Environmental impacts of cocoa production and processing in Ghana: life cycle assessment approach | Ntiamoah A., Afrane G. | 2008 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 16 | 16 | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2007.11.004 | Chemical Engineering Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana | Ntiamoah, A., Chemical Engineering Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Afrane, G., Koforidua Polytechnic, Koforidua, Ghana | Ghana is the world's second largest producer of cocoa beans. In addition to exporting raw cocoa beans, the country also processes some of its beans into finished and semi-finished cocoa products for both the local and international markets. This paper is aimed at providing a comprehensive picture of the environmental impacts associated with cocoa production and processing in Ghana by applying the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The analysis considered the entire system required to produce and process 1 kg of cocoa bean. It included the extraction of raw materials (e.g. fossil fuels, minerals), the production of farming inputs (e.g. fertilizers and pesticides) and all agricultural operations in the field (e.g. tillage, fertilizer and pesticides application, harvest, etc.). Transportation of beans to processing factory and industrial processing of the beans into cocoa butter, liquor, cake and powder were also included. The study was conducted in accordance with the international ISO procedural framework for performing LCA in the ISO 14040-14043 series. The overall environmental impacts resulting from cocoa production and processing activities and improvement options towards the sustainability of the system studied are presented and discussed. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Environmental impacts; Ghanaian cocoa industry; Life cycle assessment; Sustainability | Agricultural chemicals; Agricultural machinery; Beverages; Energy resources; Environmental impact; Extraction; Fertilizers; Food processing; Fossil fuel power plants; Fossil fuels; Garnets; International trade; Minerals; Pesticides; Raw materials; Silicate minerals; Spraying; Sulfate minerals; Tropical engineering; Agricultural operations; Cocoa beans; Cocoa butter; Entire system; Industrial processing; International (CO); International markets; Life cycle assessment (LCA)); Life cycle; Theobroma; Theobroma cacao | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886794908 | Environmental impacts of drilling mud and cutting wastes from the Igbokoda onshore oil wells, Southwestern Nigeria | Gbadebo A.M., Taiwo A.M., Eghele U. | 2010 | Indian Journal of Science and Technology | 3 | 5 | 10.17485/ijst/2010/v3i5/29744 | Dept. of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Gbadebo, A.M., Dept. of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Taiwo, A.M., Dept. of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Eghele, U., Dept. of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Environmental Resources Management, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | The environmental impact of exploratory wastes (drilling muds & cuttings) generated during the drilling of Igbokoda X and Igbokoda Y onshore oil wells, was studied by analyzing its total hydrocarbon (TPH), aliphatic hydrocarbon (AH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) method and metal contents using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The aim was to determine their toxicity and possible impacts on their immediate environments of disposal. These drilled wastes generated from the drilling of Igbokoda X and Igbokoda onshore wells indicated an exceedingly very high values of AH compared with the values of PAHs in both the oil based and water based muds and cuttings respectively. These values of aliphatic is generally > 5000 mg/kg in all oil based sample types analyzed for the drilled muds and generally > 4000 mg/kg in all the sample types analyzed for the drilled cuttings. However, these values of the AH varied according to sample types with the water based drilled mud collected at the depth of 4121-10171 feet having values of > 6000 mg/kg while the value in the water based drilled cuttings is generally < 5000 mg/kg. Both the oil based drilled mud and cuttings have higher values of PAHs at the drilled samples collected between 0-4121 feet than deeper depth and composite samples. Iron (Fe) has the highest concentration followed by calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) with varying level of toxic metals like lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and Chromium (Cr) in both the oil and water based drilled mud and cuttings from Igbokoba X and Igbokoba Y wells. Most of the analyzed parameters (AH, PAHs, TPH) and metals like Pb, Mn, Cr, etc. generally have values higher than that of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Environmental Protection Agency and Directorate of Petroleum Resources Standards in some cases thereby implying possible negative impacts on the immediate environments. © Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee). | Aliphatic hydrocarbon; Igbokoba; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; Total hydrocarbon | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862965932 | Environmental impacts of electric vehicles in South Africa | Liu X., Hildebrandt D., Glasser D. | 2012 | South African Journal of Science | 108 | 42371 | None | Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Liu, X., Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hildebrandt, D., Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Glasser, D., Centre of Material and Process Synthesis, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Electric vehicles have been seen by some policymakers as a tool to target reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 1,2 Some researchers have shown that the full environmental impact of electric vehicles depends very much on the cleanliness of the electricity grid. 3 In countries such as the USA and China, where coal-fired power plants still play a very important role in electricity generation, the environmental impact of electric vehicles is equivalent to, or even higher than that of cars running on internal combustion engines. 4,5 In this study, the environmental impacts of electric vehicles in South Africa were investigated. We found that, as the bulk of South Africa's electricity is generated from relatively low-quality coal and the advanced exhaust clean up technologies are not implemented in the current coal-fired power plants, the use of electric vehicles in South Africa would not help to cut greenhouse gas emissions now (2010) or in the future (in 2030 using the IRP 2010 Revision 2, policy-adjusted IRP scenario), and actually would lead to higher SO x and NO x emissions. © 2012. The Authors. | None | cleanup; coal-fired power plant; electric vehicle; electricity generation; emission control; emission inventory; engine; environmental impact; greenhouse gas; life cycle analysis; nitrogen oxides; policy making; pollution incidence; sulfur compound; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71949105375 | Environmental impacts of Sheba tannery (Ethiopia) effluents on the surrounding water bodies | Gebrekidan A., Gebresellasie G., Mulugeta A. | 2009 | Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia | 23 | 2 | None | Chemistry Department, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekele, Ethiopia | Gebrekidan, A., Chemistry Department, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekele, Ethiopia; Gebresellasie, G., Chemistry Department, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekele, Ethiopia; Mulugeta, A., Chemistry Department, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekele, Ethiopia | The levels of hexavalent chromium from direct and treated Sheba tannery effluents, downstream river and spring water samples and upstream river water samples were determined spectrophotometrically by the s-diphenylcarbazide method at 340 nm. Temporal and representative samples were collected from the untreated tannery effluent (S1), sedimentation pond (S2), chromium oxidation pond (S3), downstream river (S4), downstream spring (S5) and 5 kms upstream river (S6). The mean levels of hexavalent chromium in S1, S2, S 3, S4, S5 and S6 were 10.54, 9.15, 7.82, 0.58, 0.54 and 0.015 mg/L, respectively. The levels of hexavalent chromium in the downstream river and spring water samples exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of total chromium in drinking waters (0.05 mg/L) as opposed to the levels in the upstream waters. The increased concentrations of Cr(VI) in the water samples indicate the possible environmental pollution of the downstream water bodies by the Sheba tannery effluents. In view of the toxicity and related environmental hazards, the levels of hexavalent chromium from the Sheba tannery effluents must be reduced to a permissible limit before discharging into the down stream waters being used for domestic purposes by the nearby communities. © 2009 Chemical Society of Ethiopia. | Environmental pollution; Ethiopia; Hexavalent chromium; S-diphenycarbazide; Tannery effluents | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880248578 | Environmental impacts of smallholder ethanol production from cassava feedstock for the replacement of kerosene household cooking fuel in Nigeria | Ohimain E.I. | 2013 | Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization and Environmental Effects | 35 | 16 | 10.1080/15567036.2010.529565 | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina A and T State University, Greensboro, NC, United States; Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Unit, Biological Science Departme | Ohimain, E.I., Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina A and T State University, Greensboro, NC, United States, Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Unit, Biological Science Department, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce-Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa, Nigeria | The Federal Government of Nigeria in November 2009 announced the replacement of kerosene household cooking fuel with ethanol produced from cassava feedstock. The project tagged cassakero involved the installation of 10,000 units of mini-ethanol refineries for the production of 1.44 billion liters of ethanol cooking fuel by smallholder processors. This study presents the pathway of ethanol production from cassava, which includes farming, processing of cassava tubers to flour, and conversion to ethanol. Potential environmental impact associated with the cassakero project is the production of liquid and solid waste streams, which could cause acidification, eutrophication, and aquatic toxicity and biodiversity impacts arising from the conversion of 400,000 ha of forest to farmland. Notwithstanding, these waste streams could be converted to useful by-products including fertilizer, animal feeds, biogas, and co-generated electricity using currently available technologies. © 2013 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | cassakero; cassava; cooking fuel; environmental impacts; kerosene substitution; renewable energy; smallholder | cassakero; cassava; Cooking fuels; Renewable energies; smallholder; Biodiversity; Ethanol; Eutrophication; Feedstocks; Fuels; Kerosene; Plants (botany); Environmental impact | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34848819445 | Environmental-impacts of urban road transportation in south-western states of Nigeria | Osuntogun B.A., Koku C.A. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 7 | 16 | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Osuntogun, B.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Koku, C.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | A study of the impacts of urban road transportation on the ambient air and the health of residents of some heavily trafficked locations-eight in Lagos metropolis, four in Ibadan and four in Ado-Ekiti-were carried out. Also, two locations in Lagos, one in Ibadan and one in Ado-Ekiti were used as control. Air quality indicators namely carbon-monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and total suspended particulates were estimated using automatic air monitors. The noise levels at these locations were also determined with a noise meter. The highest levels obtained for the air pollution indicators in Lagos were CO-232 ppm at Idumota; SO2-2.9 ppm at Idumota; NO2-1.5 ppm at Iyana-Ipaja bus stop; total suspended particulates 852 cpm at Oshodi bus stop. At Ibadan, the CO and SO2 levels at 271 and 1.4 ppm were, respectively highest at Mokola round about while NO2 at 1.0 ppm was highest at Bere round about. In Ado-Ekiti, the highest levels obtained were CO-317 at Oke Isha, NO2-0.6 ppm at Ijigbo junction and SO2-0.8 ppm at Old Garage junction. The recorded noise levels were 112.8 dB at Oshodi bus stop in Lagos, 120 dB at Iwo road in Ibadan and 115 dB at Old Garage junction, Ado-Ekiti. The blood samples of people at these high trafficked locations such as the commercial drivers, conductors, street traders and road traffic wardens were also analysed for lead content with a resultant high Pb concentration. Responses to interviews indicate that these people suffer from air pollution related diseases such as headaches, loss of vision, anaemia, forgetfulness and fatigue than those from the control locations. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Blood lead levels; Blood pressure; Gaseous air pollutants; Noise levels; Particulates; Urban transportation | Air pollutants; Air pollution indicators; Blood lead levels; Commercial drivers; Noise levels; Particulates; Quality indicators; Total suspended particulates; Air pollution control; Air quality; Blood pressure; Bus terminals; Disease control; Garages (parking); Lead; Sulfur dioxide; Urban transportation; Nitrogen oxides | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37349029400 | Environmental influences on pre-weaning growth performances and mortality rates of extensively managed Somali goats in Eastern Ethiopia | Zeleke Z.M. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 12 | None | Bahir Dar University, PO Box 1866, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Zeleke, Z.M., Bahir Dar University, PO Box 1866, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Records of 326 Somali goats born from 1994 to 2004 in eastern Ethiopia were used to assess effects of major environmental factors on growth and survival traits. Year of birth had significant effect (P<0.01) on birth weight, pre-weaning daily weight gain and weaning weight of kids. Male kids had higher (P<0.01) birth weight (3.35±0.18kg vs. 3.04±0.18kg), pre-weaning daily weight gain (61.60±7.06g vs. 55.87±7.15g) and weaning weight (12.27±0.89kg vs. 11.10±0.91kg) than female kids. Kids born from fifth parity dams had the least birth weight (2.98±0.23kg) and the highest pre-weaning mortality rate (33.33%) than those born from dams younger than fifth parity. Similarly, single born kids had heavier birth weight (3.17±0.06kg vs. 2.30± 0.20kg), higher pre-weaning daily weight gain (55.80±2.22g vs. 47.31±7.92g), higher weaning weight (11.47±0.28kg vs. 9.50±1.00kg) and less pre-weaning mortality rate (8.78 vs. 42.86%) than twin born kids. Similarly, mortality rate was found to be the highest (75%) in kids weighing <1.5kg. Improving feeding management for pregnant and lactating dams to assure moderate birth weight and adequate quantity of milk for twin born kids, and stringent culling practice of dams beyond fourth parity can be suggested to improve the productivity of Somali goats. | Birth type; Birth weight; Parity; Season; Sex; Weaning weight | Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77949655143 | Environmental, irrigation and fertilization impacts on the seed quality of guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray) | Bekaardt C.R., Coffelt T.A., Fenwick J.R., Wiesner L.E. | 2010 | Industrial Crops and Products | 31 | 3 | 10.1016/j.indcrop.2009.12.008 | Agricultural Research Council, P/Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States; Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, United States; National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, USDA-ARS, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, United States | Bekaardt, C.R., Agricultural Research Council, P/Bag X5026, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa; Coffelt, T.A., U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, Maricopa, AZ 85138, United States; Fenwick, J.R., Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, United States; Wiesner, L.E., National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, USDA-ARS, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, United States | Guayule is a perennial shrub that originates from the Chihuahua desert. Currently stand establishment is by transplanting seedlings. In order for guayule commercialization to be more profitable, direct seeding methods need to be developed. For direct seeding to be practical factors affecting seed quality need to be identified. Guayule seed quality is highly variable. The objective of this study was to determine the seed quality of guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray) grown under various field conditions in Arizona, USA, and to determine the influence of irrigation frequency and fertilization management practices on seed quality. In experiment I guayule lines AZ-2, AZ-4, AZ-R2 and 11591 were compared at four locations in Arizona (Marana, Maricopa, Yuma Mesa and Yuma Valley). In experiment II guayule lines AZ-2 and 11591 were compared under three irrigation frequencies (40%, 60% and 80%) field capacity and fertilization at low and high levels of nitrogen, at Maricopa. Germination, embryo viability, empty achene production and achene moisture content were determined for harvested achenes. In experiment I a line × location interaction occurred for normal germination, empty achenes and achene fresh weight. Line AZ-4 had the highest germination of 59% at the Yuma Valley location. Empty achenes were the highest in Marana for line 11591 at 56%. In experiment II normal germination was affected by the line, irrigation and fertilization factors. The highest germination of 66% with line 11591, 55% at 60% irrigation and 56% at high fertilization was recorded. Empty achenes were the highest with line AZ-2 at 27%. Correlations of normal germination vs. maximum temperature, empty achenes vs. total rainfall and empty achenes vs. average wind speed were positive. Negative correlations occurred for empty achene vs. maximum temperature, normal germination vs. total rainfall and normal germination vs. average wind speed. The quality of guayule seed under both experimental conditions is severely decreased by empty achene production, which seems due to genetic variability and environmental conditions during flower bloom. | Achene; Fertilization; Guayule; Irrigation; Parthenium argentatum | Arizona; Arizona , USA; Direct-seeding; Environmental conditions; Experimental conditions; Fertilization; Field capacity; Field conditions; Flower bloom; Fresh weight; Genetic variability; Irrigation frequency; Management practices; Maximum temperature; Moisture contents; Negative correlation; Parthenium argentatum; Perennial shrubs; Seed quality; Stand establishment; Total rainfall; Wind speed; Experiments; Landforms; Location; Profitability; Seed; Wind effects; Irrigation; commercialization; fertilizer application; genetic variation; germination; irrigation system; nitrogen; seedling; shrub; transplantation; wind velocity; Chihuahuan Desert; Parthenium argentatum; Yuma; crop production; environmental management; genetic modification; harvesting; moisture content; production management; profitability; seed | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921069006 | Environmentally compatible dimethyl sulfoxide: an alternative to N-methylpyrrolidone for electrochemical performance of recycled LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 in lithium-ion battery | Bankole O.E., Gong C., Lei L. | 2014 | Russian Journal of Electrochemistry | 50 | 9 | 10.1134/S1023193514030021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Crawford University, P.M.B 2001, Atan-Agbara Road, Ogun State, Nigeria | Bankole, O.E., School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China, Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Crawford University, P.M.B 2001, Atan-Agbara Road, Ogun State, Nigeria; Gong, C., School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Lei, L., School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China | The effect of recycling and doping LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 of lithium-ion battery with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) instead of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) on the electrochemical performance of the battery has been investigated for the first time. Observation shows that preparing the cathode active materials with dimethyl sulfoxide will increase the conductivity of the battery. The results show that the as-recovered LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 modified with LiOH · H2O calcined at 450°C delivers discharge capacities of about 247 mA h g−1 in the first cycle with discharge efficiency of 83.1% in sample doped with dimethyl sulfoxide, and 189 mA h g−1 with discharge efficiency of 82.7% in N-methylpyrrolidone at the rate of 0.2 C. The asrecovered samples calcined at 800 and 850°C deliver 149 and 217 mA h g−1 in the fourth cycles respectively in dimethyl sulfoxide. The capacity loss observed in dimethyl sulfoxide faded with increase in cycle numbers. In general, for the samples doped with dimethyl sulfoxide, better performances were evident with high discharge capacities in powders calcined at a lower temperature than higher temperature in accordance with particle sizes shown by the SEM images. On the basis of better cyclic performance of lithium metal cathode and environmental safety, it is evident that relatively cheap dimethyl sulfoxide could replace N-methylpyrrolidone in battery formulations. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 was successfully recycled by dimethyl sulfoxide. © 2014, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. | cathode materials; conductivity; dimethyl sulfoxide; doping; electrochemical effect; environment | Calcination; Cathodes; Dimethyl sulfoxide; Doping (additives); Electric batteries; Electric conductivity; Electric discharges; Electrodes; Lithium; Lithium alloys; Lithium-ion batteries; Nickel; Organic solvents; Recycling; X ray diffraction; Cath-ode materials; Cathode active material; Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); Electrochemical effects; Electrochemical performance; environment; Environmental safety; Environmentally compatible; Lithium batteries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945495083 | Environmental performance evaluation of different cutting environments when milling H13 tool steel | Mulyadi I.H., Balogun V.A., Mativenga P.T. | 2015 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 108 | None | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.07.024 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria; School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University | Mulyadi, I.H., Mechanical Engineering Department, Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia; Balogun, V.A., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria; Mativenga, P.T., School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom | Limited availability of natural resources and the negative environmental burden of industrial processes are driving environmental awareness and resource efficiency improvements in manufacturing. Issues of concern in mechanical machining arise from the significant use of electrical energy and oil-based coolants/lubricants. Process innovation through high speed machining has enabled manufacturing cycle times to be reduced and in some cases promoted dry machining or the use of minimum quantity lubrication. However, the environmental assessment of these innovations has hardly been explored. In this study, the environmental benefits of minimum quantity lubrication environments in machining tool steel at transition speed regime through electrical energy consumption were evaluated and compared to its competitors. The work then assessed the energy using a customized electrical energy model proposed in this study and hence the environmental performance in the process level. Tool life might be of concern in selecting between MQL, dry machining and flood machining, however, this study found that in respect to total energy requirement and environmental benefits, MQL is more promising than flood machining. The work is fundamentally important in assessing the direct energy consumption and the environmental credentials of machining processes. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Cutting environments; End milling; Energy consumption; Environmental burden; Tool life | Energy utilization; Environmental impact; Environmental management; Floods; Lubrication; Machining; Manufacture; Milling (machining); Steel; Tool steel; Tools; Electrical energy consumption; End milling; Environmental burdens; Environmental performance; Environmental performance evaluations; Minimum quantity lubrication; Tool life; Total energy requirement; Cutting tools | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864311887 | Environmental pollutants and diseases of sexual development in humans and wildlife in South Africa: Harbingers of impact on overall health? | Riana Bornman M.S., Bouwman H. | 2012 | Reproduction in Domestic Animals | 47 | SUPPL.4 | 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02094.x | Department of Urology, University of Pretoria Centre for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria and Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Riana Bornman, M.S., Department of Urology, University of Pretoria Centre for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria and Potchefstroom, South Africa; Bouwman, H., School of Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | This study deals with disorders of sexual development in humans, wildlife and animals in an urban nature reserve (RNR) and a currently DDT-sprayed malarial area. High levels of oestrogenic chemical residues in water, sediment and tissue; skewed sex ratios; reduced biodiversity; gonadal malformations in sharptooth catfish and freshwater snails; intersex in catfish; and impaired spermatogenesis in catfish and striped mouse are of serious concern in the RNR. Persistent eggshell thinning in African darter eggs, intersex in male Mozambican tilapia, follicular atresia in females and impaired spermatogenesis in males following laboratory exposure of parent fish to environmentally relevant DDT and DDE concentrations, and abnormalities in freshwater snails were found in the DDT-sprayed area. Human studies related to DDT exposure indicated impaired semen quality, a weak association with sperm chromatin defects and higher risks for external urogenital birth defects in those who were born to mothers whose houses were sprayed and those who were homemakers (stay at home mother) instead of being employed. These findings indicate that diseases of sexual development occurred in both human and wildlife populations exposed to environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals in South Africa. The chemical mixtures, possibly related to disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD), were very different between the two. However, DSD occurred concurrently in the malarial area, possibly indicating that humans and wildlife shared exposures. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of suspecting disease in the other when disease is found in either human or wildlife populations. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | None | chlorphenotane; insecticide; animal; animal disease; antelope; article; bird; bird disease; chemically induced disorder; drug effect; energy conservation; female; fish; fish disease; human; male; oocyte; pollutant; sex differentiation disorder; South Africa; urogenital tract malformation; water pollution; wild animal; Animals; Animals, Wild; Antelopes; Bird Diseases; Birds; Conservation of Energy Resources; DDT; Disorders of Sex Development; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fish Diseases; Fishes; Humans; Insecticides; Male; Ovum; South Africa; Urogenital Abnormalities; Water Pollution; Anhinga rufa; Animalia; Basommatophora; Clarias gariepinus; Tilapia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51549092291 | Environmental resources and recent impacts in the Awassa collapsed caldera, Main Ethiopian Rift | Alemayehu Abiye T. | 2008 | Quaternary International | 189 | 1 | 10.1016/j.quaint.2007.10.006 | School of Geosciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Box Wits, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Alemayehu Abiye, T., School of Geosciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Box Wits, 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | The Awassa closed basin is formed by collapsed caldera of acidic volcano and is located within the Main Ethiopian Rift whose center is occupied by freshwater lake called Lake Awassa and big swampy area of Shalo. The basin is endowed with various natural resources such as water, vegetation, birds, etc. It is rich in fresh groundwater resource, which contains a lot of fluoride. Consequently, it is not suitable for drinking. There is thermal manifestation (Wondo Genet and Gara Quhe) in different parts of the caldera, which is characteristic feature of caldera collapse of shallow rooted acidic volcanoes. To characterize the basin water resources major ion chemistry, total coliform, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand analyses were performed for selected surface and ground water samples. The physical and chemical data collected for this study showed that the natural resources are affected by human incursion since the establishment of the Awassa town. The surface and subsurface drainage is towards the lake and therefore, the lake is the main destination for any type of contaminants generated from urban activity and the caldera rim. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. | None | biochemical oxygen demand; caldera; dissolved oxygen; environmental impact; groundwater resource; natural resource; water resource; Africa; East Africa; East African Rift; Ethiopia; Ethiopian Rift; Lake Awasa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908393217 | Epidemiological African day for evaluation of patients at risk of venous thrombosis in acute hospital care settings | Kingue S., Bakilo L., Ze Minkande J., Fifen I., Gureja Y.P., Razafimahandry H.J.C., Okubadejo N., Mvuala R., Oke D.A., Manga A., Rajaonera T., Nwadinigwe C., Pay Pay E., Rabearivony N. | 2014 | Cardiovascular Journal of Africa | 25 | 4 | 10.5830/CVJA-2014-025 | Department of Cardiology, General Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Ngaliema, Kinshasa, DRC, Congo; Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Hospital Gynéco Obstetrique et Pédiatrique, Yaoundé, Cameroon; SANOFI, No | Kingue, S., Department of Cardiology, General Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Bakilo, L., Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Ngaliema, Kinshasa, DRC, Congo; Ze Minkande, J., Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Hospital Gynéco Obstetrique et Pédiatrique, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Fifen, I., SANOFI, North-East Africa, Lagos, Nigeria; Gureja, Y.P., Orthopaedic Department, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana; Razafimahandry, H.J.C., Antananarivo, Madagascar; Okubadejo, N., Department of Neurology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Mvuala, R., Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Ngaliema, Kinshasa, DRC, Congo; Oke, D.A., Department of Cardiology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; Manga, A., Orthopaedic Department, Hopital du Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Rajaonera, T., Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Mother and Child Hospital, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Nwadinigwe, C., National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Pay Pay, E., Orthopaedic Department, Clinic Ngaliema, Kinshasa, DRC, Congo; Rabearivony, N., Department of Cardiology, Mother and Child Hospital, Antananarivo, Madagascar | Introduction: This study aimed to identify patients at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) among all patients hospitalised, and to determine the proportion of at-risk hospital patients who received effective types of VTE prophylaxis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: A multinational, observational, cross-sectional survey was carried out on 1 583 at-risk patients throughout five SSA countries. Results: The prevalence of VTE risk was 50.4% overall, 62.3% in medical and 43.8% in surgical patients. The proportion of at-risk patients receiving prophylaxis was 51.5% overall, 36.2% in medical and 64% in surgical patients. Low-molecular weight heparin was the most frequently used prophylactic method in 40.2% overall, 23.1% in medical and 49.9% in surgical patients. Discussion: This study showed a high prevalence of VTE risk among hospitalised patients and that less than half of all at-risk patients received an American College of Clinical Pharmacy-recommended method of prophylaxis. Conclusion: Recommended VTE prophylaxis is underused in SSA. | ENDORSE-Africa; Thromboprophylaxis; Venous thromboembolism | acetylsalicylic acid; contraceptive agent; low molecular weight heparin; anticoagulant agent; adult; Africa south of the Sahara; anticoagulant therapy; Article; body mass; cardiovascular risk; chronic lung disease; controlled study; cross-sectional study; drug contraindication; emergency care; female; health survey; heart failure; hormone substitution; hospital care; hospital patient; hospitalization; human; immobility; major clinical study; male; multicenter study (topic); obesity; observational study; pregnancy; prevalence; retrospective study; surgical patient; thrombophilia; thrombosis prevention; varicosis; venous thromboembolism; clinical trial; follow up; hospital; incidence; middle aged; multicenter study; procedures; risk assessment; risk factor; statistics and numerical data; Venous Thrombosis; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Anticoagulants; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hospitals; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Venous Thrombosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80055079571 | Epidemiological and entomological evaluations after six years or more of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis elimination in Nigeria | Richards F.O., Eigege A., Miri E.S., Kal A., Umaru J., Pam D., Rakers L.J., Sambo Y., Danboyi J., Ibrahim B., Adelamo S.E., Ogah G., Goshit D., Oyenekan O.K., Mathieu E., Withers P.C., Saka Y.A., Jiya J., Hopkins D.R. | 2011 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 5 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001346 | The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria; University of Jos, Plateau State, Jos, Nigeria; Plateau State Ministry of Health, Jos, Nigeria; Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Lafia, Nigeria; Nigeria Federal Ministry of | Richards, F.O., The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Eigege, A., The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria; Miri, E.S., The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria; Kal, A., The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria; Umaru, J., The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria; Pam, D., University of Jos, Plateau State, Jos, Nigeria; Rakers, L.J., The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Sambo, Y., The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria; Danboyi, J., Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Lafia, Nigeria; Ibrahim, B., University of Jos, Plateau State, Jos, Nigeria; Adelamo, S.E., The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria; Ogah, G., Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Lafia, Nigeria; Goshit, D., Plateau State Ministry of Health, Jos, Nigeria; Oyenekan, O.K., The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria; Mathieu, E., Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, United States; Withers, P.C., The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Saka, Y.A., Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Jiya, J., Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Hopkins, D.R., The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States | The current strategy for interrupting transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF) is annual mass drug administration (MDA), at good coverage, for 6 or more years. We describe our programmatic experience delivering the MDA combination of ivermectin and albendazole in Plateau and Nasarawa states in central Nigeria, where LF is caused by anopheline transmitted Wuchereria bancrofti. Baseline LF mapping using rapid blood antigen detection tests showed mean local government area (LGA) prevalence of 23% (range 4-62%). MDA was launched in 2000 and by 2003 had been scaled up to full geographic coverage in all 30 LGAs in the two states; over 26 million cumulative directly observed treatments were provided by community drug distributors over the intervention period. Reported treatment coverage for each round was ≥85% of the treatment eligible population of 3.7 million, although a population-based coverage survey in 2003 showed lower coverage (72.2%; 95% CI 65.5-79.0%). To determine impact on transmission, we monitored three LF infection parameters (microfilaremia, antigenemia, and mosquito infection) in 10 sentinel villages (SVs) serially. The last monitoring was done in 2009, when SVs had been treated for 7-10 years. Microfilaremia in 2009 decreased by 83% from baseline (from 4.9% to 0.8%); antigenemia by 67% (from 21.6% to 7.2%); mosquito infection rate (all larval stages) by 86% (from 3.1% to 0.4%); and mosquito infectivity rate (L3 stages) by 76% (from 1.3% to 0.3%). All changes were statistically significant. Results suggest that LF transmission has been interrupted in 5 of the 10 SVs, based on 2009 finding of microfilaremia ≥1% and/or L3 stages in mosquitoes. Four of the five SVs where transmission persists had baseline antigenemia prevalence of >25%. Longer or additional interventions (e.g., more frequent MDA treatments, insecticidal bed nets) should be considered for 'hot spots' where transmission is ongoing. | None | albendazole; ivermectin; albendazole; antifilarial agent; ivermectin; parasite antigen; antigen detection; article; clinical evaluation; controlled study; geographic distribution; health program; health survey; human; infection control; infection rate; larval stage; lymphatic filariasis; major clinical study; mass immunization; microfilariasis; Nigeria; parasite control; parasite prevalence; parasite transmission; patient monitoring; sentinel surveillance; Wuchereria bancrofti; adolescent; adult; aged; animal; blood; child; disease transmission; drug combination; female; incidence; isolation and purification; lymphatic filariasis; male; methodology; middle aged; Nigeria; preschool child; Wuchereria bancrofti; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Albendazole; Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Therapy, Combination; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Female; Filaricides; Humans; Incidence; Ivermectin; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Wuchereria bancrofti; Young Adult | None |
