| 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 |