| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57049185124 | Evaluation of some physico-chemical properties of Shea-butter (Butyrospermum paradoxum) related to its value for food and industrial utilisation | Chukwu O., Adgidzi P.P. | 2008 | International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation | 1 | 3 | 10.1504/IJPTI.2008.021466 | Agricultural Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | Chukwu, O., Agricultural Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria; Adgidzi, P.P., Agricultural Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | The physical and chemical properties of edible oils influence their suitability for use in food and other process industries. The aim of this study was to determine the physico-chemical properties and proximate composition of Shea-butter oil. Results obtained showed that Shea-butter has the following chemical properties: acid value (3.825), iodine number (43.27), peroxide value (12.85), saponification value (196.90) and unsaponifiable matter (6.23%). Other physico-chemical properties quantified were moisture content (1.37%), ash content (1.26%), total fat (75.03%), carbohydrate content (22.34%), refractive index (1.452), relative density (0.906) and melting point (27°C). These results showed that the physico-chemical properties and proximate composition of Shea-butter are comparable with the properties of groundnut oil which is widely used for cooking and industrial food processes. Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Chemical properties; Edible oil; Physico-chemical properties; Sheabutter | Arachis; Butyrospermum; Vitellaria paradoxa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81855175823 | Evaluation of the thermochemical properties for tropospheric ozone reactions | Igbafe A.I., Omhenke S.A. | 2010 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 1 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.1.39 | Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Igbafe, A.I., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Omhenke, S.A., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The thermochemical properties of varieties of species involved in the formation and consumption or destruction of tropospheric ozone during chemical reactions have been established. Ozone in the troposphere is produced during the day-time; hence it is a photochemically induced transformation process. This compound acts as precursor specie in many atmospheric transformations and constitutes a baseline component worth investigating. This study utilized electronic structure methods of computational model chemistries to evaluate for Gibbs free energies and enthalpies of formation and reactions of the various species. Ten prominent gas-phase and aqueous-phase reactions were analysed using five computational approaches consisting of four ab initio methods and one density functional theory (DFT) method. The computed energy values in comparison to those obtained through experimental approaches yielded an error of mean absolute deviation of 0.81%. The most relevant species that tend to enhance the production of ozone in the troposphere were O* and H2O2 for the gas-phase and aqueous-phase reactions respectively. Chemical equilibrium analysis indicated that the ozone formation and consumption reactions are more favourable in colder regions and at winter. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Chemical reaction equilibrium; Thermochemical properties; Tropospheric ozone | Ab initio method; Atmospheric transformation; Chemical equilibriums; Chemical reaction equilibrium; Computational approach; Computational model; Density functional theory methods; Energy value; Enthalpies of formation; Experimental approaches; Gasphase; Mean absolute deviations; Ozone formation; Thermochemical properties; Transformation process; Tropospheric ozone; Chemical reactions; Computational methods; Density functional theory; Electronic structure; Troposphere; Ozone | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882946114 | Impact of intestinal microorganisms and protozoan parasites on drinking water quality in Harare, Zimbabwe | Dalu T., Barson M., Nhiwatiwa T. | 2011 | Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development | 1 | 3 | 10.2166/washdev.2011.049 | Aquatic Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Dalu, T., Aquatic Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Barson, M., Aquatic Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nhiwatiwa, T., Aquatic Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The presence of microorganisms and their potential impacts on drinking water from boreholes, bowsers, lakes, rivers, springs, taps and wells was investigated in peri-urban settlements around Harare. Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Vibrio cholerae and faecal streptococci were present in all water sources except for the boreholes and bowsers. Rivers, lake and wells showed the greatest diversity of 10, 5 and 6 species and relative density (rd) of 90.9, 83.4 and 61.67% respectively for the protozoan parasites. Cryptosporidium was identified in groundwater sources; wells (rd = 8.3%) and springs (rd = 41.7%) and identified in tap water (rd = 6.23%) and the Mukuvisi River downstream (rd = 8.3%). Entamoeba histolytica, Cyclospora, Isospora belli, Trichuris trichiura and Giardia lamblia were found in all water sources. Eggs/larvae of intestinal parasites; Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides, Rhabditis, Taenia sp. and Schistosoma mansoni were identified in different water sources. Faecal coliform levels had a significant effect on the water sources' water quality with p = 0.018 in all sites except for the borehole whilst faecal streptococci had no significant impact with p = 0.513. The presence of at least one microbial pathogenic organism and parasites in most of the water sources poses a threat to the water quality and is a human health risk in the study areas. © IWA Publishing 2011. | Coliforms; Drinking water; Harare; Microorganisms; Parasites; Protozoa | 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:000204015300006 | The impact of Internet usage: A case study of Delta State (Nigeria) tertiary institutions | Ekruyota, G. O.,Oroke, G. U.,Ureigho, R. J. | 2006 | SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ESSAYS | 1 | 2 | None | Delta State Polytechn | None | The Internet is one of the greatest recent advancement in the world of information technology and has become a useful instrument that has fostered the process of making the world a global village. However, despite the added benefits of the Internet to learning, teaching and research, there is no provision of effective Internet services in most of the tertiary institutions in Delta State. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Internet for learning, teaching and research in institutions of higher learning in Delta State. Questionnaires were administered to students and staff in four tertiary institutions within the State. The results from the analysis of the responses showed that students and staff use Internet mainly for on-line chatting (24.89%) and e-mail (24.16%). The use of Internet as a source of research materials ranked third (23.21%). This study concludes that research would significantly improve through proper enlightenment, formal training on the use of Internet and provision of effective Internet services in tertiary institutions in Delta State. | E-MAIL,INSTITUTIONS,INTERNET,RESEARCH | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954165371 | Effect of weight and draught on the performance of disc plough on sandy-loam soil | Olatunji O.M., Davies R.M. | 2009 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 1 | 1 | None | Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce I | Olatunji, O.M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Davies, R.M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria | In this research, the relationship between depth of cut, increase in weight of disc plough as well as the draught has been investigated using dimensional analysis on a sandy loam soil. The experiment was conducted on a site with three different moisture contents level at five different speeds (0.83, 1.39, 1.94, 2.5 and 2.78ms-1). It was observed that the depth of penetration increase with an increase in draught and increase in soil moisture content. From the site, the depth of cut was minimum at 4.9% and maximum at 9.4% moisture content. The result obtained from the validation shows that the model can be used effectively to determine the depth of cut in sandy loam soil and also the draught-speed relationship obtained from this work can be used to predict the power requirement of the disc plough in other soil types. The draught increase linearly with the depth of cut as predicted from the model. The result of the soil properties after tillage showed increase with shear strength, bulk density and depth. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2009. | Bulk density; Depth; Disc plough; Moisture content; Sandy-loam; Shear strength | Bulk density; Depth; Disc plough; Moisture content; Sandy-loam; Agriculture; Moisture determination; Shear strength; Soil conditioners; Soil moisture; Geologic models | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882999295 | Evaluating performance of vertical flow constructed wetland under various hydraulic loading rates in effluent polishing | Maina C.W., Mutua B.M., Oduor S.O. | 2011 | Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development | 1 | 2 | 10.2166/washdev.2011.025 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya | Maina, C.W., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya; Mutua, B.M., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya; Oduor, S.O., Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 - 20115, Nairobi, Kenya | The discharge of untreated wastewater or partially treated effluent and runoff from agricultural fields into water bodies is a major source of surface water pollution worldwide. To mitigate this problem, wastewater treatment using wastewater stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands have been promoted. The performance of such wastewater treatment systems is strongly dependent on their hydraulics, which if not properly considered during design or operation, may result in the partially treated effluent being discharged into water bodies. This paper presents results from a study that was carried out to evaluate the performance of a vertical flow constructed wetland system under varying hydraulic loading regimes. The influent and effluent samples from the constructed wetland were collected and analysed for physical, chemical and biological parameters of importance to water quality based on recommended standard laboratory methods. The data collected was useful in determining the treatment efficiency of the wetland. The hydraulic loading rate applied ranged between 0.014 and 0.174 m/day. Phosphorus reduction for the different hydraulic loading rates ranged between 92 and 47% for lowest and highest loading rates applied respectively. However, ammonium nitrogen reduction was not significantly affected by the different hydraulic loading rates, since the reduction ranged between 97 and 94%. © IWA Publishing 2011. | Constructed wetland; Hydraulic loading rates; Hydraulics; Treatment efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57049084462 | Environmental impact prediction of air quality in a food processing environment | Chukwu O. | 2008 | International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation | 1 | 3 | 10.1504/IJPTI.2008.021469 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | Chukwu, O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria | An impact study of food processing factory in Nigeria on air quality of its environment was studied using a factorial experiment. The effects of three primary air pollutants (by-products of the food processing): nitrogen (IV) oxide (NO2), carbon (IV) oxide (CO2) and sulphur (IV) oxide (SO2) on formation of acid rain also studied. These factors and their interactions in the predictive model showed significant impact on hydrogen ion concentration [H+], which is the key intrinsic parameter of acid rain. However, SO2 had higher detrimental influence than the other pollutants. Statistical analysis of the experimental data showed that the predictive model is adequate for obtaining optimum conditions. Validation of the model gave a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 between the measured and predicted values. Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Acid rain; Air quality; Environmental impact; Food processing industry | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878852594 | Post-occupancy evaluation of residential satisfaction in Lagos, Nigeria: Feedback for residential improvement | David Jiboye A. | 2012 | Frontiers of Architectural Research | 1 | 3 | 10.1016/j.foar.2012.08.001 | Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | David Jiboye, A., Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | This study is a post-occupancy evaluation of residential satisfaction in Oniru Estate, Lagos, Nigeria. It conceived residents' satisfaction as a measure of people's attitudes towards certain aspects of their residential environment. The very important role of certain physical quality or characteristics of the environment as a dominant predictor of satisfaction is emphasized. Apart from the measurement of residential satisfaction through post-occupancy evaluation, it also utilized respondents' satisfaction scores as indices for evaluating the performance of residential development in the study area. Analysis was done using Chi-square statistics (. p=0.05 with a level of significance of 0.000) to confirm the relationship between the quality of housing physical environment and level of residents' satisfaction. The results show and confirm that the quality of certain physical characteristics in the housing environment is imperative thereby influencing the level of residents' housing satisfaction. The need to consider relevant inputs emanating from the end-users or occupants of residential developments in the planning, design and development of satisfactory dwellings is highlighted. © 2012 Higher Education Press Limited Company. | Evaluation; Housing; Nigeria; Residential improvement; Satisfaction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79251521079 | Evaluation of phytochemicals and antioxidants of four botanicals with antihypertensive properties | Asaolu M.F., Asaolu S.S., Adanlawo I.G. | 2010 | International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences | 1 | 2 | None | Department of Biochemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Asaolu, M.F., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Asaolu, S.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Adanlawo, I.G., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Evaluation of phytochemicals and antioxidants levels were conducted in the dry leaves of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Carica papaya, Persea americana and Cnidosculous aconitifolius. Methanolic extract was found to contain the highest value for sterols, tannin, saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, phlobatannins, anthraquinones, triterpenes and cardiac glycosides. However, oxalate and phytate were absent in both aqueous and methanolic extracts. The results also showed that leave extracts of these plants are good sources of antioxidants as revealed by the presence of these antioxidants in these plant but with highest values in the methanolic extract. Conclusively, the presence of some of these phytochemicals and antioxidants explained the hypotensive action of these plants in cardiovascular diseases. | Antioxidants; Aqueous; Extracts; Methanolic; Phytochemicals | alkaloid; alpha tocopherol; anthraquinone derivative; antihypertensive agent; antioxidant; ascorbic acid; cardiac glycoside; Carica papaya extract; carotene; catalase; Cnidoscolous aconitifolius extract; flavonoid; glutathione peroxidase; methanol; oxalic acid; Persea americana extract; phenol derivative; phlobatannin; phytate; phytosterol; plant extract; saponin; sterol; tannin; tannin derivative; triterpene; unclassified drug; Vernonia amygdalina extract; antihypertensive activity; antioxidant activity; article; avocado; biocatalysis; cardiovascular disease; Cnidoscolous aconitifolius; concentration (parameters); controlled study; drug determination; drug screening; enzyme activity; oxidative stress; papaya; phytochemistry; plant leaf; shrub; Vernonia; vernonia amygdalina | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899519898 | Performance evaluation of refrigeration units in natural gas liquid extraction plant | Ujile A.A., Amesi D. | 2014 | Journal of Thermodynamics | 1 | 1 | 10.1155/2014/863408 | Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt 50000, Nigeria | Ujile, A.A., Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt 50000, Nigeria; Amesi, D., Department of Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt 50000, Nigeria | This paper has applied thermodynamics principles to evaluate the reliability of 390 m3/hr natural gas processing plant. The thermodynamics equations were utilized in the evaluation, characterization, and numerical simulation of key process parameters in natural gas liquid extraction plant. The results obtained show the comparison of the coefficient of performance, compression ratio, isentropic work, actual work, electrical power requirements, cooling water consumption in intercoolers, compressor power output, compressor capacity, and isentropic, volumetric, and mechanical efficiency of the two-stage refrigeration unit with a flash gas economizer and these were compared with the designed specifications. The second law of thermodynamics was applied in analyzing the refrigeration unit and the result shows that exergetic losses or lost work due to irreversibility falls within operating limit that is less than 1.0%. Similarly, the performance of expansion turbine (expander) parameters was monitored and the results indicate a considerable decrease in turbine efficiencies as the inlet gas pressure increases resulting in an increased power output of the turbine leading to a higher liquefaction rate. © 2014 Awajiogak Anthony Ujile and Dirina Amesi. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876586787 | High-performance aqueous asymmetric electrochemical capacitors based on graphene oxide/cobalt(ii)-tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine hybrids | Lekitima J.N., Ozoemena K.I., Jafta C.J., Kobayashi N., Song Y., Tong D., Chen S., Oyama M. | 2013 | Journal of Materials Chemistry A | 1 | 8 | 10.1039/c2ta01325h | Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Energy Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz CA, United States; Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8520, Japan | Lekitima, J.N., Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Ozoemena, K.I., Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Energy Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Jafta, C.J., Energy Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria 0001, South Africa, Department of Physics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Kobayashi, N., Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan; Song, Y., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz CA, United States; Tong, D., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz CA, United States; Chen, S., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz CA, United States; Oyama, M., Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8520, Japan | A novel asymmetric electrochemical capacitor (AEC) with high energy and power densities has been developed using a graphene oxide/cobalt(ii) tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine composite (GO/CoTPyzPz) as the positive electrode and graphene oxide/carbon black (GO/CB) as the negative electrode in a neutral aqueous Na<inf>2</inf>SO<inf>4</inf> electrolyte. The excellent specific capacitance, energy and power densities (∼500 F g-1, 44 W h kg-1 and 31 kW kg-1) coupled with long cycle life, excellent short response time, and low equivalent series resistance clearly indicate that this new material has great potential for the development of low-cost and 'green' aqueous AECs that operate at high energy and power densities. Interestingly, the energy density of the GO/CoTPyzPz//GOCB based AEC falls within the range usually observed for nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries (30-100 W h kg-1), but more importantly, shows better power performance than NiMH batteries (0.25-1 kW kg-1) widely used in hybrid vehicles such as Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | Capacitors; Electric resistance; Hybrid vehicles; Electrochemical capacitor; Equivalent series resistance; Negative electrode; Nickel metal hydride battery; Positive electrodes; Power performance; Short response time; Specific capacitance; Graphene | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745443538 | Monitoring environmental complexities and changes: Some lessons from small firms | Temtime Z.T. | 2006 | International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business | 1 | 3 | 10.1504/IJGSB.2006.010612 | Department of Management, University of Botswana, P.O. Box 70471, Gaborone, Botswana | Temtime, Z.T., Department of Management, University of Botswana, P.O. Box 70471, Gaborone, Botswana | The process of gathering and interpreting pertinent information from the environment and introducing the results into the business planning process is referred to as environmental scanning. This paper investigates the practices and perceptions of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in monitoring environmental complexities and changes through the use of different scanning sources and frequency. Data were collected from 44 SMEs in Botswana through questionnaire and analysed using simple descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that SMEs in Botswana do monitor their environment and use all the major scanning sources with different degrees of frequency. Though more importance is attached to the customer/ market, competition and economic sectors, owner-managers in Botswana tend to rely more on impersonal (written) and internal sources as opposed to personal (informal) and external sources to analyse an increasingly uncertain sector. This is in contrast to previous findings, since information from these sources is less reliable for analysing unstable, turbulent and hard-to-measure sectors than personal and external sources. The use of inappropriate scanning sources could be partially attributed to the fact that most SMEs in Botswana do not have an integrated management information system designed to capture, store and analyse environmental data for use in strategic decision-making processes. Further implications for SMEs and future research are highlighted. Copyright © 2006 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Botswana; Developing countries; Environmental complexities; Environmental scanning; Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); Strategic uncertainty | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953061837 | Improving the performance of two-stroke motorcycle with tuned adjustable exhaust pipe | Obodeh O., Ogbor A.D. | 2009 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 1 | 2 | None | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Edo State, Nigeria | Obodeh, O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Edo State, Nigeria; Ogbor, A.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Edo State, Nigeria | Engine performance is strongly dependent on gas dynamic phenomena in intake and exhaust systems. Careful design of the manifolds enables the engineer to manipulate the characteristics. The basic exhaust tuning mechanisms was described w ith respect to a two-stroke single-cylinder engine. Tuned adjustable exhaust pipe for use on two-stroke motorcycle was designed and tested. The dynamometer used incorporated a flywheel of appropriate moment of inertia to simulate the mass of the motorcycle and rider. The test procedure involved measurement of the flywheel speed during an acceleration phase resulting from opening the throttle. Calculation of the instantaneous flywheel acceleration gave a measure of the torque and power characteristics. The airflow based values of delivery ratio; trapping efficiency and charging efficiency were not measured directly but were culled from the fuel flow values and the Spindt computation of the exhaust gas analysis. Experimental test results were presented for power output, specific fuel consumption and engine-out emissions. The tuned exhaust system was found to improve fuel economy of the engine by 12%. The major engine-out emissions, HC and CO were reduced by a minimum of 27.8% and 10.7% respectively. An improved power output of 15.8% increase was achieved. As a bonus, it w as also found that the exhaust noise was reduced. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2009. | Motorcycle; Performance characteristics; Tuned exhaust pipe | Acceleration phase; Charging efficiency; Delivery ratio; Dynamic phenomena; Engine performance; Engine-out emissions; Exhaust noise; Exhaust pipes; Exhaust systems; Experimental test; Fuel flow; Gas analysis; Intake and exhaust; Moment of inertia; Performance characteristics; Power characteristic; Power out put; Single-cylinder engines; Specific fuel consumption; Test procedures; Trapping efficiencies; Tuned exhaust pipe; Tuning mechanism; Engine cylinders; Flywheels; Fuel economy; Fuels; Gas fuel analysis; Machine design; Motorcycles; Pipe; Testing; Wheels; Exhaust systems (engine) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861792865 | Impact of demographic and psychosocial factors on hysterosalpingography pain and discomfort | Ugwu A.C., Imo A.O., Erondu O.F. | 2009 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 1 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v1i1.40 | Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Radiology, Ebonyi State University, Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; Department of Physics (Medical Physics), Rivers Sta | Ugwu, A.C., Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria; Imo, A.O., Department of Radiology, Ebonyi State University, Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; Erondu, O.F., Department of Physics (Medical Physics), Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria | Background: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an important diagnostic procedure in the investigation of infertility. It is the radiographic delineation of uterine and tubal cavities and is part of the diagnostic evaluation of conjugal infertility.1 This diagnostic procedure is associated with high levels of anxiety, pain and stress from various causes. This study was designed to investigate the impact of demographic and psychosocial factors on HSG pain and discomfort. Method: One hundred hysterosalpingography referrals were recruited for this study. Verbal detector scales were used to assess pain perception, Likert scales were used to assess the psychosocial variables, while visual analogue scales were used to assess discomfort. Pearson's correlations were conducted. Tests were two-tailed, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical signifi cance. Results: Some of the patients (34%) indicated that the administration of analgesics prior to the procedure reduced the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. Mean ± standard deviation of pain and discomfort were 2.82 ± 0.77 and 6.36 ± 2.19 respectively. Age correlated signifi cantly with pain perception (r = -0.22, P < 0.05), while pain correlated signifi cantly with perception of discomfort (r = -0.46, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Age signifi cantly correlated with pain. This is a factor that could be harnessed for clinical use. © 2009. The Authors. | Discomfort; Hysterosalpingography; Infertility; Pain; Radiographic delineation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952527503 | Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Piliostigma thonningiin (crude extract) and fractions 1-3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 against Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) | Daniyan S.Y., Galadima M., Ijah U.J.J., Odama L.E., Yusuf A.Y., Jigam A.A., Abbas Y. | 2010 | Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences | 1 | 4 | None | Department of Microbiology, Federal Univerity of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Federal Univerity of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, Kogi State University, Ayigba, Nigeria; Department | Daniyan, S.Y., Department of Microbiology, Federal Univerity of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Galadima, M., Department of Microbiology, Federal Univerity of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Ijah, U.J.J., Department of Microbiology, Federal Univerity of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Odama, L.E., Department of Microbiology, Kogi State University, Ayigba, Nigeria; Yusuf, A.Y., Department of Microbiology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development(NIPRD) Idu, Abuja, Nigeria; Jigam, A.A., Department of Biochemistry, Federal Univerity of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Abbas, Y., Department of Microbiology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development(NIPRD) Idu, Abuja, Nigeria | Aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of traditional Nigeria medicines with special interest in anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity. Hexane, ethylacetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of this plant was prepared. Agar dilution, agar-well diffusion tests and MIC's were used to investigate antibacterial activity. Out of 4 extract that were evaluated for antibacterial activity using agar dilution technique only hexane extract gave the highest inhibition against all the MRSA isolates. Crude extract and fractions showed the highest levels of antibacterial activity overall with MIC's against MRSA in the range of 1.0 and 2.0mg/ml. The presence of antibacterial activity in extracts and fractions of leaves of P. thonningii plants traditionally used to treat skin infections, are reported for the first time. Extracts from P. thonningii, also used to treat wounds, had the widest spectrum of antibacterial activity. | Antibacterial; MRSA; Nigeria; Traditional medicines | Piliostigma thonningiin extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; vancomycin; agar dilution; antibacterial activity; article; bacterium isolate; diffusion; drug isolation; medicinal plant; methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; minimum inhibitory concentration; Nigeria; nonhuman; Piliostigma thonningiin; plant leaf; methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Piliostigma; Piliostigma thonningii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744914994 | Usefulness of histological evaluation of excised nasopharyngeal tumour in a 12-year-old Nigerian boy mimicking adenoids | Alabi B.S., Rafindadi A.H., Saeed N., Anka A. | 2006 | International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra | 1 | 2 | 10.1016/j.pedex.2006.02.001 | Department of Otolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria; Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; Departments of Surgery and ENT, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau | Alabi, B.S., Department of Otolaryngology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria; Rafindadi, A.H., Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria; Saeed, N., Departments of Surgery and ENT, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria; Anka, A., Departments of Surgery and ENT, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria | Background/aim: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is the commonest benign nasopharyngeal tumour, which tends to bleed is found exclusively in male adolescents. This case was seen at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Nigeria, a relatively new tertiary health institution in North Western Nigeria in May 2005, this is to stress the importance of excision biopsy for tumours rather than incisional biopsy in an environment with limited facilities. Results: This 12-year-old male Nigerian boy presented with nasal obstruction, obstructive sleep apnoea and nasal speech previously treated by the native doctors. The tumour was diagnosed based on clinical, posterior rhinoscopy and plain radiological findings and it was surgically excised via a transpalatal approach and histological evaluation of the excised tumour revealed juvenile angiofibroma. Conclusions: The management is discussed with reference to the literature and the limitation of diagnostic facilities is highlighted in a developing country setting and the need for complete surgical excision rather than incisional biopsy especially in the unwary. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Histology; Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma; Male adolescents; Posterior rhinoscopy; Transpalatal approach | adenoid; article; biopsy technique; case report; clinical feature; computer assisted tomography; developing country; diagnostic value; ear nose throat surgery; endoscopy; excision; health care facility; histopathology; human; intermethod comparison; male; medical literature; nasopharynx fibroma; nasopharynx tumor; Nigeria; nose obstruction; school child; sleep apnea syndrome; surgical approach; tertiary health care | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863748844 | Prediction of reservoir performance in multi-well systems using modified hyperbolic model | Adeboye Y.B., Ubani C.E., Oribayo O. | 2011 | Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology | 1 | 04-Feb | 10.1007/s13202-011-0009-3 | Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka | Adeboye, Y.B., Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Ubani, C.E., Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria; Oribayo, O., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | Decline curve analyses are usually based on empirical Arps' equations: exponential, hyperbolic and harmonic decline. The applicable decline for the purpose of reservoir estimates is usually based on the historical trend that is seen on the well or reservoir performance. This remains an important tool for the reservoir engineer, so that the practice of decline curve analysis has been developed over the years through both theoretical and empirical considerations. Despite the fact that the fundamental principles are well known and understood, there are aspects which can still lead to a range of forecast and reserve estimates that until now have not been investigated. In this work, a model was developed considering the effect of well aggregation and interference in multi-well systems. This approach accounts for the entire production history of the well and the reservoir, and thus reduces the influence of well interference effects on decline curve analysis. It provides much better estimates of reserves in multi-well systems. The models were validated with field data from different wells. Production decline data from different wells in a reservoir were analyzed and used to demonstrate the application of the developed model. © 2011 The Author(s). | Decline curve; Forecast; Interference; Reserve estimates; Well aggregation | Arps' equation; Decline curve analysis; Decline curves; Developed model; Field data; Forecast; Fundamental principles; Historical trends; Hyperbolic models; Prediction of reservoir; Reserve estimates; Reservoir engineers; Reservoir performance; Well interference; Estimation; Oil well production; Wave interference; Wells; Forecasting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953457644 | Phytochemical and anti inflammatory evaluation of Khaya grandifoliola stem bark extract | Falodun A., Poh C.F., Adelusi S.A., Emmanuel O. | 2009 | International Journal of PharmTech Research | 1 | 4 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria | Falodun, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Poh, C.F., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria; Adelusi, S.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Emmanuel, O., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The ethnomedicinal application of Khaya grandifoliola stem bark in Africa as remedy against rheumatoid arthritis is attracting attention in view of the global focus on herbal medicine as alternatives to orthodox drugs. And this necessitated this study.The methanolic extract of the plant was subjected to phytochemical screening testing for alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids as secondary metabolites. Anti inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract was examined using carrageenan, and serotonin -induced, paw oedema and xylene induced ear oedema. The methanolic extract significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced paw oedema from the first hour to the fifth hour at a dose of 200mg/kg while a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induce paw oedema after 3 hours of carrageenan challenge. Whereas in the serotonin induced paw oedema test, the extract significantly reduces the paw oedema at the 120th minute at the dose of 200 mg/kg and at 90th minute at the dose of 500 mg/kg. For the xylene induced oedema there was a 28.6 % inhibition at 200 mg/kg and 57.1% at 500 mg/kg. The result of the study revealed that the methanolic extract of K.grandifoliola was active at different doses tested. This gives justification to the use of the plant as anti inflammatory medicinal plant. | Anti inflammatory activity; Carrageenan-induced paw moedema; Khaya grandifoliola; Phytochemical analysis | alkaloid; carrageenan; dexamethasone; indometacin; Khaya grandifoliola extract; methanol; plant extract; saponin; serotonin; tannin; unclassified drug; xylene; Africa; animal experiment; animal model; antiinflammatory activity; article; bark; controlled study; drug dose comparison; Khaya grandifoliola; medicinal plant; nonhuman; otitis; paw edema; phytochemistry; plant stem; rat; time; traditional medicine; treatment outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873508667 | High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method development and validation indicating assay for ciprofloxacin hydrochloride | Ali S.A., Mmuo C.C., Abdulraheem R.O., Abdulkareem S.S., Alemika E.T., Sani M.A., Ilyas M. | 2011 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 1 | 8 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutica | Ali, S.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Mmuo, C.C., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Abdulraheem, R.O., Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Abdulkareem, S.S., Department of Chemistry, Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria; Alemika, E.T., Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria; Sani, M.A., Department of Heamatology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Ilyas, M., Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | A new simple, rapid, selective, precise and accurate isocratic reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography assay has been developed for the estimation of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride in tablet formulation. The separation was achieved by using C-18 column (LichroCART® 125x4mm, 5μm) coupled with a guard column of silica in mobile phase methanol: buffer (0.025M Orthophosphoric acid with the pH adjusted to 3.0±0.1 with triethylamine) (40:60v/v). The flow rate was 2.0ml/min and the drug was detected using UV detector at the wavelength of 278nm. The retention time was within 1.753 - 1.757 minutes. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines. The proposed method was found to be accurate, repeatability and consistent. It was successfully applied for the analysis of the drug in marketed formulation and could be effectively used for the routine analysis of formulation containing the drug without any alteration in the chromatography conditions. | Ciprofloxacin; HPLC; Liquid chromatography | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875947281 | Evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of crude extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Crateva adansonii leaves and their interactions | Agboke A.A., Attama A.A., Momoh M.A. | 2011 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 1 | 10 | None | Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Incorporating Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical | Agboke, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Incorporating Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; Attama, A.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; Momoh, M.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria | Activities of crude extract of Cryptolepis Sanguinolen and Crateva Adansonii leaves and their interactions were evaluated.Crude methanol extracts of Crateva adansonii and Cryptolepis sanguinolenta leaves were obtained by cold maceration. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were carried out against six bacteria ie Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhii, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis and two fungi which includes Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans using agar dilution method MICs of methanol extract of Crateva adansonii against the six bacteria are Pseudomonas aeruginosa -12.5 mg/ml, Escherichia coli - 6.25 mg ml, Salmonella typhi - 12.5 mg/ml, Staphylococcus aureus - 2.5 mg/ml, Klebsiella pneumonia - 6.25 mg/ml, Bacillus subtilis - 12.5 mg/ml, fungi Aspergillus niger - 12.5 mg/ml, Candida albicans - 12.5 mg/ml. While the MICs of methanol extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta against the six bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa - 12.5 mg/ml, Escherichia coli - 6.25 mg ml, Salmonella typhii - 12.5 mg/ml, Staphylococcus aureus - 12.5 mg/ml, Klebsiella pneumoni - 12.5 mg/ml. Bacillus subtilis - 6.25 mg/ml and for fungi Aspergillus niger - 12.5 mg/ml, Candida albicans - 6.25 mg/ml. Combined activity of the two plant extracts against Escherichia coil, klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans was carried out at the ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 of extracts of Crateva adansonii and Cryptolepis sanguinolenta respectively. Combination 1:2 and 2:1 were found to be effective and able to inhibit Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The result of this work shows that the extracts of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Cranteva Adansonii have both antifungal and antibacterial effects and their combination is effective in some bacterial and fungal infection most especially Candida albicans infection. | Antibacteria; Antifungal; Combination interactions; Crateva adansonii; Crude extracts; Cryptolepis sanginolenta | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953426613 | Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds from Stereospermum kunthianum (Bignoniaceae) | Ching F.P., Falodun A., Omogbai E.K.I., Okpo S.O., Ozolua R.I., Choudhary M.I. | 2009 | International Journal of PharmTech Research | 1 | 4 | None | Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Tox | Ching, F.P., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Yenagoa, Nigeria; Falodun, A., Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Omogbai, E.K.I., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Okpo, S.O., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ozolua, R.I., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Choudhary, M.I., H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan | Stereospermum kunthianum (Bignoniaceae) is a woody shrub of the Sudano-Guinea savannah regions of Africa where the plant parts are used to treat various ailments including inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis) and pain. In continuation of our study of the anti inflammatory activity of this plant, we subjected the compounds previously isolated and characterized to pharmacological evaluation using different models of inflammation. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were studied using the Randall-Selitto and formalin-induced pain tests. At the dose of 20 mg/kg, Stereostin, Stereospermin (p<0.0001) and Stereospermiside (p<0.05) significantly increased the carrageenan-induced pain threshold compared to the distilled water treated animals. Similarly, at the same doses the three compounds significantly (p<0.0001) inhibited both phases of the formalin-induce pain with a more pronounced effect on the second phase than in the first phase. The results obtained show that the compounds from Stereospermum kunthianum possess analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. This paper reports for the first time the biological activity of these compounds from Stereospermum kunthianum stem bark. | Analgesic; Anti-inflammatory activities; Compounds; Stereospermin; Stereospermiside; Stereospermum kunthianum; Stereostin | carrageenan; formaldehyde; indometacin; morphine; plant glycoside; sodium chloride; stereospermin; stereospermiside; stereostin; unclassified drug; water; analgesia; animal behavior; animal experiment; animal model; antiinflammatory activity; article; Bignoniaceae; controlled study; female; licking; male; mouse; nonhuman; pain; pain threshold; rat; Stereospermum kunthianum; treatment outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954550586 | Safety evaluations of aqueous stem bark extract of Lophira lanceolata in sprague dawley rats | Etuk E., Muhammad A.A. | 2010 | International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences | 1 | 1 | None | Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Usm anu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Etuk, E., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Usm anu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Muhammad, A.A., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Usm anu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Lophira lanceolata extract is widely used to enhance sexual performance among the male population in Sokoto state, Nigeria. The efficacy of this extract to enhance sexual behaviours in experimental animals has been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety of oral administration of the plant extract in Sprague dawley rats. Various concentrations (500, 1000, 3000 and 5000mg/kg body weight of aqueous stem bark extract of Lophira lanceolata were administered orally to four groups of rats to test for acute toxicity. Also, the effects of oral administration of the extract at 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg body weight for 28 days on the body weight, some haematological and biochemical parameters of the animals were investigated. The result showed that, a single oral dose treatment with up to 5000mg/kg of the extract did not cause any dead or observable adverse effect in the rats. In the repeated dose study, the extract produced an increase in the body weight gain of the rats. The total white blood cell count and haemoglobin level were elevated. These were considered to be beneficial and indicative of safety. The plant extract at 1500 and 2000mg/kg body weight produced a slight increase in the serum transaminases enzymes. The histology of the liver and kidney were normal while the testes showed some pathological lesions. These results have shown that, repeated administration of appropriate dose of the extract may have some beneficial effects on the blood system but a high dose may damage the testes thereby causing infertility. Consumers should therefore be aware of these health risks and avoid over consumption of the extract. © Pharmascope Foundation. | Lophira lanceolata; Parameters; Sexual stimulant; Toxicity | aminotransferase; hemoglobin; Lophira lanceolata extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; aminotransferase blood level; animal experiment; aqueous solution; article; bark; biochemistry; body weight; controlled study; drug safety; hematological parameters; leukocyte count; Lophira lanceolata; male; nonhuman; rat; testis; tree; weight gain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650196138 | Organizational retention strategies and employee performance of Zenith Bank in Nigeria | Eseme Gberevbie D. | 2010 | African Journal of Economic and Management Studies | 1 | 1 | 10.1108/20400701011028167 | Department of Political Science, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria | Eseme Gberevbie, D., Department of Political Science, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria | PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine employee-retention strategies and performance in the Nigerian banking sector over the period 2000-2005, with focus on Zenith Bank in Nigeria. The sector is unique in terms of its contribution to Nigeria's gross domestic product. Design/methodology/approachThe survey research design involving the use of questionnaire and structured interview to obtain primary and secondary data from relevant books, journals and the internet were adopted. The paper also adopted the χ2-analytical technique to test for significant relationship between variables. FindingsThe study revealed that it is more profitable for organizations to put in place appropriate employee-retention strategies such as good organization's image, staff participation in decision making, enhanced and regular salary package, and humane treatment of employees as strategies for organizational performance. Practical implicationsParticularly, organizations are likely to experience frequent employee turnover for as long as they fail to put in place appropriate employee-retention strategies, which is capable of preventing enhanced performance. Originality/valueThis paper provides insight into what could enhance the performance of organizations in their quest for quality service delivery and profitability. Its findings could also be a source of motivation to organizations in other sectors in the area of employee performance. © 2010, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Banking; Employees; Human resource management; Nigeria; Organizational performance; Retention | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958113181 | The impact of the choice on termination of pregnancy act of 1996 (act 92 of 1996) on criminal abortions in the mthatha area of South Africa | Meel B.L., Kaswa R.P. | 2009 | African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine | 1 | 1 | 10.4102/phcfm.v1i1.36 | Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa | Meel, B.L., Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa; Kaswa, R.P., Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa | Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) allows abortions to be legally carried out in South Africa. It is not clear how many people are utilising this service. Mthatha is a poverty-stricken area with a high rate of illiteracy. The available infrastructure, such as roads, health facilities and communication, is poor. Method: This was a retrospective, descriptive study carried out at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha. The registered criminal abortion cases recorded between 1993 and 2006 were analysed. Results: There were 51 cases of criminal abortions recorded from 1993 to 2006. Of these, 32 were aborted in the fi rst trimester of pregnancy and the rest were in the second trimester. No signifi cant gender differences were observed among aborted babies. 10 of the foetuses were male and nine were female. The highest number (nine) of abortions was recorded in 1993 and in 2005. The highest number of criminal abortions (11) took place in May. Most cases (35) were concealed births and were discovered accidentally either by the public or the police. Conclusion: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) had no impact on criminal abortions in the Mthatha area of South Africa. © 2009. The Authors. | Choice on termination of pregnancy act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996); Criminal abortion; Foetuses; South africa; Termination | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72649104663 | Chesapeake bay impact structure deep drilling project completes coring | Gohn G.S., Koeberl C., Miller K.G., Reimold W.U., Abramov O., Aleman Gonzalez W., Bach N., Blazejak A., Browning J., Bruce T., Budet C., Bybell L., Cobbs Jr. E., Cobbs III E., Cockell C., Corland B., Durand C., Dypvik H., Eckberg J., Edwards L., Eichenaue | 2006 | Scientific Drilling | 1 | 3 | 10.2204/iodp.sd.3.07.2006 | Geological Survey, 926A National Center, Reston, VA, United States; University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany | Gohn, G.S., Geological Survey, 926A National Center, Reston, VA, United States; Koeberl, C., University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Miller, K.G., Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States; Reimold, W.U., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany; Abramov, O.; Aleman Gonzalez, W.; Bach, N.; Blazejak, A.; Browning, J.; Bruce, T.; Budet, C.; Bybell, L.; Cobbs Jr., E.; Cobbs III, E.; Cockell, C.; Corland, B.; Durand, C.; Dypvik, H.; Eckberg, J.; Edwards, L.; Eichenauer, S.; Elbra, T.; Elmore, A.; Glidewell, J.; Gohn, G.; Gronstal, A.; Harris, A.; Heidinger, P.; Hester, S.-C.; Horton, W.; Jones, K.; Julson, A.; King, D.; Kirshtein, J.; Koeberl, C.; Kohout, T.; Kraemer, T.; Kring, D.; Kulpecz, A.; Kunk, M.; Larson, D.; Limpitlaw, U.; Lowit, M.; McKeown, N.; McLaughlin, P.; Miller, K.; Mizintseva, S.; Morin, R.; Morrow, J.; Murray, J.; Ormö, J.; Ortiz Martinez, R.; Petruny, L.; Pierce, H.; Plescia, J.; Powars, D.; Pusz, A.; Queen, D.B.; Queen, D.G.; Reimold, U.; Sanford, W.; Seefelt, E.; Self-Trail, J.; Vanko, D.; Voytek, M.; Wade, B.; Wade, J.; Webster, D.; Zinn, B.; Zivkovic, V. | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957292294 | Innovation and performance improvement in the South African wine industry | Wood E., Kaplan D. | 2005 | International Journal of Technology and Globalisation | 1 | 42433 | None | Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Greenpoint, 8000, South Africa | Wood, E., Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Greenpoint, 8000, South Africa; Kaplan, D., Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Greenpoint, 8000, South Africa | South Africa’s wine industry was ill-prepared for the highly competitive, brand-conscious consumer markets it encountered on re-entry into international markets. The bulk of production was basic quality wine. Wine marketing expertise was concentrated among smaller independent wine producers and a few large wholesalers. The paper examines innovation in different segments of the industry and the extent to which it is being effectively supported by networking and knowledge exchange. Most producers have significantly improved quality and product ranges. But many producers are weak in the area of marketing, though some segments have achieved considerable success in this area. Respected institutions to support marketing and brand development and knowledge exchange between producers contribute to ongoing improvement in this area. © 2005 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | industry networks; innovation; performance improvement; South Africa; wine industry | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000208053300005 | Evaluate experiences: a qualitative technique to complement quantitative impact assessments | Carter, Jonathan | 2009 | JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS | 1 | 1 | 10.1080/19439340902727628 | Human Sciences Research Council-South Africa | None | Impact evaluations, whether of aid, development interventions or policy interventions, help hold donors and policy makers accountable for promises made and provide a means to legitimise recommendations for future interventions. Quantitative approaches are the order of the day but do not fully capture the complex and nuanced characteristics of communities important to understand the full effects of interventions and/or identify required interventions. This article describes a cost-effective approach to capturing large volumes of qualitative data in anecdotal form that can help inform interventions and approaches to research. Data collected by using the technique in a poor, urban, mixed race settlement in South Africa are reviewed and used to provide recommendations on research in poverty. For reasons consistent with the theoretical framework explained, recommendations are limited to three: consider carefully intergenerational dynamics when researching poor areas; be responsible about differences in value scales; and be conscious of how differently the researched see the world. A discussion using the method in mixed methods research is provided. | "anecdote circles",COST-EFFECTIVE,"IMPACT ASSESSMENT","QUALITATIVE EVALUATION",AFRICA,DYNAMICS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921369967 | Effects of selected corporate governance characteristics on firm performance: Empirical evidence from Kenya | Ongore V.O., K’Obonyo P.O. | 2011 | International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues | 1 | 3 | None | Kenya Revenue Authority, Nairobi, Kenya; Business Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya | Ongore, V.O., Kenya Revenue Authority, Nairobi, Kenya; K’Obonyo, P.O., Business Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya | This paper examines the interrelations among ownership, board and manager characteristics and firm performance in a sample of 54 firms listed at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). These governance characteristics, designed to minimize agency problems between principals and agents are operationalized in terms of ownership concentration, ownership identity, board effectiveness and managerial discretion. The typical ownership identities at the NSE are government, foreign, institutional, manager and diverse ownership forms. Firm performance is measured using Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Dividend Yield (DY). Using PPMC, Logistic Regression and Stepwise Regression, the paper presents evidence of significant positive relationship between foreign, insider, institutional and diverse ownership forms, and firm performance. However, the relationship between ownership concentration and government, and firm performance was significantly negative. The role of boards was found to be of very little value, mainly due to lack of adherence to board member selection criteria. The results also show significant positive relationship between managerial discretion and performance. Collectively, these results are consistent with pertinent literature with regard to the implications of government, foreign, manager (insider) and institutional ownership forms, but significantly differ concerning the effects of ownership concentration and diverse ownership on firm performance. © 2011, Econjournals. All rights reserved. | Agency theory; Firm performance; Managerial discretion; Ownership concentration; Ownership identity; Ownership structure | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863861090 | In-vivo antimalarial and toxicological evaluation of Chrozophora senegalensis A. Juss (euphorbiaceae) extracts | Jigam A.A., Abdulrazaq U.T., Egbuta M.N. | 2011 | Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science | 1 | 10 | None | Malaria and Trypanosomiasis Research Unit, Department of Biohemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | Jigam, A.A., Malaria and Trypanosomiasis Research Unit, Department of Biohemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Abdulrazaq, U.T., Malaria and Trypanosomiasis Research Unit, Department of Biohemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; Egbuta, M.N., Malaria and Trypanosomiasis Research Unit, Department of Biohemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria | The antiplasmodial, analgesic, antiinflammatory and chronic dose effects of methanolic extract of Chrozophora senegalenesis A. Juss were studied in mice. Plasmodium berghei (NK 65 chloroquine sensitive strain) was inoculated into eighteen mice assigned to 3 groups of 6 mice each . Group I was treated with 75mg/kg bw C. Senegalensis, group II with 5mg/kg bw chloroquine phosphate (standard) and group III with 20ml/kg bw normal saline (Control). Anagelsia and antiinflammation were analysed by the Acetic acid induced abdominal constriction in mice and egg albumin induced paw oedema in rats respectively. Another set of 40 mice were divided into two groups of twenty each (test and control) and some serum parameters studied. The test animals were gavaged with extract while controls were given normal saline over a period of 5 weeks. C. senegalensis suppressed parasitemia in mice by 51.80%, had 37.05% anagelsia, and 60.92% anti-inflammatory activity. Body weights, packed cell volume and serum triacylglycerides significantly (p<0.05) decreased in mice given C. senegalensis while serum glucose, Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine amino Transferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphase (ALP) increased significantly (p<0.05) in the test mice over the study period. In conclusion, C.senegalensis is effective in the management of malaria but long term consumption can predispose to adverse physiological effects. | Analgesia; Antiinflammation; Chrozophora senegalensis; Physiological; Plasmodium berghei; Serum | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887586286 | Performance and safety of the second-generation female condom (FC2) versus the Woman's, the VA worn-of-women, and the Cupid female condoms: A randomised controlled non-inferiority crossover trial | Beksinska M.E., Piaggio G., Smit J.A., Wu J., Zhang Y., Pienaar J., Greener R., Zhou Y., Joanis C. | 2013 | The Lancet Global Health | 1 | 3 | 10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70054-8 | Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Social Science on Reproductive Health, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Joanis Consulting, Kennesaw, GA, United States | Beksinska, M.E., Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Piaggio, G., Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Smit, J.A., Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Wu, J., Department of Epidemiology and Social Science on Reproductive Health, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Zhang, Y., Department of Epidemiology and Social Science on Reproductive Health, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Pienaar, J., Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Greener, R., Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zhou, Y., Department of Epidemiology and Social Science on Reproductive Health, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Joanis, C., Joanis Consulting, Kennesaw, GA, United States | Background: New designs of female condom have been developed to reduce costs and improve acceptability. To secure regulatory approvals, clinical studies are needed to verify performance. We aimed to assess the functional performance and safety of three new condom types-the Woman's Condom, the VA worn-of-women (wow) Condom Feminine, and the Cupid female condom-against the existing second-generation female condom (FC2). Methods: We did a randomised controlled, non-inferiority, four-period crossover trial at three sites in Shanghai, China, and one site in Durban, South Africa, between May 1, 2011, and Jan 31, 2012. Participants aged 18-45 years who were sexually active, monogamous, not pregnant, and not sex workers, were eligible for inclusion if they were literate, had no known allergies to the study products; used a reliable, non-barrier method of contraception, and had no visible or reported sexually transmitted infections. We used a computer-generated randomisation sequence with a Williams square design of size four to assign patients (1:1:1:1) to the FC2 control device, or the Woman's, VA wow, or Cupid condoms, with 12 potential allocations. Randomisation was stratified by site. Participants were not masked to condom type, but allocation was concealed from study investigators. The primary non-inferiority endpoints were total clinical failure and total female condom failure, with a non-inferiority margin of 3%. Women were asked to use five of each condom type and were interviewed after use of each type. We also assessed safety data for each type. We did both per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses. We calculated frequencies and percentages for each failure event and estimated differences in performance with a generalised estimating equation model. This study is registered, number DOH-27-0113-4271. Findings: 616 women were assessed for eligibility, of whom 600 were randomly assigned to condom-type order (30, 120, and 150 women in the three sites in China, and 300 women in the site in South Africa). 