| None | None | Epidemiological aspects and economic impact of bovine theileriosis (East Coast fever) and its control: A preliminary assessment with special reference to Kibaha district, Tanzania | Kivaria F.M., Ruheta M.R., Mkonyi P.A., Malamsha P.C. | 2007 | Veterinary Journal | 173 | 2 | 10.1016/j.tvjl.2005.08.013 | Animal Diseases Research Institute, P.O. Box 9254, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Kivaria, F.M., Animal Diseases Research Institute, P.O. Box 9254, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ruheta, M.R., Animal Diseases Research Institute, P.O. Box 9254, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mkonyi, P.A., Animal Diseases Research Institute, P.O. Box 9254, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Malamsha, P.C., Animal Diseases Research Institute, P.O. Box 9254, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | A cross-sectional study based on clinical examination, inspection of herd health records and a questionnaire was designed to determine the epidemiology, economics and potential impact of immunisation against theileriosis in Tanzania. The results showed annual theileriosis costs to be US$ 205.40 per head, whereas the introduction of immunisation reduced this by 40-68% depending on the post immunisation dipping strategy adopted. Morbidity risk due to theileriosis was 0.048 in immunised and 0.235 in non-immunised cattle, and the difference was significant (χ2 = 66.7; P = 0.000). The questionnaire results indicated that immunised cattle had a significantly (χ2 = 6; P = 0.015) higher risk of anaplasmosis compared with non-immunised cattle, whereas the risk of bovine babesiosis did not differ significantly (χ2 = 0.06; P = 0.807) between the two groups. Mortality risk due to anaplasmosis was 0.046 in immunised and 0.018 in non-immunised cattle and this difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 4.48; P = 0.043). The theileriosis mortality risk was 0.203 in the non-immunised cattle, while the risk was 0.009 in the immunised cattle and these differences were also significant (χ2 = 103; P = 0.000). It was concluded that farmers who have immunised their cattle may cautiously cut down acaricide application by 50% for extensively grazed herds and by 75% for zero grazed animals depending on the level of tick challenge at the herd level. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Anaplasmosis; Babesiosis; Cost benefit ratio; Infection and treatment method; Net present value; Tanzania; Theileriosis; Tick-borne disease | acaricide; agricultural worker; anaplasmosis; animal experiment; animal model; animal parasitosis; article; babesiosis; cattle disease; clinical examination; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; economic evaluation; epidemiological data; grazing; herd; immunization; medical record; morbidity; mortality; nonhuman; prevalence; questionnaire; statistical significance; Tanzania; Animals; Cattle; Cross-Sectional Studies; Data Collection; Insecticides; Protozoan Vaccines; Tanzania; Theileriasis; Tick Control; Vaccination; Animalia; Bos; Bovinae; Ixodida | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864378448 | Epidemiological evaluation of onchocerciasis along Ogun river system, Southwest Nigeria | Sam-Wobo S.O., Adeleke M.A., Jayeola O.A., Adeyi A.O., Oluwole A.S., Ikenga M., Lawniye A., Gazama J., Kagni A., Kosoko T.O., Agbeyangi O., Bankole S., Toé L., Mafiana C.F., Yameogo L. | 2012 | Journal of Vector Borne Diseases | 49 | 2 | None | Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria; Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Natio | Sam-Wobo, S.O., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adeleke, M.A., Department of Biological Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria; Jayeola, O.A., Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adeyi, A.O., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oluwole, A.S., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ikenga, M., National Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna, Nigeria; Lawniye, A., National Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna, Nigeria; Gazama, J., National Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna, Nigeria; Kagni, A., APOC Temporary Adviser, Kara, Togo; Kosoko, T.O., University of Agriculture Abeokuta Health Centre, Nigeria; Agbeyangi, O., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Bankole, S., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Toé, L., Multidisease Surveillance Centre, WHO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Mafiana, C.F., Executive Secretary Office, National University Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Yameogo, L. | Background & objective: Epidemiological studies were carried out to assess the prevalence and community microfilarial load (CMFL) of onchocerciasis after repeated annual treatment with ivermectin along Ogun river System, southwest Nigeria. Method: Skin snips were taken from consented participants in 11 selected communities along the River system. The microfilarial load of the community was estimated. Results: The prevalence and CMFL varied significantly in the communities (p <0.05). The prevalence of onchocerciasis ranged from 19.1 to 45.6%, while the CMFL ranged from 0.11 to 1.03 microfilariae per skin snip. The CMFL recorded was <5 microfilariae per skin snip, i.e. recognized by WHO as threshold value in certifying the communities to be free of onchocerciasis as public health problem, thus, signifying the possibility of onchocerciasis elimination in the study area. Conclusion: Efforts should therefore be intensified to achieve improved ivermectin coverage and compliance in annual ivermectin treatment in order to completely eliminate onchocerciasis as a public health problem in the studied communities. | Ivermectin; Microfilariae load; Nigeria; Onchocerciasis; Prevalence | ivermectin; article; Benin; community assessment; community microfilarial load; community sample; controlled study; human; human tissue; microfilaria (nematode larva); Nigeria; nonhuman; onchocerciasis; parasite prevalence; public health problem; river ecosystem; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anthelmintics; Female; Humans; Ivermectin; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Onchocerciasis; Parasite Load; Prevalence; Rivers; Skin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930922107 | Epidemiological evaluation of rubella virus infection among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria | Adewumi O.M., Olayinka O.A., Olusola B.A., Faleye T.O.C., Sule W.F., Adesina O. | 2015 | Journal of Immunoassay and Immunochemistry | 36 | 6 | 10.1080/15321819.2015.1027404 | Department of Virology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria; Dep | Adewumi, O.M., Department of Virology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olayinka, O.A., Department of Virology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Olusola, B.A., Department of Virology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Faleye, T.O.C., Department of Virology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Biological Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria; Sule, W.F., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adesina, O., Department of Microbiology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Rubella is a vaccine-preventable, mild rash-inducing viral disease with complications that include a spectrum of birth defects in the developing fetus, especially if the infection is acquired in the early months of pregnancy. Consequently, the primary objective of global rubella control programs is prevention of congenital rubella infection and associated birth defects. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, and the elimination of the rubella virus in many developed countries, substantial commitment to rubella control has not been demonstrated in developing countries. This study appraises immunity to rubella, and consequently makes appropriate recommendations aimed at facilitating effective control. A cross-sectional sero-surveillance study was carried out among defined 272 consenting ante-natal clinic attendees in south-western, Nigeria. Prevalence rates of 91.54% and 1.84% were recorded for the anti-rubella virus (anti-RV) IgG and IgM, respectively. Also, 90.7% and 92.3% of the women aged ≤30 years and >30 years, respectively, had detectable anti-RV IgG. No significant association (p = 0.94) was recorded between anti-RV IgG detection and age of the women. Previous exposure and susceptibility of significant fraction of the population to rubella infection were confirmed. Considerable political commitment and promotion of free rubella immunization specifically for women with childbearing potential were recommended. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | anti-rubella; CRS; Nigeria; rubella; rubella virus; vaccine-preventable | immunoglobulin G; immunoglobulin M; immunoglobulin G; immunoglobulin M; virus antibody; adolescent; adult; arthralgia; Article; controlled study; educational status; female; fever; groups by age; human; lymphadenopathy; major clinical study; Nigeria; pregnant woman; prevalence; priority journal; rash; rubella; Rubella virus; blood; clinical trial; multicenter study; pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Rubella virus; Adolescent; Adult; Antibodies, Viral; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Nigeria; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Rubella; Rubella virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052962337 | Epidemiological impact of tenofovir gel on the HIV epidemic in South Africa | Williams B.G., Abdool Karim S.S., Karim Q.A., Gouws E. | 2011 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 58 | 2 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3182253c19 | South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), 19 Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa; South Africa and Department of Epidemiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Columbia University, NY, United States; Strategic Intelligence and Analysis Division, UNAIDS-Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland | Williams, B.G., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), 19 Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Abdool Karim, S.S., South Africa and Department of Epidemiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Columbia University, NY, United States; Karim, Q.A., South Africa and Department of Epidemiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Columbia University, NY, United States; Gouws, E., Strategic Intelligence and Analysis Division, UNAIDS-Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland | Background: Tenofovir gel, an antiretroviral-based vaginal microbicide, reduced HIV acquisition by 39% in women in a recent randomized controlled clinical trial in South Africa. Methods: To inform policy, we used a dynamical model of HIV transmission, calibrated to the epidemic in South Africa, to determine the population-level impact of this microbicide on HIV incidence, prevalence, and deaths and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness. Results: If women use tenofovir gel in 80% or more of sexual encounters (high coverage), it could avert 2.33 (0.12 to 4.63) million new infections and save 1.30 (0.07 to 2.42) million lives and if used in 25% of sexual encounters (low coverage), it could avert 0.50 (0.04 to 0.77) million new infections and save 0.29 (0.02 to 0.44) million deaths, over the next 20 years. At US $0.50 per application, the cost per infection averted at low coverage is US $2392 (US $562 to US $4222) and the cost per disability-adjusted life year saved is US $104 (US $27 to US $181); at high coverage the costs are about 30% less. Conclusions: Over 20 years, the use of tenofovir gel in South Africa could avert up to 2 million new infections and 1 million AIDS deaths. Even with low rates of gel use, it is highly cost-effective and compares favorably with other control methods. This female-controlled prevention method could have a significant impact on the epidemic of HIV in South Africa. Programs should aim to achieve gel use in more than 25% of sexual encounters to significantly alter the course of the epidemic. © 2011 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | cost effectiveness; HIV prevention; microbicide gel; South Africa; tenofovir | microbicide; tenofovir; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; cost effectiveness analysis; disability; epidemic; female; gel; health care cost; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; mortality; prevalence; priority journal; sexual intercourse; South Africa; virus transmission; Adenine; Anti-HIV Agents; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Models, Biological; Phosphonic Acids; Prevalence; South Africa; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893709135 | Epidemiology, public health impact and control methods of the most neglected parasite diseases in Ethiopia: A review | Dawit G., Shishay K. | 2014 | World Journal of Medical Sciences | 10 | 2 | 10.5829/idosi.wjms.2014.10.2.81231 | Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia | Dawit, G., Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia; Shishay, K., Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia | Toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis and hydatidosis are the most neglected, an important public health problem and of economic importance, affecting largely the poorest of the poor, mainly in developing countries. Toxoplasmosis is a problematic zoonosis, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and immunodeficient patients. Toxoplasma gondii was first isolated in the early 1900s from an African rodent (i.e. Ctenodactylus gundi). Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, infecting humans and almost all warm-blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis is the most common disease complication, next to tuberculosis, among HIV seropositive admissions and deaths in Ethiopia. Leishmaniasis is a major vector-borne disease caused by obligate intramacrophage protozoa of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine female sand flies. Currently, leishmaniasis shows a wider geographic distribution and increased global incidence. Environmental, demographic and human behaviors contribute to the changing landscape for zoonotic cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The primary reservoir hosts of Leishmania are sylvatic mammals such as forest rodents, hyraxes and wild canids and dogs are the most important species among domesticated animals in the epidemiology. HIV/AIDS co-infection in the north-western, visceral leishmaniasis focus in Ethiopia has the highest known HIV co-infection rate in the world. Hydatidosis is a major parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus and is characterized by the formation of single or multiple cysts (hydatid cysts) varying in size. Dogs are particularly important in zoonotic transmission due to their close relationships with humans. Ethiopia has been noted for a high prevalence of hydatid disease since 1970s during which it was reported that the disease occurs in all parts of the country. Likewise, studies conducted recently in abattoirs of various locations have indicated that hydatidosis is widespread in Ethiopia with great economic and public health significance. Therefore, it is highly imperative public health education to build up public awareness about the sources of infection, control and prevention method for overcoming neglected tropical diseases. © IDOSI Publications, 2014. | Ethiopia; Hydatidosis; Leishmaniasis; Neglected; Toxoplasmosis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920066410 | Epilepsy-related stigma in European people with epilepsy: Correlations with health system performance and overall quality of life | Brigo F., Igwe S.C., Ausserer H., Tezzon F., Nardone R., Otte W.M. | 2015 | Epilepsy and Behavior | 42 | None | 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.11.015 | Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona, Italy; Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy; Department of Neuro-Psychiatry, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi St | Brigo, F., Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona, Italy, Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy; Igwe, S.C., Department of Neuro-Psychiatry, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; Ausserer, H., Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy; Tezzon, F., Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy; Nardone, R., Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy, Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Otte, W.M., Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands, Biomedical MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group, Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands | We aimed to relate the percentages of encountered epilepsy-related stigma in people with epilepsy with quantitative indicators of the quality of health systems and quality of life by country in Europe. The epilepsy-related stigma percentages were obtained from the largest population-based study in people with epilepsy available. We correlated percentages of people with perceived stigma per European country with data on the country's overall health system performance, health expenditure per capita in international dollars, and the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index. We found a nonsignificant trend towards negative correlation between the epilepsy-related stigma percentage and the overall health system performance (r. = -. 0.16; p. = 0.57), the health expenditure per capita in international dollars (r. = -. 0.24; p. = 0.4), and the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index (r. = -. 0.33; p. = 0.91). Living in a European country with a better health system performance and higher health expenditure per capita does not necessarily lead to a reduction in perceived epilepsy-related discrimination, unless the public health system invests on awareness programs to increase public knowledge and reduce stigma. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Epilepsy; Health expenditure; Health system performance; Stigma | Article; controlled study; Czech Republic; Denmark; epilepsy; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; health care cost; health care quality; health survey; human; Hungary; Italy; life satisfaction; major clinical study; Netherlands; patient satisfaction; Poland; Portugal; quality of life; quality of life index; social status; Spain; stigma; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom; economics; epilepsy; Europe; health care delivery; psychology; social stigma; standards; Delivery of Health Care; Epilepsy; Europe; Health Expenditures; Humans; Quality of Life; Social Stigma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-63349100246 | Equivalence of robust stabilization and robust performance via feedback | Ball J.A., Fang Q., Groenewald G.J., ter Horst S. | 2009 | Mathematics of Control, Signals, and Systems | 21 | 1 | 10.1007/s00498-009-0037-4 | Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech., Blacksburg, VA 24061-0123, United States; Department of Mathematics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260-2900, United States; Department of Mathematics, North West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Ball, J.A., Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech., Blacksburg, VA 24061-0123, United States; Fang, Q., Department of Mathematics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260-2900, United States; Groenewald, G.J., Department of Mathematics, North West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; ter Horst, S., Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech., Blacksburg, VA 24061-0123, United States | One approach to robust control for linear plants with structured uncertainty as well as for linear parameter-varying plants (where the controller has on-line access to the varying plant parameters) is through linear-fractional-transformation models. Control issues to be addressed by controller design in this formalism include robust stability and robust performance. Here robust performance is defined as the achievement of a uniform specified L 2-gain tolerance for a disturbance-to-error map combined with robust stability. By setting the disturbance and error channels equal to zero, it is clear that any criterion for robust performance also produces a criterion for robust stability. Counter-intuitively, as a consequence of the so-called Main Loop Theorem, application of a result on robust stability to a feedback configuration with an artificial full-block uncertainty operator added in feedback connection between the error and disturbance signals produces a result on robust performance. The main result here is that this performance-to-stabilization reduction principle must be handled with care for the case of dynamic feedback compensation: casual application of this principle leads to the solution of a physically uninteresting problem, where the controller is assumed to have access to the states in the artificially-added feedback loop. Application of the principle using a known more refined dynamic-control robust stability criterion, where the user is allowed to specify controller partial-state dimensions, leads to correct robust-performance results. These latter results involve rank conditions in addition to linear matrix inequality conditions. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2009. | Linear fractional transformations; Linear matrix inequalities; Multidimensional linear systems; Output feedback; Robust performance; Robust stabilization | Linear fractional transformations; Multidimensional linear systems; Output feedback; Robust performance; Robust stabilization; Access control; Applications; Block codes; Controllers; Delay control systems; Feedback; Fuzzy control; Linear control systems; Mathematical operators; Mathematical transformations; Robust control; Robustness (control systems); Speed control; Stability criteria; Stabilization; Switching systems; System stability; Uncertain systems; Linear matrix inequalities | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-44049097413 | Ergonomic evaluation and energy requirements of bread-baking operations in south western Nigeria | Jekayinfa S.O. | 2008 | Nutrition and Food Science | 38 | 3 | 10.1108/00346650810871920 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | Jekayinfa, S.O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | Purpose - In Nigeria, local fabricators of agro-processing equipment have designed and manufactured various improvised versions of imported bread-baking machines without due ergonomic considerations. Also, most of the processes of bread baking in Nigeria largely involve manual materials handling, which continues to represent a major loss source in the work place. The manual operations besides being uncomfortable are characterized by low output and unhygienic products. A study was therefore conducted in three southwestern states of Nigeria with the purpose of evaluating the energy requirements and man-machine relationships in bread-baking operations. Design/methodology/approach - The study, which lasted over one year, involved the use of three fuel sources namely, firewood, electricity and cooking gas during bread baking operations. Questionnaire and physical measurements were employed for data collection from 50 bakeries randomly selected within the study area. The data points include the environmental and body temperatures, anthropometrical data, bio data, injury data, metabolic and production measurements. Findings - The results of the study revealed that bread-baking with wood as energy source required the highest energy (6.15 kJ/min) compared with 3.37 kJ/min and 1.52 kJ/min obtained with gas and electricity as sources of energy, respectively. The cost of energy per kg of baked bread was 7.58 with cooking gas followed by 6.05 for electricity and 5.05 for wood in that order. The average baking rate (BR) using firewood, gas and electricity as energy sources were, respectively, 11.92, 17.97 and 20.58 kg/h. Analysis of metabolic data showed moderate (not to a lethal level) increase in the subjects' body temperatures, blood pressures and heart rates after bread-baking operations. Originality/value - The study suggests that bread-baking operations could be categorized as a light grade work and that the use of electricity as energy source is the most appropriate in terms of bread-BR and unit energy requirement. | Bakery products; Energy sources; Ergonomics; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644630279 | Ergonomic workplace construction, evaluation and improvement by CADWORK | Udosen U.J. | 2006 | International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics | 36 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ergon.2005.11.005 | Production Engineering Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Udosen, U.J., Production Engineering Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | The interactive capability of CADWORK has been demonstrated for construction, evaluation and improvement of a workplace for the assembly of a domestic fan. Data prepared in accordance with the requirements of the CADWORK system were fed into the computerized workplace heuristic and a workplace constructed from scratch was evaluated to give an assembly time of 1889.72 TMU at 100 BS performance level. The workplace was, then interactively adjusted by movement of some bins in the workplace to seek improvement. The cycle time simulated by CADWORK for the best improved workplace was 1654.89 TMU at 100 BS performance level. Computerized workplace design is quite relevant in industry as it enables various workplace layouts to be easily generated, evaluated and improved in situ, such that selection of the best layout is possible from the standpoints of ergonomics considerations and the anthropometric data of the operator who would use it. The criterion employed by CADWORK for workplace appraisal and selection, is the minimization of the cycle time of the product assembled using the workplace constructed or modified via the CADWORK heuristic. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Assembly operation; CADWORK; Computerized workplace design; Workplace construction; Workplace evaluation; Workplace improvement | Computer aided design; Computer simulation; Evaluation; Heuristic methods; Assembly operation; CADWORK; Computerized workplace design; Workplace evaluation; Ergonomics; anthropometry; article; computer aided design; computer program; computer simulation; construction work; ergonomics; operator; priority journal; workplace | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865212509 | Error performance of concatenated superorthogonal space-time-frequency trellis coded mimo-ofdm system | Oluwafemi I.B., Mneney S.H. | 2012 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 103 | 3 | None | School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Oluwafemi, I.B., School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Mneney, S.H., School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | In this paper, we investigate the performance of serially concatenated convolutional code with super-orthogonal space-time trellis code (SOSTTC) in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) over frequency selective fading channels. We consider both recursive systematic convolutional code (RSC) and non-recursive convolutional code (NRC) as the outer code, and 16-state QPSK SOSTTC as the inner code. Employing these, two concatenated schemes consisting of single convolutional outer code and two serially concatenated convolutional outer codes are proposed. We evaluate the performance of the concatenated schemes by means of computer simulations with maximum a posteriori (MAP) algorithm based iterative decoding. Simulation results indicate that the performance of the proposed concatenated schemes improved significantly when compared with schemes without concatenation under the same channel condition. Copyright © 2005 SAIEE. | Coding gain; Convolutional code; Frequency selective fading channels; Iterative decoding; Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing; Super-orthogonal space-time trellis code | Channel conditions; Coding gains; Error performance; Maximum a posteriori algorithm; MIMO-OFDM systems; Recursive systematic convolutional code; Serially concatenated convolutional codes; Super-Orthogonal; Super-orthogonal space-time trellis code; Computer simulation; Convolution; Convolutional codes; Frequency selective fading; Iterative decoding; MIMO systems; Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing; Telecommunication systems; Trellis codes; Concatenated codes | None |
| None | None | Establishing and implementing Demographic Surveillance System as a tool for monitoring health interventions in Korogwe District, north-eastern Tanzania | Kamugisha M.L., Mmbando B.P., Francis F., Ishengoma D.S., Challe D.P., Lemnge M.M. | 2011 | Tanzania Journal of Health Research | 13 | 4 | 10.4314/thrb.v13i4.1 | National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, P.O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania | Kamugisha, M.L., National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, P.O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania; Mmbando, B.P., National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, P.O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania; Francis, F., National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, P.O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania; Ishengoma, D.S., National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, P.O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania; Challe, D.P., National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, P.O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania; Lemnge, M.M., National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Centre, P.O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania | In the Korogwe demographic surveillance system (DSS) site in north-eastern Tanzania, information on vital events such as births, deaths and migrations has been collected since its establishment in 2005. The aim was to obtain demographic and epidemiological indices to be used in the evaluation of health related interventions which have been undertaken in the area. Period covered is up to December 2010. Baseline survey was conducted in 14 villages of Korogwe district in October 2005 and DSS was launched in January 2006. Demographic, social economic status, immunisation coverage and birth history data was collected during the follow-up and each household was visited every 4 months. Estimates of mortality levels were derived from deaths that were collected during household visits. Birth history data were used to estimate the lifetime and period fertility of women aged 15-49. Estimates of crude migration and age specific migration rates were derived from the number of people moving in or out of the DSS site and the person-years lived. The population at baseline survey was 25,264 individuals in 5,853 households. The percentage of deaths was higher among adult aged 15-60 years compared to other age groups. The probability of dying among males (376/1000) aged 15-60 was higher than females (339/1000) in the same age group. The lifetime and period fertility estimates were 5.6 and 5.1 children per woman respectively. Women aged 30-34 are expected to have 3-4 children at the end of their childbearing age. Migration were higher at the youngest ages, lower rates at the 10-14 age groups, a peak at the 20-24 ages, and a gradual decline up to the oldest ages. Majority of households in rural areas 51.8% were l in low socio-economic status compared to 40.3% in urban areas which were in high socio-economic status. About 74% and 55.5% of the children received BCG and measles vaccination, respectively. In conclusion, Korogwe DSS has provided useful data which was utilised in planning malaria vaccine trials. Findings from the DSS will also be used in planning of future clinical trials and by the District authorities as input for health and other development planning purposes, including setting of crucial priorities. | Demographic surveillance; Health; Interventions; Monitoring; Tanzania | BCG vaccine; diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; measles vaccine; poliomyelitis vaccine; adolescent; adult; age distribution; aged; article; BCG vaccination; child; childbirth; controlled study; demographic surveillance system; demography; diphtheria; epidemiological data; female; female fertility; follow up; health care quality; health program; health survey; household; human; immigration; infant; major clinical study; male; maternal age; measles; measles vaccination; medical history; mortality; pertussis; poliomyelitis; public health service; quality control; sex difference; social status; Tanzania; tetanus; tuberculosis; urban rural difference | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751607947 | Establishing and maintaining an online community of academics: Longitudinal evaluation of a virtual conference series | Thatcher A., Straker L., Pollock C. | 2011 | International Journal of Web Based Communities | 7 | 1 | 10.1504/IJWBC.2011.038129 | Psychology Department, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, 2050, South Africa; School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University, G.P.O. Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; School of Psychology, Curtin University, G.P.O. Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia | Thatcher, A., Psychology Department, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, 2050, South Africa; Straker, L., School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University, G.P.O. Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Pollock, C., School of Psychology, Curtin University, G.P.O. Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia | Initiated in 1996, the CybErg international conference series is the only online conference series in the field of ergonomics. Using virtual settlement theory and a model of online community evolution, this article reports on a 12-year longitudinal investigation of the five conferences in the conference series and whether they have been effective in establishing an online academic community and in internationalising the dissemination of knowledge and dialogue of this online community. The results suggest that the conference series is indeed a good example of an online community in an engaged state and has been largely successful in encouraging equality in the international distribution of contributors. This article concludes with new possibilities to enhance the conduct, knowledge production, dialogue, and processes of future online academic conferences. Copyright © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Computer-supported cooperative work collaboration; Engagement; Knowledge transfer; Online community evolution; Online conferencing; Virtual settlement theory | Academic community; Academic conferences; Engagement; Knowledge production; Knowledge transfer; Online communities; Virtual settlement theory; Ergonomics; Groupware; Knowledge management; Online systems; Online conferencing | None |
| None | None | Establishing sustainable performance-based incentive schemes: Views of rural health workers from qualitative research in three sub-Saharan African countries | Ye´ M., Aninanya G.A., Sie´ A., Kakoko D.C.V., Chatio S., Kagone´ M., Loukanova S., Williams J.E., Sauerborn R. | 2014 | Rural and Remote Health | 14 | 3 | None | Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana; Department of Medical Anthropology, Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany | Ye´, M., Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Aninanya, G.A., Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana; Sie´, A., Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Kakoko, D.C.V., Department of Medical Anthropology, Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; Chatio, S., Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana; Kagone´, M., Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Loukanova, S., Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Williams, J.E., Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana; Sauerborn, R., Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany | Introduction: Performance-based incentives (PBIs) are currently receiving attention as a strategy for improving the quality of care that health providers deliver. Experiences from several African countries have shown that PBIs can trigger improvements, particularly in the area of maternal and neonatal health. The involvement of health workers in deciding how their performance should be measured is recommended. Only limited information is available about how such schemes can be made sustainable. This study explored the types of PBIs that rural health workers suggested, their ideas regarding the management and sustainability of such schemes, and their views on which indicators best lend themselves to the monitoring of performance. In this article the authors reported the findings from a cross-country survey conducted in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania. Methods: The study was exploratory with qualitative methodology. In-depth interviews were conducted with 29 maternal and neonatal healthcare providers, four district health managers and two policy makers (total 35 respondents) from one district in each of the three countries. The respondents were purposively selected from six peripheral health facilities. Care was taken to include providers who had a management role. By also including respondents from district and policy level a comparison of perspectives from different levels of the health system was facilitated. The data that was collected was coded and analysed with support of NVivo v8 software. Results: The most frequently suggested PBIs amongst the respondents in Burkina Faso were training with per-diems, bonuses and recognition of work done. The respondents in Tanzania favoured training with per-diems, as well as payment of overtime, and timely promotion. The respondents in Ghana also called for training, including paid study leave, payment of overtime and recognition schemes for health workers or facilities. Respondents in the three countries supported the mobilisation of local resources to make incentive schemes more sustainable. There was a general view that it was easier to integrate the cost of non-financial incentives in local budgets. There were concerns about the fairness of such schemes from the provider level in all three countries. District managers were worried about the workload that would be required to manage the schemes. The providers themselves were less clear about which indicators best lent themselves to the purpose of performance monitoring. District managers and policy makers most commonly suggested indicators that were in line with national maternal and neonatal healthcare indicators. Conclusions: The study showed that health workers have considerable interest in performance-based incentive schemes and are concerned about their sustainability. There is a need to further explore the use of non-financial incentives in PBI schemes, as such incentives were considered to stand a greater chance of being integrated into local budgets. Ensuring participation of healthcare providers in the design of such schemes is likely to achieve buy-in and endorsement from the health workers involved. However, input from managers and policy makers is essential to keep expectations realistic and to ensure the indicators selected fit the purpose and are part of routine reporting systems. © M Ye´, GA Aninanya, A Sie´, DCV Kakoko, S Chatio, M Kagone´, S Loukanova, JE Williams, R Sauerborn, 2014. | Burkina Faso; Developing countries; Ghana; Incentives; Pay-for-performance; Performance-based financing; Performance-based incentives; Sub-Saharan African; Tanzania | adult; Africa south of the Sahara; female; health care personnel; health care quality; health personnel attitude; health service; human; in service training; male; middle aged; motivation; organization and management; psychology; qualitative research; salary and fringe benefit; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Attitude of Health Personnel; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Inservice Training; Male; Maternal Health Services; Middle Aged; Motivation; Qualitative Research; Quality of Health Care; Salaries and Fringe Benefits | None |
| WoS | WOS:000285576800011 | Establishment of a catchment monitoring network through a participatory approach in a rural community in South Africa | Jewitt, G. P. W.,Kongo, V. M.,Kosgei, J. R.,Lorentz, S. A. | 2010 | HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES | 14 | 12 | 10.5194/hess-14-2507-2010 | University of Kwazulu Natal | "Jewitt, G. P. W.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Kongo, V. M.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Kosgei, J. R.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Lorentz, S. A.: University of Kwazulu Natal" | The establishment of a catchment monitoring network is a process, from the inception of the idea to its implementation, the latter being the construction of relevant gauging structures and installation of the various instruments. It is useful that the local communities and other stakeholders are involved and participate in such a process, as was highlighted during the establishment of the hydrological monitoring network in the Potshini catchment in Bergville District in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The paper highlights the participatory establishment of a hydrological monitoring network in a small rural inhabited catchment, in line with the overall objective of the Smallholder System Innovations (SSI) research programme, to monitor hydrological processes at both field and catchment scale for water resources management research purposes. The engagement and participation of the Potshini community precipitated a learning opportunity for both the researchers and the local community on (i) the understanding of hydrological processes inherent in the catchment (ii) appreciating the inherent dynamics in establishing a catchment monitoring network in the midst of a community (iii) paradigm shift on how to engage different stakeholders at different levels of participation. The participatory engagement in the monitoring process led to appreciation and uptake of some of the research results by the Potshini community and ensured continued support from all stakeholders. This paper is of the view that the participation of the local community and other stakeholders in catchment monitoring and instilling a sense of ownership and management of natural resources to the local communities needs to be encouraged at all times. Success stories in water resources management by local communities can be realized if such a process is integrated with other development plans in the catchment at all forums, with due recognition of the social dynamics of the communities living in the catchment. | ,"ENERGY BALANCE ALGORITHM",EVAPORATION,MANAGEMENT,SCALE,SCINTILLATION,"SENSIBLE HEAT FLUXES",TURKEY,WATER | None | None |
| None | None | Establishment of a hydrological monitoring network in a tropical African catchment: An integrated participatory approach | Gomani M.C., Dietrich O., Lischeid G., Mahoo H., Mahay F., Mbilinyi B., Sarmett J. | 2010 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 35 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.025 | Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Eberswalder Str. 84, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany; Sokoine University of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering Department, P.O. Box 3151, Morogoro, Tanzania; Wami Ruvu Basin Water Office, Mazimbu Road, P.O. Box 826, Morogoro, Tanzania | Gomani, M.C., Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Eberswalder Str. 84, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering Department, P.O. Box 3151, Morogoro, Tanzania; Dietrich, O., Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Eberswalder Str. 84, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany; Lischeid, G., Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Institute of Landscape Hydrology, Eberswalder Str. 84, D-15374 Müncheberg, Germany; Mahoo, H., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering Department, P.O. Box 3151, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mahay, F., Wami Ruvu Basin Water Office, Mazimbu Road, P.O. Box 826, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mbilinyi, B., Sokoine University of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering Department, P.O. Box 3151, Morogoro, Tanzania; Sarmett, J., Wami Ruvu Basin Water Office, Mazimbu Road, P.O. Box 826, Morogoro, Tanzania | Sound decision making for water resources management has to be based on good knowledge of the dominant hydrological processes of a catchment. This information can only be obtained through establishing suitable hydrological monitoring networks. Research catchments are typically established without involving the key stakeholders, which results in instruments being installed at inappropriate places as well as at high risk of theft and vandalism. This paper presents an integrated participatory approach for establishing a hydrological monitoring network. We propose a framework with six steps beginning with (i) inception of idea; (ii) stakeholder identification; (iii) defining the scope of the network; (iv) installation; (v) monitoring; and (vi) feedback mechanism integrated within the participatory framework. The approach is illustrated using an example of the Ngerengere catchment in Tanzania. In applying the approach, the concept of establishing the Ngerengere catchment monitoring network was initiated in 2008 within the Resilient Agro-landscapes to Climate Change in Tanzania (ReACCT) research program. The main stakeholders included: local communities; Sokoine University of Agriculture; Wami Ruvu Basin Water Office and the ReACCT Research team. The scope of the network was based on expert experience in similar projects and lessons learnt from literature review of similar projects from elsewhere integrated with local expert knowledge. The installations involved reconnaissance surveys, detailed surveys, and expert consultations to identify best sites. First, a Digital Elevation Model, land use, and soil maps were used to identify potential monitoring sites. Local and expert knowledge was collected on flow regimes, indicators of shallow groundwater plant species, precipitation pattern, vegetation, and soil types. This information was integrated and used to select sites for installation of an automatic weather station, automatic rain gauges, river flow gauging stations, flow measurement sites and shallow groundwater wells. The network is now used to monitor hydro-meteorological parameters in collaboration with key stakeholders in the catchment. Preliminary results indicate that the network is working well. The benefits of this approach compared to conventional narrow scientific/technical approaches have been shown by gaining rapid insight into the hydrology of the catchment, identifying best sites for the instruments; and voluntary participation of stakeholders in installation, monitoring and safeguarding the installations. This approach has proved simple yet effective and yielded good results. Based on this experience gained in applying the approach in establishing the Ngerengere catchment monitoring network, we conclude that the integrated participatory approach helps to assimilate local and expert knowledge in catchments monitoring which consequently results in: (i) identifying best sites for the hydrologic monitoring; (ii) instilling the sense of ownership; (iii) providing security of the installed network; and (iv) minimizing costs for installation and monitoring. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Catchment monitoring; Experiences learned; Hydrological processes; Participatory approach; Tanzania | Automatic weather stations; Digital elevation model; Experiences learned; Expert consultation; Expert experience; Expert knowledge; Feedback mechanisms; Gauging stations; Hydrologic monitoring; Hydrological process; Literature reviews; Local community; Local experts; Meteorological parameters; Minimizing costs; Monitoring network; On flow; Participatory approach; Plant species; Potential monitoring; Precipitation patterns; Rain gauges; Reconnaissance surveys; Research programs; Research teams; River flow; Shallow groundwater; Soil maps; Soil types; Stakeholder identifications; Tanzania; Voluntary participation; Water resources management; Working well; Catchments; Climate change; Decision making; Gages; Geologic models; Groundwater; Installation; Meteorological instruments; Research; Runoff; Soils; Surveys; Water resources; Weather information services; Monitoring; catchment; decision making; environmental monitoring; hydrological response; hydrometeorology; integrated approach; participatory approach; research program; stakeholder; voluntary approach; water management; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875846348 | Estimates of variance components for postweaning feed intake and growth in bonsmara bulls andevaluation of alternative measures of feed efficiency | MacNeil M.D., Scholtz M.M., Maiwashe A. | 2013 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 43 | 1 | 10.4314/sajas.v43i1.2 | 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 | MacNeil, 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 Africa | Feed 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 gain | Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649773344 | Estimating expenditure impacts without expenditure data using asset proxies | Wittenberg M. | 2011 | Economics Letters | 110 | 2 | 10.1016/j.econlet.2010.11.009 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wittenberg, M., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | When asset indices are used in regressions the coefficients obtained are typically difficult to interpret. We show how lower bounds on expenditure effects can be extracted, if the relationship between the assets and expenditure can be calibrated on an auxiliary data set. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Asset index; Attenuation; Obesity; Proxy variables | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646791867 | Estimating gill-net selectivity for Labeo umbratus (Pisces: Cyprinidae), and an evaluation of using fyke-nets as a non-destructive sampling gear in small reservoirs | Booth A.J., Potts W.M. | 2006 | Fisheries Research | 79 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.fishres.2006.02.015 | Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6139, South Africa | Booth, A.J., Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6139, South Africa; Potts, W.M., Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6139, South Africa | Estimates of gill-net selectivity for the cyprinid fish, Labeo umbratus, were compared using two conventional and two new estimation methods. All four methods provided similar estimates. The SELECT method was shown to be the simplest and most robust statistically. The Sechin model was found to be appropriate for the smaller mesh sizes. Being based on fish morphology, the Sechin model is not suggested for estimating the gill-net selectivity when fish are likely to get tangled. Although the direct fyke-net method appeared to adequately estimate gill-net selectivity, large sample sizes are required to obtain an accurate estimate of the population structure. This method is, therefore, considered appropriate for high-density populations and may have application for species that are likely to get tangled. The length-structured selectivity model was the most complicated mathematically. While it accurately described the gear selection process it required additional estimates of age and growth. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Fyke-nets; Gill-nets; Labeo umbratus; Length-structured model; Sechin's model; SELECT | cyprinid; fish; gillnet; growth rate; population structure; statistical analysis; Cyprinidae; Cypriniformes; Labeo umbratus; Pisces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943176148 | Estimating PMTCT's impact on heterosexual HIV transmission: A mathematical modeling analysis | Khanna A.S., Roberts S.T., Cassels S., Ying R., John-Stewart G., Goodreau S.M., Baeten J.M., Murnane P.M., Celum C., Barnabas R.V., Moodley D. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0134271 | Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Khanna, A.S., Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Roberts, S.T., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Cassels, S., Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; Ying, R., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; John-Stewart, G., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Goodreau, S.M., Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Baeten, J.M., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Murnane, P.M., College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Celum, C., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Barnabas, R.V., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Moodley, D., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Introduction Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) strategies include combined short-course antiretrovirals during pregnancy (Option A), triple-drug antiretroviral treament (ART) during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Option B), or lifelong ART (Option B+). The WHO also recommends ART for HIV treatment and prevention of sexual transmission of HIV. The impact of PMTCT strategies on prevention of sexual HIV transmission of HIV is not known. We estimated the population-level impact of PMTCT interventions on heterosexual HIV transmission in southwestern Uganda and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, two regions with different HIV prevalence and fertility rates. Materials and Methods We constructed and validated dynamic, stochastic, network-based HIV transmission models for each region. PMTCT Options A, B, and B+ were simulated over ten years under three scenarios: 1) current ART and PMTCT coverage, 2) current ART and high PMTCT coverage, and 3) high ART and PMTCT coverage. We compared adult HIV incidence after ten years of each intervention to Option A (and current ART) at current coverage. Results At current coverage, Options B and B+ reduced heterosexual HIV incidence by about 5% and 15%, respectively, in both countries. With current ART and high PMTCT coverage, Option B+ reduced HIV incidence by 35% in Uganda and 19% in South Africa, while Option B had smaller, but meaningful, reductions. The greatest reductions in HIV incidence were achieved with high ART and PMTCT coverage. In this scenario, all PMTCT strategies yielded similar results. Discussion Implementation of Options B/B+ reduces adult HIV incidence, with greater effect (relative to Option A at current levels) in Uganda than South Africa. These results are likely driven by Uganda's higher fertility rates. © 2015 Khanna et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | antiretrovirus agent; Article; breast feeding; CD4 lymphocyte count; fertility; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; incidence; mathematical model; pregnant woman; South Africa; Uganda; vertical transmission; virus transmission | KL2TR000421, NIH, National Institutes of Health; P30AI027757, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R00 HD057533, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R01 DA033875, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R24 HD042828, NIH, National Institutes of Health; RC4 AI0 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890862298 | Estimating the impact of changing fertilizer application rate, land use, and climate on nitrous oxide emissions in Irish grasslands | Kim D.-G., Rafique R., Leahy P., Cochrane M., Kiely G. | 2014 | Plant and Soil | 374 | 42371 | 10.1007/s11104-013-1862-2 | Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene, Ethiopia; HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, 73019 OK, United States; Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland | Kim, D.-G., Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene, Ethiopia, HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Rafique, R., HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, 73019 OK, United States; Leahy, P., HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Cochrane, M., Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland; Kiely, G., HYDROMET, Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland | Aim: This study examines the impact of changing nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates, land use and climate on N fertilizer-derived direct nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in Irish grasslands. Methods: A set of N fertilizer application rates, land use and climate change scenarios were developed for the baseline year 2000 and then for the years 2020 and 2050. Direct N2O emissions under the different scenarios were estimated using three different types of emission factors and a newly developed Irish grassland N2O emissions empirical model. Results: There were large differences in the predicted N2O emissions between the methodologies, however, all methods predicted that the overall N2O emissions from Irish grasslands would decrease by 2050 (by 40-60 %) relative to the year 2000. Reduced N fertilizer application rate and land-use changes resulted in decreases of 19-34 % and 11-60 % in N2O emission respectively, while climate change led to an increase of 5-80 % in N2O emission by 2050. Conclusions: It was observed in the study that a reduction in N fertilizer and a reduction in the land used for agriculture could mitigate emissions of N2O, however, future changes in climate may be responsible for increases in emissions causing the positive feedback of climate on emissions of N2O. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Climate change; Land-use change; Nitrogen fertilizer; Nitrous oxide; Scenario analysis | agricultural emission; biogeochemistry; climate change; climate effect; climate feedback; fertilizer application; grassland; land use change; nitrous oxide; Ireland | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-19444387573 | Estimating the impact of establishing family housing on the annual risk of HIV infection in South African mining communities | Gebrekristos H.T., Resch S.C., Zuma K., Lurie M.N. | 2005 | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | 32 | 6 | 10.1097/01.olq.0000154496.61014.10 | Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Community Health, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, United States; 1372 Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe, Baltimore, MD, United States | Gebrekristos, H.T., Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States, 1372 Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe, Baltimore, MD, United States; Resch, S.C., Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Zuma, K., Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Lurie, M.N., Department of Community Health, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, United States | Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the HIV-related epidemiologic impact of establishing family-style housing in mining communities in South Africa. Methods: Modeling sex acts as independent Bernoulli trials, the estimated impact of converting to family housing arrangements on the annual risk of HIV infection is calculated and the differential effects on migrants and their partners is explored. Results: Family housing could reduce HIV transmission among migrants and their partners in South Africa. Given baseline estimates, the predicted net reduction in the annual risk of HIV infection with family housing is 0.0254 and 0.0305 for short- and long-stay couples respectively. A reduction in the annual risk of HIV infection under family housing depends on the proportion of HIV negative concordance among couples. HIV-negative concordance among couples above 22% provides reductions in the annual risk of HIV infection under family housing. Conclusions: The results indicate that family housing could decrease HIV transmission among HIV-negative concordant couples, indicating that this policy alternative should be examined closely to assess its viability and use as a prevention method. Copyright © 2005, American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association All rights reserved. | None | article; family; female; housing; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; infection prevention; infection risk; male; migration; mining; policy; risk reduction; sexual behavior; South Africa; virus transmission; Disease Transmission, Horizontal; Family; Female; HIV Infections; Housing; Humans; Male; Mining; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; South Africa; Transients and Migrants | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958524767 | Estimating the impact of plasma HIV-1 rna reductions on heterosexual HIV-1 transmission risk | Lingappa J.R., Hughes J.P., Wang R.S., Baeten J.M., Celum C., Gray G.E., Stevens W.S., Donnell D., Campbell M.S., Farquhar C., Essex M., Mullins J.I., Coombs R.W., Rees H., Corey L., Wald A. | 2010 | PLoS ONE | 5 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0012598 | Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Lingappa, J.R., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Hughes, J.P., Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Wang, R.S., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Baeten, J.M., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Celum, C., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Gray, G.E., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Stevens, W.S., Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Donnell, D., Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Campbell, M.S., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Farquhar, C., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Essex, M., Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Mullins, J.I., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Coombs, R.W., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Rees, H., Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Corey, L., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Wald, A., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Background: The risk of sexual transmission of HIV-1 is strongly associated with the level of HIV-1 RNA in plasma making reduction in HIV-1 plasma levels an important target for HIV-1 prevention interventions. A quantitative understanding of the relationship of plasma HIV-1 RNA and HIV-1 transmission risk could help predict the impact of candidate HIV-1 prevention interventions that operate by reducing plasma HIV-1 levels, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), therapeutic vaccines, and other non-ART interventions. Methodology/Principal Findings: We use prospective data collected from 2004 to 2008 in East and Southern African HIV-1 serodiscordant couples to model the relationship of plasma HIV-1 RNA levels and heterosexual transmission risk with confirmation of HIV-1 transmission events by HIV-1 sequencing. The model is based on follow-up of 3381 HIV-1 serodiscordant couples over 5017 person-years encompassing 108 genetically-linked HIV-1 transmission events. HIV-1 transmission risk was 2.27 per 100 person-years with a log-linear relationship to log10 plasma HIV-1 RNA. The model predicts that a decrease in average plasma HIV-1 RNA of 0.74 log10 copies/mL (95% CI 0.60 to 0.97) reduces heterosexual transmission risk by 50%, regardless of the average starting plasma HIV-1 level in the population and independent of other HIV-1-related population characteristics. In a simulated population with a similar plasma HIV-1 RNA distribution the model estimates that 90% of overall HIV-1 infections averted by a 0.74 copies/mL reduction in plasma HIV-1 RNA could be achieved by targeting this reduction to the 58% of the cohort with plasma HIV-1 levels ≥4 log10 copies/mL. Conclusions/Significance: This log-linear model of plasma HIV-1 levels and risk of sexual HIV-1 transmission may help estimate the impact on HIV-1 transmission and infections averted from candidate interventions that reduce plasma HIV-1 RNA levels. 2010 Lingappa et al. | None | aciclovir; Gag protein; placebo; virus envelope protein; virus RNA; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; virus RNA; article; blood analysis; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; female; follow up; heterosexuality; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; incidence; major clinical study; male; prediction; prospective study; risk assessment; risk factor; RNA analysis; seroconversion; sexual transmission; South Africa; Africa; blood; cohort analysis; disease transmission; genetics; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; isolation and purification; physiology; randomized controlled trial; sexuality; virology; virus load; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Africa, Eastern; Africa, Southern; Anti-HIV Agents; Cohort Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heterosexuality; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; RNA, Viral; Sexual Partners; Viral Load | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39049091339 | Estimating the impact of vaccination using age-time-dependent incidence rates of hepatitis B | Hens N., Aerts M., Shkedy Z., Kung'u Kimani P., Kojouhorova M., Van Damme P., Beutels Ph. | 2008 | Epidemiology and Infection | 136 | 3 | 10.1017/S0950268807008692 | Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Kenya Institute of Medical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; National Center of Infectious and Parasitic diseases, Department of Epidemiology, Sofia, Bulgaria; Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium | Hens, N., Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Aerts, M., Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Shkedy, Z., Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; Kung'u Kimani, P., Kenya Institute of Medical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Kojouhorova, M., National Center of Infectious and Parasitic diseases, Department of Epidemiology, Sofia, Bulgaria; Van Damme, P., Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Beutels, Ph., Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium | The objective of this study was to model the age-time-dependent incidence of hepatitis B while estimating the impact of vaccination. While stochastic models/time-series have been used before to model hepatitis B cases in the absence of knowledge on the number of susceptibles, this paper proposed using a method that fits into the generalized additive model framework. Generalized additive models with penalized regression splines are used to exploit the underlying continuity of both age and time in a flexible non-parametric way. Based on a unique case notification dataset, we have shown that the implemented immunization programme in Bulgaria resulted in a significant decrease in incidence for infants in their first year of life with 82% (79-84%). Moreover, we have shown that conditional on an assumed baseline susceptibility percentage, a smooth force-of-infection profile can be obtained from which two local maxima were observed at ages 9 and 24 years. © 2007 Cambridge University Press. | None | hepatitis B vaccine; age; article; Bulgaria; conceptual framework; health program; hepatitis B; human; immunization; incidence; infant; infection sensitivity; mathematical model; nonparametric test; regression analysis; risk reduction; sensitivity analysis; stochastic model; time series analysis; vaccination; Bulgaria; Communicable Disease Control; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Hepatitis B virus; Humans; Incidence; Models, Statistical; Vaccination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349535949 | Estimating the impacts of land-cover change on runoff using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT): Case study of Nzoia catchment, Kenya | Githui F., Mutua F., Bauwens W. | 2009 | Hydrological Sciences Journal | 54 | 5 | 10.1623/hysj.54.5.899 | Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya | Githui, F., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; Mutua, F., Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya; Bauwens, W., Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium | The SWAT model was used to investigate the impact of land-cover changes on the runoff of the River Nzoia catchment, Kenya. The model was calibrated against measured daily discharge, and land-cover changes were examined through classification of satellite images. Land-cover change scenarios were generated, namely the worst- and best-case scenarios. Historical land-cover change results showed that agricultural area increased from 39.6 to 64.3% between 1973 and 2001, while forest cover decreased from 12.3 to 7.0%. A comparison between 1970-1975 and 1980-1985 showed that land-cover changes accounted for a difference in surface runoff ranging from 55 to 68% between the two time periods. The land-cover scenarios used showed the magnitude of changes in runoff due to changes in the land covers considered. Compared to the 1980-1985 runoff, the land-cover scenarios generated changes in runoff of about -16% and 30% for the best and worst case scenarios respectively. Copyright © 2009 IAHS Press. | CLUE-S; Hydrology; Land-cover change; Runoff; SWAT; Western Kenya | Agricultural areas; CLUE-S; Daily discharge; Forest cover; Land cover; Land-cover change; Satellite images; Soil and water assessment tool; Surface runoffs; SWAT; SWAT model; Time periods; Western Kenya; Worst case scenario; Catchments; Runoff; Water; Landforms; catchment; land cover; land use change; modeling; runoff; satellite imagery; Africa; East Africa; Kenya; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67049144187 | Estimating the public health impact of the effect of herpes simplex virus suppressive therapy on plasma HIV-1 viral load | Baggaley R.F., Griffin J.T., Chapman R., Hollingsworth T.D., Nagot N., Delany S., Mayaud P., De Wolf F., Fraser C., Ghani A.C., Weiss H.A. | 2009 | AIDS | 23 | 8 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32832aadf2 | MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; lnfectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Universite Montpellier 1, EA 4205 Transmission, Pathogenese et Prevention de I'infection par le VIH, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; HIV Monitoring Foundation, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom | Baggaley, R.F., MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Griffin, J.T., MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Chapman, R., lnfectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Hollingsworth, T.D., MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Nagot, N., Universite Montpellier 1, EA 4205 Transmission, Pathogenese et Prevention de I'infection par le VIH, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Delany, S., Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mayaud, P., Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; De Wolf, F., HIV Monitoring Foundation, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Fraser, C., MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Ghani, A.C., MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Weiss, H.A., lnfectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Objective: Trials of herpes simplex virus (HSV) suppressive therapy among HSV-2/ HIV-1-infected individuals have reported an impact on plasma HIV-1 viral loads (PVLs). Our aim was to estimate the population-level impact of suppressive therapy on female-to-male HIV-1 sexual transmission. Design and methods: By comparing prerandomization and postrandomization individual-level PVL data from the first two HSV suppressive therapy randomized controlled trials in sub-Saharan Africa, we estimated the effect of treatment on duration of asymptomatic infection and number of HIV-1 transmission events for each trial. Results: Assuming that a reduction in PVL is accompanied by an increased duration of HIV-1 asymptomatic infection, 4-6 years of HSV suppressive therapy produce a 1 -year increase in the duration of this stage. To avert one HIV-1 transmission requires 8.8 [95% confidence interval (Cl), 5.9-14.9] and 11.4 (95% Cl, 7.8-27.5) women to be treated from halfway through their HIV-1 asymptomatic period, using results from Burkina Faso and South African trials, respectively. Regardless of the timing of treatment initiation, 51.6 (95% Cl, 30.4-137.0) and 66.5 (95% Cl, 36.7-222.6) treatment-years are required to avert one HIV-1 infection. Distributions of set-point PVL values from sub-Saharan African populations suggest that unintended adverse consequences of therapy at the population level (i.e. increased HIV-1 transmission due to increased duration of infection) are unlikely to occur in these settings. Conclusion: HSV suppressive therapy may avert relatively few HIV-1 transmission events per person-year of treatment. Its use as a prevention intervention may be limited; however, further research into its effect on rate of CD4 cell count decline and the impact of higher dosing schedules is warranted. © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Acyclovir; Herpes simplex virus type 2; HIV; Suppressive therapy; Transmission; Valacyclovir; Viral load | immunosuppressive agent; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; disease duration; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; priority journal; public health; randomized controlled trial; sexual transmission; treatment duration; virus load; Africa South of the Sahara; Antiviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Public Health; RNA, Viral | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649791379 | Estimating the uncertainty in simulating the impacts of small farm dams on streamflow regimes in South Africa [Estimation des incertitudes lors de la simulation des impacts de petites retenues agricoles sur les régimes d'écoulement en Afrique du Sud] | Hughes D.A., Mantel S.K. | 2010 | Hydrological Sciences Journal | 55 | 4 | 10.1080/02626667.2010.484903 | Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | Hughes, D.A., Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa; Mantel, S.K., Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa | Small dams represent an important local-scale resource designed to increase water supply reliability in many parts of the world where hydrological variability is high. There is evidence that the number of farm dams has increased substantially over the last few decades. These developments can have a substantial impact on downstream flow volumes and patterns, water use and ecological functioning. The study reports on the application of a hydrological modelling approach to investigate the uncertainty associated with simulating the impacts of farm dams in several South African catchments. The focus of the study is on sensitivity analysis and the limitations of the data that would be typically available for water resources assessments. The uncertainty mainly arises from the methods and information that are available to estimate the dam properties and the water use from the dams. The impacts are not only related to the number and size of dams, but also the extent to which they are used for water supply as well as the nature of the climate and the natural hydrological regimes. The biggest source of uncertainty in South Africa appears to be associated with a lack of reliable information on volumes and patterns of water abstraction from the dams. © 2010 IAHS Press. | Farm dams; Hydrological impacts; Modelling; Uncertainty | Downstream flow; Ecological functioning; Hydrological impacts; Hydrological modelling; Hydrological regime; Hydrological variability; Modelling; Number and size; Small dams; South Africa; Supply reliability; Uncertainty; Water abstraction; Water resources assessment; Water use; Catchments; Dams; Ecology; Estimation; Farms; Sensitivity analysis; Uncertainty analysis; Water supply; Water resources; agricultural land; catchment; computer simulation; dam construction; estimation method; hydrological modeling; numerical model; sensitivity analysis; streamflow; uncertainty analysis; water supply; water use; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-42649122991 | Estimating vertically acquired HIV infections and the impact of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission program in Zimbabwe: Insights from decision analysis models | Dube S., Boily M.-C., Mugurungi O., Mahomva A., Chikhata F., Gregson S. | 2008 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 48 | 1 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31816bcdbb | Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom | Dube, S., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Boily, M.-C., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Mugurungi, O., Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mahomva, A., Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe; Chikhata, F., Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe; Gregson, S., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe | BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends a single-dose nevirapine (NVP) regimen for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in settings without the capacity to deliver more complex regimens, but the population-level impact of this intervention has rarely been assessed. METHODS: A decision analysis model was developed, parameterized, and applied using local epidemiologic and demographic data to estimate vertical transmission of HIV and the impact of the PMTCT program in Zimbabwe up to 2005. RESULTS: Between 1980 and 2005, of approximately 10 million children born in Zimbabwe, a cumulative 504,000 (range: 362,000 to 665,000) were vertically infected with HIV; 59% of these infections occurred in nonurban areas. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV decreased from 8.2% (range: 6.0% to 10.7%) in 2000 to 6.2% (range: 4.9% to 8.9%) in 2005, predominantly attributable to declining maternal HIV prevalence rather than to the PMTCT program. Between 2002 and 2005, the single-dose NVP PMTCT program may have averted 4600 (range: 3900 to 7800) infections. In 2005, 32% (range: 26% to 44%) and 4.0% (range: 2.7% to 6.2%) of infections were attributable to breast-feeding and maternal seroconversion, respectively, and the PMTCT program reduced infant infections by 8.8% (range: 5.5% to 12.1%). Twice as many infections could have been averted had a more efficacious but logistically more complex NVP + zidovudine regimen been implemented with similar coverage (50%) and acceptance (42%). DISCUSSION: The decline in MTCT from 2000 to 2005 is attributable more to the concurrent decrease in HIV prevalence in pregnant women than to PMTCT at the current level of rollout. To improve the impact of PMTCT, program coverage and acceptance must be increased, especially in rural areas, and local infrastructure must then be strengthened so that single-dose NVP can be replaced with a more efficacious regimen. © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Decision analysis models; HIV; Mother-to-child transmission; Prevention of mother-to-child transmission; Vertical transmission | lamivudine plus nevirapine plus zidovudine; lamivudine plus zidovudine; nevirapine; zidovudine; adult; article; controlled study; decision making; disease transmission; drug effect; female; health program; health survey; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; major clinical study; maternal care; monotherapy; preschool child; prevalence; priority journal; single drug dose; world health organization; Zimbabwe; Decision Support Techniques; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Nevirapine; Pregnancy; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901844904 | Estimation of impact of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia on pastoralists in Kenya | Onono J.O., Wieland B., Rushton J. | 2014 | Preventive Veterinary Medicine | 115 | 04-Mar | 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.03.022 | 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; Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC, Mongolia | Onono, 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 Kingdom | Contagious 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 system | Bos; 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; Vaccination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864340602 | Estimation of the maximum end buffer impact force for a given level of reliability | Haas T.N., Maingon P., Dunaiski P.E. | 2012 | Journal of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering | 54 | 1 | None | Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; MARINTEK, SINTEF Marine, Otto Nielsens veg 10, Trondheim, Norway | Haas, T.N., Stellenbosch University, Department of Civil Engineering, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Maingon, P., MARINTEK, SINTEF Marine, Otto Nielsens veg 10, Trondheim, Norway; Dunaiski, P.E. | The first paper in this set of two, titled The effect of parameters on the end buffer impact force history of the crane (see page 55), examined the effect of a change in the magnitude of the parameter on the end buffer impact force history. This paper investigates to what degree a change in the magnitude of the parameter alters the impact force history. This was accomplished through a sensitivity analysis performed by individually varying the magnitude of the parameter in the FE model. For each case individual maximum impact forces were obtained. The maximum impact force could not simply be selected by choosing the greatest value from the sensitivity study. A constraint optimisation technique for a given level of reliability (β) using the FE simulation data was used to determine the maximum impact force. A comparison between the constraint optimisation and codified results showed that SABS 0160-1989 underestimates the impact force by 18%, while SANS 10160-2010 substantially overestimates the impact force by 64% for a level of reliability of β = 3. If the relevant clauses of SANS 10160-6 that pertain to end stop design are used in their present form, this will result in a conservative design, whereas SABS 0160 has a probability of 2.3% of being exceeded. | Constraint optimisation; Crane; Impact force | Effect of parameters; FE model; FE-simulation; Impact force; Impact force history; Optimisations; Sensitivity studies; Cranes; Finite element method; Optimization; Reliability | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958807892 | Estimation of variance components of milk yield and genetic evaluation of Sahiwal cattle using mixed linear models | Kumar A., Gandhi R.S., Haile A. | 2011 | Indian Journal of Animal Sciences | 81 | 6 | None | National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, India; Division of Animal Genetics, IVRI, Izatnagar, India; Dairy Cattle Breeding Division, NDRI, Karnal, India; ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kumar, A., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, India, Division of Animal Genetics, IVRI, Izatnagar, India; Gandhi, R.S., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, India, Dairy Cattle Breeding Division, NDRI, Karnal, India; Haile, A., National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, India, ILRI, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | First lactation 305 days milk yield (FL305DMY) records (2032) on Sahiwal cows, maintained at 3 different farms in India were analyzed to estimate the impact of direct additive genetic, maternal additive genetic and cow's permanent environmental effects on milk yield and to compare sire model (BLUP) with 3 different animal models i.e. simple univariate model (AM I), univariate model with maternal effect and cow's permanent environmental effect (AM II) and multivariate model (AM III) of sire evaluation. The sire model of BLUP was least capable to estimate genetic differences amongst bulls. The heritability estimate for milk yield using sire model was lowest (0.141), followed by animal Models, viz. AM II (0.236), AM III (0.260) and AM I (0.292). Among animal models, lowest estimate of heritability obtained using AM II indicated for presence of significant amount of maternal additive genetic variance (26485.05 kg2) and maternal effect explained 11.1 % of total phenotypic variation in milk yield. The permanent environmental effect of cows explained 2.5 % variation of milk yield. The AM II was most effective model in terms of efficiency and accuracy over other models of sire evaluation. The rank correlations amongst the estimated breeding values of sires for FL305DMY were higher ranging from 0.898 (sire model versus AM III) to 0.991 (AM I versus AM II) indicating similarity in ranking of sires to the degree of 90 percent and above from different methods of Sahiwal sire evaluation. | Animal model; Cattle; Maternal effect; Sahiwal; Sire evaluation | Animalia; Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959302173 | Estrus performance of boran and boran × holstein friesian crossbred cattle synchronized with a protocol based on estradiol benzoate or gonadotrophin-releasing hormone | Tadesse M., Thiengtham J., Pinyopummin A., Prasanpanich S., Tegegne A. | 2011 | Kasetsart Journal - Natural Science | 45 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Department of Large Animals and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Tadesse, M., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Thiengtham, J., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Pinyopummin, A., Department of Large Animals and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand; Prasanpanich, S., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Tegegne, A., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The objectives of this study were to determine estrus behavior, interval to estrus, duration of estrus and time of ovulation of Boran, and Boran × Holstein Friesian (HF) breeds. A total of 113 cows and heifers from the two breeds were synchronized with two estrus synchronization protocols: 1) estradiol benzoate (EB) + controlled internal drug release (CIDR) + prostaglandin (PGF2α); and 2) gonadotrophin (GnRH) + CIDR + PGF2α. The results (mean ± SE) showed that the Boran breed had significantly longer interval to estrus (70.67 ± 5.9 versus 54.58 ± 4 h), shorter duration of estrus (8.65 ± 0.83 versus 12.1 ± 0.7 h) and lower behavioral score (mean ± SD; 883 ± 639 versus 3,399 ± 957) compared to Boran × HF crossbred cattle. Animals treated with EB + CIDR + PGF2α had a significantly shorter interval to estrus (46.75 ± 4 versus 78.5 ± 4 h), higher behavioral score (3,058 ± 1,223 versus 2,663 ± 991) and longer duration of estrus (11.31 ± 0.71 versus 9.4 ± 0.75 h) compared to animals treated with GnRH + CIDR + PGF2α. The interval from estrus to ovulation (26 ± 2.5 h) was not different between breeds and between synchronization methods. The Boran (Bos indicus) breed tended to have a longer interval to estrus, shorter duration of estrus and an estrus behavior score lower than Boran × HF crossbred cattle treated and managed under similar conditions. The protocol using EB + CIDR + PGF2α was more effective than GnRH + CIDR + PGF2α in terms of enhancing estrus behavior and creating tight synchrony. | Boran cattle; Estrus behavior; Estrus duration; Interval to estrus; Synchronization | Animalia; Bos; Bos indicus; Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870489808 | E-Surveillance in Animal Health: Use and evaluation of mobile tools | Madder M., Walker J.G., Van Rooyen J., Knobel D., Vandamme E., Berkvens D., Vanwambeke S.O., De Clercq E.M. | 2012 | Parasitology | 139 | 14 | 10.1017/S0031182012000571 | Vector Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; KEMRI, CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Compton Mentor Fellowship, Compton Foundation, 101 Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94104, United States; Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, place L. Pasteur 3, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium | Madder, M., Vector Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; Walker, J.G., KEMRI, CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya, Compton Mentor Fellowship, Compton Foundation, 101 Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94104, United States; Van Rooyen, J., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; Knobel, D., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa, KEMRI, CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; Vandamme, E., Vector Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Berkvens, D., Vector Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Vanwambeke, S.O., Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, place L. Pasteur 3, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; De Clercq, E.M., Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, place L. Pasteur 3, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium | In the last decade, mobile technology offered new opportunities and challenges in animal health surveillance. It began with the use of basic mobile phones and short message service (SMS) for disease reporting, and the development of smartphones and other mobile tools has expanded the possibilities for data collection. These tools assist in the collection of data as well as geo-referenced mapping of diseases, and mapping, visualization and identification of vectors such as ticks. In this article we share our findings about new technologies in the domain of animal health surveillance, based on several projects using a wide range of mobile tools, each with their specific applicability and limitations. For each of the tools used, a comprehensive overview is given about its applicability, limitations, technical requirements, cost and also the perception of the users.The evaluation of the tools clearly shows the importance of selecting the appropriate tool depending on the envisaged data to be collected. Accessibility, visualization and cost related to data collection differ significantly among the tools tested. This paper can thus be seen as a practical guide to the currently available tools. © 2012 Cambridge University Press. | animal health; mobile technology; smart phones; SMS; Surveillance | animal health; article; computer program; controlled study; disease surveillance; electronics; human; information processing; microscope; mobile phone; nonhuman; priority journal; technology; Africa; Animals; Cellular Phone; Data Collection; Introduced Species; Population Surveillance; Software; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks; Animalia; Ixodida | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83555163782 | Ethnobotanical study of antimalarial plants in Shinile District, Somali Region, Ethiopia, and in vivo evaluation of selected ones against Plasmodium berghei | Mesfin A., Giday M., Animut A., Teklehaymanot T. | 2012 | Journal of Ethnopharmacology | 139 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.006 | Department of Life Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Mesfin, A., Department of Life Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Giday, M., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Animut, A., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Teklehaymanot, T., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Ethnopharmacological relevance: The study documented medicinal plants that are traditionally used for treatment of malaria in Shinile District, eastern Ethiopia, and evaluated selected medicinal plants for their antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium berghei. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in four kebeles of Shinile District, Somali Region, Ethiopia. A total of 15 traditional healers were sampled based on recommendations of local elders and administrators. Specimens of the reported antimalarial plants were collected and stored at the Mini Herbarium of the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, following identification. Crude aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aloe sp.; Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica were tested in vivo against Plasmodium berghei. The three plants were selected based on the frequency antimalarial use report by healers. Results: The study revealed 27 antimalarial plants, the majority of which were harvested from the wild. Root was the most frequently sought plant part. Most of the remedies were used in decoction form. Aloe sp.; Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica were the most commonly reported plants for their antimalarial use. For the in vivo test, all the plant extracts were given to mice orally. Ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Aloe sp. caused 73.94% and 58.10% parasitaemia suppression, respectively at dose of 650 mg/kg. Ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica leaves induced 54.79% parasitaemia suppression at the dose of 650 mg/kg and its water extract induced 21.47% parasite suppression at a similar dose. Water extract of the fruits of Tamarindus indica showed the highest parasitaemia suppression (81.09%) at the dose of 650 mg/kg. Most Plasmodium berghei infected mice treated with high dose of plant extracts survived relatively longer compared to their respective controls although the difference was not significant. Conclusions: The result of this study may support the traditional use of Aloe sp.; Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica in the study area against malaria. Results of this study can be used as a basis for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations in the effort for search of new and locally affordable antimalarial agents. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antimalarial plants; Ethiopia; Ethnobotanical study; Plasmodium berghei; Shinile | alcohol; Aloe vera extract; antimalarial agent; Azadirachta indica extract; plant extract; Tamarindus indica extract; unclassified drug; water; adult; aged; Aloe; animal experiment; animal model; antimalarial activity; article; Azadirachta indica; controlled study; drug screening; Ethiopia; ethnobotany; female; fruit; harvest; human; male; medicinal plant; mouse; nonhuman; normal human; parasitemia; plant leaf; plant root; Plasmodium berghei; Plasmodium berghei infection; survival; tamarind; traditional medicine; Aloe; Animals; Antimalarials; Azadirachta; Ethnobotany; Fruit; Malaria; Male; Medicine, African Traditional; Mice; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Plants, Medicinal; Plasmodium berghei; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Tamarindus; Aloe; Azadirachta indica; Mus; Plasmodium berghei; Tamarindus indica | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73449131484 | Ethnobotanical survey and preliminary evaluation of medicinal plants with antidiarrhoea properties in Sokoto state, Nigeria | Etuk E.U., Ugwah M.O., Ajagbonna O.P., Onyeyili P.A. | 2009 | Journal of Medicinal Plants Research | 3 | 10 | None | Department of Pharmacology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Markudi, Nigeria | Etuk, E.U., Department of Pharmacology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Ugwah, M.O., Department of Pharmacology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Ajagbonna, O.P., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria; Onyeyili, P.A., Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Markudi, Nigeria | Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants use in Sokoto state of Nigeria for the treatment of diarrhoeal disorders was conducted. The plants documented were identified botanically and ranked based on informant frequency of citation. Ten top rank plants were then selected and screened for acute toxicity, phytochemical constituents and antidiarrhoea properties. A fixed single dose (3000 mg/kg b.wt.) of aqueous extract of each plant was administered orally to five female Sprague dawley rats in sequence to test for acute toxic effect. Another fixed dose of 200 mg/kg (b.wt.) of each extract was administered orally to treat diarrhoea induced with castor oil (1.0 ml) in each group of rats (n = 6). The results showed that, nineteen plants were cited by the Herbalist as being used for the treatment of diarrhoea in Sokoto state. The aqueous extracts of the ten selected plants were relatively safe after short term oral administration and tannins was the only phytochemical compound detected in all the extracts. Even though the ten selected plants exhibited varying degrees of antidiarrhoea activities, Lannea acida followed by Euphorbia hirta and Acacia nilotica respectively produced the most effective diarrhoea inhibition. This study has identified nineteen medicinal plants used in Sokoto for the treatment of diarrhoea. Tannins was the only phytochemical compound detected in all the screened plants and Lannea acida showed the highest antidiarrhoea potential. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Diarrhoea; Medicinal plants; Oral administration; Wistar rats | Acacia nilotica extract; Acacia polyancatha extract; alkaloid; Ampelocissos grantii extract; Anacardium occientale extract; Andropogon gayanus extract; Anogessus leiocarpus extract; antidiarrheal agent; Boswellia diazielii extract; Bridelia frerruginea extract; Cajanus cajan extract; Euphorbia extract; Ficus thoningii extract; flavonoid; guava extract; Lannea acida extract; Mytragne africana extract; Pilostigma reticulatum extract; plant extract; Securidaca longipendunculata extract; tannin; Terminalia macroptera extract; unclassified drug; Veronica kotschyana extract; Ziziphus abyssinica extract; Acacia; Acacia polyancatha; Ampelocissos grantii; Anacardiaceae; Andropogon; Andropogon gayanus; animal experiment; animal model; Anogessus leiocarpus; article; bark; Boswellia; Boswellia diazielii; Bridelia frerruginea; cashew nut; controlled study; diarrhea; drug mechanism; drug screening; Euphorbia; euphorbia hirta; female; Ficus; Ficus thoningii; guava; jujube; Lannea acida; legume; male; medicinal plant; Mytragne africana; Nigeria; nonhuman; phytochemistry; pigeonpea; Pilostigma reticulatum; plant leaf; plant root; rat; Rubiaceae; Securidaca; Securidaca longipendunculata; single drug dose; Terminalia; Terminalia macroptera; Veronica; Veronica kotschyana; Vitaceae; Ziziphus abyssinica; Acacia nilotica; Chamaesyce hirta; Lannea acida; Rattus; Rattus norvegicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883422127 | Ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the management of fertility and preliminary phytochemical evaluation of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench | Ashidi J.S., Olaosho E.A., Ayodele A.E. | 2013 | Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy | 5 | 9 | 10.5897/JPP2013.0282 | Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, OlabisiOnabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ashidi, J.S., Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, OlabisiOnabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; Olaosho, E.A., Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, OlabisiOnabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria; Ayodele, A.E., Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The rise and fall in fertility level remain a serious concern in economic planning nations. In spite of concerted efforts of governmental and non-governmental organization to control birth through campaign and provision of safe sex devices, yet not much success has been recorded. There is dearth of information on plants traditionally used for fertility regulation in literature. In this study an ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the management of fertility was conducted across Ago-Iwoye and Oru areas of Ijebu-North Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria. From the survey, 30 plant species which belong to 20 families were found to be used frequently by the indigenes of the areas. Most of the plants encountered (16.7%) belonged to the family Euphorbiaceae. Phytochemical evaluation of the leaves of Abelmoschus esculentus, the most prominent in the recipes indicated the presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins and tannins in high concentrations while alkaloids, anthraquinones and cardenolides were absent. Moreover, the roots of A. esculentus showed high concentration of flavonoid compounds such as phenolics and saponins which were present in low concentrations while alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardenolides, cardiac glycosides and tannins were absent. © 2013 Academic Journals. | Ethnobotanical survey; Fertility; Phytochemical evaluation | Abelmoschus esculentus extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; Amaranthaceae; article; Bignoniaceae; Caricaceae; Clusiaceae; Convolvulaceae; Cucurbitaceae; ethnobotany; Euphorbiaceae; fertility; legume; Malvaceae; Melastomataceae; Moraceae; nonhuman; okra; phytochemistry; plant leaf; plant root; plant seed; Poaceae; questionnaire; Rubiaceae; Rutaceae; Solanaceae; traditional healer | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925070811 | Ethnopharmacological evaluation of a traditional herbal remedy used to treat gonorrhoea in Limpopo province, South Africa | Mulaudzi R.B., Ndhlala A.R., Van Staden J. | 2015 | South African Journal of Botany | 97 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2014.12.007 | Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, South Africa; Agriculture Research Council-Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, South Africa | Mulaudzi, R.B., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, South Africa, Agriculture Research Council-Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, South Africa; Ndhlala, A.R., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, South Africa, Agriculture Research Council-Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, South Africa; Van Staden, J., Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, South Africa | The indigenous people from Limpopo regard herbal remedies as the most effective way of treating Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). There are several herbal remedies that they use for various purposes. This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a popular herbal remedy used to treat STIs by testing for its antimicrobial activity, enzyme inhibition against HIV-type 1 reverse-transcriptase (HIV-RT) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). The safety of the remedy was evaluated by testing for its mutagenic and anti-mutagenic effects. The herbal remedy evaluated in this study was manufactured by a traditional healer from Madiwana village in Limpopo province, South Africa. The mixture was derived from nine plant species, which were also evaluated individually. The herbal remedy was evaluated for its antimicrobial properties against two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), three Gram-negative (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria and a fungus, Candida albicans. It was assessed for its pharmacological and genotoxicity properties. The extracts of the nine plant species were evaluated in the antigonococcal bioassay only. The herbal remedy exhibited moderate activity against N. gonorrhoeae (66%) but showed good activity against E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. aureus with MIC values ranging from 0.78 to 1.56. mg/ml. The mixture exhibited low antifungal activity against C. albicans. The remedy exhibited insignificant and moderate activities against COX-2 and HIV-RT respectively. The remedy was non-mutagenic. Acetone extracts of Catharanthus roseus, Senna italica, Gomphocarpus fruticosus and Solanum panduriforme showed the best antigonoccol activity >. 70%. The observed activities of the herbal remedy may offer a lead to explore new multi-target drugs against gonorrhoea and other STIs. © 2014 South African Association of Botanists. | Antimicrobial; Gonorrhoea; Herbal remedy; HIV-type 1 reverse transcriptase; Mutagenicity | antimicrobial activity; bacterium; bioassay; drug; efficiency measurement; enzyme activity; fungus; genotoxicity; herb; human immunodeficiency virus; indigenous population; inhibition; mutagenicity; plant extract; safety; sexually transmitted disease; traditional medicine; Limpopo; South Africa; Bacillus subtilis; Candida albicans; Catharanthus roseus; Escherichia coli; Fungi; Gomphocarpus fruticosus; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Negibacteria; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Posibacteria; Senna italica; Solanum panduriforme; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052029940 | Ethnopharmacological survey and in vitro evaluation of wound-healing plants used in South-western Nigeria | Adetutu A., Morgan W.A., Corcoran O. | 2011 | Journal of Ethnopharmacology | 137 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jep.2011.03.073 | Medicines Research Group, School of Health and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria | Adetutu, A., Medicines Research Group, School of Health and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, United Kingdom, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria; Morgan, W.A., Medicines Research Group, School of Health and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, United Kingdom; Corcoran, O., Medicines Research Group, School of Health and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, United Kingdom | Ethnopharmacological relevance: Traditional healers in Nigeria employ a range of plant preparations as wound healing agents. Despite the use of local plants in wound healing, there is only scant literature on the wound healing properties of these plants to support the continued therapeutic application of these herbal remedies. Aim of the study: To document plants commonly used to treat wounds in South-western Nigeria and to test the scientific basis of such claims using relevant in vitro tests. Materials and methods: Structured questionnaires were used to determine which plant preparations are in common use, via interviews with Yoruba traditional healers. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the nine most common plants cited by the healers were collected, identified and tested using relevant in vitro wound healing assays. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH assay and fibroblast proliferation determined by neutral red assay. Results: A total of 20 traditional healers from South-western Nigeria were involved in the study. Thirty-six plant species were recorded with their local names and parts used in the traditional wound healing preparations. Ethanolic extracts of nine species most frequently cited by the healers exhibited strong antioxidant activities (3.8-31.3 μg/ml) comparable to ascorbic acid (7.3 μg/ml). Crude extracts of the selected plants also inhibited the growth of bacteria with MIC values 0.3-7.6 mg/ml. Ethanol extracts of Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (1-30 μg/ml) and Parkia biglobosa Jacq. (15-30 μg/ml) influenced the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts significantly (p < 0.05). Extracts from the remaining seven plants either had no effect on fibroblast proliferation or were cytotoxic. Conclusion: Traditional use of many wound-healing plants from Nigeria can be rationalised by activity determined in relevant in vitro investigations of ethanol and aqueous extracts. These results support the traditional selection of these plants in South-western Nigeria for wound healing. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved. | Antibacterial; Antioxidant; Fibroblast proliferation; Medicinal plants; Nigeria; Wound-healing | Acalypha wilkesiana extract; Aframomum melegueta extract; Ageratum conyzoides extract; annona senegalensis extract; Anogeissus leiocarpa extract; Azadirachta indica extract; Bridelia ferruginea extract; Capsicum frutescence extract; Carica papaya extract; Chromolaena odorata extract; Citrullus lanatus extract; Cocos nucifera extract; Crassocephalum crepidioides extract; Datura stramonium extract; Dichrostachys glomerata extract; Dioscorea hirtiflora extract; Diospyros canaliculata extract; euphorbia heterophylla extract; Euphorbia poissonii extract; Ficus asperifolia extract; Flabellaria paniculata extract; Hibiscus sabdariffa extract; Jatropha curcas extract; Lawsonia inermis extract; Lycopersicon esculentum extract; Morinda lucida extract; Nymphaea lotus extract; Parkia biglobosa extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; unindexed drug; Acalypha wilkesiana; Aframomum melegueta; ageratum conyzoides; annona senegalensis; Anogeissus leiocarpa; antibacterial activity; antioxidant activity; article; assay; Azadirachta indica; Bacillus subtilis; bark; bridelia ferruginea; Capsicum frutescence; cell proliferation; Chromolaena odorata; coconut; controlled study; Crassocephalum crepidioides; cytotoxicity; Datura stramonium; Dichrostachys glomerata; Dioscorea hirtiflora; Diospyros canaliculata; Escherichia coli; ethnopharmacology; euphorbia heterophylla; Euphorbia poissonii; Ficus asperifolia; Flabellaria paniculata; fruit; hibiscus sabdariffa; human; human cell; in vitro study; jatropha curcas; Lawsonia inermis; medicinal plant; minimum inhibitory concentration; morinda lucida; neutral red assay; Nigeria; nonhuman; Nymphaea lotus; ocimum gratissimum; Olax subscorpioides; papaya; Parkia biglobosa; Piliostigma thonningii; plant leaf; plant stem; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; questionnaire; Ricinus communis; Sida acuta; skin fibroblast; Staphylococcus aureus; tomato; traditional medicine; tridax procumbens; vernonia amygdalina; watermelon; wound healing; Xylopia aethiopica; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antioxidants; Bacteria; Biphenyl Compounds; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethnopharmacology; Fibroblasts; Humans; Medicine, African Traditional; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nigeria; Picrates; Plant Preparations; Plants, Medicinal; Questionnaires; Wound Healing; Bacillus subtilis; Bridelia ferruginea; Escherichia coli; Parkia biglobosa; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53449083087 | Ethnoveterinary use of southern African plants and scientific evaluation of their medicinal properties | McGaw L.J., Eloff J.N. | 2008 | Journal of Ethnopharmacology | 119 | 3 | 10.1016/j.jep.2008.06.013 | Phytomedicine Programme, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | McGaw, L.J., Phytomedicine Programme, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Eloff, J.N., Phytomedicine Programme, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Aim of the study: Livestock keepers in many developing countries with restricted access to orthodox veterinary healthcare services commonly use traditional remedies to treat their animals when disease is encountered. This review collates the documented use of plants in South Africa for healing various ailments in domestic animals, and records bioactivity testing that has been carried out on these plants. Materials and methods: A literature survey was conducted on the use of plants in South African ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM), as well as on biological activity investigations relating to their ethnoveterinary use where available. Results: The ethnoveterinary application of plants, and results of screening studies of EVM plant extracts in various bioassays is presented. For diseases such as coughs, wounds, skin diseases, mild diarrhoea and reproductive disorders, EVM may be a cheap and easily accessible alternative to expensive pharmaceuticals. Studies on biological activity of EVM plants can provide indications of promising leads for extracts that can be developed into standardized medications to be used on a commercial basis. Isolation studies on active plants may yield pure active compounds that could be chemically modified to optimize medicinal value and reduce possible toxic effects. Conclusion: In South Africa, a large proportion of the population relies on traditional remedies to treat themselves and their animals for common diseases. Only a small percentage of EVM plants have been analysed for biological activity or toxic effects, and hence research in this field offers fertile possibilities for future investigation. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Ethnoveterinary medicine; Livestock disease; South Africa; Traditional remedies | plant extract; animal disease; article; bioassay; biological activity; chemical modification; Cissus quadrangularis; Combretum; Combretum caffrum; coughing; diarrhea; drug screening; ethnopharmacology; Gunnera perpensa; Jatropha; Jatropha zeyheri; medicinal plant; nonhuman; Peltophorum africanum; plant; reproduction; Salix capensis; skin disease; South Africa; standardization; veterinary medicine; willow; wound; Ziziphus mucronata; Animals; Indicators and Reagents; Medicine, African Traditional; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; South Africa; Veterinary Medicine; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893093893 | European athletes dominate performances in Double Iron ultra-triathlons - A retrospective data analysis from 1985 to 2010 | Rüst C.A., Knechtle B., Knechtle P., Lepers R., Rosemann T., Onywera V. | 2014 | European Journal of Sport Science | 14 | SUPPL.1 | 10.1080/17461391.2011.641033 | Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Gesundheitszentrum, St. Gallen, Switzerland; INSERM U1093, University of Dijon, Dijon, France; Department of Exercise and Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya | Rüst, C.A., Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Knechtle, B., Gesundheitszentrum, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Knechtle, P., Gesundheitszentrum, St. Gallen, Switzerland; Lepers, R., INSERM U1093, University of Dijon, Dijon, France; Rosemann, T., Institute of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Onywera, V., Department of Exercise and Sports Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya | We investigated the participation and performance trends of ultra-endurance triathletes from all nationalities competing in a Double Iron ultra-triathlon (7.6-km swim, 360-km cycle and 84.4-km run) from 1985 to 2010. A total of 1854 athletes participated in 92 Double Iron ultra-triathlons. The majority of the winners came from Europe with 72 victories, followed by North America with 17 victories. The race time for the European ultra-triathletes was 1340 (s=95.3) min, decreasing highly significantly (r2=0.28; P<0.0001) across the years. North American ultra-triathletes finished the races within 1556 (s=124.5) min; their race time showed no changes across the years (r2=0.045; P=0.07). The race time for the Europeans was highly significantly faster compared to the North Americans (P<0.0001). Future studies should investigate each country in Europe and North America in order to find the country with the largest participation of athletes and their best performance. © 2014 Copyright European College of Sport Science. | cycling; running; Swimming; ultra-endurance | analysis of variance; article; athlete; athletic performance; Europe; female; human; male; North America; physiology; sport; statistical model; Analysis of Variance; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Europe; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Male; North America; Sports | None |
| WoS | WOS:000208053300005 | Evaluate experiences: a qualitative technique to complement quantitative impact assessments | Carter, Jonathan | 2009 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS | 1 | 1 | 10.1080/19439340902727628 | Human Sciences Research Council-South Africa | None | Impact evaluations, whether of aid, development interventions or policy interventions, help hold donors and policy makers accountable for promises made and provide a means to legitimise recommendations for future interventions. Quantitative approaches are the order of the day but do not fully capture the complex and nuanced characteristics of communities important to understand the full effects of interventions and/or identify required interventions. This article describes a cost-effective approach to capturing large volumes of qualitative data in anecdotal form that can help inform interventions and approaches to research. Data collected by using the technique in a poor, urban, mixed race settlement in South Africa are reviewed and used to provide recommendations on research in poverty. For reasons consistent with the theoretical framework explained, recommendations are limited to three: consider carefully intergenerational dynamics when researching poor areas; be responsible about differences in value scales; and be conscious of how differently the researched see the world. A discussion using the method in mixed methods research is provided. | "anecdote circles",COST-EFFECTIVE,"IMPACT ASSESSMENT","QUALITATIVE EVALUATION",AFRICA,DYNAMICS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000293559000014 | Evaluating Agricultural Research and Extension in Tanzania: the Production Function Approach | Anandajayasekeram, P,Babu, S,Isinika, A. C.,Keswani, CL,Liebenberg, F,Rukuni, M | 2007 | IMPACT OF SCIENCE ON AFRICAN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY | None | None | None | Sokoine University of Agriculture | None | Agricultural research in Tanzania began in 1923 on sorghum and cotton. Since then, the number of research stations and institutions involved in agricultural research has increased. However, there are very few evaluations of the performance of agricultural research. This study uses the production function approach to assess the efficiency of investments in agricultural research and extension from 1971 to 1992. Results of the regression analysis showed that the total factor productivity for crop production in Tanzania is responsive to expenditures on research while it is not responsive to expenditure on agricultural extension. The model also shows that total factor productivity for crop production was not significantly responsive to the literacy rate of farmers, rainfall and lagged export earnings. The study concludes that since the marginal rate of return of investment in agricultural research is greater than the social rate of return, continued funding of agricultural research by both government and private sector is encouraged. The marginal rate of return was found to be low. This calls for efforts to improve extension and enhance the linkages between agricultural research and extension. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000260974800015 | Evaluating a school-based trachoma curriculum in Tanzania | Courtright, Paul,Geneau, Robert,Lewallen, Susan,MacArthur, Chad,Massae, Patrick,Somba, Margareth,Tharaney, Manisha | 2008 | HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH | 23 | 6 | 10.1093/her/cym097 | Helen Keller Int, Tumaini Univ KCMC | None | Trachoma remains a public health problem in a number of sub-Saharan Africa countries; behavioral change and environmental improvements are cornerstones of prevention efforts. Evidence of successful health education are few in Africa. Health education efforts through primary schools have recently been developed and adopted in Tanzania. We evaluated changes from 2004 to 2005 in knowledge and reported behavioral change as well as nasal and ocular discharge and clean faces in selected schools in central Tanzania. This was a mixed-methods study involving both schoolchildren and schoolteachers. We found a significant reduction in nasal discharge (from 4.5% to 0.5%) and dirty faces (from 3.6% to 0.9%) and improvements in some knowledge- and behavior-related indices by primary schoolchildren in the intervention villages. The teachers viewed the trachoma curriculum positively but reported that the lack of water at the schools limited application of the health education messages. The disparity between health education messages and environmental capacities for implementing these messages (no wells at the schools and minimal latrine facilities at the schools and homes) limited usefulness of the curriculum. | ,"ACTIVE TRACHOMA","BLINDING TRACHOMA",IMPACT,STRATEGY,VIETNAM | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000276219700028 | Evaluating Delivery Systems: Complex Evaluations and Plausibility Inference | Bruce, Jane,Chandramohan, Daniel,Dedzo, McDamien,Hanson, Kara,Kweku, Margaret,Lines, Jo,Tinkorang, Kojo,Webster, Jayne | 2010 | AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE | 82 | 4 | 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0473 | Ghana Health Service, University of London | "Webster, Jayne: University of London", | Delivery system evaluation is poorly defined and therefore a barrier to achieving increased coverage of interventions. We use a pre- and post-implementation cross-sectional observational study with assessment of the intermediate processes to evaluate a new delivery system for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in two regions of Ghana. In Volta Region, ownership of at least one net rose from 38.3% to 45.4% (P = 0.06), and 6.5% of respondents used a voucher in the purchase. In Eastern Region, ownership of a net rose from 13.7% to 26.0% (P < 0.001) and 0.5% of households used a voucher to purchase a net. Just 40.7% and 21.1% of eligible antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees were offered a voucher in Volta and Eastern Regions, respectively, and 36.0% and 30.7% used their voucher in the purchase of an ITN. Without attributing nets to the specific delivery system, in Eastern Region the success of the new system would be overestimated. | ,INTERVENTIONS,PUBLIC-HEALTH | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000274138000015 | Evaluating Different Dimensions of Programme Effectiveness for Private Medicine Retailer Malaria Control Interventions in Kenya | Abuya, Timothy O.,Akhwale, Willis S.,Amin, Abdinasir A.,Fegan, Greg,Marsh, Vicki,Noor, Abdisalan M.,Snow, Robert W. | 2010 | PLOS ONE | 5 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0008937 | University of London, University of Oxford, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr, Minist Hlth | None | Background: Private medicine retailers (PMRs) are key partners in the home management of fevers in many settings. Current evidence on effectiveness for PMR interventions at scale is limited. This study presents evaluation findings of two different programs implemented at moderate scale targeting PMRs for malaria control in the Kisii and Kwale districts of Kenya. Key components of this evaluation were measurement of program performance, including coverage, PMR knowledge, practices, and utilization based on spatial analysis.
Methodology/Principal Findings: The study utilized mixed quantitative methods including retail audits and surrogate client surveys based on post-intervention cross-sectional surveys in intervention and control areas and mapping of intervention outlets. There was a large and significant impact on PMR knowledge and practices of the program in Kisii, with 60.5% of trained PMRs selling amodiaquine medicines in adequate doses compared to 2.8% of untrained ones (OR; 53.5: 95% CI 6.7, 428.3), a program coverage of 69.7% targeted outlets, and a potential utilization of about 30,000 children under five. The evaluation in Kwale also indicates a significant impact with 18.8% and 2.3% intervention and control PMRs selling amodiaquine with correct advice, respectively (OR; 9.4: 95% CI 1.1, 83.7), a program coverage of 25.3% targeted outlets, and a potential utilization of about 48,000 children under five. A provisional benchmark of 7.5 km was a reasonable threshold distance for households to access PMR services.
Conclusions/Significance: This evaluation show that PMR interventions operationalized in the district level settings are likely to impact PMR knowledge and practices and lead to increased coverage of appropriate treatment to target populations. There is value of evaluating different dimensions of public health programs, including quality, spatial access, and implementation practice. This approach strengthens the potential contribution of pragmatic study designs to evaluating public health programs in the real world. | ,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,DISTRICTS,DRUG,"HOME TREATMENT",KNOWLEDGE,MANAGEMENT,PUBLIC-HEALTH,"RURAL KENYA",SERVICES,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956959511 | Evaluating environmental impact of nigerian composted wastes using laboratory extraction test | Adekunle I.M. | 2010 | Environmental Engineering and Management Journal | 9 | 5 | None | University of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Adekunle, I.M., University of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Composting is an option for biodegradable waste management in Nigeria, but there is no relatively simple, fast screening compliance procedure applied to allow reliable judgment of acceptability of the recycled waste materials for land use. This study, therefore, investigated the possibility of using water extractable metal fraction at different water to compost ratios (W/C); 50:1, 20:1, 10:1, 5:1 and 2:1, to evaluate the potential availability of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd contained in 6 compost formulations via batch extraction procedure. The effect of turning during compost production, on the metal water solubility was also assessed. Metal concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry, after acid digestion. Results showed that the percentages of water extractable metal fraction (PWE) varied from 2.43 to 34.11% for Cu, 1.6 to 23.33% for Cd, 0.76 to 20.88% for Pb and 0.01 to 7.11% for Zn and their correlations against W/C gave negative coefficients (-0.100 to -0.809). From the maximum value, PWE decreased in the order: Cu > Cd > Pb > Zn and for a rapid assessment of potential metal availability from these composts, W/C from 5:1 to 20:1 could be the best indicator. The factor of turning during the composting procedure did not appear to have played a significant role in the metal availability. Study contributes to the development of base knowledge necessary to define compost land application practices that are protective of soil and water quality in the country. | Composting; Environment; Nigeria; Organic wastes; Risk assessment | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000313929000021 | Evaluating feasibility, reach and potential impact of a text message family planning information service in Tanzania | Lasway, Christine,L'Engle, Kelly L.,Ndakidemi, Elizabeth,Vandat, Heather L.,Zan, Trinity | 2013 | CONTRACEPTION | 87 | 2 | 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.07.009 | FHI 360 | None | Background: The objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility, reach and potential behavioral impact of providing automated family planning information via mobile phones to the general public in Tanzania.
Study Design: Data from users of the Mobile for Reproductive Health (m4RH) program were collected during the 10-month pilot period. First, contraceptive methods queried by each user were electronically logged by the mobile phone system. Second, four text questions assessing gender, age, promotion point and potential family planning impact were sent to every user.
Results: During the pilot period, 2870 unique users accessed m4RH in Tanzania, resulting in 4813 queries about specific contraceptive methods. Among those responding to text questions, 56% were female and approximately 60% were 29 or younger years in age. A variety of changes in family planning use were mentioned after using m4RH, with reported changes consistent with where users are in their reproductive life cycle.
Conclusions: Reaching younger people, women and men of reproductive age with family planning information delivered via mobile phone is recommended. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | "FAMILY PLANNING",MEN,"MOBILE PHONES",Tanzania,YOUTH,COMMUNICATION,KENYA,MEN | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83455217933 | Evaluating food safety training impact on food handlers in the food service industry | Ababio P.F. | 2011 | Food Science and Technology | 25 | 4 | None | Department for Design and Technology Education, University of Education Winneba, Kumasi Campus, P. O. Box 1277, Ghana | Ababio, P.F., Department for Design and Technology Education, University of Education Winneba, Kumasi Campus, P. O. Box 1277, Ghana | Sixty eight personnel in the food service in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, with varied educational and job experiences were given training on basic food hygiene. Personnel were divided into 4 groups and each group given 8 hours full day training. Topics for training were broadly on 'Food Hygiene', 'Personal Hygiene', 'An Introduction to National and International Food Legislation and how it affects the food handler', and 'Fitness at work based on International Food Standards'. Most participants had an average awareness in food hygiene; this included an appreciation of what could be considered food hazards, whether food hazards are preventable, those in charge of ensuring food safety, and why food handlers need to keep their food safe for their customers. The standard examination consisted of questions like differences between 'use by' and 'best before' dates, the temperature range considered as the danger zone, the appropriate storage temperatures for storing long and short shelf-life products in the freezer, chilling temperatures and how to handle high risk products. | None | Chilling temperatures; Food hazards; Food hygiene; Food legislation; Food services; Foodservice industry; Personal hygiene; Risk products; Safety training; Shelf life; Storage temperatures; Temperature range; Accident prevention; Food storage; Hazards; Personnel; Personnel training; Food safety | None |
| WoS | WOS:000294128100020 | Evaluating Health Workers' Potential Resistance to New Interventions: A Role for Discrete Choice Experiments | Antwi, Gifti,Chandramohan, Daniel,Greenwood, Brian,Jones, Caroline,Lagarde, Mylene,Paintain, Lucy Smith,Tagbor, Harry,Webster, Jayne | 2011 | PLOS ONE | 6 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0023588 | University of London, KNUST, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology | "Chandramohan, Daniel: University of London","Greenwood, Brian: University of London","Jones, Caroline: University of London","Lagarde, Mylene: University of London","Paintain, Lucy Smith: University of London","Webster, Jayne: University of London", | Background: The currently recommended approach for preventing malaria in pregnancy (MiP), intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP-IPT), has been questioned due to the spread of resistance to SP. Whilst trials are underway to test the efficacy of future alternative approaches, it is important to start exploring the feasibility of their implementation.