572 women completed follow-up, with at least one condom of each type. Total female condom failure was 3·43% for FC2, 3·85% for the Woman's Condom (difference 0·42%, 90% CI -1·42 to 2·26), 3·02% for VA wow (-0·42%, -1·86 to 1·32), and 4·52% for Cupid (1·09%, -0·60 to 2·78); total clinical failure was 2·88%, 3·05% (0·17%, -1·48 to 1·81), 2·49% (-0·25%, -1·75 to 1·26), and 3·87% (0·99%, -0·55 to 2·52), respectively. Only two (<1%) participants, in South Africa, reported serious adverse events, unrelated to use of the study products. Interpretation: Non-inferiority was shown for all condom failure events for the three new devices versus the FC2, within the predefined margin. Funding: Universal Access to Female Condoms (UAFC). © 2013 Beksinska et al. Open Access article distributed under the terms CC BY-NC-ND. | None | adult; article; controlled study; cupid female condom; device safety; female; female condom; follow up; human; human experiment; penile itching; performance; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; rash; second generation female condom; VA worn of women condom; vagina pain; vagina swelling; vaginal burning sensation; vaginal pruritus; adolescent; China; crossover procedure; device failure; equipment design; middle aged; patient attitude; patient satisfaction; South Africa; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; China; Condoms, Female; Cross-Over Studies; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient Satisfaction; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955606502 | Evaluation of the activity of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) aqueous extracts on alloxan-induced diabetic rats | Ozougwu J.C., Eyo J.E. | 2011 | Pharmacologyonline | 1 | None | None | Physiology and Biomedical Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Ozougwu, J.C., Physiology and Biomedical Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Eyo, J.E., Physiology and Biomedical Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | In view of the varied medicinal applications of Z. officinale, the effects of the increasing dosages of its aqueous extracts on alloxan-induced diabetic Rattus novergicus for possible use in the management of diabetes mellitus was evaluated. Diabetes mellitus was induced in 54 out of a total of 63 adult Rattus novergicus using 150mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate. Increasing dosages (200, 250 and 300mg/kg) of Z. officinale aqueous extracts were given to the diabetic rats for six weeks while the control rats got either normal saline (1ml) or increasing dosages of glibenclamide (2.5, 3.8 and 5.0mg/kg) during the same period. Blood glucose level, total serum lipids and total serum cholesterol were assessed with routine methods. F-LSD was employed to test significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatment means. Increasing dosages of Z. officinale aqueous extracts produced a dose-dependent significant (P < 0.05) reductions in the blood glucose levels, total serum lipid and total serum cholesterol when compared with that of the control rats. The best percentage reduction in blood glucose level, total serum lipids and cholesterol were observed at 300mg/kg. It is possible to conclude from the experimental findings that Z. officinale studied exhibited promising hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. It's hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects could represent a protective mechanism against the development of hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia characteristic of diabetes mellitus. | Alloxan diabetic rats; Hypoglycaemia; Hypolipidaemia; Zingiber officinale | alloxan; cholesterol; ginger extract; glibenclamide; glucose; lipid; sodium chloride; alloxan diabetes mellitus; animal experiment; animal model; aqueous solution; article; blood glucose monitoring; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; diabetes mellitus; dose response; drug dose comparison; drug dose increase; drug efficacy; drug mechanism; drug screening; glucose blood level; nonhuman; rat; treatment duration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875995518 | Impact of reciprocal peer-tutoring on secondary school students' achievement in large physics classes in Nigeria | Oludipe B.D. | 2009 | Ubiquitous Learning | 1 | 2 | None | Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun, Nigeria | Oludipe, B.D., Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun, Nigeria | This study investigated the impact of Reciprocal peer-tutoring on senior secondary students' Achievement in large Physics classes in Nigeria. It adopted the pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design. One hundred and ninetyfour intact class of students (112 males and 82females) with a mean age of 15.7 years, SD= 1.7 from four co-educational secondary schools in Edo State, Nigeria constituted the sample for the study. A Physics Achievement Test (PAT) consisting of fifty items in multiple-choice format was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and t-test. Results revealed that reciprocal peer tutoring improved students' achievement in Physics in large classes significantly. However, no significant effect of reciprocal peer-tutoring on gender was found. The findings from this study tend to suggest that reciprocal peer-tutoring could be a panacea for dealing with the problems of Physics achievement deficits in large class sizes. In effect, policy makers may not need to bother reducing large class sizes but encourage Physics teachers to employ reciprocal peer-tutoring to facilitate students' learning. © Common Ground, Bimbola D. Oludipe, All Rights Reserved. | Achievement; Large class size; Peer-tutoring; Physics; Reciprocal teaching; Secondary school | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41249100615 | Evaluation of a Novel Slow-Release Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent With a Bioabsorbable Polymeric Surface Coating | Jabara R., Chronos N., Conway D., Molema W., Robinson K. | 2008 | JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions | 1 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jcin.2007.11.009 | Saint Joseph's Cardiovascular Research Institute/Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta, GA, United States; DISA Vascular Ltd., Cape Town, South Africa | Jabara, R., Saint Joseph's Cardiovascular Research Institute/Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta, GA, United States; Chronos, N., Saint Joseph's Cardiovascular Research Institute/Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta, GA, United States; Conway, D., DISA Vascular Ltd., Cape Town, South Africa; Molema, W., DISA Vascular Ltd., Cape Town, South Africa; Robinson, K., Saint Joseph's Cardiovascular Research Institute/Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta, GA, United States | Objectives: We sought to evaluate a new second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES), comprising a slow-release biodegradable polylactide coglycolide (PLGA) polymer and low-dose paclitaxel on a thin-strut cobalt chromium stent platform, in a clinically relevant animal model. Background: Our previous work demonstrated subacute vascular toxicity and necrosis triggering late excess neointima in pig coronaries, with a moderate paclitaxel dose eluted from an erodible polymer. The use of slower-releasing absorbable polymers with lower doses of paclitaxel is expected to minimize such adverse outcomes. Methods: Three types of stents were implanted in pig coronary arteries using quantitative coronary angiography to optimize stent apposition: bare-metal stents (BMS); absorbable, slow-release polymer-coated-only stents (POLY); and absorbable polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents (PACL). The dose density of paclitaxel was 0.15 μg/mm2 with in vitro studies demonstrating a gradual elution over the course of 12 to 16 weeks. Animals underwent angiographic restudy and were terminated at 1 and 3 months for complete histopathologic and histomorphometric analyses. Results: At 1 month, intimal thickness varied significantly according to stent type, with the lowest level for the PACL group compared with the BMS and POLY groups (0.06 ± 0.02 mm vs. 0.17 ± 0.07 mm, 0.17 ± 0.08 mm, respectively, p < 0.001); histological percent area stenosis was 18 ± 4% for PACL compared with 27 ± 7% for BMS and 30 ± 12% for POLY, respectively (p = 0.001). At 3 months, PACL showed similar neointimal thickness as BMS and POLY (0.09 ± 0.05 mm vs. 0.13 ± 0.10 mm and 0.11 ± 0.03 mm respectively, p = 0.582). Histological percent area stenosis was 23 ± 8% for PACL versus 23 ± 11% for BMS and 23 ± 2% for POLY, respectively (p = 1.000). Conclusions: This study shows favorable vascular compatibility and efficacy for a novel DES that elutes paclitaxel in porcine coronary arteries. These results support the notion that slowing the release rate and lowering the dose of paclitaxel favorably influences the vascular biological response to DES implant, decreasing early toxicity and promoting stable healing while still suppressing neointima formation. © 2008 American College of Cardiology Foundation. | None | acetylsalicylic acid; chromium; clopidogrel; cobalt; heparin; metal; paclitaxel; polyglactin; polymer; acute toxicity; angiocardiography; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; artery intima proliferation; article; biocompatibility; biodegradability; biological activity; bleeding; blood vessel compliance; controlled drug release; controlled study; coronary artery; drug efficacy; drug eluting stent; elution; heart catheterization; heparinization; histopathology; in vitro study; low drug dose; material coating; morphometrics; nonhuman; preoperative care; priority journal; quantitative analysis; stenosis; vascular necrosis; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Coronary Disease; Coronary Vessels; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Carriers; Drug-Eluting Stents; Lactic Acid; Paclitaxel; Polyglycolic Acid; Prosthesis Design; Swine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952970756 | Evaluation of the Khula enterprise in the promotion of SMMEs in South Africa | van Scheers L., Radipere S. | 2008 | Journal for Global Business Advancement | 1 | 4 | 10.1504/JGBA.2008.019938 | School of Business Management, University of South Africa, PO Box 329, Unisa 0003, South Africa | van Scheers, L., School of Business Management, University of South Africa, PO Box 329, Unisa 0003, South Africa; Radipere, S., School of Business Management, University of South Africa, PO Box 329, Unisa 0003, South Africa | The research indicated that accessing funds for SMMEs is not a problem but the procedures and the requirements to be met for the banks such as 10% contribution is acting negatively towards them. Although much has been written on the causes of failures on SMMEs, however, the most worrying factor from this research is the lack of basic skills in executing business and shortage of funds. The research established that for Khula Enterprise to meet SMMEs requirements, it must have an information management system that is effective in the promotion of the customer center strategy. It must also specialise in the provision of finance to a particular sector as each enterprise needs differ from the other enterprise. The peculiarity of South African history requires a unique solution for the society’s unique problem. © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | black economic empowerment; business failure; business skills; educational background; entrepreneur; Khula Enterprise; managerial skills; SME sector; SMME; types of business | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856399269 | The importance of preferential flow in controlling groundwater recharge in tropical Africa and implications for modelling the impact of climate change on groundwater resources | Cuthbert M.O., Tindimugaya C. | 2010 | Journal of Water and Climate Change | 1 | 4 | 10.2166/wcc.2010.040 | School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Ministry of Water and Environment, PO Box 19, Entebbe, Uganda | Cuthbert, M.O., School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Tindimugaya, C., Ministry of Water and Environment, PO Box 19, Entebbe, Uganda | An improved water table fluctuation technique for estimating recharge is applied to a sustained (10-year) groundwater level monitoring record in Uganda, a rare dataset for tropical Africa, and compared against results from soil moisture balance models (SMBMs) and unsaturated flow models. The results show that recharge is directly proportional to rainfall (long-term average rainfall is around 1200 mm/a), even during times when high soil moisture deficits are anticipated. This indicates that preferential and/or localized flow mechanisms dominate the recharge behaviour. SMBMs and unsaturated flow models, based on uniform flow governed by the Richards equation, are shown to be inappropriate for estimating recharge in this location underlain by lateritic soils. Given the large spatial coverage of lateritic soils both globally and in tropical Africa, and despite the convenience of physically based uniform flow models and, in particular, SMBMs, concern is raised over the use of such models for recharge estimation, and thus for exploring future trends due to climate or land use change, unless backed up by sufficient hydraulic data to enable the recharge processes to be confirmed. More research is needed to assess how widespread preferential flow may be within other major soil groups and climate zones. © IWA Publishing 2011. | Climate change; Groundwater recharge; Soil moisture balance model; Uganda; Water table fluctuation method | Ground water recharge; Moisture balance; Preferential flows; Recharge estimation; Soil moisture deficits; Uganda; Unsaturated flows; Water table fluctuations; Climate change; Climate models; Estimation; Geologic models; Groundwater flow; Groundwater resources; Rain; Soil moisture; Tropics; Recharging (underground waters) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859762024 | Community-specific evaluation of tool affordances in wild chimpanzees | Gruber T., Muller M.N., Reynolds V., Wrangham R., Zuberbühler K. | 2011 | Scientific Reports | 1 | None | 10.1038/srep00128 | School of Psychology, University St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom; Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda; Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, MSC01-1040, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States; Magdalen College, Oxford University, Oxford, OX1 4AU, United Kingdom; Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Kibale Chimpanzee Project, c/o MUBFS, Fort Portal, Uganda | Gruber, T., School of Psychology, University St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom, Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda; Muller, M.N., Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, MSC01-1040, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States, Kibale Chimpanzee Project, c/o MUBFS, Fort Portal, Uganda; Reynolds, V., Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda, Magdalen College, Oxford University, Oxford, OX1 4AU, United Kingdom; Wrangham, R., Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States, Kibale Chimpanzee Project, c/o MUBFS, Fort Portal, Uganda; Zuberbühler, K., School of Psychology, University St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom, Budongo Conservation Field Station, Masindi, Uganda | The notion of animal culture, defined as socially transmitted community-specific behaviour patterns, remains controversial, notably because the definition relies on surface behaviours without addressing underlying cognitive processes. In contrast, human cultures are the product of socially acquired ideas that shape how individuals interact with their environment. We conducted field experiments with two culturally distinct chimpanzee communities in Uganda, which revealed significant differences in how individuals considered the affording parts of an experimentally provided tool to extract honey from a standardised cavity. Firstly, individuals of the two communities found different functional parts of the tool salient, suggesting that they experienced a cultural bias in their cognition. Secondly, when the alternative function was made more salient, chimpanzees were unable to learn it, suggesting that prior cultural background can interfere with new learning. Culture appears to shape how chimpanzees see the world, suggesting that a cognitive component underlies the observed behavioural patterns. | None | animal; article; cognition; comparative study; evaluation; human; learning; Pan troglodytes; psychological aspect; social behavior; tool use; Uganda; Animals; Cognition; Humans; Learning; Pan troglodytes; Social Behavior; Tool Use Behavior; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874789959 | Influence of aluminium microstructure on corrosion and Corrosion inhibitor performance in acidic medium | Umoren S.A., Li Y., Wang F.H. | 2010 | Journal of Materials and Environmental Science | 1 | 3 | None | State Key Laboratory for corrosion and Protection, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 62 Wencui Road, Shenyang 110016, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, P.M.B 1017, Uyo, Nigeria | Umoren, S.A., State Key Laboratory for corrosion and Protection, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 62 Wencui Road, Shenyang 110016, China, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, P.M.B 1017, Uyo, Nigeria; Li, Y., State Key Laboratory for corrosion and Protection, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 62 Wencui Road, Shenyang 110016, China; Wang, F.H., State Key Laboratory for corrosion and Protection, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 62 Wencui Road, Shenyang 110016, China | The corrosion behaviour of aluminium with two different microstructures namely polycrystalline (pc-Al) and microcrystalline aluminium coating (mc-Al) fabricated from the polycrystalline Al target by magnetron sputtering in 0.1M H2SO4 solution was studied. The corrosion inhibiting effect of polyacrylamide (PA) was also investigated. Results show that surface microcrystallization increases the corrosion susceptibility of aluminium leading to increase in the kinetics of the anodic dissolution. PA was found to reduce the corrosion rates of both Al samples. Inhibition efficiency of PA was concentration dependent and was more pronounced on the mc-Al specimen. | Aluminium; Microcrostructure; Polyacrylamide | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855490751 | The value of intervening for intimate partner violence in South African primary care: Project evaluation | Joyner K., Mash R.J. | 2011 | BMJ Open | 1 | 2 | 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000254 | Stellenbosch University, Division of Nursing, Cape Town, South Africa; Stellenbosch University, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Cape Town, South Africa | Joyner, K., Stellenbosch University, Division of Nursing, Cape Town, South Africa; Mash, R.J., Stellenbosch University, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Cape Town, South Africa | Objectives: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa. Evidence-based approaches to IPV in primary care are lacking. This study evaluated a project that implemented a South African protocol for screening and managing IPV. This article reports primarily on the benefits of this intervention from the perspective of women IPV survivors. Design: This was a project evaluation involving two urban and three rural primary care facilities. Over 4-8 weeks primary care providers screened adult women for a history of IPV within the previous 24 months and offered referral to the study nurse. The study nurse assessed and managed the women according to the protocol. Researchers interviewed the participants 1 month later to ascertain adherence to their care plan and their views on the intervention. Results: In total, 168 women were assisted and 124 (73.8%) returned for follow-up. Emotional (139, 82.7%), physical (115, 68.5%), sexual (72, 42.9%) and financial abuse (72, 42.9%) was common and 114 (67.9%) were at high/severe risk of harm. Adherence to the management plan ranged from testing for syphilis 10/25 (40.0%) to consulting a psychiatric nurse 28/58 (48.3%) to obtaining a protection order 28/28 (100.0%). Over 75% perceived all aspects of their care as helpful, except for legal advice from a non-profit organisation. Women reported significant benefits to their mental health, reduced alcohol abuse, improved relationships, increased self-efficacy and reduced abusive behaviour. Two characteristics seemed particularly important: the style of interaction with the nurse and the comprehensive nature of the assessment. Conclusion: Female IPV survivors in primary care experience benefit from an empathic, comprehensive approach to assessing and assisting with the clinical, mental, social and legal aspects. Primary care managers should find ways to integrate this into primary care services and evaluate it further. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71949084298 | Evaluation of community intervention with pit latrines for trachoma control in Ghana, Mali, Niger and Nigeria | Rotondo L.A., Ngondi J., Rodgers A.F., King J.D., Kamissoko Y., Amadou A., Jip N., Cromwell E.A., Emerson P.M. | 2009 | International Health | 1 | 2 | 10.1016/j.inhe.2009.08.001 | The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, 325 Swanton Way, Decatur, GA 30030, United States; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, United Kingdom; The Carter Center, Private Bag, Accra, Ghana; The Carter Center, Quartier du Fleuvre 228, Bamako, Mali; The Carter Center, Quartier Terminus, Niamey, Niger; The Carter Center, P.O. Box 772, Jos, Nigeria; University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States | Rotondo, L.A., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States, International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, 325 Swanton Way, Decatur, GA 30030, United States; Ngondi, J., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Rodgers, A.F., The Carter Center, Private Bag, Accra, Ghana, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; King, J.D., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Kamissoko, Y., The Carter Center, Quartier du Fleuvre 228, Bamako, Mali; Amadou, A., The Carter Center, Quartier Terminus, Niamey, Niger; Jip, N., The Carter Center, P.O. Box 772, Jos, Nigeria; Cromwell, E.A., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States; Emerson, P.M., The Carter Center, 1 Copenhill Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States | Trachoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide and is controlled with an integrated strategy of treatment and prevention which includes latrine provision and promotion. We aimed to evaluate the latrine uptake, construction, and usage in villages participating in latrine promotion programmes supported by The Carter Center in Ghana, Mali, Niger and Nigeria where 113 457 new latrines have been reported from 2002 to 2008. In each country a two stage cluster random sampling design was used to select villages and households for evaluation. Household heads were interviewed using a standardised structured questionnaire and latrines were inspected. The sample included 1154 households (Ghana: 326; Mali: 293; Niger: 300; and Nigeria: 235). Overall, 813 (70.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 65.7-74.8) had pit latrines, ranging from 30.3% of households in Niger to over 92.0% of households in Ghana and Mali. Of those with latrines 762 (93.7%) were found to be usable and 659 (86.5%) were in use. Overall 659/1154 (57.1%) of households in the targeted communities were using latrines at least 12 months after latrine promotion was initiated. Latrine promotion had been successful increasing access to sanitation in different country contexts and demonstrates the target population are willing to construct, use and maintain household latrines. © 2009 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Household latrines; SAFE strategy; Sanitation coverage; Sanitation promotion; Trachoma; West Africa | Africa; article; blindness; Chlamydia trachomatis; community care; cost; disease carrier; disease transmission; endemic disease; environmental sanitation; feces; fly; Ghana; health program; health promotion; health survey; home environment; household; human; infection control; major clinical study; Mali; Niger; Nigeria; priority journal; rural health care; rural hygiene; sanitation; structured questionnaire; trachoma; vector control | None |