Methods and Findings: This study uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) method to assess the potential resistance of health workers to changing strategies for control of MiP. In Ashanti region in Ghana, 133 antenatal clinic health workers were presented with 16 choice sets of two alternative policy options, each consisting of a bundle of six attributes representing certain clinical guidelines for controlling MiP (type of approach and drug used), possible associated maternal and neo-natal outcomes, workload and financial incentives. The data were analysed using a random effects logit model. Overall, staff showed a preference for a curative approach with pregnant women tested for malaria parasites and treated only if positive, compared to a preventive approach (OR 1.6; p = 0.001). Increasing the incidence of low birth weight or severe anaemia by 1% would reduce the odds of preferring an approach by 18% and 10% respectively. Midwives were more resistant to potential changes to current guidelines than lower-level cadres.
Conclusions: In Ashanti Region, resistance to change by antenatal clinic workers from a policy of SP-IPT to IST would generally be low, and it would disappear amongst midwives if health outcomes for the mother and baby were improved by the new strategy. DCEs are a promising approach to identifying factors that will increase the likelihood of effective implementation of new interventions immediately after their efficacy has been proven. | ,DELIVERY,GAP,IMPLEMENTATION,"INTERMITTENT PREVENTIVE TREATMENT",MALARIA,PREGNANCY | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000312313200017 | Evaluating Helping Babies Breathe: training for healthcare workers at hospitals in Rwanda | Baribwira, Cyprien,Essen, Birgitta,Musafili, Aimable,Persson, Lars-Ake,Rukundo, Alphonse | 2013 | ACTA PAEDIATRICA | 102 | 1 | 10.1111/apa.12034 | Uppsala University, Kigali Univ, Rwanda Biomed Ctr, Univ Maryland | "Essen, Birgitta: Uppsala University","Persson, Lars-Ake: Uppsala University", | Aim To evaluate the educational effectiveness of the Helping Babies Breathe programme. Methods Knowledge of trainees from two district hospitals and one tertiary referral hospital was evaluated before and after training in 2010. A postcourse practical skills evaluation was performed on a Neonatalie Newborn Simulator. Participants underwent a re-evaluation after 3 months. Results One hundred eighteen trainees completed the course. The percentages of correct answers on a written test significantly increased from 77 +/- 15% to 91 +/- 9% (p < 0.01) after training. The mean score obtained on a postcourse skill evaluation was 89 +/- 9%; 64% of the trainees achieved passing scores. Retesting 3 months later showed that knowledge remained at the same level, while practical skills decreased to 83 +/- 16%, and the pass rate dropped significantly to 43% (p < 0.01). Conclusion Healthcare workers who participate in a Helping Babies Breathe programme can significantly improve their knowledge. While such knowledge is retained for at least 3 months, skills dropped to unsatisfactory levels in that period of time, indicating the need for retraining in the interim or the acquisition of practical experience by such healthcare workers. | EDUCATION,"healthcare workers","Helping Babies Breathe",HOSPITAL,RWANDA,CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION,COUNTRIES,"DELIVERY ROOM",KNOWLEDGE,MORTALITY,"NEONATAL RESUSCITATION PROGRAM",RESIDENTS,RETENTION,SETTINGS,"SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959605625 | Evaluating herbivore management outcomes and associated vegetation impacts | Grant R.C.C., Peel M.J.S., Bezuidenhout H. | 2011 | Koedoe | 53 | 2 | 10.4102/koedoe.v53i2.1008 | Scientific Services Kruger National Park, South African National Parks, Private bag X402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa; Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; Conservation Services, South African National Parks, South Africa | Grant, R.C.C., Scientific Services Kruger National Park, South African National Parks, Private bag X402, Skukuza 1350, South Africa; Peel, M.J.S., Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; Bezuidenhout, H., Conservation Services, South African National Parks, South Africa | African savannas are characterised by temporal and spatial fluxes that are linked to fluxes in herbivore populations and vegetation structure and composition. We need to be concerned about these fluxes only when management actions cause the system to shift towards a less desired state. Large herbivores are a key attribute of African savannas and are important for tourism and biodiversity. Large protected areas such as the Kruger National Park (KNP) manage for high biodiversity as the desired state, whilst private protected areas, such as those adjacent to the KNP, generally manage for high income. Biodiversity, sustainability and economic indicators are thus required to flag thresholds of potential concern (TPCs) that may result in a particular set of objectives not being achieved. In large conservation areas such as the KNP, vegetation changes that result from herbivore impact, or lack thereof, affect biodiversity and TPCs are used to indicate unacceptable change leading to a possible loss of biodiversity; in private protected areas the loss of large herbivores is seen as an important indicator of economic loss. Therefore, the first-level indicators aim to evaluate the forage available to sustain grazers without deleteriously affecting the vegetation composition, structure and basal cover. Various approaches to monitoring for these indicators were considered and the importance of the selection of sites that are representative of the intensity of herbivore use is emphasised. The most crucial step in the adaptive management process is the feedback of information to inform management decisions and enable learning. Feedback loops tend to be more efficient where the organisation's vision is focused on, for example, economic gain, than in larger protected areas, such as the KNP, where the vision to conserve biodiversity is broader and more complex. Conservation implications: In rangeland, optimising herbivore numbers to achieve the management objectives without causing unacceptable or irreversible change in the vegetation is challenging. This manuscript explores different avenues to evaluate herbivore impact and the outcomes of management approaches that may affect vegetation. © 2011. | None | adaptive management; biodiversity; bioindicator; community composition; conservation management; herbivore; protected area; vegetation structure; Kruger National Park; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929663136 | Evaluating implementation of strategic performance management practices in universities in Uganda | Karuhanga B.N. | 2015 | Measuring Business Excellence | 19 | 2 | 10.1108/MBE-06-2014-0017 | School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Karuhanga, B.N., School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Purpose – The purpose of this study was to propose a tool for evaluating implementation of strategic performance management (PM) by examining the strategic PM practices in public universities in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach – Literature was reviewed and the general features of PM practices were identified. These were captured in a survey instrument which was later administered to staff in selected universities in Uganda to determine the extent of strategic PM implementation. Principal component analysis was conducted to cluster similar variables together with an aim of identifying the focal areas for determining the extent of strategic PM practices implementation in a university. Findings – Strategic PM in public universities in Uganda exists and is aimed at achieving quality. Despite its existence, respondents generally disagreed that: an effective PM system exists in their respective universities, PM training is continuously provided to managers and staff and a formal process exists for units to provide feedback on the attainment of goals. Findings further revealed that implementation of PM practices in universities could be evaluated based on five foci, namely, alignment of organisational vision, mission, strategy and individual performance goals; staff involvement in PM implementation at unit level; existence of an improvement plan; existence of a performance evaluation plan; and staff awareness and understanding of PM. Research limitations/implications – The study focussed on only public universities in Uganda; hence, another study could be conducted considering all universities, both private and public. The list of items from literature may not be exhaustive hence additional PM practices that were not included in this tool should be identified from literature to enrich the evaluation tool. Practical implications – This study allowed the development of an empirical list of PM practices which could be used by universities and policy makers to evaluate implementation of strategic PM. Hence, the five foci could be adopted as an evaluation tool for universities with regard to strategic PM implementation. Using these five foci, university managers can identify the grey areas in their PM systems to which management attention could be focussed for improvement. Originality/value – Despite the increasing desire for effective PM implementation in most organisations the world over, there exists no empirical evidence of institutional PM implementation in public universities in Uganda. Besides, to the best of my knowledge, no study has been previously conducted with the aim of developing a tool for evaluating strategic (PM implementation in universities in Uganda. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Evaluation; Performance management practices; Public universities; Uganda | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000322634100001 | Evaluating institutional capacity for research ethics in Africa: a case study from Botswana | Ali, Joseph,Hyder, Adnan A.,Kass, Nancy,Ndebele, Paul,Ssekubugu, Robert,Zafar, Waleed | 2013 | BMC MEDICAL ETHICS | 14 | None | 10.1186/1472-6939-14-31 | Johns Hopkins University, Uganda Virus Research Institute, University of Botswana | "Ali, Joseph: Johns Hopkins University","Ndebele, Paul: University of Botswana","Ssekubugu, Robert: Uganda Virus Research Institute","Zafar, Waleed: Johns Hopkins University" | Background: The increase in the volume of research conducted in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC), has brought a renewed international focus on processes for ethical conduct of research. Several programs have been initiated to strengthen the capacity for research ethics in LMIC. However, most such programs focus on individual training or development of ethics review committees. The objective of this paper is to present an approach to institutional capacity assessment in research ethics and application of this approach in the form of a case study from an institution in Africa.
Methods: We adapted the Octagon model originally used by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency to assess an organization along eight domains in research ethics: basic values and identity; structure and organization; ability to carry out activities; relevance of activities to stated goals; capacity of staff and management; administrative, financing and accounting systems; its relations with target groups; and the national context. We used a mixed methods approach to collect empirical data at the University of Botswana from March to December 2010.
Results: The overall shape of the external evaluation Octagon suggests that strengths of the University of Botswana are in the areas of structure, relevance, production and identity; while the university still needs more work in the areas of systems of finance, target groups, and environment. The Octagons also show the similarities and discrepancies between the 'external' and 'internal' evaluations and provide an opportunity for exploration of these different assessments. For example, the discrepant score for 'identity' between internal and external evaluations allows for an exploration of what constitutes a strong identity for research ethics at the University of Botswana and how it can be strengthened.
Conclusions: There is a general lack of frameworks for evaluating research ethics capacity in LMICs. We presented an approach that stresses evaluation from both internal and external perspectives. This case study highlights the university's rapid progress in developing research ethics capacity and points to some notable areas for improvement. We believe that such an empirically-driven and participatory assessment allows a more holistic measurement and promotion of institutional capacity strengthening for research ethics in LMICs. | Africa,BIOETHICS,BOTSWANA,"capacity development","research ethics",CLINICAL-RESEARCH,GLOBALIZATION,"HEALTH RESEARCH","MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES",POLICY,SYSTEMS | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272716300006 | EVALUATING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION: DIFFERENTIAL PERCEPTIONS OF PARTNERSHIP IN A CBPR PROJECT IN GHANA | Alder, Stephen,Amuasi, John,Ansong, Daniel,Boakye, Isaac,Crookston, Benjamin T.,de Schweinitz, Peter,Manortey, Stephen | 2009 | JOURNAL OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON HUMAN RESEARCH ETHICS | 4 | 4 | 10.1525/jer.2009.4.4.53 | University of Utah, Utah System of Higher Education, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hosp, Kwame Nkrumah University Science & Technology | "de Schweinitz, Peter: University of Utah","de Schweinitz, Peter: Utah System of Higher Education", | PRACTITIONERS OF COMMUNITY-BASED participatory research (CBPR) must overcome numerous barriers in order to include research participants as equal partners in decision-making. The decision-making processes of stakeholders (including research participants) of one international CBPR project based in the middle belt of Ghana were analyzed through qualitative focus group and interview data, as well as direct observation of formal meetings. Using modified grounded theory to interpret our data, we find that despite the intentions of extra-community stakeholders, ordinary community members do not experience full ownership of the governance of the research enterprise. We conclude that organizational philosophy, cultural expectations, and environmental context can help to explain differential perceptions of stakeholders and function as barriers to full partnership. | "community-based participation","community consultation and outreach","decision-making and governance","global health","INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION","West Africa",AFRICAN,CANADA,"COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT",ETHICS,HEALTH,"PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH",POWER | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluating land cover change and its impact on hydrological regime in Upper Shire river catchment, Malawi | Palamuleni L.G., Ndomba P.M., Annegarn H.J. | 2011 | Regional Environmental Change | 11 | 4 | 10.1007/s10113-011-0220-2 | North West University, Mmabatho, South Africa; University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | Palamuleni, L.G., North West University, Mmabatho, South Africa; Ndomba, P.M., University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Annegarn, H.J., University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa | A study was conducted to investigate hydrological impacts of land cover changes in the degradation of the hydrological on flow regimes of the Upper Shire river, Malawi. Remote sensing techniques were used to inventory temporal changes of land cover changes in the catchment. Hydrological data were analyzed to reveal the alterations and trends for two periods; 1989 and 2002. The study revealed significant changes in magnitude and direction that have occurred in the catchment between 1989 and 2002, mainly in areas of human habitation. Trends in land cover change in the Upper Shire river catchment depict land cover transition from woodlands to mostly cultivated/grazing and built-up areas. The land cover mapping showed that 23% of the land was covered by agricultural land in 1989. Subsistence agricultural area has increased by 18%, occupying 41% of the study area in 2002. The effects of the derived land cover changes on river flow in the Upper Shire river were investigated using the semi distributed soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model. River flows were found to be highly variable and sensitive to land cover changes. Simulation results show that 2002 land cover data produces higher flow peaks and faster travel times compared to the 1989 land cover data. The changes detected indicate the effects of land use pressure in the catchment. The study highlights the importance of considering effects of land use and land cover changes on ecosystems, and water resources for an informed decision on proper catchment planning and management. © 2011 Springer-Verlag. | Hydrological regimes; Land cover change; Malawi; Mass curves; Shire River | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888215295 | Evaluating long-term impact of land use on selected soil physical quality indicators | Abu S.T. | 2013 | Soil Research | 51 | 6 | 10.1071/SR12360 | Department of Soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1044, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria | Abu, S.T., Department of Soil Science, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1044, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria | This paper presents findings of comparative evaluation of selected soil physical quality (SPQ) indicators, obtained from fields subjected to: >50 years of cultivation of three perennial pasture grasses (i) Digitaria smutsii (DS), (ii) Brachiaria decumbens (BD), and (iii) Andropogon gayanus (AG); (iv) >50 years of continuous cultivation (CC) of cereals-legumes; and (v) >20 years of natural fallow (NF). The study was aimed at identifying the land-use system having optimal values for SPQ. Fields under CC had the highest bulk density, and the lowest total porosity (PORt) and macroporosity (PORp), field capacity (FC), and available water capacity (AWC). Perennial pasture grasses fields had significantly higher organic carbon, PORt, FC, AWC, and saturated hydraulic conductivity, and, hence, had better SPQ than CC fields and, in some instances, NF fields. The usefulness of ratios FC/PORt≤0.66 and ACt/PORt≤0.34 as additional indicators for assessing soil response to land-use systems was not proven in this study, and therefore, further studies should be conducted on the subject matter. Pasture grasses improved SPQ values relative to continuous cereal-legume cropping and fallow. The SPQ under CC and NF fields might be best improved by applying organic matter. Journal compilation © CSIRO 2013. | Continuous cultivation; Natural fallow; Perennial pasture grasses; Soil physical quality indicators | Available water capacities; Comparative evaluations; Continuous cultivation; Natural fallow; Perennial pastures; Saturated hydraulic conductivity; Soil physical quality; Soil physical quality indicators; Land use; Soils; Cultivation; available water capacity; bulk density; cropping practice; cultivation; fallow; field capacity; hydraulic conductivity; land use; organic carbon; pasture; porosity; soil quality | None |
| WoS | WOS:000267270800004 | Evaluating multi-stakeholder perceptions of project impacts: a participatory value-based multi-criteria approach | Mendoza, Guillermo A.,Prabhu, Ravi | 2009 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WORLD ECOLOGY | 16 | 3 | 10.1080/13504500902919672 | International Livestock Research Institute, University of Illinois System, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | "Mendoza, Guillermo A.: University of Illinois System","Mendoza, Guillermo A.: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign","Prabhu, Ravi: International Livestock Research Institute" | This paper describes a participatory multi-stakeholder impact assessment approach based on the concept of a value tree (VT), generated using the value focused thinking method (VFT) developed by Keeney (1992). This approach allows stakeholders to specify impact parameters to be evaluated, which in the context of the VT, are organized as goals, objectives and alternatives. The approach is implemented in two phases: Phase I is designed to formulate stakeholders' collective VT following VFT concepts and the cognitive mapping method, and Phase II is a participatory valuation approach based on the VT formed in Phase I. The Wand the VFT concepts are adopted as tools to capture different stakeholders' values, goals and perceptions. The resulting VT is structured as a hierarchy between goals and objectives, and a network consisting of relationships, linkages and cross-impacts of the different alternatives and objectives. The hierarchy and network structure enables stakeholders to decompose complex assessment problem into 'smaller' units, which makes for easier and clearer assessment context, without ignoring linkages of the units or assessment elements. The second phase allows stakeholders to express their preferences with respect to each assessment element, through a voting system that ultimately leads to measures of importance or relative weights associated with each element. A modified Analytic Hierarchy Process (called Analytic Network Process) was used to distill relative weights from the voting results. Results obtained from a case study in a Zimbabwean community forest show that the proposed approach is easy to implement and can address questions about whether a project can lead to a positive change in attitudes, and whether the changes actually lead to a propensity to adopt alternatives that the project supports (e.g. conservation-oriented alternatives). | "analytic network process","multi-criteria analysis","participatory analysis","project assessment","ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS","FOREST MANAGEMENT",POLICY,PREFERENCES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882999295 | Evaluating performance of vertical flow constructed wetland under various hydraulic loading rates in effluent polishing | Maina C.W., Mutua B.M., Oduor S.O. | 2011 | Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development | 1 | 2 | 10.2166/washdev.2011.025 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya | Maina, C.W., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya; Mutua, B.M., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya; Oduor, S.O., Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya | The discharge of untreated wastewater or partially treated effluent and runoff from agricultural fields into water bodies is a major source of surface water pollution worldwide. To mitigate this problem, wastewater treatment using wastewater stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands have been promoted. The performance of such wastewater treatment systems is strongly dependent on their hydraulics, which if not properly considered during design or operation, may result in the partially treated effluent being discharged into water bodies. This paper presents results from a study that was carried out to evaluate the performance of a vertical flow constructed wetland system under varying hydraulic loading regimes. The influent and effluent samples from the constructed wetland were collected and analysed for physical, chemical and biological parameters of importance to water quality based on recommended standard laboratory methods. The data collected was useful in determining the treatment efficiency of the wetland. The hydraulic loading rate applied ranged between 0.014 and 0.174 m/day. Phosphorus reduction for the different hydraulic loading rates ranged between 92 and 47% for lowest and highest loading rates applied respectively. However, ammonium nitrogen reduction was not significantly affected by the different hydraulic loading rates, since the reduction ranged between 97 and 94%. © IWA Publishing 2011. | Constructed wetland; Hydraulic loading rates; Hydraulics; Treatment efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57849090614 | Evaluating performances at the 2007 cricket world cup | Barr G.D.I., Holdsworth C.G., Kantor B.S. | 2008 | South African Statistical Journal | 42 | 2 | None | Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town; Investec Securities, Cape Town, South Africa | Barr, G.D.I., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town; Holdsworth, C.G., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town; Kantor, B.S., Investec Securities, Cape Town, South Africa | In this paper we apply the methodology of Barr and Kantor (Barr & Kantor, 2003) to evaluate the batting and bowling performances of the cricketers in the 2007 cricket world cup. The earlier Barr and Kantor paper developed criteria for evaluating the performance of batsmen and hinted at the extension of the methodology to bowling performances as well; here we extend the methodology to bowling in a parallel way and analyse both the batting and bowling performances of the participants in the 2007 Cricket World Cup and provide a ranking of performance for a set of given risk tolerance levels. The paper then goes on to select a World cricket team based on this analysis. The methodology provides some insights into the extraordinary dominance of the Australian team in this tournament in both batting and bowling and provides some pointers as to how teams might hope to match the Australians in the future, at least strategically. The analysis implies that to match the Australians in the batting department, batsmen would have to first accept a higher risk of dismissal in return for a faster scoring rate and to match them in the bowling department they would have to accept a higher risk of conceding more runs in return for improved chances of taking wickets. | Cricket world cup 2007; Selection criterion; Strike rate | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000342805100007 | Evaluating team project-work using triangulation: lessons from communities in northern Ghana | Clark, Gordon,Jasaw, Godfred Seidu | 2014 | JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY IN HIGHER EDUCATION | 38 | 4 | 10.1080/03098265.2014.936311 | Lancaster University, NERC Natural Environment Research Council, Univ Dev Studies | "Clark, Gordon: Lancaster University","Clark, Gordon: NERC Natural Environment Research Council", | This paper uses triangulation to assess key aspects of a team-based, participatory action research programme for undergraduates in rural communities across northern Ghana. The perceptions of the programme and its effects on the students, staff and host communities are compared, showing areas of agreement and disagreement. The successes of the programme (particularly the students' development) and areas for improvement (student preparation and follow-up actions) are set out. We consider how this programme might be used in other contexts. Advantages include impact on students and moral value: disadvantages include cost and timetabling. The merits of a triangulation approach to evaluation are discussed. | COMMUNITY,evaluation,"Northern Ghana",participatory,PROJECTS,TRIANGULATION,ETHICS,FIELDWORK,GEOGRAPHY,"PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84964826206 | Evaluating testcross performance and genetic divergence of lines derived from reciprocal tropical maize composites | Menkir A., Kling J.G., Anjorin B., Ladejobi F., Gedil M. | 2015 | Maydica | 60 | 2 | None | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oregon State University, Crop Science Building 107, Corvallis, OR, United States | Menkir, A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Kling, J.G., Oregon State University, Crop Science Building 107, Corvallis, OR, United States; Anjorin, B., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ladejobi, F., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Gedil, M., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria | The development of hybrids with enhanced expression of heterosis depends on the genetic background of the source population and the effectiveness of a breeding scheme used to identify and use divergent inbred lines with good combining ability. The present study was conducted to examine the potential of improved tropical reciprocal composites as sources of inbred lines for developing productive hybrids. Thirty-six S4 lines derived from the third RRS cycle of each composite were crossed in pairs to form 36 testcrosses, which were evaluated along with commonly grown commercial hybrids in Nigeria across nine test environments. Results showed consistent ranking of testcrosses for grain yield and other traits across the diverse test environments. The best 22 testcrosses produced 21% to 51% more grain yields than the highest yielding commercial hybrid. Several testcrosses combined high grain yields with other desirable agronomic traits. The SSR and SNP markers used in the present study detected a broad range of genetic diversity among the 72 S4 lines, which was structured along the two composites. The two markers portrayed similar trends in determining genetic distance estimates and detecting composite-specific alleles in the S4 lines. These results highlight the potential of improved reciprocal composites as sources of new and divergent parents for developing productive hybrids and as sources of novel alleles for broadening and diversifying the genetic base of adapted germplasm to sustain genetic gain in productivity of hybrids in WCA. © 2015, Consiglio per la Ricercame la sperimentazione in Agrcoltura. All rights reserved. | Agronomic performance; Maize; Reciprocal composites; S4 lines; SNP; SSR; Testcrosses | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78249246666 | Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Its Impact on HIV-1 Transmission in South Africa | Pretorius C., Stover J., Bollinger L., Bacaër N., Williams B. | 2010 | PLoS ONE | 5 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0013646 | Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States; IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement), Bondy, France; South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Pretorius, C., Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States; Stover, J., Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States; Bollinger, L., Futures Institute, Glastonbury, CT, United States; Bacaër, N., IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement), Bondy, France; Williams, B., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Background: Mathematical modelers have given little attention to the question of how pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may impact on a generalized national HIV epidemic and its cost-effectiveness, in the context of control strategies such as condom use promotion and expanding ART programs. Methodology/Principal Findings: We use an age- and gender-structured model of the generalized HIV epidemic in South Africa to investigate the potential impact of PrEP in averting new infections. The model utilizes age-structured mortality, fertility, partnership and condom use data to model the spread of HIV and the shift of peak prevalence to older age groups. The model shows that universal PrEP coverage would have to be impractically high to have a significant effect on incidence reduction while ART coverage expands. PrEP targeted to 15-35-year-old women would avert 10%-25% (resp. 13%-28%) of infections in this group and 5%-12% (resp. 7%-16%) of all infections in the period 2014-2025 if baseline incidence is 0.5% per year at 2025 (resp. 0.8% per year at 2025). The cost would be $12,500-$20,000 per infection averted, depending on the level of ART coverage and baseline incidence. An optimistic scenario of 30%-60% PrEP coverage, efficacy of at least 90%, no behavior change among PrEP users and ART coverage less than three times its 2010 levels is required to achieve this result. Targeting PrEP to 25-35-year-old women (at highest risk of infection) improves impact and cost-effectiveness marginally. Relatively low levels of condom substitution (e.g., 30%) do not ify the efficacy of PrEP, but reduces cost-effectiveness by 35%-40%. Conclusions/Significance: PrEP can avert as many as 30% of new infections in targeted age groups of women at highest risk of infection. The cost-effectiveness of PrEP relative to ART decreases rapidly as ART coverage increases beyond three times its coverage in 2010, after which the ART program would provide coverage to more than 65% of HIV+ individuals. To have a high relative cost-effective impact on reducing infections in generalized epidemics, PrEP must utilize a window of opportunity until ART has been scaled up beyond this level. © 2010 Pretorius et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; age distribution; antiretroviral therapy; article; behavior change; chemoprophylaxis; condom; cost effectiveness analysis; drug therapy; epidemic; fertility; health care cost; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; incidence; infection risk; mathematical model; mortality; preexposure prophylaxis; prophylaxis; South Africa; virus transmission; adolescent; adult; age; algorithm; cost benefit analysis; disease transmission; economics; epidemic; evaluation; female; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; middle aged; prevalence; sex difference; South Africa; statistical model; statistics; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Algorithms; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Epidemics; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Economic; Prevalence; Sex Factors; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955875625 | Evaluating the economic impact of national sporting performance:Evidence from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange | Smith B.K., Krige J.D. | 2010 | South African Journal of Business Management | 41 | 3 | None | University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Smith, B.K., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Krige, J.D., University of Stellenbosch Business School, PO Box 610, Bellville 7535, South Africa | This study examines the impact of South Africa's national soccer, rugby and cricket teams' performances in international matches on returns on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Match results constitute a mood proxy variable hypothesised to affect stock returns through its influence on investor mood. The unconditional mean return on the JSE All Share index for a 131/2 year period from September 1995 to February 2009 was compared to the mean return after wins, draws and losses by the national sport teams. An event study approach was followed and four different statistical tests were conducted in order to test for a relationship. The results of the tests indicate the existence of a moderate win effect, with mean returns after wins being statistically significantly higher for the categories all sports combined, cricket and soccer. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000272009600019 | Evaluating the effectiveness of a strategy for teaching neonatal resuscitation in West Africa | Bose, Carl,Engmann, Cyril,Enweronu-Laryea, Christabel,Osafo, Alexandra | 2009 | RESUSCITATION | 80 | 11 | 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2009.08.005 | University of Ghana, University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Korle Bu Teaching Hosp | "Bose, Carl: University of North Carolina","Bose, Carl: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Enweronu-Laryea, Christabel: University of Ghana", | Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a strategy for teaching neonatal resuscitation on the cognitive knowledge of health professionals who attend deliveries in Ghana, West Africa.
Methods: Train-the-trainer model was used to train health professionals at 2-3 day workshops from 2003 to 2007. Obstetric Anticipatory Care and Basic Neonatal Care modules were taught as part of Neonatal Resuscitation Training package. American Neonatal Resuscitation Program was adapted to the clinical role of participants and local resources. Cognitive knowledge was evaluated by written pre- and post-training tests.
Results: The median pre-training and post-training scores were 38% and 71% for midwives. 43% and 81% for nurses, 52% and 90% for nurse anaesthetists, and 62% and 98% for physicians. All groups of the 271 professionals (18 nurse anaesthetists, 55 nurses, 68 physicians, and 130 midwives) who completed the course showed significant improvement (p < 0.001) in median post-training test scores, Midwives at primary health care facilities were less likely to achieve passing post-test scores than midwives at secondary and tertiary facilities [35/53 vs. 24/26 vs. 45/51 (p = 0.004)] respectively.
Conclusion: Evidence-based neonatal resuscitation training adapted to local resources significantly improved cognitive knowledge of all groups of health professionals. Further modification of training for midwives working at primary level health facilities and incorporation of neonatal resuscitation in continuing education and professional training programs are recommended. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | GHANA,"neonatal resuscitation",TRAINING,COURSES,GHANA,IMPACT,MORTALITY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929297666 | Evaluating the effect of innovative motivation and supervision approaches on community health worker performance and retention in Uganda and Mozambique: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial | Källander K., Strachan D., Soremekun S., Hill Z., Lingam R., Tibenderana J., Kasteng F., Vassall A., Meek S., Kirkwood B. | 2015 | Trials | 16 | 1 | 10.1186/s13063-015-0657-6 | Malaria Consortium, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London, United Kingdom; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Public Health Sciences, Tomtebodavägen 18A, Stockholm, Sweden; Makerere University College of Health Science, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, PO box 8045, Kampala, Uganda; University College London, Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, United Kingdom; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Population Health, London, United Kingdom; Malaria Consortium Africa, Plot 25 Upper Naguru East Road, Kampala, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health and Development, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | Källander, K., Malaria Consortium, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London, United Kingdom, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Public Health Sciences, Tomtebodavägen 18A, Stockholm, Sweden, Makerere University College of Health Science, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, PO box 8045, Kampala, Uganda; Strachan, D., University College London, Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, United Kingdom; Soremekun, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Population Health, London, United Kingdom; Hill, Z., University College London, Institute for Global Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, United Kingdom; Lingam, R., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Population Health, London, United Kingdom; Tibenderana, J., Malaria Consortium Africa, Plot 25 Upper Naguru East Road, Kampala, Uganda; Kasteng, F., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health and Development, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Vassall, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Global Health and Development, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Meek, S., Malaria Consortium, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London, United Kingdom; Kirkwood, B., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Population Health, London, United Kingdom | Background: If trained, equipped and utilised, community health workers (CHWs) delivering integrated community case management for sick children can potentially reduce child deaths by 60%. However, it is essential to maintain CHW motivation and performance. The inSCALE project aims to evaluate, using a cluster randomised controlled trial, the effect of interventions to increase CHW supervision and performance on the coverage of appropriate treatment for children with diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria. Methods/Design: Participatory methods were used to identify best practices and innovative solutions. Quantitative community based baseline surveys were conducted to allow restricted randomisation of clusters into intervention and control arms. Individual informed consent was obtained from all respondents. Following formative research and stakeholder consultations, two intervention packages were developed in Uganda and one in Mozambique. In Uganda, approximately 3,500 CHWs in 39 clusters were randomised into a mobile health (mHealth) arm, a participatory community engagement arm and a control arm. In Mozambique, 275 CHWs in 12 clusters were randomised into a mHealth arm and a control arm. The mHealth interventions encompass three components: 1) free phone communication between users; 2) data submission using phones with automated feedback, messages to supervisors for targeted supervision, and online data access for district statisticians; and 3) motivational messages. The community engagement arm in Uganda established village health clubs seeking to 1) improve the status and standing of CHWs, 2) increase demand for health services and 3) communicate that CHWs' work is important. Process evaluation was conducted after 10 months and end-line surveys will establish impact after 12 months in Uganda and 18 months in Mozambique. Main outcomes include proportion of sick children appropriately treated, CHW performance and motivation, and cost effectiveness of interventions. Discussion: Study strengths include a user-centred design to the innovations, while weaknesses include the lack of a robust measurement of coverage of appropriate treatment. Evidence of cost-effective innovations that increase motivation and performance of CHWs can potentially increase sustainable coverage of iCCM at scale. Trial registration: (identifier NCT01972321) on 22 April 22 2013 © Källander et al.; licensee BioMed Central. | community health worker; diarrhoea; integrated community case management; malaria; pneumonia | Article; case management; child death; childhood disease; clinical supervision; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; diarrhea; feedback system; health auxiliary; health care delivery; health care facility; health service; hospital cost; human; job performance; malaria; medical record review; motivation; Mozambique; pneumonia; program effectiveness; randomized controlled trial; Uganda | None |
| WoS | WOS:000320019700009 | Evaluating the effects of community-based organization engagement on HIV and AIDS-related risk behavior in Kenya | Bonnel, Rene,Fruh, Joseph,Godoy-Garraza, Lucas,Kakietek, Jakub,Manteuffel, Brigitte A.,Murithi, Patrick,N'Jie, N'Della,Orago, Alloys,Riehman, Kara S.,Rodriguez-Garcia, Rosalia | 2013 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 25 | None | 10.1080/09540121.2013.778383 | The World Bank, Amer Canc Soc, ICF Macro, Natl AIDS Control Council | "Bonnel, Rene: The World Bank","N'Jie, N'Della: The World Bank","Rodriguez-Garcia, Rosalia: The World Bank", | International donors have increasingly shifted AIDS funding directly to community-based organizations (CBOs) with the assumption that responding to the epidemic is best achieved at the community level. The World Bank, ICF Macro, and the National Council for Population and Development in Kenya, conducted a study to evaluate the community response in Kenya. The study used a quasi-experimental design comparing seven study communities and seven comparison communities in Nyanza Province and Western Province. We examined the impact of CBO activity on individual and community-level outcomes, including HIV knowledge, awareness and perceptions, sexual risk behavior, and social transformation (gender ideology and social capital). The study consisted of two components: a household survey conducted in all 14 communities, and qualitative data collected in a subset of communities. Individuals in communities with higher CBO engagement were significantly more likely to have reported consistent condom use. Higher CBO engagement was associated with some measures of social capital, including participation in local and national elections, and participation in electoral campaigns. CBOs provide added value in addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic in very targeted and specific ways that are closely tied to the services they provide (e.g., prevention education); thus, increasing CBO engagement can be an effective measure in scaling up prevention efforts in those areas. | COMMUNITY,"community-based organization",HIV,KENYA,PREVENTION,"NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879477200 | Evaluating the Environmental Impacts of Poultry Farming on Stream Water Quality: A Study From Abeokuta, Nigeria: Balancing farming practices and environmental protection to promote human health | Taiwo A.M., Arowolo T.A., Adekunle I.M., Adetunji M.T. | 2013 | Environmental Quality Management | 22 | 4 | 10.1002/tqem.21344 | Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Soil Science and Soil Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Taiwo, A.M., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Arowolo, T.A., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adekunle, I.M., Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adetunji, M.T., Department of Soil Science and Soil Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | [No abstract available] | None | environmental impact; environmental impact assessment; environmental protection; farming system; health care; poultry; river water; stream; water quality; Abeokuta; Nigeria; Ogun | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879079917 | Evaluating 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 Ethiopia | Alewi M., Melesse A. | 2013 | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | 16 | 1 | None | Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Alewi, 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, Ethiopia | This 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 chicken | Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65949116588 | Evaluating the impact of a Special Library and Information Service | Botha E., Erasmus R., Van Deventer M. | 2009 | Journal of Librarianship and Information Science | 41 | 2 | 10.1177/0961000609102833 | 25 Annettehof Veld Street, Glen Marais 1619, South Africa | Botha, E., 25 Annettehof Veld Street, Glen Marais 1619, South Africa; Erasmus, R., 25 Annettehof Veld Street, Glen Marais 1619, South Africa; Van Deventer, M., 25 Annettehof Veld Street, Glen Marais 1619, South Africa | The mere fact that a library service is being used does not mean that the service makes a difference or has a positive impact on the user. This has significant implications for Special Library and Information Services (SL&IS) that have to constantly prove that they add value. Because of the difficulty of measuring impact effectively, the majority of libraries still appear to measure performance quantitatively (how many books do we have, how many are used etc.) instead of looking at the difference the service actually makes. This paper discusses specifically the impact an information service has on the ability of natural science researchers to perform their research effectively and efficiently. A focus group, short survey and 15 interviews were conducted with researchers that use SL&IS in their research at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) ĝ€" the largest research Council in Africa. The results showed that researchers felt that Library and Information Services have a positive impact on the research process. The two most important indicators of impact chosen by the researchers were firstly, time saved in information retrieval and delivery and secondly, higher success rate in research. In contrast with Poll's (2005) view, researchers felt that Library and Information Services do not necessarily impact on growing their skills and competencies or their attitude and behaviour as researchers. The relationship between the librarian and the researcher also came to light as very important in the research process. The study also identified further important indicators of impact which will serve as the foundation for a more in-depth research study. | Customer satisfaction; Evaluating impact; Impact on research output; Importance of librarian; Indicators of impact; Library and Information Services; Measurement of performance | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluating the impact of community-based interventions on schooling outcomes among orphans and vulnerable children in lusaka, Zambia | Chatterji M., Hutchinson P., Buek K., Murray N., Mulenga Y., Ventimiglia T. | 2010 | Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies | 5 | 2 | 10.1080/17450121003615351 | Mathematica Policy Research, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 550, Washington, DC, United States; Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, United States; Valid International, Lusaka, Zambia; Family Health International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Chatterji, M., Mathematica Policy Research, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 550, Washington, DC, United States; Hutchinson, P., Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, United States; Buek, K., Mathematica Policy Research, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 550, Washington, DC, United States; Murray, N., Mathematica Policy Research, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 550, Washington, DC, United States; Mulenga, Y., Valid International, Lusaka, Zambia; Ventimiglia, T., Family Health International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 12 million children under the age of 18 have lost a parent to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Despite this situation, the evidence regarding effectiveness of interventions targeting these children remains scant. This article contributes to the literature by evaluating the impact of a community-based program implemented by a Zambian non-governmental organization on educational outcomes among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Lusaka, Zambia. These outcomes included school enrollment and being at the correct age-for-grade. Our study design included two rounds of post-intervention data collection in 2003 and 2006; 2302 children aged 6-19 years were interviewed in 2003, and 3105 children aged 8-22 years were interviewed in 2006. We used a subsample of 2922 OVC aged 8-19 years. The effectiveness of Bwafwano was evaluated first using the individual cross-sectional samples and then using a difference-in-differences model on the pooled sample. Both cross-sectional analyses found positive and statistically significant effects of the intervention on school enrollment, with marginal effects of 0.104 and 0.168, respectively. The difference-in-differences estimates for school enrollment were positive, but small and not statistically significant. For the estimations of the effects of Bwafwano on the outcome of appropriate age-for-grade, only the difference-in-differences models showed positive program effect, with participation in the program being associated with a 15.7% increase in appropriate age-for-grade for intervention children relative to control children. This study suggests that the Bwafwano program is a promising approach to improving educational outcomes among OVC in urban Zambia. © 2010 Taylor & Francis. | Educational outcomes; HIV and AIDS; Impact evaluation; Orphans and vulnerable children; Zambia | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958095011 | Evaluating the impact of consumer behaviour on the performance of domestic solar water heating systems in South Africa | Ijumba P., Sebitosi A.B. | 2010 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 21 | 1 | None | Eskom, Megawatt Park, South Africa; Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Ijumba, P., Eskom, Megawatt Park, South Africa, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Sebitosi, A.B., Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | South Africa experienced a rapid expansion in the electric power consumer base after 1994 that was not matched by corresponding investment in the country's generation capacity. By the dawn of 2008, the situation had reached a critical point, with regular countrywide blackouts and load shedding and is expected to persist for several years, before the proposed new base stations can come online. Currently, 92% of the country's electricity is generated in coal-based power stations and are responsible for the country's heavy carbon footprint. Additionally this power must crisscross the country to distant load centres via an aging transmission infrastructure and in the process massive amounts of energy are lost particularly during peak power demand. Electricity consumption in South African households accounts for approximately 35% of peak demand, with water heating constituting 40% of that. The country has abundant sunshine and solar water heating technology and offers one of the most viable compiementary solutions to the country's energy and environmental crises. Moreover the location of the systems at the consumer end means that the need to upgrade the transmission infrastructure can also be differed. Application of technology alone however, may not necessarily result in the required energy savings particularly in cases of uninformed consumer usage. In this paper the authors evaluate the impact of consumer behaviour on the performance of domestic solar water heaters in South Africa and suggest measures that could be taken to optimize this performance. | Consumer behaviour; Solar water heating; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869789991 | Evaluating the Impact of Handling and Logger Attachment on Foraging Parameters and Physiology in Southern Rockhopper Penguins | Ludynia K., Dehnhard N., Poisbleau M., Demongin L., Masello J.F., Quillfeldt P. | 2012 | PLoS ONE | 7 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0050429 | Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Radolfzell, Germany; Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department Biology - Ethology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Gießen, Germany | Ludynia, K., Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Radolfzell, Germany, Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Dehnhard, N., Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Radolfzell, Germany; Poisbleau, M., Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Radolfzell, Germany, Department Biology - Ethology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Demongin, L., Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Radolfzell, Germany, Department Biology - Ethology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Masello, J.F., Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Radolfzell, Germany, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Gießen, Germany; Quillfeldt, P., Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Radolfzell, Germany, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Gießen, Germany | Logger technology has revolutionised our knowledge of the behaviour and physiology of free-living animals but handling and logger attachments may have negative effects on the behaviour of the animals and their welfare. We studied southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) females during the guard stage in three consecutive breeding seasons (2008/09-2010/11) to evaluate the effects of handling and logger attachment on foraging trip duration, dive behaviour and physiological parameters. Smaller dive loggers (TDRs) were used in 2010/11 for comparison to larger GPS data loggers used in all three seasons and we included two categories of control birds: handled controls and PIT control birds that were previously marked with passive integrative transponders (PITs), but which had not been handled during this study. Increased foraging trip duration was only observed in GPS birds during 2010/11, the breeding season in which we also found GPS birds foraging further away from the colony and travelling longer distances. Compared to previous breeding seasons, 2010/11 may have been a period with less favourable environmental conditions, which would enhance the impact of logger attachments. A comparison between GPS and TDR birds showed a significant difference in dive depth frequencies with birds carrying larger GPS data loggers diving shallower. Mean and maximum dive depths were similar between GPS and TDR birds. We measured little impact of logger attachments on physiological parameters (corticosterone, protein, triglyceride levels and leucocyte counts). Overall, handling and short-term logger attachments (1-3 days) showed limited impact on the behaviour and physiology of the birds but care must be taken with the size of data loggers on diving seabirds. Increased drag may alter their diving behaviour substantially, thus constraining them in their ability to catch prey. Results obtained in this study indicate that data recorded may also not represent their normal dive behaviour. © 2012 Ludynia et al. | None | corticosterone; triacylglycerol; animal behavior; animal experiment; article; breeding; controlled study; corticosterone blood level; data analysis; diving; ecological equipment; Eudyptes chrysocome; foraging behavior; global positioning system; global positioning system data logger; leukocyte count; nonhuman; online monitoring; penguin; seasonal variation; sexual behavior; southern rockhopper penguin; system analysis; triacylglycerol blood level; Animal Migration; Animals; Blood Proteins; Corticosterone; Diving; Energy Metabolism; Feeding Behavior; Female; Leukocyte Count; Monitoring, Physiologic; Oceans and Seas; Reproduction; Seasons; Spheniscidae; Triglycerides; Animalia; Aves; Eudyptes chrysocome; Spheniscidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872776434 | Evaluating the Impact of Health Programmes on Productivity | Keswell M., Burns J., Thornton R. | 2012 | African Development Review | 24 | 4 | 10.1111/1467-8268.12002 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Michigan, 611 Tappan St., 213 Lorch Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States | Keswell, M., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Burns, J., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; Thornton, R., Department of Economics, University of Michigan, 611 Tappan St., 213 Lorch Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States | This article reviews some of the key methodological approaches available to researchers interested in identifying a causal relationship between health interventions and economic indicators of productivity. We then discuss some of the empirical work that has utilized these techniques in making the case for a causal relationship from health interventions to productivity. We conclude that while considerable progress has been made in addressing concerns over attribution, much work remains to be done in expanding our knowledge of why certain interventions work whilst others do not. © 2013 African Development Bank. | None | health impact; labor productivity; methodology; public health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939857564 | Evaluating the impact of health system strengthening on HIV and sexual risk behaviors in Nigeria | Eluwa G.I., Adebajo S., Idogho O., Fajemisin O., Anyanti J., Ahonsi B. | 2015 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 70 | 1 | 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000701 | Population Council, HIV/AIDS Division, Abuja, Nigeria; Society for Family Health, HIV/AIDS Division, Abuja, Nigeria; United Nations Population Fund, Accra, Ghana; Population Council, 16, Mafemi Crescent, Abuja, Nigeria | Eluwa, G.I., Population Council, HIV/AIDS Division, Abuja, Nigeria, Population Council, 16, Mafemi Crescent, Abuja, Nigeria; Adebajo, S., Population Council, HIV/AIDS Division, Abuja, Nigeria; Idogho, O., Society for Family Health, HIV/AIDS Division, Abuja, Nigeria; Fajemisin, O., Society for Family Health, HIV/AIDS Division, Abuja, Nigeria; Anyanti, J., Society for Family Health, HIV/AIDS Division, Abuja, Nigeria; Ahonsi, B., United Nations Population Fund, Accra, Ghana | Background: We evaluated the impact of health system strengthening (HSS) on HIV prevalence and sexual risk behaviors in Nigeria. Design: Impact of HSS was evaluated in a cross-sectional analysis using 2 rounds of HIV biobehavioral surveys. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of the HSS program on HIV and risk behaviors. Setting: Study was conducted between 2007 and 2012 in 16 states in Nigeria. Subjects: Using a multistage selection criterion for households, a total of 4856 and 11,712 respondents were surveyed in 2007 and 2012, respectively. Intervention: HSS for state agencies for the control of AIDS was conducted in 7 states. Results: Overall change in HIV prevalence between 2007 and 2012 was 6·3% vs. 5·3% (P 0·113) and 3·0% vs. 5·1% (P < 0·001) in the HSS and non-HSS states, respectively. When controlled for age, gender, HSS intervention, location (rural vs. urban), and year (2007 vs. 2012), respondents in the HSS states were less likely to have acquired HIV (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63 to 0.96), more likely to have comprehensive HIV knowledge (AOR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.54), and to use a condom consistently in the past 3 months with boy/girlfriends (AOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.79). Conclusions: HIV prevalence decreased in HSS states between 2007 and 2012. Respondents in HSS states were more likely to have lower HIV prevalence and reduced sexual risk behaviors. There seems to be progress in mitigating the burden of HIV by the reduction of HIV-related risk behaviors through HSS. Thus, HSS intervention needs to be sustained and replicated to achieve a wider impact and coverage. © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. | health system strengthening; HIV/AIDS; impact evaluation; Nigeria; sexual risk behaviors | Article; condom use; controlled study; cross-sectional study; female; health care; health impact assessment; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; infection risk; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; priority journal; sexual behavior; behavior therapy; health service; health services research; high risk behavior; HIV Infections; physiology; prevalence; procedures; sexual behavior; Behavior Therapy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Services Administration; Health Services Research; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Prevalence; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899413725 | Evaluating the impact of improved maize varieties on food security in Rural Tanzania: Evidence from a continuous treatment approach | Kassie M., Jaleta M., Mattei A. | 2014 | Food Security | 6 | 2 | 10.1007/s12571-014-0332-x | CIMMYT, Naiorbi, Kenya; CIMMYT, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Statistics, Informatics, Applications \G. Parenti, University of Florence, Florence, Italy | Kassie, M., CIMMYT, Naiorbi, Kenya; Jaleta, M., CIMMYT, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mattei, A., Department of Statistics, Informatics, Applications \G. Parenti, University of Florence, Florence, Italy | This paper investigates impact heterogeneity in the adoption of improved maize varieties using data from rural Tanzania. We used a generalized propensity-score matching methodology, complemented with a parametric econometric method to check the robustness of results. We found a consistent result across models, indicating that adoption increased food security, and that the impact of adoption varied with the level of adoption. On average, an increase of one acre in the area allocated to improved maize varieties reduced the probabilities of chronic and transitory food insecurity from between 0.7 and 1.2 % and between 1.1 and 1.7 %, respectively. Policies that increase maize productivity and ease farmers' adoption constraints can ensure the allocation of more land to improved technologies and, in doing so, enhance the food security of households. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht and International Society for Plant Pathology. | Adoption; Africa; Continuous treatment; Food security; Impact heterogeneity; Tanzania | econometrics; food policy; food security; heterogeneity; maize; probability; rural area; technology adoption; Tanzania; Zea mays | ACIAR, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48549089388 | Evaluating the impact of land redistribution: A CGE microsimulation application to Zimbabwe | Chitiga M., Mabugu R. | 2008 | Journal of African Economies | 17 | 4 | 10.1093/jae/ejm039 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Financial and Fiscal Commission, Midrand, South Africa | Chitiga, M., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Mabugu, R., Financial and Fiscal Commission, Midrand, South Africa | Zimbabwe has recently gone through a widely criticised land reform process. The country has suffered immensely as a result of this badly orchestrated reform process. Yet land reform can potentially increase average incomes, improve income distribution and as a consequence reduce poverty. This paper presents a counterfactual picture of what could have happened had land reform been handled differently. The paper uses a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model coupled with a microsimulation model in order to quantify the impact of land redistribution in terms of poverty, inequality and production. This is to our knowledge the first attempt to apply such an approach to the study of the impact of land reform on poverty and distribution in the context of an African country. The results for the land reform simulations show that the reform could have had the potential of generating substantial reductions in poverty and inequality in the rural areas. The well-off households, however, would have seen a slight reduction in their welfare. What underpins these positive outcomes are the complementary adjustments in the fiscal deficit and external balance, elements that were generally lacking from the way Zimbabwe's land reform was actually executed. These results tend to suggest that well planned and executed land reforms can still play an important role in reducing poverty and inequality. © The author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. | None | computable general equilibrium analysis; computer simulation; economic impact; fiscal reform; income distribution; land reform; land use planning; poverty; rural area; rural economy; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864535903 | Evaluating the impact of product diversification on financial performance of selected nigerian construction firms | Adamu N., Zubairu I.K., Ibrahim Y.M., Ibrahim A.M. | 2011 | Journal of Construction in Developing Countries | 16 | 2 | None | Department of Quantity Surveying, Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria; Department of Building, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Department of Quantity Surveying, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna | Adamu, N., Department of Quantity Surveying, Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria; Zubairu, I.K., Department of Building, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Ibrahim, Y.M., Department of Quantity Surveying, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Ibrahim, A.M., Department of Building, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria | The need for the improved performance and continuous survival of construction firms has caused firms to diversify into other businesses. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of diversification on the performance of some Nigerian construction firms. Financial statements from seventy construction firms were analysed. The specialisation ratio method was used to measure and categorise the firms into undiversified, moderately diversified and highly diversified firms, and profitability ratios were used to measure the group-wise performance of the firms. The Student t-test was used to test the relationship between the extent of diversification and performance. The findings reveal that undiversified firms outperform the highly diversified firms in terms of Return on Total Assets and Profit Margin. Similarly, the moderately diversified firms were found to outperform the highly diversified firms in terms of Return on Equity, Return on Total Assets and Profit Margin. However, no performance difference was found between the undiversified firms and the moderately diversified firms based on the three measures used. A nonlinear relationship was found between the extent of diversification and performance. It was concluded that diversification does not necessarily lead to an improvement in profitability. The implication is that firms are better-off remaining focused if the aim is to improve financial performance. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011. | Diversification; Financial performance; Specialisation ratio | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903143000 | Evaluating the impact of red-edge band from Rapideye image for classifying insect defoliation levels | Adelabu S., Mutanga O., Adam E. | 2014 | ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing | 95 | None | 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2014.05.013 | University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geography Department, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, Private Bag X3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Adelabu, S., University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geography Department, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Mutanga, O., University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geography Department, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; Adam, E., University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, Private Bag X3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | The prospect of regular assessments of insect defoliation using remote sensing technologies has increased in recent years through advances in the understanding of the spectral reflectance properties of vegetation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of the red edge channel of Rapideye imagery to discriminate different levels of insect defoliation in an African savanna by comparing the results of obtained from two classifiers. Random Forest and Support vector machine classification algorithms were applied using different sets of spectral analysis involving the red edge band. Results show that the integration of information from red edge increases classification accuracy of insect defoliation levels in all analysis performed in the study. For instance, when all the 5 bands of Rapideye imagery were used for classification, the overall accuracies increases about 19% and 21% for SVM and RF, respectively, as opposed to when the red edge channel was excluded. We also found out that the normalized difference red-edge index yielded a better accuracy result than normalized difference vegetation index. We conclude that the red-edge channel of relatively affordable and readily available high-resolution multispectral satellite data such as Rapideye has the potential to considerably improve insect defoliation classification especially in sub-Saharan Africa where data availability is limited. © 2014 International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Inc. (ISPRS). | NDVI; NDVI-RE; Random forest; Support vector machine | Decision trees; Spectrum analysis; Support vector machines; Classification accuracy; Multispectral satellite data; NDVI; NDVI-RE; Normalized difference vegetation index; Random forests; Remote sensing technology; Support vector machine classification; Classification (of information); accuracy assessment; algorithm; classification; defoliation; image analysis; NDVI; plant-insect interaction; remote sensing; satellite data; satellite imagery; savanna; spectral reflectance; Africa; Hexapoda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925655100 | Evaluating the impact of the community-based health planning and services initiative on uptake of skilled birth care in Ghana | Johnson F.A., Frempong-Ainguah F., Matthews Z., Harfoot A.J.P., Nyarko P., Baschieri A., Gething P.W., Falkingham J., Atkinson P.M. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0120556 | Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; GeoData Institute, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Ghana Statistical Service, Head Office Building, Accra, Ghana; Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom; Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom | Johnson, F.A., Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Frempong-Ainguah, F., Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Matthews, Z., Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Harfoot, A.J.P., GeoData Institute, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Nyarko, P., Ghana Statistical Service, Head Office Building, Accra, Ghana; Baschieri, A., Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Gething, P.W., Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom; Falkingham, J., Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Atkinson, P.M., Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom | Background: The Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative is a major government policy to improve maternal and child health and accelerate progress in the reduction of maternal mortality in Ghana. However, strategic intelligence on the impact of the initiative is lacking, given the persistant problems of patchy geographical access to care for rural women. This study investigates the impact of proximity to CHPS on facilitating uptake of skilled birth care in rural areas. Methods and Findings: Data from the 2003 and 2008 Demographic and Health Survey, on 4,349 births from 463 rural communities were linked to georeferenced data on health facilities, CHPS and topographic data on national road-networks. Distance to nearest health facility and CHPS was computed using the closest facility functionality in ArcGIS 10.1. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the effect of proximity to health facilities and CHPS on use of skilled care at birth, adjusting for relevant predictors and clustering within communities. The results show that a substantial proportion of births continue to occur in communities more than 8 km from both health facilities and CHPS. Increases in uptake of skilled birth care are more pronounced where both health facilities and CHPS compounds are within 8 km, but not in communities within 8 km of CHPS but lack access to health facilities. Where both health facilities and CHPS are within 8 km, the odds of skilled birth care is 16% higher than where there is only a health facility within 8km. Conclusion: Where CHPS compounds are set up near health facilities, there is improved access to care, demonstrating the facilitatory role of CHPS in stimulating access to better care at birth, in areas where health facilities are accessible. © 2015 Johnson et al. | None | adolescent; adult; Article; child health care; community care; demography; female; Ghana; health care; health care availability; health care facility; health care planning; health care policy; health care quality; human; maternal care; public health problem; rural health care; skilled birth care; social status; cross-sectional study; factual database; health care planning; male; maternity ward; middle aged; newborn; pregnancy; questionnaire; utilization; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Birthing Centers; Community Health Planning; Cross-Sectional Studies; Databases, Factual; Female; Ghana; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Rural Health Services; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult | Res-167-25-0343, ESRC, Economic and Social Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65249120317 | Evaluating the impact of the institutional repository, or positioning innovation between a rock and a hard place | Thomas G. | 2007 | New Review of Information Networking | 13 | 2 | 10.1080/13614570802105992 | Library Services, Rhodes University, South Africa | Thomas, G., Library Services, Rhodes University, South Africa | Repositories remain an innovative but marginalised technology largely because there is no consensus about an agreed set of Performance Indicators (PIs) that demonstrate their overall impact on the research enterprise of our universities. A successful institutional repository (IR) should be evaluated in terms of the extent to which the open access repository builds a critical mass of scholarly content which is sustained and available through active university community engagement and ongoing scholarly contributions (faculty, researchers and students) that, when managed efficiently and effectively, ultimately strengthen, promote and give visibility to the research enterprise of the institution, and bring benefit to broader society. However, librarians are grappling with what and how best to demonstrate 'institutional good' but without clear evidence, assessment is fed by perception based on limited information which leads to diminished impact and value of the facility, a tyranny described as being caught between a rock and a hard place. Using Illuminative Evaluation to design a series of quantitative and qualitative metrics, it is proposed that a distinction be made between significant and secondary PIs where the former gather evidence to demonstrate the overall effect or impact of the IR on the individual and collective research community. | None | Community engagements; Critical mass; Institutional repositories; Limited informations; Open access; Performance indicators; Research communities; Societies and institutions | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942060717 | Evaluating the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on cardiovascular risk in persons with metabolic syndrome using the UKPDS risk engine | Stephen Ogedengbe O., Ezeani I.U., Chukwuonye I.I., Ndukaife Anyabolu E., Ozor I.I., Eregie A. | 2015 | Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy | 8 | None | 10.2147/DMSO.S69199 | Department of internal Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Nigeria; Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Me | Stephen Ogedengbe, O., Department of internal Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin; Ezeani, I.U., Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Nigeria; Chukwuonye, I.I., Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Nigeria; Ndukaife Anyabolu, E., Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Medicine, Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Nigeria, Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria; Ozor, I.I., Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Eregie, A., Department of internal Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin | Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of coexistence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the estimated cardiovascular risk as calculated using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetic Study risk engine (UKPDS-RE) and also to determine the impact of the coexistence of MS and T2DM on the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study in which convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 124 consecutive persons with T2DM and 96 controls using a questionnaire administered technique. The World Health Organization (WHO) criterion was used to define MS and the UKPDS-RE was used to identify persons with increased risk for stroke and those with increased risk for coronary heart disease. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Statistical comparisons were made with chi-square for comparison of proportions. A P-value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Fifteen subjects were identified as having an increased 10-year risk for stroke and ten as having an increased risk for a coronary event. The odds of a T2DM subject with MS having an increased risk for stroke compared with a T2DM subject without MS was 0.9579=1 while the odds of a T2DM subject with MS developing an increased risk for a coronary event compared with a T2DM subject without MS was =3.451≈3. Conclusion: MS was more common in subjects with T2DM compared with controls (irrespective of the diagnostic criteria used) and MS appears to increase the risk of a coronary event in subjects with T2DM by threefold. Also from this study, MS did not appear to cause an additional increase in the risk of stroke in subjects with T2DM. © 2015 Ogedengbe et al. | Cardiovascular disease; Coronary heart disease; Diabetes mellitus; Metabolic syndrome; UKPDS risk engine | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941992325 | Evaluating the impact of Zimbabwe's prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission program: Population-level estimates of HIV-free infant survival pre-option A | Buzdugan R., McCoy S.I., Watadzaushe C., Dufour M.-S.K., Petersen M., Dirawo J., Mushavi A., Mujuru H.A., Mahomva A., Musarandega R., Hakobyan A., Mugurungi O., Cowan F.M., Padian N.S. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0134571 | School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe; University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe; Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, United Kingdom; Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom | Buzdugan, R., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; McCoy, S.I., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Watadzaushe, C., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Dufour, M.-S.K., School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Petersen, M., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Dirawo, J., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mushavi, A., Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mujuru, H.A., University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mahomva, A., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe; Musarandega, R., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hakobyan, A., Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, United Kingdom; Mugurungi, O., Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe; Cowan, F.M., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Padian, N.S., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States | Objective: We estimated HIV-free infant survival and mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) rates in Zimbabwe, some of the first community-based estimates from a UNAIDS priority country. Methods: In 2012 we surveyed mother-infant pairs residing in the catchment areas of 157 health facilities randomly selected from 5 of 10 provinces in Zimbabwe. Enrolled infants were born 9-18 months before the survey. We collected questionnaires, blood samples for HIV testing, and verbal autopsies for deceased mothers/infants. Estimates were assessed among i) all HIV-exposed infants, as part of an impact evaluation of Option A of the 2010 WHO guidelines (rolled out in Zimbabwe in 2011), and ii) the subgroup of infants unexposed to Option A. We compared province-level MTCT rates measured among women in the community with MTCT rates measured using program monitoring data from facilities serving those communities. Findings: Among 8568 women with known HIV serostatus, 1107 (12.9%) were HIV-infected. Among all HIV-exposed infants, HIV-free infant survival was 90.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 88.7-92.7) and MTCT was 8.8% (95% CI: 6.9-11.1). Sixty-six percent of HIV-exposed infants were still breastfeeding. Among the 762 infants born before Option A was implemented, 90.5%(95% CI: 88.1-92.5) were alive and HIV-uninfected at 9-18 months of age, and 9.1% (95%CI: 7.1-11.7) were HIV-infected. In four provinces, the community-based MTCT rate was higher than the facility-based MTCT rate. In Harare, the community and facility-based rates were 6.0% and 9.1%, respectively. Conclusion: By 2012 Zimbabwe had made substantial progress towards the elimination of MTCT. Our HIV-free infant survival and MTCT estimates capture HIV transmissions during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding regardless of whether or not mothers accessed health services. These estimates also provide a baseline against which to measure the impact of Option A guidelines (and subsequently Option B+). | None | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; adult; Article; blood sampling; breast feeding; community; controlled study; cross-sectional study; delivery; female; health care access; health care facility; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; major clinical study; monitoring; practice guideline; pregnancy; questionnaire; survival rate; vertical transmission; Zimbabwe | None |
| None | None | Evaluating the missing links in the relationship between executives' compensation and firm performance | Mori N., Munisi G. | 2014 | International Journal of Business and Globalisation | 12 | 3 | 10.1504/IJBG.2014.060215 | Business School, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Norwegian Centre for Microfinance Research, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway; Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway | Mori, N., Business School, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Norwegian Centre for Microfinance Research, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway; Munisi, G., Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway | The research on the relationship between executive compensation and firm performance is extensive but has produced inconsistent results and, typically, weak explanatory power. One cause of these results is use of an incomplete theoretical framework that ignores some variables that are related to these two concepts. We explore the missing links between them. The paper contributes to scholarly and practical understanding of this important issue in the literature by extending and combining agency theory, upper echelons theory, and motivation theory perspectives. The paper develops a model that describes and explains the interactive relationship between executive managerial ability, executive compensation, strategic choices and firm performance. It puts forward the argument that executive managerial ability is related to strategic choices, and executive compensation moderates this relationship. Additionally, the paper suggests that strategic choice is an important variable that has not been explicitly accounted for in the relationship between compensation and firm performance. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Executive compensation; Firm performance; Managerial ability; Motivation; Strategic choice | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886285375 | Evaluating the performance of amiprophos methyl and γ-irradiated seeds on growth and yield traits of pigeon pea | Udensi O., Ntui V.O. | 2013 | International Journal of Agriculture and Biology | 15 | 5 | None | Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Laboratory of Plant Cell Technology, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Japan | Udensi, O., Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Ntui, V.O., Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria, Laboratory of Plant Cell Technology, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Japan | The seeds of two varieties of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill], brown "Fiofio" and white "Fiofio", were treated with 0, 4, 6 and 8 ppm amiprophos methyl (APM) for 48 h, or exposed to γ-irradiation at 0, 200, 400, 600 Gy (Gray) from 60Co source. There was significant (P < 0.05) effect of the mutagenic treatments on all the growth and yield traits evaluated except for percentage germination and these effects were dose-dependent. Seeds exposed to 200 Gy of γ-rays gave better seed yield when compared with APM soaked seeds. The treatment of pigeon pea seeds with APM and γ-rays could serve as alternative breeding and improvement techniques to achieve high seed productivity, especially at lower doses. Succinctly, it does suggest that if mutagenic process is monitored and directed carefully, it could proffer significant alternative for improving pigeon pea landraces, especially if the seeds are exposed to γ-irradiation at the dose of at least 200 Gy. © 2013 Friends Science Publishers. | γ-Irradiation; Amiprophos methyl; Improvement; Mutation breeding; Pigeon pea | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649759374 | Evaluating the performance of ground-based and remotely sensed near real-time rainfall fields from a hydrological perspective [Evaluation des performances dans une perspective hydrologique de champs de pluie en temps quasi-réel basés sur des données obser | Ghile Y., Schulze R., Brown C. | 2010 | Hydrological Sciences Journal | 55 | 4 | 10.1080/02626667.2010.481374 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, United States; School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Ghile, Y., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, United States; Schulze, R., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Brown, C., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, United States | The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issues routine experimental, near real-time rainfall maps from daily raingauge networks, radar networks and satellite images, as well as merged rainfall fields. These products are potentially useful for near real-time forecasting, especially in areas of fast hydrological response, and also to simulate the "now state" of various hydrological state variables such as soil moisture content, streamflow, and reservoir inflows. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate their skill as inputs to hydrological simulations and, in particular, the skill of the merged field in terms of better hydrological results relative to the individual products. Rainfall fields derived from raingauge, radar, satellite, conditioned satellite and the merged (gauge/radar/satellite) were evaluated for two selected days with relatively high amounts of rainfall, as well as for a continuous period of 90 days in the Mgeni catchment, South Africa. Streamflows simulated with the ACRU model indicate that the use of raingauge as well as merged fields of satellite/raingauge and satellite/radars/raingauge provides relatively realistic rainfall results, without much difference in their hydrological outputs, whereas the radar and raw satellite information by themselves cannot be used in operational hydrological application in their current status. © 2010 IAHS Press. | ACRU; Merged field; Radar; Raingauge; Satellite; Streamflow | ACRU; AS-soils; Current status; Ground based; Hydrological response; Hydrological simulations; Merged field; Radar network; Rain gauges; Rainfall fields; Real-time forecasting; Reservoir inflow; Satellite images; Satellite information; South Africa; State variables; Weather services; Acoustic surface wave devices; Catchments; Computer simulation; Moisture determination; Radar; Rain; Real variables; Remote sensing; Satellites; Soil moisture; Stream flow; Weather forecasting; Reservoirs (water); computer simulation; flow modeling; ground-based measurement; hydrological modeling; numerical model; performance assessment; precipitation assessment; precipitation intensity; rainfall; raingauge; real time; remote sensing; reservoir; satellite data; soil moisture; streamflow; trend analysis; KwaZulu-Natal; Mgeni River; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870060620 | Evaluating the performance of interpreting Verbal Autopsy 3.2 model for establishing pulmonary tuberculosis as a cause of death in Ethiopia: A population-based cross-sectional study | Tadesse S., Tadesse T. | 2012 | BMC Public Health | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2458-12-1039 | Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia | Tadesse, S., Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; Tadesse, T., Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia | Background: In resource- poor settings, verbal autopsy data are often reviewed by physicians in order to assign the probable cause of death. But in addition to being time and energy consuming, the method is liable to produce inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of the InterVA 3.2 model for establishing pulmonary tuberculosis as a cause of death in comparison with physician review of verbal autopsy data. Methods. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2012. All adults aged ≥14 years and died between 01 January 2010 and 15 February 2012 were included in the study. Data were collected by using a pre-tested and modified WHO designed verbal autopsy questionnaire. The verbal autopsy interviews were reviewed by the InterVA model and the physicians. Cohen's kappa statistic, receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity, and specificity values were applied to compare the agreement between the InterVA model and the physician review. Results: A total of 408 adult deaths were studied. The proportion of tuberculosis-specific mortality was established to be 36.0% and 23.0% by the InterVA model and the physicians, respectively. The InterVA model predicted pulmonary tuberculosis as a cause of death with the probability of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75-0.85). In classifying all deaths as tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis, the sensitivity and specificity values were 0.82 and 0.78, respectively. A moderate agreement was found between the model and physicians in assigning pulmonary tuberculosis as a cause of deaths [kappa= 0.5; 95% CI: (0.4-0.6)]. Conclusions: This study has revealed that the InterVA model showed a more promising result as a community-level tool for generating pulmonary tuberculosis-specific mortality data from verbal autopsy. The conclusion is believed to provide policymakers with a highly needed piece of information for allocating resources for health intervention. © 2012 Tadesse and Tadesse; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Cause of death; Pulmonary tuberculosis; The InterVA model | adolescent; adult; aged; article; autopsy; cause of death; comparative study; cross-sectional study; Ethiopia; evaluation; female; human; lung tuberculosis; male; methodology; middle aged; mortality; reproducibility; statistical model; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Autopsy; Cause of Death; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Statistical; Reproducibility of Results; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880808540 | Evaluating the performance of reservoirs in semi-arid catchments of Tigray: Tradeoff between water harvesting and soil and water conservation | Teka D., van Wesemael B., Vanacker V., Poesen J., Hallet V., Taye G., Deckers J., Haregeweyn N. | 2013 | Catena | 110 | None | 10.1016/j.catena.2013.06.001 | Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, Ethiopia; Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Department of Geology, Faculté Universitaire Notre Dame de la Paix, Namur, Belgium; Toronto University, Japan | Teka, D., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium; van Wesemael, B., Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Vanacker, V., Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Poesen, J., Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Hallet, V., Department of Geology, Faculté Universitaire Notre Dame de la Paix, Namur, Belgium; Taye, G., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Deckers, J., Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Haregeweyn, N., Toronto University, Japan | Micro dams play a vital role towards boosting crop production in Northern Ethiopia as they can be built by pooling local resources, are simple to design and can be constructed quite quickly. However, the reservoirs do not always fulfill their intended purpose, and hence less land is irrigated than initially foreseen. Here, we evaluated the performance of two micro dams in Tigray by analyzing rainfall characteristics, surface water inflows and combined evaporation and seepage losses. Given the scarcity of reliable meteorological stations, transfer of rainfall data from nearby stations to the dam sites was necessary. The rainfall magnitude and its annual distribution were considered for the transfer of the rainfall data. The latter was estimated based on a precipitation concentration index (PCI). Simple rainfall-runoff models, such as the curve number method proposed by the US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, or the rational method were used to predict the inflow to the reservoirs. Both methods slightly overestimated the monthly inflow for the catchment without soil and water conservation measures (rational method: bias of 24% and curve number method: bias of 9%). In the catchment where soil and water conservation measures were implemented, the inflow was overestimated by a factor three. The high losses of water through seepage and evaporation substantially decreased the irrigation capacity by up to 33%. This case study illustrates that an integrated assessment of the hydrological response in the catchment is necessary for an adequate design of water harvesting systems. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Hydrograph; Irrigation capacity; Micro dams; Northern Ethiopia; Rainfall-runoff response | annual variation; catchment; crop production; dam; estimation method; hydrological response; irrigation; meteorology; precipitation (climatology); rainfall; rainfall-runoff modeling; Ethiopia; Tigray | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547962470 | Evaluating the performance of sampling plans to detect fumonisin Bi in maize lots marketed in Nigeria | Whitaker T.B., Doko M., Maestroni B.M., Slate A.B., Ogunbanwo B.F. | 2007 | Journal of AOAC International | 90 | 4 | None | U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; North Carolin | Whitaker, T.B., U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; Doko, M., International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; Maestroni, B.M., International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; Slate, A.B., North Carolina State University, Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Box 7625, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; Ogunbanwo, B.F., National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mycotoxin Unit, Oshodi Central Laboratories, Lagos, Nigeria | Fumonisins are toxic and carcinogenic compounds produced by fungi that can be readily found in maize. The establishment of maximum limits for fumonisins requires the development of scientifically based sampling plans to detect fumonisin in maize. As part of an International Atomic Energy Agency effort to assist developing countries to control mycotoxin contamination, a study was conducted to design sampling plans to detect fumonisin in maize produced and marketed in Nigeria. Eighty-six maize lots were sampled according to an experimental protocol in which an average of 17 test samples, 100 g each, were taken from each lot and analyzed for fumonisin B1 by using liquid chromatography. The total variability associated with the fumonisin test procedure was measured for each lot. Regression equations were developed to predict the total variance as a function of fumonisin concentration. The observed fumonisin distribution among the replicated-sample test results was compared with several theoretical distributions, and the negative binomial distribution was selected to model the fumonisin distribution among test results. A computer model was developed by using the variance and distribution information to predict the performance of sampling plan designs to detect fumonisin in maize shipments. The performance of several sampling plan designs was evaluated to demonstrate how to manipulate sample size and accept/reject limits to reduce misclassification of maize lots. | None | Contamination; Fungi; Liquid chromatography; Marketing; Mathematical models; Toxic materials; Binomial distribution; Computer models; Fumonisins; Maize; Theoretical distributions; Drug products; fumonisin; fumonisin B1; article; chemistry; dose response; food analysis; food contamination; high performance liquid chromatography; liquid chromatography; maize; metabolism; methodology; Nigeria; plant; regression analysis; reproducibility; sample size; statistical model; theoretical model; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Liquid; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Food Analysis; Food Contamination; Fumonisins; Models, Statistical; Models, Theoretical; Nigeria; Plants; Regression Analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Sample Size; Zea mays; Fungi; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855226718 | Evaluating the performance of shared memory parallel computer system using recursive models | Oguike O.E., Ebem D.U., Agu M.N., Echezona S.C., Longe H.O.D., Abass O. | 2010 | International Journal of Simulation: Systems, Science and Technology | 11 | 6 | None | Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Oguike, O.E., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ebem, D.U., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Agu, M.N., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Echezona, S.C., Department of Computer Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Longe, H.O.D., Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Abass, O., Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria | Using a queuing approach to describe a shared memory parallel computer system, it can be considered as a parallel computer system with a shared single ready queue. This can depict a single queue parallel server queuing model. Some models that are based on probability density function have been used to model the performance of the queuing system. This paper uses recursive models to evaluate the performance of a single queue parallel server queuing model of compute intensive applications of a parallel computer system. The recursive models that this paper uses are efficient models because each recursive model makes one recursive call. | Compute intensive applicationr; Parallel computer queuing system; Performance metrics; Recursive models | Compute intensive applicationr; Parallel computer; Parallel computer systems; Parallel servers; Performance metrics; Queuing systems; Shared-memory parallels; Computer systems; Parallel processing systems; Probability density function; Queueing networks; Queueing theory | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880506856 | Evaluating the performance of small scale maize producers in nigeria: An integrated distance function approach | Aye G.C., Mungatana E.D. | 2013 | Review of Urban and Regional Development Studies | 25 | 2 | 10.1111/rurd.12010 | Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Aye, G.C., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Mungatana, E.D., Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The study evaluates the performance of small scale maize producers in Nigeria using stochastic input distance function (SIDF) and variable returns to scale data envelopment analysis (VRS DEA). Further, it examines the determinants of technical efficiency using the double-bounded Tobit regression model. Results show that maize farmers are operating below the frontier. Technical efficiency estimates from SIDF and VRS DEA models are 86.7 percent and 85.5 percent, respectively. The efficiency estimates obtained from the two models are positively and significantly correlated. Given the high correlation between the two models in our analysis, and for individual variance and bias reduction, the efficiency scores from these models for each farmer are further combined into a single index using the principal component analysis (PCA) approach. Technical efficiency from the integrated model is 86.2 percent. Our findings show that maize production could still be raised by improving farm efficiency. Age, education, household size, membership of a farmer group, access to credit, and market were found to be statistically significant in explaining technical efficiency, thus emphasizing the need for policy intervention in improving farm efficiency. © The Applied Regional Science Conference (ARSC)/Wiley. | None | crop production; data envelopment analysis; maize; numerical model; principal component analysis; small scale industry; technical efficiency; Nigeria; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649887288 | Evaluating the performance of some predictive models for estimating global solar radiation across varying climatic conditions in Nigeria | Ogolo E.O. | 2010 | Indian Journal of Radio and Space Physics | 39 | 3 | None | Department of Physics, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Ogolo, E.O., Department of Physics, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | The performance of both temperature and sunshine dependent models were evaluated for different selected tropical sites, which are situated across four different climatic zones, viz. Sahelian, Guinea Savannah, Midland and Coastal area in Nigeria. The regression constants were obtained for the first, second and third order Angstrom type [Garcia J V, Principios F'isicos de la Climatolog'ia. Ediciones UNALM (Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina: Lima, Peru), 1994; Hargreaves G & Samani Z, Estimating potential evapotranspiration, J Irrigat Drainage Eng (USA), 108 (1982) pp 225-230] models for all the stations using the method of regression analysis. Model evaluation performance analyses were carried out to determine which model is more suitable for a given climatic condition. The results indicated that the third order Angstrom type correlations do not improve the accuracy of estimation of global radiation. In addition, the results also revealed that temperature and sunshine hour dependent models are more suitable for the simulation of global radiation in the Sahelian and Guinea Savannah climatic condition, respectively. All the models exhibited the tendency to perform suitably well in the Midland and Coastal areas. On the seasonal consideration, the sunshine hour dependent models were found more suitable for the estimation of solar global radiation across all the varying climatic conditions during the dry season. However, all the models were found suitable during the wet season except for the Sahelian where only the temperature dependent models have been found exclusively suitable. | Angstrom type model; Performance indicators; Regression analysis; Solar radiation; Sunshine hour dependent model; Temperature dependent model | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74049107311 | Evaluating the performance of South African economics departments | Luiz J.M. | 2009 | South African Journal of Economics | 77 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1813-6982.2009.01228.x | University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 98, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Luiz, J.M., University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 98, Wits, 2050, South Africa | Over the past decade, economics departments in South Africa have seen major changes and a certain level of disruption. Much of this can be attributed to the integration of our discipline into the global arena after a period of academic isolation. This paper presents a survey of economics departments and covers everything from staff profiles and qualifications to curricula, and research output. This paper indicates that there has been some improvement in the state of economics at South African universities since 2003 when the previous survey was conducted. Research output is largely up as is the proportion in international journals, and more researchers are producing in leading international economics publications. However, the gap between South African economics departments and their international counterparts remains large. Journal compilation © 2009 Economic Society of South Africa. | Economics departments; Rankings; South Africa | academic research; curriculum; ranking; university sector; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960458669 | Evaluating the performance of wind turbines in selected locations in Oyo state, Nigeria | Adaramola M.S., Oyewola O.M. | 2011 | Renewable Energy | 36 | 12 | 10.1016/j.renene.2011.04.029 | Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Adaramola, M.S., Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Oyewola, O.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The wind speed distribution and wind energy potential are investigated in three selected locations in Oyo state using wind speed data that span between 12 and 20 years measured at 10 m height. In addition, the performance of selected small to medium size wind turbines in these sites were examined. The annual energy output and capacity factor for these turbines were determined. It was found that the monthly mean wind speeds in Oyo state ranges from 2.85 m/s to 5.20 m/s. While the monthly mean power density varies between 27.08 W/m2 and 164.48 W/m2, while the annual mean power density is in the range of 67.28 W/m2 and 106.60 W/m2. Based on annual energy output, wind turbines with cut-in wind speed of about 2.5 m/s and moderate rated wind speeds will be best suited for all the sites. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Capacity factor; Energy output; Nigeria; Wind speed; Wind turbine | Annual mean; Capacity factors; Energy output; Mean power; Mean wind speed; Medium size; Nigeria; Wind speed; Wind speed data; Wind speed distribution; Speed; Wind effects; Wind power; Wind turbines; data set; energy efficiency; measurement method; performance assessment; wind power; wind turbine; wind velocity; Nigeria; Oyo | None |
| WoS | WOS:000228730200006 | Evaluating the sexual behaviour, barriers to condom use and its actual use by university students in Nigeria | SUNMOLA, AM | 2005 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 17 | 4 | 10.1080/09540120412331319732 | University of Ibadan | None | This research quantified the barriers to condom use of a sample of university students in Nigeria. It further analyzed association between condom use at last intercourse and the barriers, in addition to HIV risk sexual practices. A total of 96 women and 128 men were randomly selected, and they completed a survey. Results indicated both men and women reported that condoms hindered their sexual satisfaction, caused health problems for them and reduced their sexual interest. The findings also showed that obtaining condoms from clinics and perception that condoms do not cause health problems predicted the likelihood of condom use for both sexes. In addition, the results indicated that obtaining first time information from family members or relatives predicted the likelihood of condom use for women. It was recommended that intervention efforts should make condoms freely available in tertiary institutions, and such interventions should be tailored to overcome the relevant barriers that interfere with condom use for both the women and men. | ,DETERMINANTS,RISK | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000292872100005 | Evaluating the Uptake, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of Uliza! Clinicians' HIV Hotline: A Telephone Consultation Service in Kenya | Bukusi, Elizabeth A.,Cohen, Craig R.,Karari, Charles,Kulzer, Jayne,Marima, Reson,Penner, Jeremy,Tittle, Robin | 2011 | TELEMEDICINE AND E-HEALTH | 17 | 6 | 10.1089/tmj.2010.0220 | University of British Columbia, University of California San Francisco, University of California System, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | "Cohen, Craig R.: University of California San Francisco","Cohen, Craig R.: University of California System","Kulzer, Jayne: University of California San Francisco","Kulzer, Jayne: University of California System","Tittle, Robin: University of California San Francisco","Tittle, Robin: University of California System", | Objective: Many clinical sites that serve patients who are HIV positive face challenges of insufficient staffing levels and staff training and have limited access to consultation resources including specialists on site. Uliza! (Swahili for "ask'') Clinicians' HIV Hotline was launched in April 2006 in Nyanza province in Kenya as a HIV telephone consultation service for healthcare providers. Hotline users called an Uliza! consultant who discussed the patients' problems and helped the caller work through a solution, as well as reinforced national guidelines. This objective of this study was to evaluate the uptake, acceptability, and effectiveness of Uliza! Materials and Methods: Consultants completed a form with details of each call, and healthcare workers completed satisfaction surveys during site visits. All available medical records were audited to determine whether the advice given by the consultant was implemented. Results: After a year of service, Uliza! responded to 296 calls. Clinical officers (64%) followed by nurses (21%) most frequently used the service. Most callers had questions regarding antiretroviral therapy (36%) or tuberculosis (18%). Thirty-six percent of all consults were pediatric questions. Ninety-four percent of users rated the service as useful. Advice given to providers was implemented and documented in the medical records in 72% of the charts audited. Conclusion: Healthcare providers in HIV clinics will use a telephone consultation service when easily accessible. Clinicians using Uliza! found it useful, and advice given was usually implemented. Uliza! increased access to current information for quality care in a rural and resource limited setting and has potential for scale-up to a national level. | "ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",CONSULTATION,HIV,"SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA",TELEMEDICINE,CARE,HIV/AIDS,TOOL | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907149498 | Evaluation and analysis of dietary essential mineral micronutrients in selected Malaysian foods using FAAS and ICP-MS | Salau R.B., Hasan M.N. | 2014 | Modern Applied Science | 8 | 6 | 10.5539/mas.v8n6p103 | Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Department of Chemistry, School of Natural and Applied Science, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria | Salau, R.B., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural and Applied Science, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria; Hasan, M.N., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Malaysia | Food source could provide essential mineral elements necessary for preventing and remedying the cases of Mineral Deficiency Diseases (MDD). This source is cost effective, safe, affordable and accessible. In this study, essential elements: Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se and Zn were determined in 126 food samples eaten in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The all-serving-units-inclusive food samples were oven-dried until constant weight, homogenized and wet digested serially with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide mixture. The major and minor elements were respectively determined by FAAS and ICP-MS. The elements showed presence in all foods. The food element/RDA percentage ratios of (Ca: 50.0; P: 322.8) and (Mn: 10.5; P: 177.5) were obtained respectively relative to maximum and minimum Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The study has proven that the foods could be viable source of the elements choosing appropriate foods. These essential elements containing foods can be exploited for health maintenance, remedy and even cure for MDD. © 2014, by the author(s). | All-serving-units-inclusive; FAAS; Food; ICP-MS; Mineral deficiency disease (MDD); Mineral elements; Remedy; supplementation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74349089723 | Evaluation and analysis of noise levels in Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria | Oyedepo O.S., Saadu A.A. | 2010 | Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 160 | 04-Jan | 10.1007/s10661-008-0719-2 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kwar State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Oyedepo, 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, Nigeria | Evaluation 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 noise | Environmental 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; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29144485903 | Evaluation and application of the ROMS 1-way embedding procedure to the central california upwelling system | Penven P., Debreu L., Marchesiello P., McWilliams J.C. | 2006 | Ocean Modelling | 12 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.ocemod.2005.05.002 | Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 213 rue Lafayette, Paris, France; Institut d'Informatique et Mathématiques Appliquées de Grenoble, Laboratoire de Modélisation et Calcul, BP 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Unité Mixte de Recherche LEGOS, Centre IRD de Bretagne, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France | Penven, P., Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 213 rue Lafayette, Paris, France, Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Debreu, L., Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States, Institut d'Informatique et Mathématiques Appliquées de Grenoble, Laboratoire de Modélisation et Calcul, BP 53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Marchesiello, P., Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 213 rue Lafayette, Paris, France, Unité Mixte de Recherche LEGOS, Centre IRD de Bretagne, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France; McWilliams, J.C., Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, United States | What most clearly distinguishes near-shore and off-shore currents is their dominant spatial scale, O (1-30) km near-shore and O (30-1000) km off-shore. In practice, these phenomena are usually both measured and modeled with separate methods. In particular, it is infeasible for any regular computational grid to be large enough to simultaneously resolve well both types of currents. In order to obtain local solutions at high resolution while preserving the regional-scale circulation at an affordable computational cost, a 1-way grid embedding capability has been integrated into the Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS). It takes advantage of the AGRIF (Adaptive Grid Refinement in Fortran) Fortran 90 package based on the use of pointers. After a first evaluation in a baroclinic vortex test case, the embedding procedure has been applied to a domain that covers the central upwelling region off California, around Monterey Bay, embedded in a domain that spans the continental U.S. Pacific Coast. Long-term simulations (10 years) have been conducted to obtain mean-seasonal statistical equilibria. The final solution shows few discontinuities at the parent-child domain boundary and a valid representation of the local upwelling structure, at a CPU costs only lightly greater than for the inner region alone. The solution is assessed by comparison with solutions for the whole US Pacific Coast at both low and high resolutions and to solutions for only the inner region at high resolution with mean-seasonal boundary conditions. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Boundary conditions; Coastal upwelling; Eddy kinetic energy; Embedding; Mesoscale eddies; Ocean models | Algorithms; Approximation theory; Boundary conditions; Kinetic energy; Mathematical models; Numerical methods; Ocean currents; Polynomials; Statistical methods; Coastal upwelling; Eddy kinetic energy; Mesoscale eddies; Ocean models; Oceanography; boundary condition; kinetic energy; mesoscale eddy; upwelling; California Shelf; Pacific Ocean | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548245603 | Evaluation and comparison of absorbed dose for electron beams by LiF and diamond dosimeters | Mosia G.J., Chamberlain A.C. | 2007 | Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment | 580 | 1 SPEC. ISS. | 10.1016/j.nima.2007.05.237 | University of Limpopo, Department of Medical Physics, Medunsa Campus, PO MEDUNSA 0204, South Africa | Mosia, G.J., University of Limpopo, Department of Medical Physics, Medunsa Campus, PO MEDUNSA 0204, South Africa; Chamberlain, A.C., University of Limpopo, Department of Medical Physics, Medunsa Campus, PO MEDUNSA 0204, South Africa | The absorbed dose response of LiF and diamond thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), calibrated in 60Co γ-rays, has been determined using the MCNP4B Monte Carlo code system in mono-energetic megavoltage electron beams from 5 to 20 MeV. Evaluation of the dose responses was done against the dose responses of published works by other investigators. Dose responses of both dosimeters were compared to establish if any relation exists between them. The dosimeters were irradiated in a water phantom with the centre of their top surfaces (0.32×0.32 cm2), placed at dmax perpendicular to the radiation beam on the central axis. For LiF TLD, dose responses ranged from 0.945±0.017 to 0.997±0.011. For the diamond TLD, the dose response ranged from 0.940±0.017 to 1.018±0.011. To correct for dose responses by both dosimeters, energy correction factors were generated from dose response results of both TLDs. For LiF TLD, these correction factors ranged from 1.003 up to 1.058 and for diamond TLD the factors ranged from 0.982 up to 1.064. The results show that diamond TLDs can be used in the place of the well-established LiF TLDs and that Monte Carlo code systems can be used in dose determinations for radiotherapy treatment planning. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Calibration factor; Dmax; Dose response; Energy correction factor; MCNP4B; Thermoluminescent dosimeter | Diamonds; Dosimeters; Electron beams; Gamma rays; Lithium compounds; Monte Carlo methods; Thermoluminescence; Calibration factors; Dose response; Energy correction factors; Thermoluminescent dosimeters; Dosimetry | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883700146 | Evaluation and comparison of in-vitro dissolution profiles for different brands of amoxicillin capsules | Kassaye L., Genete G. | 2013 | African Health Sciences | 13 | 2 | 10.4314/ahs.v13i2.25 | Food and Medicine quality Control Laboratory, Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kassaye, L., Food and Medicine quality Control Laboratory, Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Genete, G., Food and Medicine quality Control Laboratory, Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: Amoxicillin is an oral semi-synthetic, β-lactam antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible micro organisms. It is usually prepared in capsule, tablet and powder for oral suspension form. Solid dosage forms for oral administration pose bioavailability problems related to the absorption process The World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted the use of generic brands in order to make the cost of medicines affordable. Generic substitution could be considered when a generic copy of a reference drug contains identical amounts of the same active ingredient in the same dose formulation and route of administration. However, the presences of generic products those are not interchangeable with that of the innovator and/or with each others have been reported. Objective: To evaluate and compare the in-vitro dissolution profiles of different generic brands of amoxicillin capsules with the innovator that are available in Ethiopian market. Methods: Dissolution profiles for nine brands of amoxicillin capsules contained amoxicillin 500 mg which are available in Ethiopian market were determined using a method from the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP, 2009). The obtained dissolution profile data of the eight brands were evaluated and compared with the innovator brand (Amoxil™) using two different statistical methods: the fit factors (f1 & f2) and the dissolution efficiency (D.E.) model. Most generic brands of amoxicillin capsules (62.5% of the tested brands) are not interchangeable with the innovator brand. Results: The calculated f1 factor for Brand A and Brand G are 10.1 and 1.1 respectively. However, for the rest six brands the f1 factors are greater than 15. The f2 factor for Brand G is 74.1 and for Brand A is 48.5 which is near to 50. Similarly, the f2 factors for the six brands are less than 50 which support the result of the f1 factors for the dissimilarity of these brands with the innovator brand. The mean dissolution efficiencies as well as the 95% confidence intervals are within ±10% only for two brands, Brand F and Brand G. Conclusion: Most generic brands of amoxicillin capsules (62.5%) are not interchangeable with the innovator brand (Amoxil™). | Amoxicillin; Dissolution profile; Evaluation and comparison | amoxicillin; generic drug; article; comparative study; controlled study; drug capsule; drug solubility; drug structure; in vitro study; tablet disintegration time; amoxicillin; Dissolution profile; evaluation and comparison; Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biological Availability; Capsules; Ethiopia; Solubility | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945972384 | Evaluation and comparison of the indices of systemic oxidative stress among black-Africans with age-related cataracts or primary glaucoma | Awodele O., Oreagba I.A., Olayemi S.O., Oladipo I., Iruegbukpe C.O., Balogun B.G., Balogun M.M., Adedokun A.O. | 2015 | Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology | 22 | 4 | 10.4103/0974-9233.167811 | Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Family Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Ophthalmology, Lagos State Eye Institute, Lagos Stat | Awodele, O., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Oreagba, I.A., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Olayemi, S.O., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Oladipo, I., Department of Family Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Iruegbukpe, C.O., Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Balogun, B.G., Department of Ophthalmology, Lagos State Eye Institute, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Balogun, M.M., Department of Ophthalmology, Lagos State Eye Institute, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Adedokun, A.O., Department of Family Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria | Purpose: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of glaucoma, cataract, and many degenerative diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the systemic oxidative stress in black.African patients diagnosed with primary glaucoma or age.related cataract. (ARC) and compare these indices to normal control patients and between the two conditions. Methods: This was a descriptive cross.sectional study of consecutive recruited subjects attending a tertiary care facility. One hundred adults were enrolled and sub.grouped into: Normal controls. (n = 20), patients with primary glaucoma. (n = 40), and patients with cataract. (n = 40). The data were collected on patient demographics and clinical information. Ten milliliters of the venous blood was taken from each subject for the evaluation of serum biochemical indices of oxidative stress. Laboratory measurements of enzymatic and nonenzymic anti.oxidants, as well as lipid peroxidation, were conducted using established and validated spectrophotometric methods. The systemic oxidative stress was measured by the serum levels of anti.oxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation, and compared between the groups and to a control group of patients. Results: Statistically, significantly reduced serum levels of glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbic acid were found in the patients with glaucoma or cataract when compared with controls. (P < 0.05 for all). Differences in serum lipid peroxidation levels across or between the groups were nonsignificant. Serum protein levels were significantly higher among the subjects with cataract or glaucoma than in controls. Conclusion: Our results concur with findings in Caucasian study cohorts. This indicates that in black.Africans, primary glaucoma, and ARC are associated with increased systemic oxidative stress. This supports the existing evidence on the role of oxidative stress in these ocular disorders and reinforces the rationale for the use of anti.oxidants in the management and possible prevention of these conditions. © 2015 Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow. | Anti-oxidants; Cataract; Glaucoma; Oxidative Stress | ascorbic acid; catalase; glutathione; glutathione transferase; lipid; superoxide dismutase; adult; African; aged; Article; comparative study; controlled study; cross-sectional study; descriptive research; enzyme blood level; female; human; lipid blood level; lipid peroxidation; major clinical study; male; oxidative stress; primary glaucoma; priority journal; senile cataract | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875603573 | Evaluation and correlation of mammographically suspicious lesions with histopathology at Addington Hospital, Durban | Cupido B.D., Vawda F., Sabri A., Sikwila C.T. | 2013 | South African Medical Journal | 103 | 4 | 10.7196/SAMJ.6361 | Department of Radiology, Addington Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Department of Radiology, School of Surgical Disciplines, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Cypress Health Region Hospital, Department of Radiology, SK, Canada; University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia | Cupido, B.D., Department of Radiology, Addington Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Vawda, F., Department of Radiology, School of Surgical Disciplines, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Sabri, A., Cypress Health Region Hospital, Department of Radiology, SK, Canada; Sikwila, C.T., University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia | Background. Stereotactic core-needle biopsies (SCNBs) are a reliable alternative to surgical biopsy for microcalcifications. The positive predictive value (PPV) of SCNB has been shown to be reproducible in several studies using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) classification, which is the current gold standard in mammographic reporting. At this stage, no study has been done in KwaZulu-Natal to assess local outcomes against BIRADS. The current standard of care utilises vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, but is not available in a resource-constrained environment such as ours. The need, therefore, is for constant evaluation of existing practice to ensure that it is optimised for the challenges and limitations facing local radiologists. Objective. To assess the PPV of SCNB in Addington Hospital, and to compare it with that of BIRADS. Material and methods. Mammographically detected lesions were assigned to 3 categories: benign, indeterminate and suspicious. A retrospective review of 67 SCNBs was performed for lesions falling within the suspicious category, and the PPV and rates of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were determined. Results. Our study demonstrated a PPV of 20.9%. This correlated well with international studies for BIRADS 4 and 5 lesions. DCIS accounted for 21.4% of detected malignancies, which is in keeping with current literature. Conclusion. Despite resource limitations, local outcomes were comparable with those of BIRADS. Given our fairly general categorisation of lesions, however, it should be emphasised that BIRADS allows better organisation, consistency and clarity in breast imaging reporting, as well as accurate data comparison between centres facing limitations similar to our own. | None | adult; aged; article; breast calcification; breast carcinoma; breast lesion; correlation analysis; female; histology; histopathology; human; human tissue; imaging; intraductal carcinoma; major clinical study; mammography; predictive value; retrospective study; stereotactic biopsy; stereotactic core needle biopsy; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy, Needle; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast; Female; Humans; Mammography; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiology, Interventional; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Stereotaxic Techniques | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951795860 | Evaluation and decontamination of crude Oil-Polluted Soils using centrosema pubescen benth and Amendment-support Options | Nwaichi E.O., Osuji L.C., Onyeike E.N. | 2011 | International Journal of Phytoremediation | 13 | 4 | 10.1080/15226514.2010.495144 | Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B 5323, Rivers State, Nigeria | Nwaichi, E.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B 5323, Rivers State, Nigeria; Osuji, L.C., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B 5323, Rivers State, Nigeria; Onyeike, E.N., Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B 5323, Rivers State, Nigeria | Growth performance and phytoremediation of soil of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria artificially-contaminated with crude oil (up to 100 mL/2 kgsoil) using centrosema pubescen Benth was investigated for 12 weeks. The soil samples in which the plants were established were either un-amended, or amended with NPK, or UREA or chicken manure. The extents of removal of PAHs and BTEX were measured as well as the rates of growth of the plants. Gas Chromatographic analysis confirmed the degradation of carcinogenic hydrocarbons like BTEXs and PAHs with this technique. At the highest dose of crude, the contaminant concentrations were 43mg/kg PAHs, 10mg/kg BTEX, and 5,613mg/kg O&G. The greatest percent removal of BTEX was observed at the highest contaminant dose, and with the manure amendment. Similar trends were observed with PAHs and although they were less marked, the trends with PAHs may have been more highly statistically significant. There was no measurable plant uptake of contaminants. Inhibition of plant growth (measured as leaf area, shoot length and production of dry weight) was proportional to the dose of crude oil, but the manure amendment was very effective at reducing the growth inhibition. Interestingly, manure amendment reduced the phytotoxicity significantly in this study. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Amendments; Growthperformance; Hydrocarbons; Phytoremediation; Phytotoxicity | aromatic hydrocarbon; petroleum; urea; animal; article; bioremediation; drug effect; growth, development and aging; legume; manure; metabolism; Nigeria; plant leaf; soil; soil pollutant; time; Animals; Biodegradation, Environmental; Fabaceae; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Manure; Nigeria; Petroleum; Plant Leaves; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Time Factors; Urea; Centrosema | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888858013 | Evaluation and demonstration of direct solar potato dryer | Tefera A., Endalew W., Fikiru B. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 12 | None | Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Centre, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Food, Medicine and Health Care Administration and Control Authority of Ethiopia, P.O. Box 5681, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Tefera, A., Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Centre, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Endalew, W., Bahir Dar Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science Research Centre, P.O. Box 133, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Fikiru, B., Food, Medicine and Health Care Administration and Control Authority of Ethiopia, P.O. Box 5681, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of two models of direct solar potato dryers and to demonstrate to farmers around potato producing areas, in Amhara Regional State. Wooden box dryer and Pyramid shape dryer models were evaluated. Dryers were compared with open sun drying methods. Temperature, relative humidity as well as the rate of moisture removal as expressed by loss-in-weight were recorded and analyzed. Results showed that on the average there was a 10-20 °C temperature difference between ambient condition and the drying chambers. Besides, the weight of sliced potato which was initially 0.90 kg was reduced to about 0.19 kg within two days. This showed an overall reduction in drying time by 2-3 hours compared to open sun drying. This result, however, was not perceived to be large enough under existing testing condition. But considering other benefits of the driers like protecting the drying material against contaminants, dust, and insects resulting in better quality product, this result is acceptable. On the other hand, comparing the performances of the two driers, Pyramid dryer was found better in creating more conducive drying environment with optimal temperature and lower relative humidity. Moreover, considering manufacturing costs, simplicity in design to manufacture in rural area from almost any kind of available building materials by locally available workmen, Pyramid dryer is better than Box dryer. Demonstration and practical training on the use of solar dryers and methods of food preparation out of the dried potato slices was provided for a group of farmers. Participant farmers actively participated in the potato menu preparation and informal sensory evaluation. They have showed high interest in diversified potato utilization as it enhances their feeding habits. This dryer was found suitable for drying small quantities (10-15 kg) of agricultural products which suits best for household level. Therefore, Pyramid (pyramid shape) dryer models should be recommended for further promotion. | Dried potato; Dryer model; Farmers; Potato processing | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43249126007 | Evaluation and heritability studies of local Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) cultivars from south-west Nigeria | Akande S.R., Balogun M.O. | 2007 | Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola | 7 | 1 | None | Institute of Agricultural Research, Training Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria | Akande, S.R., Institute of Agricultural Research, Training Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria; Balogun, M.O., Institute of Agricultural Research, Training Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Nigeria | Seven local Lima bean cultivars were evaluated at Ile-Ife in the humid rainforest environment of south western Nigeria for two years. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used each year. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses. Heritability estimates of 10 agronomic characters evaluated were also determined. Significant year and cultivar effects were observed for most of the characters. Seed yield ha-1 varied from 289.14 to 1358.74 kg. Only two cultivars had seed yield above 1000 kg ha-1, others yielded poorly. Seed yield had positive and significant correlation with branching height, number of seeds per pod, 100- seed weight and inter-nodal length. Results of stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that pod weight per plant, 100-seed weight and pod length were the main seed yield components in Lima bean and together they accounted for 98% of the variability. One hundred seed weight also had the highest broad sense heritability estimate of 98%. Characters such as pod length, mid leaflet surface area, pod weight per plant and inter-nodal length were moderately heritable. The implications of these findings in lima bean improvement were discussed. | Correlation; Evaluation; Heritability estimates; Lima beans; Seed yield | Phaseolus lunatus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548290738 | Evaluation and identification of old and new macadamia cultivars and selections at Pietermaritzburg | Allan P. | 2007 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 24 | 2 | None | Department of Horticultural Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Allan, P., Department of Horticultural Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Newer and older cultivars and selections of macadamias have been evaluated at Pietermaritzburg over periods of from five to 35 years. In their sixth year, trees of some of the newer selections have produced good yields of over 10 kg per tree, which is as good as the precocious Beaumont (695) cultivar. Older trees have shown alternation of bearing with low averages, over the past three seasons, of 10 to 20 kg per tree on the marginal soils with close spacing. Kernel quality (kernel percent and % No.1 kernel) is generally better in the newer than the older selections. Selections '783', '842', '887', and 'Daddow' have given best overall quality with hybrids 'A4' and 'A16' giving excellent quality but of very large kernels. All selections should produce better quality under warmer subtropical conditions. Tables of morphological characteristics of typical leave and fruits are presented which enables the identification of the different selections available in South Africa. | Kernel quality; M. integrifolia; M. tetraphylla; Morphology; Yield | cultivar; hybrid; identification method; morphology; selective breeding; tree; yield; Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; Pietermaritzburg; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Macadamia; Macadamia integrifolia; Macadamia tetraphylla | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36049012726 | Evaluation and improvement of sticky traps as monitoring tools for Glossina austeni and G. brevipalpis (Diptera: Glossinidae) in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Green K.K., Venter G.J. | 2007 | Bulletin of Entomological Research | 97 | 6 | 10.1017/S0007485307005238 | Entomology Division, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Green, K.K., Entomology Division, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Venter, G.J., Entomology Division, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa | The attractiveness of various colours, colour combinations and sizes of sticky traps of the 3-dimensional trap (3DT), cross-shaped target (XT), rectangular screen (RT) and monopanels were evaluated for their efficacy to capture Glossina austeni Newstead and G. brevipalpis Newstead in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The 3-dimensional shapes of the XT and 3DT in light blue (l.blue) and white were significantly (ca. 3.1-6.9 times) better than the RT for G. austeni. On bicoloured XTs, G. austeni landed preferentially on electric blue (e.blue) (58%) and black (63%) surfaces when used with white; while for G. brevipalpis, significantly more landed on e.blue (60-66%) surfaces when used with l.blue, black or white surfaces. Increased trap size increased the catches of G. brevipalpis females and both sexes of G. austeni significantly. Temoocid and polybutene sticky materials were equally effective and remained durable for 2-3 weeks. The glossy shine of trap surfaces did not have any significant effect on the attraction and landing responses of the two species. The overall trap efficiency of the e.blue/l.blue XT was 23% for G. brevipalpis and 28% for G. austeni, and that of the e.blue/black XT was 16% for G. brevipalpis and 51% for G. austeni. Larger monopanels, painted e.blue/black on both sides, increased the catches of G. austeni females significantly by up to four times compared to the standard e.blue/black XT. This monopanel would be recommended for use as a simple and cost effective survey tool for both species in South Africa. © 2007 Cambridge University Press. | Glossina spp.; South Africa; Sticky traps; Trap efficiency; Tsetse flies | adhesive agent; biological survey; capture method; comparative study; cost; efficiency measurement; monitoring; trap (equipment); tsetse fly; animal; article; color; environmental monitoring; equipment design; insect control; methodology; South Africa; tsetse fly; Adhesives; Animals; Color; Environmental Monitoring; Equipment Design; Insect Control; South Africa; Tsetse Flies; Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Diptera; Glossina (genus); Glossina austeni; Glossina brevipalpis; Glossinidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957019163 | Evaluation and inter-comparison of Global Climate Models' performance over Katonga and Ruizi catchments in Lake Victoria basin | Nyeko-Ogiramoi P., Ngirane-Katashaya G., Willems P., Ntegeka V. | 2010 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 35 | 13-14 | 10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.037 | Directorate of Water Development, Rural Water Division, Ministry of Water and Environment, PO Box 20026, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University, Civil Engineering Department, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark 40, 3001, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium | Nyeko-Ogiramoi, P., Directorate of Water Development, Rural Water Division, Ministry of Water and Environment, PO Box 20026, Kampala, Uganda, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark 40, 3001, Belgium; Ngirane-Katashaya, G., Makerere University, Civil Engineering Department, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Willems, P., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark 40, 3001, Belgium, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Ntegeka, V., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering, Hydraulics Division, Kasteelpark 40, 3001, Belgium | Regional impact assessments of climate change on hydrological extremes require robust examinations of climate model simulations. The climate models may satisfy mean statistics but fail to reproduce extreme quantiles which are crucial for applications of climate change impact analysis on water resources. Through statistical analysis, this paper evaluates and inter-compares the performance of Global Climate Model (GCM) simulations for their ability to predict changes in hydrological extremes for given locations or catchments in the Nile basin. Two catchments were considered: Katonga and Ruizi catchments in the Lake Victoria basin. Models that differ significantly from the observed extremes were considered unreliable for impact assessments on hydrological extremes. A graphical approach (rainfall quantile/frequency analysis), which allows for easy spotting of discordant models, in combination with several statistics, was used to evaluate 18 GCM control simulations against observed rainfall data. Standard deviation, coefficient of variation and root mean squared error (about the mean) of the observed rainfall, were used to derive error margins against which GCM simulations were evaluated. Model results outside the error margins were considered inconsistent with the observed rainfall. Model inter-comparison was also carried out for the rainfall change projections till the 2050s and 2090s through analysis of perturbations and percentage changes based on A1B, A2, and B1 SRES scenarios. It is noted that the GCM outputs are more consistent in reproducing rainfall signatures at annual aggregation level than at monthly aggregation levels with tendency of overestimation of the rainfall depths but with significant variation among different GCM simulations. The GCMs perform better in reproducing rainfall frequency with higher return periods compared with lower return periods. Most of the GCMs perform better for the wet months than the drier months. The GCMs CGCM3.2a, CM3.O, CM4.1, PCM1, CGCM3.1T47, MIROC3.2.HIRES, CCSM3.0 and FGOALS, are the most inconsistent with the observed rainfall for both catchments. Good performing models are MK3.5, MK3.0, ECHAM5, CM2.1U.H2 and CM2.0. In general, most GCMs perform poorly for both catchments. This signals the need for significant improvements in the rainfall modelling of the climate models for the study region. There is no strong evidence to suggest that GCM performance improves with higher spatial resolution. Models which are highly inconsistent with other models in reproducing the observed rainfall are not necessarily inconsistent with other models in the future projections. Differences in projections for the A1B, B2, and B1 scenarios were found to be smaller than the differences between the GCM simulations. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Climate models; Consistency; Evaluation; Extremes; Quantile analysis; Rainfall | Consistency; Evaluation; Extremes; Quantile analysis; Rainfall; Catchments; Climate change; Computer simulation; Lakes; Rain; Runoff; Water resources; Climate models; catchment; climate change; climate effect; climate modeling; computer simulation; error analysis; graphical method; hydrological response; spatial resolution; water resource; East African Lakes; Lake Victoria; Nile Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745175193 | Evaluation and modelling of effluent from electroplating plant | Adeniyi O.D. | 2005 | Modelling, Measurement and Control C | 66 | 04-Mar | None | Dept of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria | Adeniyi, O.D., Dept of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria | Industrial 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; TSS | Computer simulation; Dissolution; Effluents; Electroplating; Industrial plants; Magnesium printing plates; Industrial effluents discharge; Total Suspended Solids (TSS); Industrial wastes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856597389 | Evaluation and modification of off-host flea collection techniques used in northwest Uganda: Laboratory and field studies | Borchert 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. | 2012 | Journal of Medical Entomology | 49 | 1 | 10.1603/ME11045 | Bacterial 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, Uganda | Borchert, 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 States | Quantifying 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 cheopis | animal; 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 pestis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34347379067 | Evaluation and nutrient quality of detoxified jackbean seeds, cooked in distilled water or trona solution, as a substitute for soybean meal in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, diets | Fagbenro O.A., Adeparusi E.O., Jimoh W.A. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Aquaculture | 19 | 2 | 10.1300/J028v19n02_05 | Department of Fisheries, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Fagbenro, O.A., Department of Fisheries, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Adeparusi, E.O., Department of Fisheries, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Jimoh, W.A., Department of Fisheries, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Jackbean, Canavalia ensiformis, seeds were detoxified using eight different wet thermal detoxification methods in either distilled water (5% w/v) or trona (NaCO2NaHCO3.2H2O) solution. The effects of the detoxification methods on hemagglutinating, antitryptic and urease activities, and on the digestibility coefficient of crude protein and gross energy in the jackbean seeds were investigated. Cracked jackbean seeds cooked (100°C) in trona solution for one hour proved to be more effective as a method of inactivating the antinutritional factors in jackbean seeds. Dried detoxified jackbean seed meals were incorporated in dry practical diets providing 20% or 30% of total protein and fed to Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus, fingerlings (mean weight, 6.7 g) twice daily to apparent satiation for 70 days. Mortality was low and no abnormal fish behavior was noted even when the detoxified jackbean meals provided 30% of total protein in diet. Growth and feed utilization indices, were similar (P>0.05) between the diet in which cracked jackbean seeds cooked in water provided 20% of total protein and in diets in which cracked jackbean seeds cooked in trona solution provided 20% or 30% of total protein. Carcass composition and hepatosomatic index showed no definite trend among O. niloticus fingerlings fed the experimental diets. Copyright © by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. | Digestibility; Growth; Jackbean detoxification; Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus | detoxification; diet; digestibility; feeding behavior; fish culture; growth response; nutrient enrichment; soybean; Canavalia; Canavalia ensiformis; Glycine max; Oreochromis niloticus; Tilapia; Trona | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053956201 | Evaluation and optimization of critical control points in the production of iru | Olayinka E.M., Omobayonle F. | 2010 | Research Journal of Microbiology | 5 | 12 | 10.3923/jm.2006.503.511 | Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria | Olayinka, E.M., Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria; Omobayonle, F., Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria | Iru is a traditional fermented African Locust bean condiment that serves as flavoring in soups or as a low-cost protein supplement. Ten traditional processing sites were studied in order to identify Critical Control Points (CCPs) during processing and to apply simple control measures in an optimized process with a view to improving the safety of the condiment. It was observed that processing of locust beans to iru is carried out under largely unhygienic conditions and CCPs identified were controlled by cooking with a pressure pot, de-hulling with hands or mortar and using well-defined cultures of known organisms as starters for the fermentation. It was observed that these simple control measures significantly (p = 0.05) reduced load of contaminating microorganisms and improved the nutritional composition of the condiment. A mixed culture of Bacillus sp. and possibly lactic acid bacteria is proposed. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc. | Critical control point; Fermentation; Iru; Optimization; Starter culture | Bacillus (bacterium); Bacillus sp.; Bacteria (microorganisms); Parkia filicoidea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904211853 | Evaluation and optimization of steam and lye peeling processes of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) using response surface methodology (RSM) | Oladejo A.O., Sobukola O.P., Awonorin S.O., Adejuyigbe S.B. | 2014 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 10 | 2 | 10.1515/ijfe-2013-0051 | Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, University of Uyo, P.M.B 1017, Uyo, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal Unive | Oladejo, A.O., Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, University of Uyo, P.M.B 1017, Uyo, Nigeria; Sobukola, O.P., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Awonorin, S.O., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adejuyigbe, S.B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Sweet potato of uniform sizes and shape were subjected to steam peeling (temperature 80- 100°C and peeling time 5-15 min) and lye peeling (sodium hydroxide concentration 8-12%, temperature 80-100°C and peeling time 3-5 min). Response surface methodology was used to analyze and optimize the process parameters in each case. For steam peeling, the peel loss and unpeeled surface area were 6.85 and 28.16%, respectively, while optimum peeling conditions where temperature and peeling time of 100°C and 5 min, respectively, for minimum peel loss and unpeeled surface area. For lye peeling, however, the peel loss and unpeeled surface area were 13.19 and 13.35%, respectively, and optimum peeling conditions were lye concentration, temperature and peeling time of 8.89%, 100°C and 4.75 min, respectively, for minimum peel loss and unpeeled surface area. The models developed in each case (R-squared of 0.9225 and 0.8428; 0.5929 and 0.8346) were adequate in producing responses as a function of the independent variables. From the optimized values and results obtained, lye peeling was more suitable for sweet potato. | Lye peeling; Optimization; Peel loss; Steam; Sweet potato; Unpeeled surface area | Optimization; Steam; Surface properties; Independent variables; Process parameters; Response surface methodology; Sodium hydroxide concentration; Surface area; Sweet potato; Uniform size; Wood | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867067954 | Evaluation and performance of natural gas storage in depleted gas reservoirs | Okwananke A., Adeboye B.Y., Sulaimon L.A. | 2011 | Petroleum and Coal | 53 | 4 | None | Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Okwananke, A., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Adeboye, B.Y., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Sulaimon, L.A., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Natural gas can readily be stored in depleted gas reservoirs, but when under storage in the storage horizon, this gas may experience some anomalies that may affect its inventory and performance. Evaluation and performance of the natural gas stored was determined by inventory analysis and by primary depletion performance. This made use pressure-content plots of P/Z versus inventory to determine gas migration into or away from the storage reservoir and its magnitude. The optimal performance of the stored gas was carried out by comparing the various stored volumes, the amount of non effective gas present and how much of it could be recovered. This was done for the storage reservoir when it was not subject to gas gain or loss, when it was subject to gas loss and when it was subject to gas gain. It was shown that gas storage in depleted gas storage reservoir subjected to gas gain is the best form of underground natural gas storage. | Evaluation; Inventory; Performance; Pressure-content; Underground gas storage | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930173431 | Evaluation and performance of statstrip glucose meter | Rensburg M.A., Hudson C., Erasmus R.T. | 2014 | Point of Care | 13 | 4 | 10.1097/POC.0000000000000037 | Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa | Rensburg, M.A., Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Hudson, C., Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Erasmus, R.T., Division of Chemical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19113, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa | Point-of-care testing glucose meter use is on the increase and is widely used in monitoring hospitalized patients as well as by patients for self-monitoring. A major concern is the accuracy of glucose meters in different clinical settings. StatStrip (Nova Biomedical, Waltham, Mass) is a new generation glucose and quantitative ketone meter designed to correct for common biochemical interferences and to measure and correct hematocrit. Our aim was to assess the analytical performance of the StatStrip (Xpress and Connectivity) to Accu-Chek Active meters (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and assess the glucose meters in a clinical setting.Hematocrit interference and chemical interferences (ascorbic acid, maltose, xylose, and acetaminophen) were evaluated at different glucose levels and different interferent concentrations.Whole blood samples collected from patients attending the medical outpatients department were measured and compared with the reference method (Siemens Advia glucose oxidase) and assessed by comparison with the ISO 15197 glucose performance criteria. Diabetic patients were included for this evaluation. Finger-prick (capillary) glucose (obtained from diabetic patients) measured on the glucose meters was compared with plasma glucose measured in the laboratory (Siemens Advia glucose oxidase). Minimal hematocrit and chemical interference were observed on the StatStrip meters, whereas the Accu-Chek Active meters were significantly affected by both abnormal hematocrit and chemical interference. StatStrip correlated best to the reference method and demonstrated the lowest bias. The StatStrip glucose meters demonstrated acceptable correlation when compared with the reference method, were not susceptible to common interferences observed on currently used glucose meters, and performed well in the clinical setting. Copyright © 2014 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Glucose meters; Hematocrit; Method validation; Point-of-care testing | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953797150 | Evaluation and pharmacovigilance of projects promoting cultivation and local use of Artemisia annua for malaria | Willcox M.L., Burton S., Oyweka R., Namyalo R., Challand S., Lindsey K. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-84 | Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Rural Extension for Africa's Poor (REAP), PO Box 6173, Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya; Anamed Uganda, Masaka, Uganda; Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany | Willcox, M.L., Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom; Burton, S., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Department of Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Oyweka, R., Rural Extension for Africa's Poor (REAP), PO Box 6173, Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya; Namyalo, R., Anamed Uganda, Masaka, Uganda; Challand, S., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany; Lindsey, K., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany | Background: Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are promoting the use of Artemisia annua teas as a home-based treatment for malaria in situations where conventional treatments are not available. There has been controversy about the effectiveness and safety of this approach, but no pharmacovigilance studies or evaluations have been published to date. Method. A questionnaire about the cultivation of A. annua, treatment of patients, and side-effects observed, was sent to partners of the NGO Anamed in Kenya and Uganda. Some of the respondents were then selected purposively for more in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: Eighteen partners in Kenya and 21 in Uganda responded. 49% reported difficulties in growing the plant, mainly due to drought. Overall about 3,000 cases of presumed malaria had been treated with A. annua teas in the previous year, of which about 250 were in children and 54 were in women in the first trimester of pregnancy. The commonest problem observed in children was poor compliance due to the bitter taste, which was improved by the addition of sugar or honey. Two miscarriages were reported in pregnant patients. Only four respondents reported side-effects in other patients, the commonest of which was vomiting. 51% of respondents had started using A. annua tea to treat illnesses other than malaria. Conclusions: Local cultivation and preparation of A. annua are feasible where growing conditions are appropriate. Few adverse events were reported even in children and pregnant women. Where ACT is in short supply, it would make sense to save it for young children, while using A. annua infusions to treat older patients who are at lower risk. An ongoing pharmacovigilance system is needed to facilitate reporting of any adverse events. © 2011 Willcox et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antimalarial agent; sugar; Artemisia annua; article; bitter taste; child; diarrhea; drought; drug eruption; drug induced headache; drug surveillance program; feasibility study; female; first trimester pregnancy; health promotion; honey; human; interview; Kenya; malaria; male; plant breeding; pruritus; questionnaire; risk; spontaneous abortion; tea; Uganda; vomiting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926153714 | Evaluation and Potential Health Hazard of Selected Metals in Water, Sediments, and Fish from the Gomti River | Gupta S.K., Chabukdhara M., Singh J., Bux F. | 2015 | Human and Ecological Risk Assessment | 21 | 1 | 10.1080/10807039.2014.902694 | Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India; Dr. R. M. L. Avadh University, Faizabad, India | Gupta, S.K., Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Chabukdhara, M., Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India; Singh, J., Dr. R. M. L. Avadh University, Faizabad, India; Bux, F., Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | ABSTRACT: The health hazard associated with the consumption of fish from the Gomti River in India, contaminated with the heavy metals Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn was assessed in terms of target hazard quotients (THQs). The concentrations of metals (mg kg−1, wet weight basis) in the muscle tissues of different fish species Mastacembelus puncalus, Clupisona garua, Cyrinous carpio, Botia lochachata, Channa punctatus, Heteropneustise fossilis, Puntius sofore, and Clarious batrachus ranged as follows: Cr (2.2–21.4), Cu (0.3–14.3), Mn (2.3–5.5), Ni (0.5–10.9), Pb (1.0–3.9), and Zn (12.3–46.9). The accumulation of metals in fish muscle tissue was in the order: Zn > Cr > Ni > Mn > Cu > Pb. THQs indicated a potential health hazard to children due to the consumption of fish contaminated with Ni and Pb; their THQs were greater than 1 for almost all fish species except for Ni in C. garua (THQ, 0.07) and C. carpio (THQ, 0.90). For adults, insignificant health hazard was associated with THQs less than 1 for all metals in the different fish species, but long-term exposure to these metals and subsequent bioaccumulation in the body may require additional investigation. © 2015, Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | accumulation; fish; Gomti River; sediment; target hazard quotient; trace elements; water | Batrachoides; Botia; Channa punctatus; Mastacembelus; Puntius | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950156137 | Evaluation and potential of cocoyam as carbohydrate source in catfish, (Clarias gariepinus [Burchell, 1822]) juvenile diets | Zaid A.A., Sogbesan O.A. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 6 | None | Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria; Deparment of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | Zaid, A.A., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria; Sogbesan, O.A., Deparment of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | The cost of feeding fish is about 60% of the total recurrent cost of fish farming, hence a need for non-conventional and cheaper ingredients to substitute the expensive ones. Seventy five juvenile of Clarias gariepinus mean weight 9.86 g were randomly stocked at 5 juveniles per tank of dimension 40 × 56 × 31 cm and fed five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing graded levels of cocoyam at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% substituted for maize meal over a period of 70 days. The result of the experiment showed that diet 1 had the highest specific growth rate (SGR), 1.47%/day and diet 4 had the lowest of 0.89%/day. The best food conversion ratio (FCR), 1.81 was from diet 2 while the worst of 2.91 was from diet 4. Highest mean yield, net profit, benefit cost ratio and profit index of 26.58, 4.93, 1.23 and $16.11 respectively, were from diet 2 while the lowest of 22.91, 0.49, 1.02 and $9.47 were from diet 4. All indices considered were significantly different (p<0.05) between ≤50% cocoyam and ≥75% cocoyam treatments. The study showed that 25% replacement of cocoyam for maize is recommended for growth and economic benefit for sustainable aquaculture. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Clarias gariepinus; Cocoyam; Cost benefits; Feed utilization; Growth; Maize | Clarias gariepinus; Colocasia esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644799663 | Evaluation and prediction of the swelling characteristics of Nigerian black clays | Nwaiwu C.M.O., Nuhu I. | 2006 | Geotechnical and Geological Engineering | 24 | 1 | 10.1007/s10706-004-1928-2 | Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600004 Borno State, Nigeria; Al-Kay Limited (Building and Civil Engineering), Lozumba Shopping Complex, UTC Area, Garki, FCT Abuja, Nigeria | Nwaiwu, C.M.O., Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri 600004 Borno State, Nigeria; Nuhu, I., Al-Kay Limited (Building and Civil Engineering), Lozumba Shopping Complex, UTC Area, Garki, FCT Abuja, Nigeria | The swelling characteristics of black clays from two major areas of occurrence in Borno State, Nigeria, were investigated in the laboratory. Clay samples derived from lagoonal clay deposits showed high swelling tendencies while those samples derived from Olivine basalts showed medium to high swelling tendencies. Although interparticle swelling was the dominant swelling mechanism, soil samples with higher clay contents exhibited higher swelling tendencies. The developed predictive models show that the free swell percentage as well as the swelling pressure can be predicted from measured values of electrical conductivity, specific gravity, clay content and plasticity index. On the other hand, swell percent can be predicted from measured values of electrical conductivity and specific gravity only. © Springer 2006. | Free swell; Regression analysis; Swell percent; Swelling pressure; Tropical black clays | Clay deposits; Composition; Density measurement (specific gravity); Electric conductivity measurement; Plasticity; Pressure measurement; Regression analysis; Sampling; Swelling; Clay content; Plasticity index; Swell percent; Swelling pressure; Tropical black clays; Clay; clay; swelling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905995470 | Evaluation and quantification of the contributions of damaged shea kernels to the quality of Nigerian shea butter | Obibuzor J.U., Abigor R.D., Omamor I.B., Omoriyekemwen V.O., Okunwaye T., Okogbenin E.A. | 2014 | International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation | 4 | 1 | 10.1504/IJPTI.2014.064140 | Biochemistry 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, Nigeria | Obibuzor, 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, Nigeria | The 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 kernel | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646560011 | Evaluation and standardisation of small-scale canning methods for small white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) canned in tomato sauce | Van Der Merwe D., Osthoff G., Pretorius A.J. | 2006 | Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture | 86 | 7 | 10.1002/jsfa.2476 | ARC-Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X 6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Van Der Merwe, D., ARC-Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X 6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Osthoff, G., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Pretorius, A.J., ARC-Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag X1251, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Canning and evaluation procedures should be standardised to ensure that beans selected, based on canning quality, meet the requirements set by the market and processors. For the purpose of evaluating the canning qualities of small white beans in tomato sauce, three small-scale canning techniques were evaluated, one of which was found to deliver a product with quality parameters similar to those of international standards. Using South African small white bean cultivars and the selected method, Teebus, the cultivar used by industry as the standard to indicate acceptable canning quality, displayed better visual appearance and less split beans than with the other two methods. The percentage washed drained weight and texture values of Teebus were also in agreement with international standards. The evaluation procedure for the small white beans after canning was also optimised, by comparing two procedures, which identified texture, visual appearance (scale 1 to 10), splits (scale 1 to 10), hydration coefficient, clumping, size and colour as the statistically most suitable quality parameters. With the aid of the developed method, it was possible to define standard values for South African 'choice' and 'standard' grade beans, which previously was based only on 'visual inspection' by a trained inspection panel. © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry. | Canning procedures; Canning quality; Dry beans; Evaluation procedures; Small white beans; Small-scale canning methods | Lycopersicon esculentum; Phaseolus (angiosperm); Phaseolus vulgar |