| None | None | Longitudinal evaluation of Ocimum and other plants effects on the feeding behavioral response of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the field in Tanzania | Kweka E.J., Mosha F.W., Lowassa A., Mahande A.M., Mahande M.J., Massenga C.P., Tenu F., Lyatuu E.E., Mboya M.A., Temu E.A. | 2008 | Parasites and Vectors | 1 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-3305-1-42 | Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; KCM College of Tumaini University, P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P.O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania; National Institute for Medical Research, Ubwari Field Station, P.O.Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan | Kweka, E.J., Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania, KCM College of Tumaini University, P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Mosha, F.W., KCM College of Tumaini University, P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Lowassa, A., Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P.O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania; Mahande, A.M., Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania, KCM College of Tumaini University, P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania; Mahande, M.J., Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; Massenga, C.P., Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; Tenu, F., National Institute for Medical Research, Ubwari Field Station, P.O.Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania; Lyatuu, E.E., Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; Mboya, M.A., Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Disease Vector Control, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania; Temu, E.A., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan | Background. The use of repellent materials from plants against nuisance insects is common with great potential to compliment existing malaria control programmes and this requires evaluation in the field. Ocimum plant species, Ocimum suave (Willd) and O. kilimandscharicum (Guerke) materials and their essential oils extracted by steam distillation were evaluated in the field and experimental huts for repellence, exophily and feeding inhibition effects against three mosquito species, Anopheles arabiensis (Patton), An. gambiae ss (Giles) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). The protective effect of essential oils from Ocimum plants were compared with N, N-diethly-3- methylbenzamide (DEET), a standard synthetic repellent. Also, the protective effect of fumigation by burning of repellent plants; Ocimum suave, Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus globules and Lantana camara were tested in experimental huts and selected local houses. Results. In the field, protection by Ocimum plants from mosquito bites was high and there was small variation among different mosquito species. Protection efficiency was 93.4%, 91.98% and 89.75% for An. arabiensis while for Cx. quinquefaciatus it was 91.30%, 88.65% and 90.50% for DEET, Ocimum suave and O. kilimandscharicum respectively. In the experimental hut, deterrence induced by burning of Ocimum and other plants ranged from 73.1.0% to 81.9% for An. arabiensis and 56.5% to 67.8% for Cx. quinquefaciatus, while feeding inhibition was 61.1% to 100% for An. arabiensis and 50% to 100% for Cx. quinquefaciatus. Evaluations under field conditions confirmed high protective efficacy, enhanced feeding inhibition and house entry inhibition (Deterrence). Conclusion. This study shows the potential of Ocimum suave and Ocimum kilimandscharicum crude extracts and whole plants of Ocimum suave, Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus globules and Lantana camara for use in protecting against human biting while the burning of plants reduces significantly the indoor resting mosquitoes. | None | Ocimum basilicum extract; Anopheles; anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; article; basil; Culex quinquefasciatus; feeding behavior; infection control; Tanzania; Anopheles arabiensis; Azadirachta indica; Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus; Culicidae; Diptera; Eucalyptus; Hexapoda; Lantana camara; Ocimum; Ocimum kilimandscharicum; Ocimum suave | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944789912 | Effect of educational outreach timing and duration on facility performance for infectious disease care in Uganda: A trial with pre-post and cluster randomized controlled components | Burnett S.M., Mbonye M.K., Naikoba S., Stella Z.-M., Kinoti S.N., Ronald A., Rubashembusya T., Willis K.S., Colebunders R., Manabe Y.C., Weaver M.R. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0136966 | Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States; Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Center for Human Services, University Research Co. LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; PATH, Seattle, WA, United States; Save the Children, Kampala, Uganda; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Uganda Country Office, Wandegeya, Uganda; Fio Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management, Manchester, United Kingdom; U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Rockville, MD, United States | Burnett, S.M., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, PATH, Seattle, WA, United States; Mbonye, M.K., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Naikoba, S., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Save the Children, Kampala, Uganda; Stella, Z.-M., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Uganda Country Office, Wandegeya, Uganda; Kinoti, S.N., Center for Human Services, University Research Co. LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States, Fio Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Ronald, A., Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Rubashembusya, T., Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management, Manchester, United Kingdom; Willis, K.S., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Rockville, MD, United States; Colebunders, R., Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Manabe, Y.C., Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Weaver, M.R., International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Background: Classroom-based learning is often insufficient to ensure high quality care and application of health care guidelines. Educational outreach is garnering attention as a supplemental method to enhance health care worker capacity, yet there is little information about the timing and duration required to improve facility performance. We sought to evaluate the effects of an infectious disease training program followed by either immediate or delayed on-site support (OSS), an educational outreach approach, on nine facility performance indicators for emergency triage, assessment, and treatment; malaria; and pneumonia. We also compared the effects of nine monthly OSS visits to extended OSS, with three additional visits over six months. Methods: This study was conducted at 36 health facilities in Uganda, covering 1,275,960 outpatient visits over 23 months. From April 2010 to December 2010, 36 sites received infectious disease training; 18 randomly selected sites in arm A received nine monthly OSS visits (immediate OSS) and 18 sites in arm B did not. From March 2011 to September 2011, arm A sites received three additional visits every two months (extended OSS), while the arm B sites received eight monthly OSS visits (delayed OSS). We compared the combined effect of training and delayed OSS to training followed by immediate OSS to determine the effect of delaying OSS implementation by nine months. We also compared facility performance in arm A during the extended OSS to immediate OSS to examine the effect of additional, less frequent OSS. Results: Delayed OSS, when combined with training, was associated with significant pre/post improvements in four indicators: outpatients triaged (44% vs. 87%, aRR = 1.54, 99% CI = 1.11, 2.15); emergency and priority patients admitted, detained, or referred (16% vs. 31%, aRR = 1.74, 99% CI = 1.10, 2.75); patients with a negative malaria test result prescribed an antimalarial (53% vs. 34%, aRR = 0.67, 99% CI = 0.55, 0.82); and pneumonia suspects assessed for pneumonia (6% vs. 27%, aRR = 2.97, 99% CI = 1.44, 6.17). Differences between the delayed OSS and immediate OSS arms were not statistically significant for any of the nine indicators (all adjusted relative RR (aRRR) between 0.76-1.44, all p>0.06). Extended OSS was associated with significant improvement in two indicators (outpatients triaged: aRR = 1.09, 99% CI = 1.01; emergency and priority patients admitted, detained, or referred: aRR = 1.22, 99% CI = 1.01, 1.38) and decline in one (pneumonia suspects assessed for pneumonia: aRR: 0.93; 99% CI = 0.88, 0.98). Conclusions: Educational outreach held up to nine months after training had similar effects on facility performance as educational outreach started within one month post-training. Six months of bimonthly educational outreach maintained facility performance gains, but incremental improvements were heterogeneous. Copyright: © 2015 Burnett et al. | None | Article; case management; clinical assessment; controlled study; emergency health service; fever; health care facility; health care quality; human; infection control; malaria; medical education; outcome assessment; pneumonia; randomized controlled trial; Uganda | None |
| WoS | WOS:000343734600001 | Learning from developing countries in strengthening health systems: an evaluation of personal and professional impact among global health volunteers at Addis Ababa University's Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (Ethiopia) | Aboneh, Ephrem A.,Busse, Heidi,Tefera, Girma | 2014 | GLOBALIZATION AND HEALTH | 10 | None | 10.1186/s12992-014-0064-x | Addis Ababa University, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Wisconsin System | "Aboneh, Ephrem A.: Addis Ababa University","Busse, Heidi: University of Wisconsin Madison","Busse, Heidi: University of Wisconsin System","Tefera, Girma: University of Wisconsin Madison","Tefera, Girma: University of Wisconsin System" | Background: The positive impact of global health activities by volunteers from the United States in low-and middle-income countries has been recognized. Most existing global health partnerships evaluate what knowledge, ideas, and activities the US institution transferred to the low-or middle-income country. However, what this fails to capture are what kinds of change happen to US-based partners due to engagement in global health partnerships, both at the individual and institutional levels. "Reverse innovation" is the term that is used in global health literature to describe this type of impact. The objectives of this study were to identify what kinds of impact global partnerships have on health volunteers from developed countries, advance this emerging body of knowledge, and improve understanding of methods and indicators for assessing reverse innovation.
Methods: The study population consisted of 80 US, Canada, and South Africa-based health care professionals who volunteered at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia. Surveys were web-based and included multiple choice and open-ended questions to assess global health competencies. The data were analyzed using IBRM SPSS (R) version 21 for quantitative analysis; the open-ended responses were coded using constant comparative analysis to identify themes.
Results: Of the 80 volunteers, 63 responded (79 percent response rate). Fifty-two percent of the respondents were male, and over 60 percent were 40 years of age and older. Eighty-three percent reported they accomplished their trip objectives, 95 percent would participate in future activities and 96 percent would recommend participation to other colleagues. Eighty-nine percent reported personal impact and 73 percent reported change on their professional development. Previous global health experience, multiple prior trips, and the desire for career advancement were associated with positive impact on professional development.
Conclusion: Professionally and personally meaningful learning happens often during global health outreach. Understanding this impact has important policy, economic, and programmatic implications. With the aid of improved monitoring and evaluation frameworks, the simple act of attempting to measure "reverse innovation" may represent a shift in how global health partnerships are perceived, drawing attention to the two-way learning and benefits that occur and improving effectiveness in global health partnership spending. | Africa,COLLABORATION,"global health","Health systems partnership","reverse innovation","Twinning partnership",PARTNERSHIPS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84944315308 | Impact of climate change on brackish water aquaculture development in the coastal areas of Niger Delta | Akinrotimi O.A., Edun O.M. | 2015 | International Journal of Agricultural Research | 10 | 2 | 10.3923/ijar.2015.44.53 | African Regional Aquaculture Center, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, P.M.B. 5122, Buguma, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | Akinrotimi, O.A., African Regional Aquaculture Center, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, P.M.B. 5122, Buguma, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Edun, O.M., African Regional Aquaculture Center, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, P.M.B. 5122, Buguma, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | The issue of climate change has generated a lot of concern among the general public in Niger Delta region in recent time. It has been described in different ways by many people based on their views, perception and understanding. However, little considerations have been given to the impact of climate change on brackish water aquaculture in the coastal areas of Niger Delta. This study therefore, review critically, based on existing literature and field experience, the causes of climate change, impact of climate change on aquaculture production such as: increase in temperature, flooding of ponds, increase in water turbidity, heavy siltation of pond bottom, introduction of new species, collapse of farms infrastructure and fluctuations in salinity levels. Also, various adaptation and mitigation strategies that will ameliorate the impact of climate change in aquaculture operations, namely: reduction in human activities that are inimical to stable climate, selection of good site suitable for fish farming, provision of shading materials for fish cultured in tanks, raising of pond dykes, good management practices and improvement of monitoring and early warning systems are explicitly elucidated. As these strategies will go a long way in minimizing the impact of this menace, in the brackish water zone of the region. Moreover, efforts should be made by relevant institutions and agencies to come up with coordinated plans and policies that will reduce the effects of climate change on brackish water aquaculture in the coastal areas of Niger Delta. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Climate; Coastal environment; Fish; Fish farming; Niger Delta | 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-s2.0-84878992794 | Evaluation of the undergraduate physics programme at indira gandhi national open university: A case study | Mishra A., Vijayshri, Garg S. | 2009 | International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning | 10 | 6 | None | BJB College, Bhubaneswar, India; Indira Gandhi National Open University, India; National University of Lesotho, South Africa | Mishra, A., BJB College, Bhubaneswar, India; Vijayshri, Indira Gandhi National Open University, India; Garg, S., National University of Lesotho, South Africa | The undergraduate science programme was launched at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in 1991-92 with an enrolment of 1,210 students. The programme was well received, and enrolments increased over the years. However,the success rates have not kept pace with enrolment. In this paper, the authors report the results of an evaluation of the undergraduate physics programme at IGNOU. The evaluation, the first of its type for this programme, adapted the major tenets of the CIPP model. The findings are based on the responses from a randomly chosen sample of 509 learners across India. The methods employed for the study include records, document, and database analysis, surveys, and case studies. Although the University has enhanced access to higher science education, the attrition rate is high (73%), and the success rate is low. The authors recommend that the University review and reorient its strategies for providing good quality, learner-centred higher education in science subjects. The programme should address the concerns of the learners about the effectiveness of the student support systems, the difficulty level, and the learner-friendliness of study materials with the goal of achieving long-term sustainability while maintaining parity with the conventional system. The need for improving the presentation of the courses and simplifying the mathematical details is emphasised. | Open learning; Physics; Science education | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928714381 | Understanding the impact of hazardous and harmful use of alcohol and/or other drugs on ARV adherence and disease progression | Kader R., Govender R., Seedat S., Koch J.R., Parry C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125088 | Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Social Science Research, Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States | Kader, R., Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Govender, R., Centre for Social Science Research, Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Seedat, S., Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Koch, J.R., Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Parry, C., Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The objective of this study was to understand the impact of hazardous and harmful use of alcohol and/or other drugs on ARV adherence and disease progression among HIV patients. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 1503 patients attending HIV clinics in Cape Town, South Africa were screened for problematic substance use. A sub-sample of 607 patients (303 patients who screened positive for problematic substance use and 304 who did not) participated in this study. Hazardous or harmful alcohol use and problematic drug use predicted missing and stopping ARVs which, in turn, was associated with a decrease in CD4 counts and more rapid HIV-disease progression and poorer health outcomes in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The findings of this study underscore the need for an integrated approach to managing substance-use disorders in PLWHA. © 2015 Kader et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; alcohol abuse; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease course; drug abuse; drug treatment failure; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; patient attitude; patient compliance; prediction; South Africa; substance abuse; treatment response | 5U2GPS001137, CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960446073 | Impact of water harvesting ponds on household incomes and rural livelihoods in Minjar Shenkora district of Ethiopia | Teshome A., Adgo E., Mati B. | 2010 | Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology | 10 | 42404 | 10.2478/v10104-011-0016-5 | Amhara Agricultural Reseach Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 1289, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Management of Agricultural Water in Eastern and Southern Africa (IMAWESA), P.O. Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya | Teshome, A., Amhara Agricultural Reseach Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Adgo, E., Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 1289, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Mati, B., Management of Agricultural Water in Eastern and Southern Africa (IMAWESA), P.O. Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya | This paper presents the fndings of the socio-economic impact of household-level water harvesting technology. Before water harvesting was introduced, onions were not grown in the area due to lack of seedlings. Thus onion seedlings were grown on 100 m 2 plots using water from the ponds in the dry season, then sold or planted under rainfed conditions during the rainy season. The results obtained show that the average net income from onion seedlings was 155 US$ per 100 m 2 plot, while those from bulb onions grown rainfed in the feld was 1848 US$ per ha, making the contribution to farmer incomes by onions alone about 2003 US$ per year which is higher than from rainfed teff and wheat combined. | Net incomes; Onions seedlings; Rainfed agriculture; Socio-economic assesment; Water harvesting | crop production; household income; irrigation; pond; rainfed agriculture; rural economy; rural society; socioeconomic impact; water resource; water technology; Ethiopia; Minjar Shenkora; Allium cepa; Eragrostis tef; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872167285 | Lactation performance of multiparous holstein cows fed a restricted total mixed ration plus legume and grass hay mixture | Muya M.C., Nherera R.V., Khekana T., Ramapuptla T. | 2011 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 10 | 14 | 10.3923/javaa.2011.1779.1784 | Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Pretoria, South Africa | Muya, M.C., Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; Nherera, R.V., Animal Production Institute, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; Khekana, T., Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Pretoria, South Africa; Ramapuptla, T., Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Pretoria, South Africa | This study was done to evaluate the effects of restricting Total Mixed Ration (TMR)and supplying Eragrostis curvula and Medicago sativa hay mixture adlib on lactation performance of mid-lactation multiparous Holstein cows. Twenty Holstein cows, averaging 598±73 kg body weight and 100 days in milk were assigned to either a 100% TJ\1R diet (control) or a 75% TMR-restricted diet. Cows on the 75% TMR-restricted diet had adlib access to E. curvula and M. sativa hay mixture (1: 1). The experiment included 2 weeks adaptation period and 4 weeks samphng period. Cows were milked twice daily. Total Dry Matter Intake (DMI), DMI as BW%, daily CP intake and intake of net energy for lactation were higher (p<O.05) for cows on the 100% TMR than for cows on the 75% TMR. Cows in 75% TMR consumed 12.5% less total DM and 14.2% less kg DM as of BW% than cows ni 100% TMR Intake of NDF was not affected (p>0.05) by treatment. Milk yield, milk fat% and yield (kg day-1) did not differ between treatments and averaged 29.2 kg day-1,3.70% and 1.08 kg, respectively. Feed efficiency ranged from 1.22-1.37 and tended to be higher (p<0.10) with 75% TMR diet. Efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorous utilisation was not affected (p>0.05) by treatments. Results suggest that TMR restriction to 75% during mid-lactation does not negatively impact milk production. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930613407 | Implementation of an electronic monitoring and evaluation system for the antiretroviral treatment programme in the Cape Winelands District, South Africa: A qualitative evaluation | Myburgh H., Murphy J.P., Van Huyssteen M., Foster N., Grobbelaar C.J., Struthers H.E., McIntyre J.A., Hurter T., Peters R.P.H. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0127223 | Anova Health Institute, Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape Province, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa | Myburgh, H., Anova Health Institute, Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Murphy, J.P., Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; Van Huyssteen, M., School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Foster, N., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Grobbelaar, C.J., Anova Health Institute, Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Struthers, H.E., Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa; McIntyre, J.A., Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Hurter, T., Anova Health Institute, Paarl, Western Cape Province, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Peters, R.P.H., Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa | Background: A pragmatic three-tiered approach to monitor the world's largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme was adopted by the South African National Department of Health in 2010. With the rapid expansion of the programme, the limitations of the paper-based register (tier 1) were the catalyst for implementation of the stand-alone electronic register (tier 2), which offers simple digitisation of the paper-based register. This article engages with theory on implementation to identify and contextualise enabling and constraining factors for implementation of the electronic register, to describe experiences and use of the register, and to make recommendations for implementation in similar settings where standardisation of ART monitoring and evaluation has not been achieved. Methods: We conducted a qualitative evaluation of the roll-out of the register. This comprised twenty in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of stakeholders at facility, sub-district, and district levels of the health system. Facility-level participants were selected across five sub-districts, including one facility per sub-district. Responses were coded and analysed using a thematic approach. An implementation science framework guided interpretation of the data. Results & Discussion: We identified the following seven themes: 1) ease of implementation, 2) perceived value of an electronic M&E system, 3) importance of stakeholder engagement, 4) influence of a data champion, 5) operational and logistical factors, 6) workload and role clarity, and 7) importance of integrating the electronic register with routine facility monitoring and evaluation. Interpreting our findings through an implementation theory enabled us to construct the scaffolding for implementation across the five facility-settings. This approach illustrated that implementation was not a linear process but occurred at two nodes: at the adoption of the register for roll-out, and at implementation at facility-level. Conclusion: In this study we found that relative advantage of an intervention and stakeholder engagement are critical to implementation. We suggest that without these aspects of implementation, formative and summative outcomes of implementation at both the adoption and coalface stages of implementation would be negatively affected. © 2015 Myburgh et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; Article; catalyst; conceptual framework; electronic medical record; health care; human; public health service; qualitative analysis; register; South Africa; standardization; thematic analysis | AID-674-A-12-00015, USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
| None | None | Influences of castration on the performance of landmine-detection rats (Cricetomys gambianus) | Edwards T.L., Cox C., Weetjens B., Poling A. | 2015 | Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research | 10 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.04.002 | Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States | Edwards, T.L., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Cox, C., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Weetjens, B., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Poling, A., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania, Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States | Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling has employed pouched rats as mine-detection animals for approximately 10years in sub-Saharan Africa, where the species is indigenous, and now plans to deploy the rats in areas where they are not indigenous. To prevent the possible introduction of an invasive species in those regions, all rats must be castrated before deployment. The research described in the present article was conducted to determine whether castration affects the performance of pouched rats as mine-detection animals. Five sex-, age-, and performance-matched pairs of pouched rats, 3 male pairs and 2 female pairs, were randomly divided into 2 groups: the experimental group undergoing castration procedures and the control group remaining out of training for the same duration as the experimental group. No statistically significant differences were found between the performance of experimental and control groups after the intervention despite high statistical power to detect such a difference, and equivalence tests suggest that any possible effects are of no practical significance. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Castration; Landmines; Mine-detection animals; Neutering; Pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus); Scent detection | Animalia; Cricetomys gambianus; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893334876 | Effects of job evaluation on decisions involving pay equity | Chaneta I. | 2014 | Asian Social Science | 10 | 4 | 10.5539/ass.v10n4p145 | Arts and Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe | Chaneta, I., Arts and Social Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe | Job evaluation's purpose is to compare all the jobs in the organisation, one with another, with the aim of producing a rank order. This rank order may be then be subdivided into groups of jobs of the same size which can, if desired, be placed within pay ranges or grades. While this approach is clearly more appropriate to large organisations, even in small organisations judgements have to be made about how one job compares with another, otherwise no decision can be made about relative pay and status. So, in effect, even where there is no formal method of job evaluation, jobs are evaluated in any case. It is really a question of how analytical the organisation wants to be. | Analytical; Appropriate; Pay ranges; Rank order; Relative pay; Subdivided | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948771504 | Higher breastfeeding performance index is associated with lower risk of illness in infants under six months in Ethiopia | Haile D., Biadgilign S. | 2015 | International Breastfeeding Journal | 10 | 1 | 10.1186/s13006-015-0057-2 | Bahir Dar University, Department of Reproductive Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Independent Public Health Research Consultants, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Haile, D., Bahir Dar University, Department of Reproductive Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Biadgilign, S., Independent Public Health Research Consultants, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: Breastfeeding performance index is an explanatory attempt to summarize key breastfeeding practices by summarizing the different dimensions of breastfeeding practices into a single summary variable. Breastfeeding performance index is used to assess optimal breastfeeding practices by constructing a single composite index that includes timely initiation of breastfeeding, prelacteal feeding, current breastfeeding status, bottle feeding, any liquid given(except medicine) in the last 24h, formula given in the last 24h, any solid food given in the last 24h. This study aimed to assess optimal breastfeeding practices of 0-6 month infants using breastfeeding performance index (BPI) and its association with childhood illness in Ethiopia. Methods: A secondary data analysis was carried out based on the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2011 data. The BPI was created using seven components by giving equal weight for all components during scoring. The data were described using descriptive statistics and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of low, medium, and high BPI was 18.41, 57.96 and 23.63% respectively. The mean BPI score was 4.38 (SD 1.25; 95% CI 4.31, 4.45). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that those infants who had low BPI score were 2.22 times (AOR=2.22; 95% CI 1.20, 4.11) and medium BPI category had 2.15 times at higher odds (AOR=2.15; 95% CI 1.23, 3.75) of developing diarrhea compared to infants in the highest BPI category. Being in the lower BPI category was significantly associated with higher odds of having fever (AOR=1.73; 95% CI 1.06, 2.80). Being in the medium index category was also associated with higher odds of having short and rapid breaths (AOR=2.02; 95% CI 1.01, 4.04). Conclusion: More than 80% of the infants did not receive optimal breastfeeding practices based on the Breastfeeding Performance Index. Lower BPI was statistically associated with diarrhea, fever and short and rapid breaths illness in the last 2 weeks. This study implicates the importance of optimal breastfeeding to reduce childhood illness. © 2015 Haile and Biadgilign. | Breastfeeding; DHS; Ethiopia; Index; Infants | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879584016 | Enhancing self-regulated learning in teaching spoken communication: Does it affect speaking efficacy and performance? | Aregu B.B. | 2013 | Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching | 10 | 1 | None | Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia | Aregu, B.B., Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia | The study examines the effects of enhancing self-regulated learning in the teaching of spoken communication on speaking efficacy and performances among second year students attending spoken and written communication lessons in the College of Business and Economics of Bahir Dar University. In this study, two sections consisting of 91 participants were included. To gather data, scales, tests, and diaries were used. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test, independent samples t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were applied to analyze the quantitative data. On the other hand, the qualitative data were analysed using such steps as looking for themes and coding, categorizing codes of similar content, and writing summary and interpretation. The outputs of the ANCOVA show that 56% of the variance in speaking performance and 39% of the variance in speaking efficacy are accounted for by the self-regulated learning intervention controlling for initial differences. The qualitative analysis also indicated that the experimental group improved its speaking efficacy and performances. Overall, the results reveal that the experimental group surpasses the control group in both speaking efficacy and performances. The results imply that attention needs to be paid to the enhancement of self-regulated learning in the process of teaching spoken communication. © Centre for Language Studies National University of Singapore. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906545171 | The evaluation of pioneering bioethanol projects in nigeria following the announcement and implementation of the nigerian biofuel policy and incentives | Ohimain E.I. | 2015 | Energy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning and Policy | 10 | 1 | 10.1080/15567249.2010.512904 | Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Unit, Biological Science Department, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, 560001 Bayelsa State, Nigeria | Ohimain, E.I., Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Unit, Biological Science Department, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, 560001 Bayelsa State, Nigeria | Nigeria has joined the bioenergy production bandwagon in an attempt to reduce fossil fuel consumption, decentralize its energy sources and increase the renewable and cleaner energy share of the nations energy consumption. Following the release and implementation of the Nigerian Biofuel Policy and Incentives, 20 new bioethanol projects have commenced with an additional 13 projects in the offing. These projects qualify to be accorded pioneer status and its attendant benefits because they are directly involved in the production of fuel ethanol from locally sourced biomass feedstocks. We examined the projects based on the nominal ethanol yield from the various feedstocks and found that some of the projects were misevaluated in terms of feedstock requirement to produce the desired ethanol output. In such instances, we provided a more realistic estimate, which the project proponents could adapt in order to meet the designed ethanol production output. This study provided the very first attempt to evaluate pioneering bioethanol projects in Nigeria. Such information is typically not available in public domains in Nigeria. The study also highlighted the importance of policy for the promotion of biofuel, and actualization of environmental and sustainable development goals. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | bioethanol; biofuel policy; biorefineries; incentives; pioneer | Biomass; Energy utilization; Ethanol; Feedstocks; Bioenergy productions; Biofuel policies; Biomass feedstock; Biorefineries; Cleaner energies; Ethanol production; incentives; pioneer; Bioethanol | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84959542660 | Drive performance for able-bodied and disabled golfers | Kenny I.C., Campbell M.J., Surmon S., Bressan L. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching | 10 | 4 | None | Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Limerick, Ireland; Centre for Human Performance Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Kenny, I.C., Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Limerick, Ireland; Campbell, M.J., Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Limerick, Ireland; Surmon, S., Centre for Human Performance Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Bressan, L., Centre for Human Performance Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Golf is a popular leisure and competitive activity for individuals with disabilities. The current golf handicap system does not take into account the possible challenges of playing golf with any form of physical disability. The aim of this study was to examine golf driving performance measures, comparing golfers with various types of physical disabilities to able-bodied golfers. Through drive shot ball launch analysis, this study compared amputees (single leg, below and above knee), deaf, visually impaired, polio, Les Autres and arthrogryposis golfers to able-bodied golfers with similar golf handicaps. Twenty-seven able-bodied (handicap category 3, 12.4 ± 7.0) and 15 disabled (handicap category 3, 18.2 ± 9.2) hit 10 drives each. Able-bodied golfers presented longer but less accurate drives (208.1 m carry, 4.6 m lateral deviation), and concomitant higher club head and ball velocity than disabled golfers (157.6 m carry, 6.O m lateral deviation) [p<O.OO1]. The apparent difference in outcome performance cannot be fully accounted for by the small difference in golf handicap score, thus disabled golfers appear to be penalised/disadvantaged by the current golf handicap classification rules. | Amputee; Arthrogryposis; Deaf; Disabled golf; Golf shot performance analysis; Lés Autres; Post-polio syndrome | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58849128160 | Diclofenac Potassium Attenuates Dysmenorrhea and Restores Exercise Performance in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea | Chantler I., Mitchell D., Fuller A. | 2009 | Journal of Pain | 10 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.08.006 | Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | Chantler, I., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mitchell, D., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; Fuller, A., Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa | We assessed the efficacy of diclofenac potassium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in alleviating menstrual pain and restoring exercise performance to that measured in the late-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Twelve healthy young women with a history of primary dysmenorrhea completed, in a random order, laboratory exercise-testing sessions when they were in the late-follicular (no menstruation, no pain) phase of the menstrual cycle and when they were experiencing dysmenorrhea and receiving, in a double-blinded fashion, either 100 mg of diclofenac potassium or placebo. We assessed the women's leg strength (1-repetition maximum test), aerobic capacity (treadmill walking test), and ability to perform a functional test (task-specific test). Compared with placebo, diclofenac potassium significantly decreased dysmenorrhea on the day of administration (Visual Analog Scale, P < .001 at all times). When receiving placebo for menstrual pain, the women's performance in the tests was decreased significantly, compared with when they were receiving diclofenac potassium for menstrual pain (P < .05) and compared with when they were in the late-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (P < .05 for treadmill test, P < .01 for task-specific test and 1-repetition maximum test). Administration of diclofenac potassium for menstrual pain restored exercise performance to a level not different from that achieved in the late-follicular phase of the cycle. Perspective: In women with primary dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain, if untreated, decreases laboratory-assessed exercise performance. A recommended daily dose of a readily available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac potassium, is effective in relieving menstrual pain and restoring physical performance to levels achieved when the women were in the late-follicular (no menstruation, no pain) phase of the menstrual cycle. © 2009 American Pain Society. | Menstrual pain; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; physical performance | cataflam d; diclofenac potassium; placebo; unclassified drug; aerobic capacity; article; clinical article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; drug efficacy; dysmenorrhea; exercise; female; follicular phase; human; leg; muscle strength; task performance; treadmill exercise; visual analog scale; walking; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Diclofenac; Double-Blind Method; Dysmenorrhea; Exercise; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Physical Endurance; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult | None |
| WoS | WOS:000281862300002 | The correlates of HIV testing and impacts on sexual behavior: evidence from a life history study of young people in Kisumu, Kenya | Izugbara, Chimaraoke O.,Kabiru, Caroline W.,Luke, Nancy,Zulu, Eliya M. | 2010 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 10 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-10-412 | Brown University, African Inst Dev Policy AFIDEP, African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr | "Luke, Nancy: Brown University", | Background: HIV counseling and testing is considered an important component of HIV prevention and treatment. This paper examines the characteristics of young males and females at the time of first reported HIV test, including the influence of recent sexual partnerships, and investigates how HIV testing and the cumulative number of tests are associated with sexual behaviors within six months of testing.
Methods: The study uses data from a random sample of youth aged 18-24 years living in Kisumu, Kenya, who were interviewed using a 10-year retrospective life history calendar. Cox regression models were used to examine the correlates of the timing of first HIV test. Variance-correction models for unordered repeated events were employed to examine whether having an HIV test in the previous six months and the cumulative number of tests predict unsafe sexual practices in a given month.
Results: Sixty-four percent of females and 55% of males reported at least one HIV test in the last 10 years and 40% of females were pregnant the month of first test. Significant correlates of first HIV test included marital aspirations among non-pregnant females, unprotected sex in the previous six months among pregnant females, and concurrency in the previous six months among males. Having a recent HIV test was associated with a decreased likelihood of unprotected sex among ever-pregnant females, an increased likelihood of unprotected sex and "risky" sexual partnerships among never-pregnant females, and an increased likelihood of concurrency among males. Repeated HIV testing was associated with a lower likelihood of concurrency among males and involvement in "risky" sexual partnerships among males and never-pregnant females.
Conclusions: The high rate of pregnancy at first test suggests that promotion of HIV testing as part of prevention of mother-to-child transmission is gaining success. Further research is warranted to examine how and why behavior change is influenced by client-versus provider-initiated testing. The influence of different sexual partnership variables for males and females suggests that interventions to assess risk and promote testing should be gender-and relationship-specific. The findings also suggest that encouraging repeat or routine testing could potentially increase the uptake of safer sexual behaviors. | ,ADOLESCENTS,BOTSWANA,CALENDAR,CLIENTS,"CONDOM USE",FERTILITY,HIGH-RISK,POPULATION,PREVALENCE,SERVICES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83455224710 | Comparison of the performance, haematology and serum chemistry of Weaner pigs fed palm kernel cake with and without enzyme supplementation | Oluwafemi R.A., Akpodiete O.J. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 10 | None | College of Agriculture, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state, Nigeria; Dept. of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria | Oluwafemi, R.A., College of Agriculture, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state, Nigeria; Akpodiete, O.J., Dept. of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria | The effects of Palm kernel Cake with or without enzyme supplementation on the performance, haematology and serum chemistry of weaner pigs were compared in a study, which lasted for eighty four days. Thirty weaner pigs of the Large White x Duroc crossbreed with average initial live weight range of 10.5 to 14kg allotted into five groups were used. Five experimental diets in which Palm Kernel cake was used as replacement for maize were formulated as follows: Diet 1 (control) had 0% PKC and no enzyme inclusion, Diet 2 had 40% PKC and with enzyme, Diet 3 had 40% PKC and without enzyme, Diet 4 had 60% PKC with enzyme while Diet 5 had 60% PKC without enzyme. The animals were randomly assigned to the dietary treatments in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The enzyme - Hemicel® was mixed with the PKC portion at the rate of 600g/ton before incorporation into the diets. Performance characteristics measured include: average daily gains (kg), average daily feed intake (kg), feed cost/gain (N), haematological and serological characteristics among others. The results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in average daily gain (ADG), average total weight gain (ATWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The Red Blood Cell (RBC) of weaner pigs in treatment 4 (60%PKC + Enzyme) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the others while the mean haemoglobin (Hb) values were significantly (P<0.05) different among the treatment means. The Serum levels of Albumin and the Urea of the experimental animals were not affected by the experimental diets but the total protein was highest (P<0.05) for weaners in treatment 3 (40% PKC without enzyme) than those fed the remaining dietary treatments. There was however no deleterious effect of the dietary treatments on the experimental animals throughout the study period. Therefore up to 60% inclusion level of palm kernel cake with or without enzyme supplementation could be used as replacement for maize in weaner pig's ration. | Enzyme; Haematology; Palm kernel cake; Serum chemistry; Weaner pigs | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927545929 | The effects of drought and shade on the performance, morphology and physiology of ghanaian tree species | Amissah L., Mohren G.M.J., Kyereh B., Poorter L. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0121004 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana; Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Amissah, L., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana, Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Mohren, G.M.J., Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; Kyereh, B., College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Poorter, L., Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands | In tropical forests light and water availability are the most important factors for seedling growth and survival but an increasing frequency of drought may affect tree regeneration. One central question is whether drought and shade have interactive effects on seedling growth and survival. Here, we present results of a greenhouse experiment, in which seedlings of 10 Ghanaian tree species were exposed to combinations of strong seasonal drought (continuous watering versus withholding water for nine weeks) and shade (5% irradiance versus 20% irradiance). We evaluated the effects of drought and shade on seedling survival and growth and plasticity of 11 underlying traits related to biomass allocation, morphology and physiology. Seedling survival under dry conditions was higher in shade than in high light, thus providing support for the "facilitation hypothesis" that shade enhances plant performance through improved microclimatic conditions, and rejecting the trade-off hypothesis that drought should have stronger impact in shade because of reduced root investment. Shaded plants had low biomass fraction in roots, in line with the trade-off hypothesis , but they compensated for this with a higher specific root length (i.e., root length per unit root mass), resulting in a similar root length per plant mass and, hence, similar water uptake capacity as high-light plants. The majority (60%) of traits studied responded independently to drought and shade, indicating that within species shade- and drought tolerances are not in trade-off, but largely uncoupled. When individual species responses were analysed, then for most of the traits only one to three species showed significant interactive effects between drought and shade. The uncoupled response of most species to drought and shade should provide ample opportunity for niche differentiation and species coexistence under a range of water and light conditions. Overall our greenhouse results suggest that, in the absence of root competition shaded tropical forest tree seedlings may be able to survive prolonged drought. © 2015 Amissah et al. | None | Albizia zygia; Aningeria robusta; Antiaris toxicaria; Article; controlled study; drought; drought stress; drought tolerance; Entandrophragma angolense; environmental impact assessment; Ghanaian; greenhouse effect; growth rate; kapok; leaf area; leaf water potential; microclimate; morphological trait; nonhuman; Pericopsis elata; Piptadeniastrum africanum; plant growth; plant parameters; plant physiology; plant response; plant structures; root length; seasonal variation; shade; species coexistence; species differentiation; stem length; Sterculia rhinopetala; stomatal conductance; Strombosia pustulata; survival prediction; survival rate; tree; Turraeanthus africanus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929223634 | Impact of maternal HIV seroconversion during pregnancy on early mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) measured at 4-8 weeks postpartum in South Africa 2011-2012: A national population-based evaluation | Dinh T.-H., Delaney K.P., Goga A., Jackson D., Lombard C., Woldesenbet S., Mogashoa M., Pillay Y., Shaffer N. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125525 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, GA, United States; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Pretoria, South Africa; National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; United Nations Children's Fund, New York, United States | Dinh, T.-H., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Atlanta, GA, United States; Delaney, K.P., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Goga, A., Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Jackson, D., Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, United Nations Children's Fund, New York, United States; Lombard, C., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Woldesenbet, S., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Mogashoa, M., US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Pretoria, South Africa; Pillay, Y., National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa; Shaffer, N., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Background: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) depends on the timing of HIV infection. We estimated HIV-seroconversion during pregnancy (HSP) after having a HIV-negative result antenatally, and its contribution to early MTCT in South Africa (SA). Methods and Findings: Between August 2011 and March 2012, we recruited a nationally representative sample of mother-infant pairs with infants aged 4-to-8 weeks from 578 health facilities. Data collection included mother interviews, child health-card reviews, and infant dried-blood-spots sample (iDBS). iDBS were tested for HIV antibodies and HIV-deoxyribonucleic-acid (HIV-DNA). HSP was defined as maternal self-report of an HIV-negative test during this pregnancy, no documented use of antiretroviral drugs and a matched HIV sero-positive iDBS. We used 20 imputations from a uniform distribution for time from reported antenatal HIV-negative result to delivery to estimate time of HSP. Early MTCT was defined based on detection of HIV-DNA in iDBS. Estimates were adjusted for clustering, nonresponse, and weighted by SA's 2011 live-births. Results: Of 9802 mother-infant pairs, 2738 iDBS were HIV sero-positive, including 212 HSP, resulting in a nationally weighted estimate of 3.3% HSP (95% Confidence Interval: 2.8%-3.8%). Median time of HIV-seroconversion was 32.8weeks gestation;28.3% (19.7%- 36.9%) estimated to be >36 weeks. Early MTCT was 10.7%for HSP (6.2%-16.8%) vs. 2.2% (1.7%-2.8%) for mothers with known HIV-positive status. Although they represent 2.2% of all mothers and 6.7% of HIV-infected mothers, HSP accounted for 26% of early MTCT. Multivariable analysis indicated the highest risk for HSP was among women who knew the baby's father was HIV-infected (adjusted-hazard ratio (aHR) 4.71; 1.49-14.99), or who had been screened for tuberculosis (aHR 1.82; 1.43-2.32). Conclusions: HSP risk is high and contributes significantly to early MTCT. Identification of HSP by repeat-testing at 32 weeks gestation, during labor, 6 weeks postpartum, in tuberculosis-exposed women, and in discordant couples might reduce MTCT. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | DNA; Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; adult; Article; controlled study; disease transmission; female; gestational age; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; infection rate; infection risk; live birth; major clinical study; mother to child transmission; pregnancy; puerperium; self report; seroconversion; South Africa; virus transmission | CDC, Medical Research Council; 1U2GPS001137-02, MRC, Medical Research Council; 1U2GPS001137-03, MRC, Medical Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959314835 | Performance of starter broilers fed raw pigeon pea [Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp.] seed meal diets supplemented with lysine and or methionine | Amaefule K.U., Ukpanah U.A., Ibok A.E. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 3 | 10.3923/ijps.2011.205.211 | Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Amaefule, K.U., Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Ukpanah, U.A., Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Ibok, A.E., Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Performance of starter broilers fed raw Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Seed Meal (PSM) diets supplemented with lysine and or methionine was determined with 270 unsexed broilers. The experimental design was 2 x 4 factorial in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with each dietary treatment replicated three times and 10 broilers per replicate. The factors were inclusion level of raw PSM (30 and 40%) and amino acid supplementation (no supplementation, lysine, methionine and lysine + methionine). There was a conventional maize-soybean diet as positive control while raw PSM without supplementation was the negative control. Lysine and methionine supplementation were 0.10 and 0.25%, respectively. Performance criteria measured were weight gain, feed intake, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and live weight at 4'h week. Results showed that broilers fed methionine or lysine + methionine supplemented diets had significantly (p<0.05) higher live weight, live weight gain, feed intake and significantly (p<0.05) lower protein intake than broilers fed diet supplemented with lysine. Amino acid supplementation significantly (p<0.05) affected only live weight and daily weight gain of broilers. The diet of 40% raw PSM significantly (p<0.05) increased cost per kg feed and daily feed cost more than 30% PSM diet. It was concluded that starter broilers could be fed up to 40% raw Pigeon Pea Seed Meal (PSM) diet without adverse effect on performance of starter birds. However, the diet of 30% PSM should be supplemented with methionine and that of 40% with lysine + methionine. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Lysine; Methionine; Performance; Raw pigeon pea seed meal; Starter broilers | Aves; Cajanus cajan; Glycine max; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878453373 | The effects of two strategic anthelmintic treatments on goat performance under extensive management in a semi-arid area of South Africa | Bakunzi F.R., Motsei L.E., Nyirenda M., Ndou R.V., Mwanza M. | 2013 | Life Science Journal | 10 | 2 | None | Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | Bakunzi, F.R., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Motsei, L.E., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Nyirenda, M., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Ndou, R.V., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Mwanza, M., Centre of Animal Health Studies, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | A study was carried out in a semi-arid area of the North West province of South Africa from September 2004 to September 2005 to determine the effects anthelmintic treatment before or during the rains on the performance of 60 indigenous female goats. The performance parameters studied were body weight, packed cell volume and faecal nematode egg output. Anthelmintic treatment of goats before and during the rains significantly reduced faecal egg output, and improved body weight and packed cell volume. Overall, anthelmintic treatment before the rains was equal to or better for all the three performance parameters when compared to treatment during the rains. Both treatments yielded better performance in comparison to the control. | Anthelmintic treatment; Goat production; Semi-arid area; Strategic control | Capra hircus | None |
| None | None | Predicting the impact of temperature change on the future distribution of maize stem borers and their natural enemies along East African mountain gradients using phenology models | Mwalusepo S., Tonnang H.E.Z., Massawe E.S., Okuku G.O., Khadioli N., Johansson T., Calatayud P.-A., Le Ru B.P. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0130427 | CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of General Studies, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; NSBB Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; IRD/CNRS UMR IRD 247 EGCE, Laboratoire Evolution Génomes Comportement et Ecologie, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France; Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France | Mwalusepo, S., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Department of General Studies, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tonnang, H.E.Z., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Massawe, E.S., Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Okuku, G.O., NSBB Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Khadioli, N., NSBB Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Johansson, T., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya; Calatayud, P.-A., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya, IRD/CNRS UMR IRD 247 EGCE, Laboratoire Evolution Génomes Comportement et Ecologie, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France, Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France; Le Ru, B.P., CHIESA Project, Icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya, IRD/CNRS UMR IRD 247 EGCE, Laboratoire Evolution Génomes Comportement et Ecologie, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France, Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France | Lepidopteran stem borers are among the most important pests of maize in East Africa. The objective of the present study was to predict the impact of temperature change on the distribution and abundance of the crambid Chilo partellus, the noctuid Busseola fusca, and their larval parasitoids Cotesia flavipes and Cotesia sesamiae at local scale along Kilimanjaro and Taita Hills gradients in Tanzania and Kenya, respectively. Temperature-dependent phenology models of pests and parasitoids were used in a geographic information system for mapping. The three risk indices namely establishment, generation, and activity indices were computed using current temperature data record from local weather stations and future (i.e., 2055) climatic condition based on downscaled climate change data from the AFRICLIM database. The calculations were carried out using index interpolator, a sub-module of the Insect Life Cycle Modeling (ILCYM) software. Thin plate algorithm was used for interpolation of the indices. Our study confirmed that temperature was a key factor explaining the distribution of stem borers and their natural enemies but other climatic factors and factors related to the top-down regulation of pests by parasitoids (host-parasitoid synchrony) also played a role. Results based on temperature only indicated a worsening of stem borer impact on maize production along the two East African mountain gradients studied. This was attributed to three main changes occurring simultaneously: (1) range expansion of the lowland species C. partellus in areas above 1200 m.a.s.l.; (2) increase of the number of pest generations across all altitudes, thus by 2055 damage by both pests will increase in the most productive maize zones of both transects; (3) disruption of the geographical distribution of pests and their larval parasitoids will cause an improvement of biological control at altitude below 1200 m.a.s.l. and a deterioration above 1200 m.a.s.l. The predicted increase in pest activity will significantly increase maize yield losses in all agroecological zones across both transects but to a much greater extent in lower areas. © 2015 Mwalusepo 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 | altitude; calculation; Chilo; climate change; controlled study; Cotesia; data base; deterioration; down regulation; geographic distribution; geographic information system; Kenya; life cycle; maize; model; natural enemy; Noctuidae; parasitoid; phenology; plant yield; species; stem borer; Tanzania; weather | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939238050 | Verbal autopsy: Evaluation of methods to certify causes of death in Uganda | Mpimbaza A., Filler S., Katureebe A., Quick L., Chandramohan D., Staedke S.G. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0128801 | Child Health and Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Mpimbaza, A., Child Health and Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Filler, S., Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland; Katureebe, A., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Quick, L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Chandramohan, D., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Staedke, S.G., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | To assess different methods for determining cause of death from verbal autopsy (VA) questionnaire data, the intra-rater reliability of Physician-Certified Verbal Autopsy (PCVA) and the accuracy of PCVA, expert-derived (non-hierarchical) and data-driven (hierarchal) algorithms were assessed for determining common causes of death in Ugandan children. A verbal autopsy validation study was conducted from 2008-2009 in three different sites in Uganda. The dataset included 104 neonatal deaths (0-27 days) and 615 childhood deaths (1-59 months) with the cause(s) of death classified by PCVA and physician review of hospital medical records (the 'reference standard'). Of the original 719 questionnaires, 141 (20%) were selected for a second review by the same physicians; the repeat cause(s) of death were compared to the original,and agreement assessed using the Kappa statistic.Physician reviewers' refined non-hierarchical algorithms for common causes of death from existing expert algorithms, from which, hierarchal algorithms were developed. The accuracy of PCVA, non-hierarchical, and hierarchical algorithms for determining cause(s) of death from all 719 VA questionnaires was determined using the reference standard. Overall, intra-rater repeatability was high (83% agreement, Kappa 0.79 [95% CI 0.76-0.82]). PCVA performed well, with high specificity for determining cause of neonatal (>67%), and childhood (>83%) deaths, resulting in fairly accurate cause-specific mortality fraction (CSMF) estimates. For most causes of death in children, non-hierarchical algorithms had higher sensitivity, but correspondingly lower specificity, than PCVA and hierarchical algorithms, resulting in inaccurate CSMF estimates. Hierarchical algorithms were specific for most causes of death, and CSMF estimates were comparable to the reference standard and PCVA. Inter-rater reliability of PCVA was high, and overall PCVA performed well. Hierarchical algorithms performed better than non-hierarchical algorithms due to higher specificity and more accurate CSMF estimates. Use of PCVA to determine cause of death from VA questionnaire data is reasonable while automated data-driven algorithms are improved. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. This is an open access article, free of all copyright, and may be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, built upon, or otherwise used by anyone for any lawful purpose. The work is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. | None | algorithm; Article; autopsy; cause of death; childhood mortality; controlled study; intrarater reliability; measurement accuracy; measurement repeatability; medical record review; newborn death; questionnaire; sensitivity and specificity; Uganda; Ugandan; validation study; verbal autopsy | CDC, United States Agency for International Development; USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941284389 | Impacts of community-based natural resource management on wealth, food security and child health in Tanzania | Pailler S., Naidoo R., Burgess N.D., Freeman O.E., Fisher B. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0133252 | Clark University, Economics Department, Worcester, MA, United States; World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, United States; UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Center, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark; ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States | Pailler, S., Clark University, Economics Department, Worcester, MA, United States; Naidoo, R., World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, United States; Burgess, N.D., UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Center, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark; Freeman, O.E., ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya; Fisher, B., World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC, United States, Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States | Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is a major global strategy for enhancing conservation outcomes while also seeking to improve rural livelihoods; however, little evidence of socioeconomic outcomes exists. We present a national-level analysis that empirically estimates socioeconomic impacts of CBNRM across Tanzania, while systematically controlling for potential sources of bias. Specifically, we apply a difference-indifferences model to national-scale, cross-sectional data to estimate the impact of three different CBNRM governance regimes on wealth, food security and child health, considering differential impacts of CBNRM on wealthy and poor populations. We also explore whether or not longer-standing CBNRM efforts provide more benefits than recently-established CBNRM areas. Our results show significant improvements in household food security in CBNRM areas compared with non-CBNRM areas, but household wealth and health outcomes in children are generally not significantly different. No one CBNRM governance regime demonstrates consistently different welfare outcomes than the others. Wealthy households benefit more from CBNRM than poor households and CBNRM benefits appear to increase with longer periods of implementation. Perhaps evidence of CBNRM benefits is limited because CBNRM hasn't been around long enough to yield demonstrable outcomes. Nonetheless, achieving demonstrable benefits to rural populations will be crucial for CBNRM's future success in Tanzania. Copyright: © 2015 Pailler et al. | None | Article; child; child health; community based natural resource management; conservation biology; environmental management; food security; forest management; government; health survey; household; human; outcome assessment; poverty; socioeconomics; Tanzania; wealth; wildlife conservation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955035060 | Reproductive performances and survival of Washera sheep under traditional management systems at yilmanadensa and Quarit districts of the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia | Taye M., Abebe G., Lemma S., Gizaw S., Mekoya A., Tibbo M. | 2011 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 10 | 9 | 10.3923/javaa.2011.1158.1165 | College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 830, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; Debreberhan Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 112, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5466, Hadya Aleppo, Syria, Ethiopia | Taye, M., College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 830, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; Abebe, G., Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia; Lemma, S., Debreberhan Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 112, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; Gizaw, S., Debreberhan Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 112, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; Mekoya, A., Debreberhan Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 112, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; Tibbo, M., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 5466, Hadya Aleppo, Syria, Ethiopia | On-farm data were collected to evaluate reproductive performance and survival of Washera sheep raised under traditional smallholder production systems in the North-Western highlands of the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. The data were from flocks of 110 households from October, 2004 to September, 2007. Mean age and weight at first lambing were 464.2±14.0 days and 24.7±0.5 kg, respectively. None of the fixed effects considered affected age at first lambing although, weight at first lambing was affected (p<0.05) by district and parity. Ewes from primiparous ewes and from Quarit district had heavier weight at their first lambing. Lambing interval (269±6.2 days) was affected by district, lambing season, parity and birth type. The average number of lambs per ewe lambing was 1.19±0.02 and varied (p<0.0001) with lambing year and postpartum ewe body weight. Mean postpartum ewe body weight was 31.0±0.2 kg and influenced (p<0.01) by district, year, season, parity and type of birth. Cumulative survival from birth to 30, 90, 180, 270 and 365 days was 98.4±0.6, 93.6±0.9, 91.2±1.1, 90.0±l .2 and 89.9±1.2 days, respectively. Except at the age of 30 days, district, season, birth type and birth weight affected (p<0.05) survival. No interactions between any fixed effects were significant and thus were removed from the model. Postpartum ewe body weight as a covariate did not affect litter size. The higher survival rate indicates that the area is of low disease load and the farmers practice to decrease lamb mortality need to be encouraged and improved. The influence of different fixed effects on reproductive performances indicated that through different management and breeding practices it is possible to increase the productivity of these breed of sheep. © Medwell Journals, 2011. | Ethiopia; Postpartum; Reproduction; Smallholder production; Survival; Washera breed | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926217410 | Development and evaluation of pictograms on medication labels for patients with limited literacy skills in a culturally diverse multiethnic population | Kheir N., Awaisu A., Radoui A., El Badawi A., Jean L., Dowse R. | 2014 | Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy | 10 | 5 | 10.1016/j.sapharm.2013.11.003 | College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; Qatar Petroleum, Doha, Qatar; Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Kheir, N., College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; Awaisu, A., College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; Radoui, A., College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; El Badawi, A., College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2317, Doha, Qatar; Jean, L., Qatar Petroleum, Doha, Qatar; Dowse, R., Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Background: Much of the migrant workforce in Qatar is of low literacy level and does not understand Arabic or English, presenting a significant challenge to health care professionals. Medicine labels are typically in Arabic and English and are therefore poorly understood by these migrant workers. Objective: To develop pictograms illustrating selected medicine label instructions and to evaluate comprehension of the pictograms or conventional text supported with verbal instructions in foreign workers with low literacy skills. Methods: A range of common labeling instructions were identified and pictograms depicting these were developed using visual concepts and ideas from the literature. The process involved a consultative approach with input from the researchers, a local graphic artist, and members of the target population. The final set was evaluated for comprehension in participants who were randomized to one of three study groups: text plus verbal instructions, pictogram-only label, and pictogram with verbal instructions. One-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences between group variables. Statistical significance was set at P≤0.05. Results: Of 23 label instructions screened, 11 were selected for the study. A total of 123 participants took part in this study. Pictogram plus verbal instructions group achieved better results in interpreting the majority of the label instructions (P≤0.05). The best interpreted pictograms with verbal instructions included: "Take two tablets three times a day," "Take one tablet in the morning and one tablet at night," and "Instill one drop in the eye." The worst interpreted pictograms with verbal instructions were: "Do not take with dairy products" and "Do not use by mouth." Some pictograms were difficult to interpret even when accompanied with verbal instructions, suggesting the need to thoroughly pilot them among users prior to implementation. Conclusion: Medication labels consisting of simple pictorials supported by verbal instructions were better comprehended by individuals with low literacy skills than labels with written plus verbal instructions in a language that the individual did not understand. Further, pictogram-only labels were the least comprehended types of medicine labels among the participants. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Labels; Low literacy; Medicines; Pharmacy; Pictogram; Qatar | adult; comprehension; drug labeling; ethnic group; evaluation study; health literacy; human; medical information; migration; patient education; procedures; Qatar; young adult; Adult; Comprehension; Drug Labeling; Ethnic Groups; Health Communication; Health Literacy; Humans; Patient Education as Topic; Qatar; Transients and Migrants; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856885740 | Impact of conflict on agricultural production in the Niger-Delta: Evidence from Cross River State, Nigeria | Ofem N.I., Ndifon H.M., Angba A.O., Effiong J.B., Akinmosin O.C. | 2012 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 10 | 1 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | Ofem, N.I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Ndifon, H.M., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Angba, A.O., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Effiong, J.B., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Akinmosin, O.C., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | The study determined the impact of conflicts on agricultural production in the Niger Delta of Nigeria with specific evidence from Cross River State. The state was purposively selected because of its high rate of communal conflict. A multi-staged sampling procedure was employed and respondents were randomly sampled from two different communities where conflicts have occurred over time. A total of 60 respondents were used for the study. Data were collected from respondents using personal interviews, with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics (ordered probit regression) were used to analyze data. Results from the descriptive analysis revealed that a greater percentage of the respondents (63.33%) were farmers, 41.67% were youths between the ages of 21 and 40 years, majority (56.67%) had low educational attainments and there was a high level of unemployment (90%) in the area, while 25 percent of the respondents earned as low as N30,000 or less per-annum. The results of the hypotheses tested revealed that there is a significant relationship between conflicts and respondents' socio-economic characteristics such as age, occupation, marital status, family size, education and employment status while gender, income and infrastructure were not significant. The result also showed a significant but negative relationship between agricultural GDP and conflict. Therefore, the study noted that strategies and programmes aimed at addressing the socio-economic needs of the people and investments in agriculture were required to stem the spate of conflicts in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. | Agricultural production; Clashes; Communal; Conflict; Impact; Niger-delta; Probit; Regression; Violence | adult; age; agricultural worker; article; community dynamics; conflict; crop production; educational status; family size; female; human; interview; male; marriage; Nigeria; occupation; social status; structured questionnaire; unemployment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053194766 | Participatory evaluation of drought tolerant maize varieties using mother-baby trial model: A case study in the forest-Savannah transition zone of Ghana | Asumadu H., Ewool M.B., Obeng-Antwi K. | 2011 | Journal of Agronomy | 10 | 2 | 10.3923/ja.2011.68.73 | CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | Asumadu, H., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Ewool, M.B., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana; Obeng-Antwi, K., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P.O. Box 3785, Kumasi, Ghana | Maize is one of the world's three primary cereal crops and also one of the most popular food crops on the domestic market in Ghana. Erratic rainfall pattern in the Forest-Savannah transition zone of Ghana for the past decade has caused shortfalls in rainfall amounts resulting in low maize production and productivity. The Maize Breeding Programme at the Crops Research Institute, Ghana, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria identified high yielding and drought tolerant open-pollinated and hybrid maize varieties for evaluation and eventual release to farmers. The mother-baby trial model was adopted for the evaluation of these varieties in the major season of 2009 in three farming communities in the target agro-ecology. The Farmers variety showed poor yield performance in both the mother and baby trials and in the ranking of varieties by farmers and researchers in both early and medium maturity groups. Almost all the improved varieties were appreciated by both researchers and farmers. The yields of the drought tolerant varieties in both normal and drought affected environments were higher than the farmers variety in both cases. The two most promising drought tolerant varieties, TZE-W Pop STR QPM CO and IWD C2 S YN F2 out-yielded the Farmers' variety by as much as 23 to 90% across locations. Therefore, these varieties were recommended by the Maize Breeding Programme at the Crops Research Institute to the National Variety Release Committee of Ghana for release to farmers in 2010. © 2011 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Baby trial; Drought tolerant maize; Mother trial; Preference; Selection | Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953238332 | Evaluation of plough disc performance on sandy loan soil at different soil moisture levels | Olatunji O.M. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Olatunji, O.M., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | In this research work, dimensional analysis was used to model the relationship between depth of cut, weight of disc plough and draught on a sandy loam soil. Field experiment was carried out on a site with three different moisture content levels at five different plough speeds (0.83, 1.39, 1.94, 2.4 and 2.78m/s). It was observed that the depth of penetration of plough disc increased with an increased draught and soil moisture content. The depth of cut was minimum at 4.9% and maximum at 9.4% moisture content. The result obtained from the validation shows that the model can be used effectively to determine the depth of cut in sandy loam soil at different soil moisture levels. Also the draught-speed relationship obtained from this work can be used to predict the power requirement of the disc plough in other soil types. The draught increase linearly with the depth of cut as predicted from the model. The result of the soil properties after tillage operation showed increased shear strength, bulk density and depth of cut. | Bulk density; Depth of cut; Disc plough; Moisture content; Sandly-loam; Shear strength | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904211853 | Evaluation and optimization of steam and lye peeling processes of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) using response surface methodology (RSM) | Oladejo A.O., Sobukola O.P., Awonorin S.O., Adejuyigbe S.B. | 2014 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 10 | 2 | 10.1515/ijfe-2013-0051 | Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, University of Uyo, P.M.B 1017, Uyo, Nigeria; Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal Unive | Oladejo, A.O., Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, University of Uyo, P.M.B 1017, Uyo, Nigeria; Sobukola, O.P., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Awonorin, S.O., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Adejuyigbe, S.B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Sweet potato of uniform sizes and shape were subjected to steam peeling (temperature 80- 100°C and peeling time 5-15 min) and lye peeling (sodium hydroxide concentration 8-12%, temperature 80-100°C and peeling time 3-5 min). Response surface methodology was used to analyze and optimize the process parameters in each case. For steam peeling, the peel loss and unpeeled surface area were 6.85 and 28.16%, respectively, while optimum peeling conditions where temperature and peeling time of 100°C and 5 min, respectively, for minimum peel loss and unpeeled surface area. For lye peeling, however, the peel loss and unpeeled surface area were 13.19 and 13.35%, respectively, and optimum peeling conditions were lye concentration, temperature and peeling time of 8.89%, 100°C and 4.75 min, respectively, for minimum peel loss and unpeeled surface area. The models developed in each case (R-squared of 0.9225 and 0.8428; 0.5929 and 0.8346) were adequate in producing responses as a function of the independent variables. From the optimized values and results obtained, lye peeling was more suitable for sweet potato. | Lye peeling; Optimization; Peel loss; Steam; Sweet potato; Unpeeled surface area | Optimization; Steam; Surface properties; Independent variables; Process parameters; Response surface methodology; Sodium hydroxide concentration; Surface area; Sweet potato; Uniform size; Wood | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873487542 | Impact that the Nguni cattle project have on the livelihood of the beneficiaries in North West province South Africa | Cwaile L., Antwi M.A., Oladele O.I. | 2012 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 10 | 42433 | None | Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | Cwaile, L., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Antwi, M.A., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | This study examined the impact that the Nguni cattle project have on the livelihood of the beneficiaries in North West province South Africa. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 18) using frequency counts, percentages and multiple regression. It was found that majority of the Nguni project participants were male (71.2%), married (56%); above 60 years of age (34.3%); 41% had primary education; 67% of the respondents had between 1 to 4 dependants. Their participation had led to increased access to financial, physical, natural, and social capital. Participants were generally favourably disposed to the project and many indicated that constraints in meeting their livelihoods have reduced greatly due to capital acquisition by the project beneficiaries. Significant determinants of total livelihood after project were total hectares (t = -2.90), number of employees (t = 2.14), income (t = -3.25) and attitude (t = 2.33). Significant determinants of constraints were educational level (t = 2.16), farming experience (t = -1.85), total size of hectares (t = -3.14), income (t =-2.56) and contact with extension agent (t = 2.86); while significant determinants of attitude were household size (t = 2.24), total size of hectares (t = 1.69), and contact with extension agent (t = 1.73). | Capital; Cattle; Farmers; Livelihoods; Nguni; North-West; South Africa | adult; aged; agricultural worker; article; cattle; education; female; financial management; grazing management; health program; household; human; major clinical study; male; multiple linear regression analysis; nguni cattle project; nonhuman; South Africa; structured questionnaire | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946077792 | The joint impact of stock market and corruption on economic growth and development in Nigeria: Evidence from cointegration and vecm analysis | Nageri I.K., Nageri I.S., Amin A. | 2015 | Serbian Journal of Management | 10 | 2 | 10.5937/sjm10-7507 | Department of Banking and Finance, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, P.M.B 1601, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Finance, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Business Administration, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria | Nageri, I.K., Department of Banking and Finance, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, P.M.B 1601, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria; Nageri, I.S., Department of Finance, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Amin, A., Department of Business Administration, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria | This paper studies the effect of capital market on economic growth in the presence of corruption in the Nigerian context. We employed the use of cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). We find out that both corruption and capital market has long run associationship with economic development in Nigeria but has no short run relationship. This simply means that there is short run gain and long run pain for the Nigerian economy if corruption and capital market are not checked and well regulated respectively in Nigeria. We therefore recommend that government should strengthen the anti-graft agencies and equip them technologically and make them independent, educate the public on the problems associated with corrupt practices and the economic implication especially through the capital market and encourage local investors to invest in the capital market to improve liquidity and profitability of the Nigerian capital market. | Capital market; Co-integration; Corruption; Vector Error Correction | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859597483 | Comparison of egg production performance and egg quality traits of pearl and black strains of guinea fowl in a humid rain-forest zone of Nigeria | Obike O.M., Oke U.K., Azu K.E. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 7 | 10.3923/ijps.2011.547.551 | Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Abia State, Nigeria | Obike, O.M., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Abia State, Nigeria; Oke, U.K., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Abia State, Nigeria; Azu, K.E., Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Abia State, Nigeria | Data on 272 eggs collected from Pearl (175 eggs) and Black (97 eggs) adult guinea fowl strains were analyzed to determine the egg production performance and egg quality characteristics of the birds. Data generated were analyzed using Student's t-test. The external egg quality traits measured were egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell weight, shell thickness and egg shape index. Internal egg quality traits studied include egg mass, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, albumen weight, albumen height and albumen diameter and albumen index. The production performance traits measured were egg number and Hen-Day Production (HDP). In addition, weekly body weight of the hens was also recorded. Egg number was significantly (p<0.05) different between the two strains. The mean values were 22.71±0.30 and 12.84±0.29, respectively for Pearl and Black. Although there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between HDP of the two strains, the Black strain had higher HDP in all the weeks except in weeks 1, 5 and 6. Among the internal traits, albumen diameter differed significantly (p<0.05) between Pearl and Black with mean values of 61.27±2.02 mm and 66.97±1.20 mm, respectively. Effect of strain was not observed for all the other egg traits measured. However, the significant difference (p<0.05) observed for egg number and albumen diameter between the strains suggests at least some degree of genetic dissimilarity, which implies that the strains could be used to improve egg production and egg quality characteristics of guinea fowl in the study region. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Albumen diameter; Egg number; Egg quality traits; Guinea fowl; Strain | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859166968 | Performance and organ weights of laying hens fed diets containing graded levels of sun-dried cocoa bean shell (CBS) | Emiola I.A., Ojebiyi O.O., Akande T.O. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 12 | None | Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Emiola, I.A., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Ojebiyi, O.O., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Akande, T.O., Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | Response of laying hens fed different levels of cocoa bean shell (CBS) was investigated using eighty 18-weeks old shaver Brown pullets in a six weeks feeding trial. Five rations were formulated by addition of 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30% cocoa bean shell and allocated to five groups of bird (16 birds/group) in a completely randomized design of experiment. Each group was further subdivided into eight replicates of 2 birds per replicate. The control diet was a maize-soybean meal based diet formulated to meet the nutrient requirement of a laying bird with no sun-dried cocoa bean shell (CBS), diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 15, 20, 25 and 30 percent sun-dried cocoa been shell, respectively. Compared with the control diet, average daily feed intake (ADFI), egg production per bird per week as well as percent hen day production (HDP, %) were lower in diet 2 (15% CBS) (P < 0.05). Increasing the level of CBS from 0 to 30% in the diets resulted in linear decreases in ADFI, egg production per week and percent HDP (P < 0.05). Intake of theobromine increased with increasing level of inclusion of cocoa bean shell in the diets. The weights of the spleen, kidney and ovary were similar in birds fed the control diet, diet 2 (15% CBS) and diet 3 (20% CBS) (P > 0.05). However, the weights of the spleen, kidney and ovary were depressed in birds fed diets 4 (25%) and 5 (30%) compared with those that received the control diet (P<0.05). The weights of the liver, spleen, kidney and ovary were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by addition of sun-dried CBS. It was concluded that cocoa been shell cannot be included in the layers diet up to 15%, a lower level might be tolerated. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Cocoa been shell; Feed intake; Percent hen day; Pullets; Theobromine | Aves; Glycine max; Theobroma cacao; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960734506 | Performance and nutrient utilization of growing rabbits fed graded levels of raw Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranean (L.) Verde] offal diets | Amaefule K.U., Mbonu U.E., Amaka V. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 5 | 10.3923/pjn.2011.463.469 | Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Amaefule, K.U., Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Mbonu, U.E., Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria; Amaka, V., Department of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria | Performance and nutrient utilization of growing rabbits (N=30) fed graded levels of raw Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranean (L.) Verde] offal (BGO) diets were determined in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). There were five treatments each replicated three times with two rabbits per replicate. The inclusion levels of BGO in the diets were 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%. Measurements were live weight, weight gain, feed and nutrient intakes, feed conversion ratio, feed cost and carcass quality. Also measured were nutrients voided, nutrient retention and apparent digestibility coefficient of nutrients. Results showed that 15% BGO diet improved daily weight gain (19.16 g), final live weight (1.18 kg), feed conversion ratio (2.56) and lowered cost per kg live weight gain (Naira 76.55) of rabbits than other diets. Increased level of BGO in the diets resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in total feed cost. Rabbits fed 20% BGO diet had higher CP (18.92 g) and CF (11.31 g) intakes, significantly (p<0.05) higher faecal DM (98.58 g), OM (88.97 g) and faecal nitrogen (0.04 g) than rabbits fed other diets. The diet of 20% BGO also depressed coefficient of apparent digestibility of ether extract (85.28%), CF (65.80%), crude ash and NFE (89.54%) compared to other diets. It was concluded that growing rabbits could be fed diets containing up to 15% BGO to enhance daily weight gain and reduce feed cost, which would not adversely affect nutrient intake, coefficient of apparent digestibility and nutrient utilization. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Bambara groundnut offal; Nutrient utilization; Performance; Rabbits | nitrogen; animal experiment; article; ash; body growth; body weight; carcass; controlled study; cost; dietary fiber; dietary intake; digestion; feeding; female; food intake; food preservation; male; nonhuman; nutrient uptake; peanut; protein intake; rabbit; randomization; weight gain; Bambara; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Vigna subterranea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79959323429 | Effects of zinc supplementation on laying performance, serum chemistry and Zn residue in tibia bone, liver, excreta and egg shell of laying hens | Idowu O.M.O., Ajuwon R.O., Oso A.O., Akinloye O.A. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 3 | 10.3923/ijps.2011.225.230 | Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technol | Idowu, O.M.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Ajuwon, R.O., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Akinloye, O.A., Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | The effect of different sources of Zinc (Zn) in the diets of laying birds was investigated in a 10 weeks trial. Diets were formulated to include Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4), Zinc Carbonate (ZnCO3) and Zinc Proteinate (ZnP) in which Zn in each diet was supplied at 140 mgKg-' diet. Responses measured included performance, some serum biochemistry, Zn residues in tibia bone, liver, excreta and egg shell. Significant (p<0.05) differences were recorded among the treatment means in final body weight, feed intake, egg production and feed conversion ratio. Birds fed control diet significantly (p<0.05) consumed more feed than the birds on ZnP and other inorganic Zn sources. Birds on ZnP supplemented diet recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher egg production, this was however similar to the group fed ZnSO4 supplemented diet. Egg qualities were not significantly (p>0.05) different due to Zn sources except HU values. Serum glucose, SGPT and creatinine concentrations did not vary (p>0.05) due to Zn sources while serum protein, uric acid, SGOT and serum Zn concentrations were consistently lowered (p<0.05) in the control group. Birds on ZnP supplemented diet showed marked significant (p<0.05) difference in the value of Zn residue in tibia bone, liver and excreta of the chickens. The values of the stress indicators were consistently more pronounced in the control group than birds on Zn supplemented diets. For better laying performance, higher Zn retention and alleviation of stress, 140 ppm of Zn in bioplex form (Zn proteinate) was recommended for laying chickens in the tropics. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Laying hens; Residues; Zinc salts | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893709135 | Epidemiology, public health impact and control methods of the most neglected parasite diseases in Ethiopia: A review | Dawit G., Shishay K. | 2014 | World Journal of Medical Sciences | 10 | 2 | 10.5829/idosi.wjms.2014.10.2.81231 | Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia | Dawit, G., Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia; Shishay, K., Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia | Toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis and hydatidosis are the most neglected, an important public health problem and of economic importance, affecting largely the poorest of the poor, mainly in developing countries. Toxoplasmosis is a problematic zoonosis, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and immunodeficient patients. Toxoplasma gondii was first isolated in the early 1900s from an African rodent (i.e. Ctenodactylus gundi). Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, infecting humans and almost all warm-blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis is the most common disease complication, next to tuberculosis, among HIV seropositive admissions and deaths in Ethiopia. Leishmaniasis is a major vector-borne disease caused by obligate intramacrophage protozoa of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine female sand flies. Currently, leishmaniasis shows a wider geographic distribution and increased global incidence. Environmental, demographic and human behaviors contribute to the changing landscape for zoonotic cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The primary reservoir hosts of Leishmania are sylvatic mammals such as forest rodents, hyraxes and wild canids and dogs are the most important species among domesticated animals in the epidemiology. HIV/AIDS co-infection in the north-western, visceral leishmaniasis focus in Ethiopia has the highest known HIV co-infection rate in the world. Hydatidosis is a major parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus and is characterized by the formation of single or multiple cysts (hydatid cysts) varying in size. Dogs are particularly important in zoonotic transmission due to their close relationships with humans. Ethiopia has been noted for a high prevalence of hydatid disease since 1970s during which it was reported that the disease occurs in all parts of the country. Likewise, studies conducted recently in abattoirs of various locations have indicated that hydatidosis is widespread in Ethiopia with great economic and public health significance. Therefore, it is highly imperative public health education to build up public awareness about the sources of infection, control and prevention method for overcoming neglected tropical diseases. © IDOSI Publications, 2014. | Ethiopia; Hydatidosis; Leishmaniasis; Neglected; Toxoplasmosis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957565234 | Evaluation of dried leaf meal of an ethnomedicinal plant-neem-on linear growths and reproductive tract morphometry of rabbit does | Ogbuewu I.P., Okoro V.M., Okoli I.C., Iloeje M.U. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Ogbuewu, I.P., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Okoro, V.M., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Okoli, I.C., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Iloeje, M.U., Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Linear body changes and reproductive tract morphometric characteristics of rabbit does fed graded levels of neem leaf meal (NLM) based diets for 16 weeks were investigated. Thirty-six does were divided into 4 treatment groups of 9 rabbits each and the groups were randomly assigned to the 4 treatment diets with diet 1(control) containing no NLM while diet 2, 3 and 4 contained 5%, 10% and 15% NLM respectively, in a completely randomized design experiment. The ovarian weights of does on the control group was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the other three groups. Paired oviductal weights of the group fed control diet (standard diet) were significantly (p<0.05) heavier than the groups fed 5% and 10% NLM diets, but similar (p>0.05) to the group fed 15% NLM diet. The length of uterine horn and weight of cervix of the control rabbits were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the treatment diets. The weight of whole reproductive tract of the rabbits on 0% NLM were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the groups fed 5% and 10% NLM diets, but similar (p>0.05) to the group on 15% NLM diet. All the other parameters were similar (p>0.05) among the various treatment groups. The results suggest that rabbit does could tolerate up to 15% NLM without deleterious effects on body linear parameters and reproductive tract morphometry. | Growth; Neem; Rabbit; Reproductive tract | Azadirachta indica; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857867903 | Physiological response of broiler chickens to neem (Azadirachta indica) and akakapenpen (Rauvolfia vomitoria) decoctions: Performance and carcass characteristics | Zanu H.K., Kagya-Agyemang J.K., Kwenin W.K.J., Bonsu F.R.K., Antwi E., Ateni S. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 9 | 10.3923/ijps.2011.730.733 | Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana | Zanu, H.K., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Kagya-Agyemang, J.K., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Kwenin, W.K.J., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Bonsu, F.R.K., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Antwi, E., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Ateni, S., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana | A 6-week feeding trial was conducted on One hundred and eighty (180) Cobb broilers to evaluate the effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) decoction (AID) and Akakapenpen (Rauvolfia vomitoria) decoction (RVD) on body weight gain, carcass and organ characteristics and haematological values of broiler chickens. The leaves of Azadirachta indica and Rauvolfia vomitoria were harvested and dried in the sun until they became crispy but still greenish in coloration. They were washed and then boiled (40 g of chopped leaves in 9L of water). The decoctions were placed in separate sterilized bottles ready for use and were offered ad libitum. The birds were randomly distributed to the treatments with twenty (20) birds per replicate, with each treatment replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The total replacement of antibiotics and coccidiostat resulted in non-significant depression (p<0.05) in final body weight and weight gain in experimental birds. However, feed intake was slightly affected (p<0.05) by administration of RVD to broilers. There was no significant effect of decoctions on water intake, feed conversion efficiency and mortality. Decoction had no significant influence on the dressing percentage, weights of crop (full), heart, proventriculus (full), intestines (full), feet and head. Decoction however, significantly affected gizzard (both full and empty), crop (empty), liver, kidney and proventriculus (empty). Liver and gizzard weights significantly increased with the inclusion of AID and RVD in water. Apart from WBC and Lymphocytes which were significantly influenced by decoction, the other blood parameters did not show any significant difference. This study suggests that AID and RVD replacement to antibiotics and coccidiostat may have beneficial effects on body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Total comparative profit derived from replacing antibiotics + coccidiostat with AID and RVD resulted in economic gains. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Azadirachta indica; Broiler chickens; Decoctions; Rauvolfia vomitoria | Aves; Azadirachta indica; Gallus gallus; Rauvolfia; Rauvolfia vomitoria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960426080 | Sex influence on performance of West African Dwarf goats | Idiong N.B., Udom G.N. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Nigeria; Department of Crop Science, University of Uyo, Nigeria | Idiong, N.B., Department of Animal Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Nigeria; Udom, G.N., Department of Crop Science, University of Uyo, Nigeria | The performance of thirty West African Dwarf goats (15 males and 15 females) intensively fed on five fodder diets were compared, to determine the influence of animal sex on the parameters studied. The parameters evaluated were feed intake, apparent digestibility, body weight, body weight gains, feed conversion ratio and reproductive performance. Mean intake values for male and female goats were 2.03kg and 2.77kg respectively, indicating that the experimental does consumed more feed than the bucks. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in apparent dry matter digestibility with the females exhibiting superiority over the males. Similar results were recorded for body weight and feed conversion ratio. Effect of sex on weight gain was not significant (p>0.05). However, male goats exhibited puberty characteristics earlier than females. The mean live weight at puberty were 7.81kg and 8.68kg for the bucks and does respectively. | Dwarf goats; Sex; West African | Animalia; Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955638746 | Growth performances and cost analysis of weaner rabbits fed varying dietary levels of crude protein supplemented with tridax procumbens | Mmereole F.U.C., Egoh J.O., Obinne J.I. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba-Delta State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba-Delta State, Nigeria | Mmereole, F.U.C., Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba-Delta State, Nigeria; Egoh, J.O., Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba-Delta State, Nigeria; Obinne, J.I., Department of Agricultural Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba-Delta State, Nigeria | Growth performance and cost benefit implications of feeding weaner rabbits on concentrate diets supplemented with T. procumbens ad lib. was investigated in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment comprising four treatment groups. Thirty-six weaner rabbits were involved in the experiment. Nine rabbits randomly assigned to each of the four treatment groups consisting of the following: Diet 1 = 12% CP with Tridax, Diet 2 = 14% CP with Tridax, Diet 3 = 16% CP with Tridax and Diet 4 = 16% CP without Tridax as the control. The treatments were replicated thrice. The feeding trial lasted for fourty-two days during which data on body weight and weight gains, feed intake and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were collected. The data collected were subjected to cost/benefit evaluation and statistical analysis using S.A.S. (2002) software package. Dietary treatments produced significant (p<0.05) effects on feed consumption, body weights and weight gains, FCR, production costs and profit margins. Rabbits fed concentrate diets containing 14% CP+ Tridax supplement had the best feed conversion ratio, least production cost/per kg of body weight gain and highest profit margin than the other treatments. Based on the results, therefore, it is advisable to produce rabbits on diets formulated on 14% CP supplemented with Tridax ad lib if the producer's objective is to maximize profit. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Crude protein level; Growth performance; Profit margin; Rabbits; Tridax supplement | protein; animal experiment; article; body weight; controlled study; cost benefit analysis; diet supplementation; female; food composition; food intake; growth; male; nonhuman; plant; rabbit; statistical analysis; tridax procumbens; weight gain; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Tridax; Tridax procumbens | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951755323 | Evaluation of the dietary inclusion of Aloe Vera as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in broiler production | Mmereole F.U.C. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 1 | 10.3923/pjn.2011.1.5 | Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus-Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria | Mmereole, F.U.C., Department of Animal Science, Delta State University, Asaba Campus-Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria | An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of Aloe vera as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter on the performance and the haematological characteristics of the broiler chickens. The experiment involved one hundred and twenty day-old Abor-Acre broiler chicks which were distributed to three treatment groups. The treatment groups comprised the following: T1 = control (basal feed), T2 = basal feed + Aloe vera, T3 = basal feed + Teramycin soluble powder (antibiotic growth promoter). Fourty day-old chicks were assigned to each treatment group in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated four times with each replicate having ten birds. The experiment lasted 56 days (8 weeks) during which the following parameters were collected:- initial body weight at day old, weekly body weights and body weight gains. At the end of the experiment, 8 birds were randomly collected from each experimental group and bled to obtain blood samples to determine the blood characteristics of the birds. All the data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS (2002) package. Results obtained indicated that body weights and body weight gains were significantly (p>0.05) higher in the birds fed diets containing Aloe vera supplement (T2) than the birds fed control diet (T1) but there were no significant (p<0.05) differences T2 and T3. With respect to the results of the haematological analysis, it was observed that while the blood characteristics of the birds in T1 did not significantly (p>0.05) differ from those birds in T2, there were significant (p<0.05) differences between the birds in T2 and T3. Based on these results, it was concluded that while those birds in T2 compared very well with the birds placed on antibiotics growth promoter (T3) in respect of growth parameters, the birds on T2 (Aloe vera supplement) showed remarkable superiority in blood characteristics over the birds in T3 (antibiotics supplement). This is an indication that Aloe vera can be used to replace antibiotics growth promoters while avoiding the development of drug resistance associated with antibiotic growth promoters. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Aloe vera; Dietary inclusion; Drug resistance; Growth promoters; Haematological parameters | Aloe vera leaf powder; antibiotic agent; growth promotor; herbaceous agent; teramycin; unclassified drug; analysis of variance; animal experiment; animal food; animal tissue; article; bird; blood analysis; blood sampling; body weight; broiler; chick; chicken; controlled study; diet supplementation; drug resistance; hematological parameters; nonhuman; physical performance; plant leaf; randomization; weight gain; Aloe vera; Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547212751 | Effect of replacement of maize with earth ball (Icacinia manni) meal on the performance of broiler chickens | Umoren U.E., Isika M.A., Asanga E.P., Ezeigwe P.N. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 10 | 14 | None | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, Swaziland | Umoren, U.E., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Isika, M.A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria, Department of Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Swaziland, Swaziland; Asanga, E.P., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Ezeigwe, P.N., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria | The aim of the study was to assess the replacement value of earth ball for maize in broiler diets. A feeding trial was conducted for eight weeks using 220 unsexed Anak 2000 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design to assess the effect of replacement of maize with Icacinia manni meal at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% on the performance. The diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, containing 24% crude protein and 3095 Kcal kg -1 ME in the starter ration and 21% crude protein and 3204 Kcal kg -1 ME in the finisher mash. The birds were randomly distributed into 5 treatments with two replicates containing 22 birds each making a total of 44 birds per treatment. Results showed that in the starter phase, dietary treatments had significantly (p<0.05) least feed intake, body weight gain in the 45 and 60% Icacinia manni meal diets, but not significantly (p>0.05) different in mortality and feed conversion ratio. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also observed in feed intake and body weight gain in the finisher phase. Birds on 0 and 15% Icacinia manni meal diets consumed more feed and were heavier (p<0.05) than those on 30, 45 and 60% Icacinia meal diets. Mortality and feed conversion ratio were not significantly different (p>0.05) at the finisher phase. Birds on 0 and 15% Icacinia meal inclusion exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher dressed weight, kidney, liver, lung, shank, intestine, neck and gizzard weights. The study concludes that Icacinia manni meal could replace maize up to 15% in broiler diets without deleterious effect on performance, which holds great potential as feed ingredient in poultry nutrition. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Carcass; Feeding trial; Icacinia manni meal; Organ mass; Performance | animal; animal food; article; chicken; feeding behavior; growth, development and aging; maize; physiology; Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Feeding Behavior; Zea mays; Aves; Gallus gallus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053089228 | Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler finishers fed acidifier based diets | Ogunwole O.A., Abu O.A., Adepoju I.A. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 7 | 10.3923/pjn.2011.631.636 | Department of Animal Science, University of lbadan, lbadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Ogunwole, O.A., Department of Animal Science, University of lbadan, lbadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Abu, O.A., Department of Animal Science, University of lbadan, lbadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adepoju, I.A., Department of Animal Science, University of lbadan, lbadan, Oyo State, Nigeria | Effects of supplementing diets with Biotronics SE (an acidifier) in replacement of Oxytetracycline- HCI (Antibiotic Growth Promoter) (AGP) on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens was investigated using 128 Marshall Strain day old broilers. The birds were randomly allotted to four treatments with each treatment made of a duplicate of 16 chicks per replicate. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets (A: control diet without Oxytetracycline-HCI and Biotronics SE®; Diet B had 0.1% Oxytetracycline-HCI only, Diet C contained 0.3% Biotronics SE® only while Diet D contained 0.1% Oxytetracycline HCI and 0.3% Biotronics SE®) were formulated and each diet was offered in mash form to their respective birds from day 21 until week 7. At day 49, four chickens from each replicate were selected and sacrificed for the determination of carcass characteristics. Weight gain and feed intake were significantly higher (p<0.05) for birds on dietary treatment D. Variations in values obtained for the final body weight and mortality indices were however similar (p>0.05). Biotronics supplementation significantly improved (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio, live weight gain and bled weight. Other carcass and internal organs weights were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the inclusion of AGP or acidifier in the diets. Biotronics SE can suitably replace AGP in broilers diets. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Antibiotic growth promoter; Biotronics SE®; Broiler; Carcass characteristics; Performance; Supplementation | oxytetracycline; animal experiment; animal food; article; broiler; carcass; chick; controlled study; diet supplementation; food intake; growth rate; nonhuman; organ weight; poultry farming; task performance; therapy effect; treatment duration; weight gain; Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855181273 | The performance of broiler birds fed varying levels of roasted Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Seed Meal | Ani A.O., Okeke G.C. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 11 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ani, A.O., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okeke, G.C., Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Two experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of roasted Pigeonpea Seed Meal (PSM) on growth performance of broiler birds. Two hundred and forty day-old commercial unsexed broiler chicks (Anak strain) were used in experiment 1, while 168 four-week old broiler birds from experiment 1 were used in experiment 2. Birds in experiments 1 and 2 were divided into 6 groups. Experiment 1 birds were randomly assigned to six isoenergetic and isonitrogenous broiler starter diets containing 0, 6.5, 13.0, 19.5, 26.0 and 32.5% roasted PSM. Experiment 2 birds were also randomly assigned to 6 isoenergetic and isonitrogenous broiler finisher diets containing 0, 5.5, 10.5, 16.0, 21.5 and 27.0% roasted PSM. Parameters considered were weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, dressed carcass weight and carcass dressing percent. Results (Experiment 1) showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) among treatments in average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Feed intake, weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization declined at the 32.5% level of roasted PSM inclusion. However, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) among treatments in all the parameters considered in experiment 2. The results showed conclusively that roasted PSM can be included in broiler starter and finisher diets at 26% and 27% levels, respectively without any adverse effect on broiler birds. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Broiler birds; Effect; Growth performance; Roasted pigeon pea seed meal | animal experiment; animal food; animal tissue; article; broiler; carcass; controlled study; dietary intake; food composition; nonhuman; nutritional assessment; nutritional requirement; nutritional value; roasted pigeonpea seed meal; test meal; weight gain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934765105 | Productive and reproductive performance of holstein-friesian cows under farmer’s management in Hossana town, Ethiopia | Kebede H. | 2015 | International Journal of Dairy Science | 10 | 3 | 10.3923/ijds.2015.126.133 | Department of Animal Sciences, Wachemo University, P.O. Box 667, Hossana, Ethiopia | Kebede, H., Department of Animal Sciences, Wachemo University, P.O. Box 667, Hossana, Ethiopia | The study was conducted on 154 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows maintained under farmer’s managemental system in Hossana city (Ethiopia). A total of 80 HF owners were randomly selected and interviewed with structured questionnaire to assess the productive and reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cows. The results of the study showed that the mean milk yield/day/cow was 8.38±0.47 L, lactation length was 252.25±5.31 days, peak yield was11.39±0.58 L and lactation milk yield was 2149.19±143.80 L, number of services per conception was 1.8±0.09, age at first calving was 36.48±0.55 month, calving to first service interval was 212.70±18.12 days and calving interval was 462.87±19.48 days for HF cows. The constraints of dairy production in the study areas including feed shortage (1st), high feed cost (2nd), disease (3rd), scarce information about feeding (4th), high medicament cost (5th), scarcity of timely veterinary services (6th), lack of capital (7th), low price of milk (8th), heat detection (9th) and ineffici nt AI services (10th) were found to be the top challenges for dairy practice in the area. Therefore, strategies designed to solve the existing problem should be important by involving all stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of improvement strategies. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Holstein-Friesian; Hossana city; Productive; Reproductive performances | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859183527 | Ground prosopis juliflora pod as feed ingredient in poultry diet: Effects on laying performance and egg quality | Girma M., Urge M., Animut G. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 11 | None | Department of Animal Sciences, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Ethiopia; School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia | Girma, M., Department of Animal Sciences, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Ethiopia; Urge, M., School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia; Animut, G., School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia | One hundred and eighty 26-week old Bovans Brown commercial layers were used to determine the performance and economic of layers fed with ration containing Ground Prosopis Juliflora Pods (GPJP) at levels of 0 (T 1), 10 (T 2), 20 (T 3) and 30% (T 4) of the total ration. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments, each replicated three times with 15 birds per replicate. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. Hens were individually weighed at the start and end of the experiment. Data on Dry Matter Intake (DMI), Hen Day Egg Production (HDEP), egg weight and egg mass were recorded daily. Egg quality parameters (egg shell weight and thickness, albumen weight and height, Haugh unit and egg yolk weight and color) were determined at an interval of 3 days on 6 eggs per replicate. GPJP contained 12.1% CP, 7.3% ether extract, 14.4% crude fiber and 82.3 μg/100 g beta-carotene. DMI and HDEP was lower (p<0.05) for T 4 than T 1 and T 2 and that of egg mass was significantly lower (p<0.05) for T 4 than T 1 (DMI: 111.4, 111.8, 110.5 and 105.4 g/day (SEM = 1.92); HDEP: 67.2, 67.7, 62.7 and 60.0% (SEM = 0.02); egg mass: 44.0, 43.8, 41.3 and 39.6 g/day (SEM = 1.49) for T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 4, respectively). Body weight change and feed conversion ratio was not impacted (p>0.05) by treatment. Except for egg yolk color which was greater (p<0.05) for T 4 than other treatments, all quality parameters were similar among treatments. Therefore, based on the results of the current study, the 10% GPJP inclusion level in the ration of layers is more economical. Although 30% GPJP inclusion level in the ration of layers improved egg yolk color and it appeared to result in reduction of egg production and egg mass. Therefore, up to 20% GPJP inclusion in layers ration is recommendable based on the performance of the birds, although the treatment with 10% GPJP in the ration seems to be more economical. ©Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Bovans Brown; Egg mass; Egg quality; Ground Prosopis juliflora pods | Aves; Prosopis juliflora | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955598430 | Evaluation of the tubers and oil of Cyperus rotundus Linn (CYPERACEAE) | Emelugo B.N., Umerie S.C., Okonkwo I.F., Achufusi J.N. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 2 | None | Department of Applied Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Agriculture and Bioresource Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Biology, Nwa | Emelugo, B.N., Department of Applied Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Umerie, S.C., Department of Applied Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Okonkwo, I.F., Department of Agriculture and Bioresource Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Achufusi, J.N., Department of Biology, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra State, Nigeria | The proximate analysis of Cyperus rotundus tubers were evaluated and the composition was found to be: 9.0±0.80, 1.75±0.55, 9.50±0.86, 7.87±0.92, 17.48±1.04 and 63.60±1.52% for moisture, crude protein, oil, ash, crude fibre and carbohydrate respectively. The quality of the oil extracted by Soxhlet was assessed in terms of acid value, free fatty acid content, iodine value, saponification value and specific gravity. Results showed that the oil has a low iodine number thus placing it as a non-drying oil, stable and reduced degree of unsaturation. The saponification value and the heat of combustion, implicated the oil as non-edible but can be used for making alkyd resin, shampoo and soaps. The phytochemical constituents; terpenoids, tannins and flavonoids are also implicated in the allelopathic properties of the tubers. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Characterization; Cyperus rotundus tubers; Oil extraction; Proximate evaluation | carbohydrate; fatty acid; flavonoid; iodine; resin; shampoo; soap; tannin derivative; terpenoid derivative; vegetable oil; vegetable protein; article; ash; biochemical composition; combustion; controlled study; Cyperus; Cyperus rotundus; heat; moisture; nonhuman; physical chemistry; plant fiber; plant morphology; quality control; relative density; saponification; tuber; Cyperus rotundus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951515024 | Mathematical Analysis of an HIV/AIDS Model: Impact of Educational Programs and Abstinence in Sub-Saharan Africa | Bhunu C.P., Mushayabasa S., Kojouharov H., Tchuenche J.M. | 2011 | Journal of Mathematical Modelling and Algorithms | 10 | 1 | 10.1007/s10852-010-9134-0 | Department of Applied Mathematics, Modelling Biomedical Systems Research Group, National University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box AC 939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 OES, United Kingdom; Department of Mathematics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019-0408, United States; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada | Bhunu, C.P., Department of Applied Mathematics, Modelling Biomedical Systems Research Group, National University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box AC 939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 OES, United Kingdom; Mushayabasa, S., Department of Applied Mathematics, Modelling Biomedical Systems Research Group, National University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box AC 939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Kojouharov, H., Department of Mathematics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019-0408, United States; Tchuenche, J.M., Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada | We formulate a deterministic HIV/AIDS model to theoretically investigate how counselling and testing coupled with the resulting decrease in sexual activity could affect the HIV epidemic in resource-limited communities. The threshold quantities are determined and stabilities analyzed. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations support the idea that increase in the number of sexually inactive HIV positive individuals who voluntarily abstain from sex has a positive impact on HIV/AIDS control. Results from this theoretical study suggest that effective counselling and testing have a great potential to partially control the epidemic (especially when HIV positive individuals either willingly withdraw from risky sexual activities or disclose their status beforehand) even in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Therefore, more needs to be done in resource-limited settings, such as sub-Saharan Africa, as far as the HIV/AIDS epidemic is concerned and a formalized information, education, and communication strategy should be given prominence in educational campaigns. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Abstinence; HIV/AIDS; Reproduction number; Resource-limited; Testing and counselling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939517196 | Effect of different stocking density on nutrient utilization, growth performance and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) fry in recirculatory system | Kareem O.K., Olanrewaju A.N. | 2015 | Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science | 10 | 5 | 10.3923/jfas.2015.400.404 | Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibada, Nigeria; Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, P.M.B 1060, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Kareem, O.K., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibada, Nigeria; Olanrewaju, A.N., Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, P.M.B 1060, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Management of C. gariepinus fry in recirculating tank is one modern technique applied for fish culture in Nigeria. Since, this system is gaining popularity nationwide there is a dare need to investigate appropriate stocking density as already established for both concrete tanks and earthen pond system. Clarias gariepinus fry (0.14±0.01 g) were reared in indoor recirculating tanks (60.5 m3) at three different stocking rates 5000, 8000 and 12000 fry/tank as treatment LD, MD and HD respectively for a period of eight weeks. The experiment was duplicated and fish were fed 45% crude protein diet at 5% in four installments daily. The mean body weight gain and SGR decreased with increasing stocking density. The best growth performance (weight gain, length gain and SGR) was achieved in treatment LD. The lowest FCR (1.04±0.01) value was obtained in HD but show no significant difference (p>0.05) to other treatments. Percentage survival of the fish was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the stocking density with the highest value recorded in LD (86.8%). Waterquality parameters were within the recommended ranges throughout the experimental period. From this study, the stocking density of 5000 fry m-3 is recommended for efficient feed utilization, optimum growth performance and survival in a re-circulatory culture system. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Fish seed; Growth performance; Recirculating system; Stocking density | finfish; growth rate; growth response; recirculating system; stock assessment; stocking density; survival; Clarias gariepinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745807956 | Improving the laboratory diagnosis of TB in Ghana: The impact of a quality assurance system | Addo K.K., Dan-Dzide M., Yeboah-Manu D., Owusu-Darko K., Caulley P., Minamikawa M., Bonsu F., Lienhardt C., Akpedonu P., Ofori-Adjei D. | 2006 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 10 | 7 | None | Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Korle-Bu, Ghana; National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Korle-Bu, Ghana; West African TB Research Initiative, Dakar, Senegal; Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana | Addo, K.K., Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana, Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana; Dan-Dzide, M., Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; Yeboah-Manu, D., Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; Owusu-Darko, K., Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; Caulley, P., National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Korle-Bu, Ghana; Minamikawa, M., Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; Bonsu, F., National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Korle-Bu, Ghana; Lienhardt, C., West African TB Research Initiative, Dakar, Senegal; Akpedonu, P., Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana; Ofori-Adjei, D., Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana | SETTING: Greater Accra region, Ghana. OBJECTIVE: To establish a pilot quality assurance (QA) system in sputum smear microscopy and to evaluate its impact. DESIGN: Quarterly supporting visits were paid to participating laboratories between 2000 and 2002. Fifteen examined slides were selected randomly from each laboratory during the visits and blindly re-assessed. Feedback was given promptly to the various laboratories. Training and stakeholder workshops were organised whenever necessary. RESULTS: General improvements in smear preparation and staining as well as the reading ability of the laboratory personnel included in the study were observed. The average marks for specimen quality, staining ability, smear cleanness, thickness, size and evenness increased from 64%, 79%, 69%, 46%, 67% and 60% in the last quarter of 2000 to 81%, 90%, 86%, 79%, 80% and 74%, respectively, 24 months after the establishment of the QA system. Within the same period, the rate of false-positives and -negatives decreased from respectively 14.8% and 20.5% to 0%, and agreements in positivity grade increased from 74% to 95%. The performance of the participating laboratories in keeping the laboratory registers up to date also improved. CONCLUSION: The QA system needs to be extended to the rest of the country. © 2006 The Union. | Ghana; Pilot system; Quality assurance; Sputum smear microscopy | article; false negative result; false positive result; Ghana; health care quality; human; job performance; laboratory diagnosis; medical education; priority journal; sputum smear; tuberculosis; Ghana; Humans; Laboratory Techniques and Procedures; Pilot Projects; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Tuberculosis | 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-s2.0-47249092753 | Impact of insecticide spray regimes on insect abundance in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in North Eastern Nigeria | Sharah H.A., Ali E.A. | 2008 | International Journal of Agriculture and Biology | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Crop Protection, University of Maidguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 1427, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Sharah, H.A., Department of Crop Protection, University of Maidguri, P.M.B 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Ali, E.A., College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 1427, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Field experiment was carried in Maiduguri during two cropping seasons to assess crop - pest cycle in relation to pest control using insecticides in cowpea [(Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)]. The factional experiment considered two types of insecticides (Decis: deltamethrin and Nogos: dichlorvos) and nine (9) spraying regimes. The four stages in the phenology (pre-flowering (vegetative), flowering, podding & maturation) were monitored closely until harvest. Flower and pod drops were significantly different between control and treated plots and the cost: benefit ratios also followed similar trends. Pest species were more abundant at the pre-flowering and maturation in all the treatments, whether chemically treated or not. A total of 14,400 insect species were counted from the 50 observations in the two seasons and grouped into six orders, listed in order of abundance. Thysanoptera topped the list and diptera was the least in abundance. Insect populations were higher in the untreated (control) plots than in all the two-sprayed fields with 18.3% and 10.3% more between the un-sprayed (control; T0) and the complete controlled (T8) for Decis and Nogos treated plots, respectively. A significant interaction existed between insecticides types and spray regimes as there was low insect number per plant in Decis-treated plots than in Nogos treated plots. Flower and flower drops, pods and pods drops and cost: benefit ratios were significantly different with spaying regimes irrespective of the chemicals. Decis treated fields had better protection from Nogos treated fields. | Cost:benefit ratio; Crop phenology; Crop-pest cycle; Flowering; Insecticides; Pest abundance; Podding stages; Spraying regimes | Diptera; Hexapoda; Thysanoptera; Vigna unguiculata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84935090382 | Evaluation of antimicrobial potential of a galactose-specific lectin in the skin mucus of african catfish (clarias gariepinus, burchell, 1822) against some aquatic microorganisms | Olayemi O.O., Adenike K., Ayinde A.D. | 2015 | Research Journal of Microbiology | 10 | 4 | 10.3923/jm.2015.132.144 | Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria | Olayemi, O.O., Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria; Adenike, K., Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria; Ayinde, A.D., Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria | A galactose-specific lectin purified from the skin mucus of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was tested for antimicrobial activities against microbial pathogens isolated from the catfish pond water with a view to examining the involvement of the protein in the host defense mechanism. Standard methods of microbial isolation and identification were employed and disc-diffusion method was used for the anti-microbial assay. Anti-microbial evaluation of standard antibiotics ampicillin and nystatin were used as comparative study. The microbial load of the fish pond water was high, with highest total bacterial count of 7.1×10<inf>8</inf> CFU mL-1 and fungal count of 6.7×103 CFU mL-1. Twelve bacterial species and 14 fungi species were isolated and identified from the pond water. The lectin specifically agglutinated different Gram-negative bacteria, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Alcaligenes faecalis, Klebsiella edwardsii and Vibrio metschnikovii but had no effect on Gram-positive bacteria. It inhibited strongly the growth of A. hydrophila, A. faecalis, Bacillus cereus, B. polymyxa, K. pneumoniae, K. edwardsii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and V. metschnikovii. In the same manner, the lectin inhibited the mycelia growth of yeast, Kluyveromyces marxianus and a phytopathogenic fungus, Fusarium oxysporum. The ability of skin mucus lectin to agglutinate and inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi will make available effective defense mechanism for the African catfish against invading microbes. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | African catfish; Agglutination; Antimicrobial; Lectin; Pathogens; Skin mucus | Aeromonas hydrophila; Alcaligenes faecalis; Bacillus cereus; Bacteria (microorganisms); Clarias gariepinus; Fungi; Fusarium oxysporum; Klebsiella; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Kluyveromyces marxianus; Negibacteria; Polymyxa; Posibacteria; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Vibrio metschnikovii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84864859953 | Impact-based cost-benefit analysis model for management of crude oil contaminated agricultural soil | Ogugua V.N., Egolum C.C., Onyike N.B., Onwurah I.N.E. | 2012 | International Journal of Environment and Waste Management | 10 | 03-Feb | 10.1504/IJEWM.2012.048373 | Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Estate Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Abia State University, Abia State, Nigeria; Polluti | Ogugua, V.N., Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria; Egolum, C.C., Department of Estate Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria; Onyike, N.B., Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Abia State University, Abia State, Nigeria; Onwurah, I.N.E., Pollution Control and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria | Evaluating the compensation payable to farmers whose farms/farmlands have been rendered unproductive due to oil spill requires adequate scientific research and improved decision-making. This work proposes a bacterial-based mathematical framework as a decision-support system for evaluating crude oil spill impact on agricultural soil. The rate of 'in situ' biodegradation of the crude oil predicts the half-life of the spilled crude oil in the soil ecosystem while the inherent toxicity of the spilled oil provided the impact value (E), which was integrated into a version of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) model referred to as Impact-Based Cost-Benefit Analysis (IBCBA) that can be used for computing the adequate compensation payable. Scientific research initiatives that may engender integrated management of crude oil-contaminated agricultural soil are highlighted. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Adaptive management; Biodegradation rate; Oil-polluted soil; Valuation | Adaptive Management; Agricultural soils; Analysis models; Biodegradation rate; Impact value; In-situ; Integrated management; Mathematical frameworks; Scientific researches; Agriculture; Biodegradation; Cost effectiveness; Crude oil; Decision support systems; Microbiology; Oil spills; Resource valuation; Soil pollution; Soils; Solid wastes; Waste management; Geologic models | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941911390 | Evaluation of some heavy metals concentration in River Argungu | Obaroh I.O., Abubakar U., Haruna M.A., Elinge M.C. | 2015 | Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science | 10 | 6 | 10.3923/jfas.2015.581.586 | Department of Biological Sciences, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 1144, Aliero Birniin Kebbi, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodio Univeresity, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria; Department of Fisheries and Aqu | Obaroh, I.O., Department of Biological Sciences, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 1144, Aliero Birniin Kebbi, Nigeria; Abubakar, U., Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodio Univeresity, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria; Haruna, M.A., Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University Dutse, P.M.B. 7156Jigawa State, Nigeria; Elinge, M.C., Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 1144, Aliero, Birniin Kebbi, Nigeria | Pollution of inland water ways is largely as a result of human activities along the river banks. Some heavy metals concentrations of River Argungu were evaluated due to its close proximity to the town. The study lasted for 12 months (March, 2014-February, 2015) using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) Analysis. Nickel and copper were highest during the month of July with mean values of 1.02±0.02 and 1.81±0.23 mg L-1, respectively, lead and chromium were highest during the month of September with mean values of 13.12±0.18 and 0.14±0.05 mg L-1, respectively. The Mean±SD of eight heavy metals assessed indicated that, nickel, iron, lead and cadmium detected were observed to be higher than the permissible limit (nickel 0.02, iron 0.30, lead 0.01 and cadmium 0.003 mg L-1) throughout the study period. Zinc was however, lower than the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) throughout the period of the study. Most of the highest concentrations of heavy metals observed were at the onset and during the rainy season. The high concentrations of some heavy metals observed in the river could be as a result of human activities mostly concentrated at the river banks and run-off during the rainy season. This study infers that, some fish species could be threaten as a result of the high concentrations of most of the heavy metals, thus the need for an efficient and sustainable fisheries management to control human activities along the river bank. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Analysis; Composition; Concentration; Water samples; X-ray | anthropogenic effect; concentration (composition); fishery management; heavy metal; human activity; river bank; river pollution; river water; sustainability; X-ray; Argungu River; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945940863 | Evaluation of spatial and temporal characteristics of wind and wind resources: A case study of some nigerian cities | Ngene B.U., Agunwamba J.C., Tenebe I.T., Emenike P.C. | 2015 | International Journal of Applied Engineering Research | 10 | 19 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria | Ngene, B.U., Department of Civil Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Agunwamba, J.C., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Tenebe, I.T., Department of Civil Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Emenike, P.C., Department of Civil Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Wind Energy available in 24 Nigeria cities is estimated using monthly wind speed data. The country is grouped into zones, namely: Coastal, Inland, Middle Belt and far Northern regions for effective characterization into areas of similar climatic conditions. To analyze the wind data, a check on the reliability is made to ensure adequacy for the estimation of spatial and temporal characteristics of the nation’s wind resources. The long-term average wind speed, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, shape and scale factors and wind power densities are estimated for each city and averaged for zones. From the results generated, the classification of the 24 stations into class 1-7 is made. Classification indicates class 1 for the weakest location for siting of wind power generators to class 7 the strongest possible site for electric energy generator site. Sites with high altitude mostly in the Northern part of the country, such as Jos, Minna, Sokoto, Gusau, Katsina and Kano show potentials for investment in wind power generators. In the southern part of the country, possible offshore wind generator is advocated. For cities such as Ikeja, Enugu and Ikom, generators may be considered though not very economical when average yearly wind speed is the subject. © Research India Publications. | Seasons and characteristics; Wind power; Wind speed; Zones | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956619412 | The impact of prior information on estimates of disease transmissibility using bayesian tools | Moser C.B., Gupta M., Archer B.N., White L.F. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0118762 | Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa | Moser, C.B., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Gupta, M., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Archer, B.N., National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; White, L.F., Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States | The basic reproductive number (R0) and the distribution of the serial interval (SI) are often used to quantify transmission during an infectious disease outbreak. In this paper, we present estimates of R0 and SI from the 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong and Singapore, and the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) outbreak in South Africa using methods that expand upon an existing Bayesian framework. This expanded framework allows for the incorporation of additional information, such as contact tracing or household data, through prior distributions. The results for the R0 and the SI from the influenza outbreak in South Africa were similar regardless of the prior information (R 0 = 1.36 -1.46,μ = 2.0-2.7,μ = mean of the SI). The estimates of R0 and μ for the SARS outbreak ranged from 2.0-4.4 and 7.4-11.3, respectively, and were shown to vary depending on the use of contact tracing data. The impact of the contact tracing data was likely due to the small number of SARS cases relative to the size of the contact tracing sample. © 2015 Moser et al. | None | 2009 H1N1 influenza; Article; basic reproduction number; Bayes theorem; contact examination; disease transmission; epidemic; Hong Kong; household; human; sample size; serial interval; severe acute respiratory syndrome; Singapore; South Africa; statistical model; statistical parameters; Bayes theorem; computer simulation; confidence interval; epidemic; Influenza A virus (H1N1); Influenza, Human; severe acute respiratory syndrome; statistics and numerical data; transmission; virology; Bayes Theorem; Computer Simulation; Confidence Intervals; Contact Tracing; Disease Outbreaks; Hong Kong; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; Singapore; South Africa | NIGMS, National Institute of General Medical Sciences |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36348983375 | Evaluation of the yield of Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont) singer on selected economic tree species | Ayodele S.M., Akpaja E.O., Anyiador F. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 10 | 23 | None | Department of Botany, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Department of Botany, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Ayodele, S.M., Department of Botany, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria; Akpaja, E.O., Department of Botany, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Anyiador, F., Department of Botany, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria | Sawdust from seven economic trees (Mansonia altissima, Piptadeniastrum africanum, Nesogordonia papaverifera, Combretodendron macrocarpum, Terminalia sp., Khaya ivorensis and Brachystegia nigerica were used to cultivate Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont) Singer. The highest mycelial density was observed in the sawdust of Mansonia altissimia and lowest in Piptadeniastrum africanum. Time of premodial emergence, fresh weight of mushroom and number of flushes varied from one sawdust to the other. The best sawdust for the growth of this mushroom among the sawdust of the economic trees was that of Combretodendron macrocarpum. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Economic trees; Evaluation; Lentinus squarrosulus; Yield | analysis of variance; article; economics; Lentinus; microbiology; physiology; tree; Analysis of Variance; Economics; Lentinula; Trees; Basidiomycota; Brachystegia; Khaya ivorensis; Lentinus; Lentinus squarrosulus; Mansonia altissima; Nesogordonia; Piptadeniastrum africanum; Terminalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858827980 | Comparing levels of use of project plans and performance of traditional contract and design-build construction projects in Nigeria | Idoro G. | 2012 | Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology | 10 | 1 | 10.1108/17260531211211863 | Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria | Idoro, G., Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria | Purpose: The prominent role of traditional contract and design-build methods in the procurement of projects and the importance of planning in the success of the projects prompt this study. The study evaluates the levels of use of project documents and their influence on the outcome of projects procured by the two methods. The purpose of this paper is to assist stakeholders in comparing the documents prepared and the performance of projects procured by traditional contract and design-build methods. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a questionnaire survey approach to achieve its purpose. A field survey of 84 projects made up of 42 traditional contract projects and 42 design-build projects selected by purposive sampling was conducted. Three categories of variables namely: procurement method, project planning and project outcome were used. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires and analysed to derive and compare the levels of use of selected project plans, levels of project inception, design, tendering, construction and overall planning in projects procured by traditional contract and design-build methods using percentage, mean and t-test. Findings: The results reveal that the levels of project stage and overall planning in projects procured by the two methods investigated are the same. However, the levels of use of specific plans and project outcome in the two categories of projects are significantly different. The study considers the difference in the levels of use of project plans to be responsible for the lower delivery time and cost of projects procured by traditional contract method and higher quality standards in projects procured by design-build method. Originality/value: The paper has revealed the level of efforts put into the planning of projects procured by traditional contract and design-build methods and their influence on the performance of the projects. The results will make project stakeholders aware of how to improve their efforts, thereby improving the outcome of the projects. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Construction industry; Contracts; Document management; Nigeria; Procurement management; Project management; Project performance; Project planning | Document management; Nigeria; Procurement management; Project performance; Project planning; Construction industry; Contracts; Information services; Project management; Surveys; Model buildings | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79954480944 | Strategic flexibility and market performance of SMEs in Nigeria | Asikhia O. | 2011 | International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development | 10 | 1 | 10.1504/IJMED.2011.039659 | Department of Business Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Canaan Land, Km. 10, Idiroko, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Asikhia, O., Department of Business Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Canaan Land, Km. 10, Idiroko, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | The study determines the relationship between strategic flexibility and market performance of small-and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. This paper presents primary data collected by self-administered questionnaires involving a sample of 476 respondents from different regions of Nigeria. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical and correlation analysis as well as structural equation modelling. This study reveals that strategic flexibility relates positively and significantly with market performance variables and that marketing competence and competitive intensity moderate the strategic flexibility - performance relationship of the SMEs. The empirical evidence of this paper affects major aspects of SMEs' management and relevant recommendations are made. Copyright © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Competitive intensity; Enterprise development; Market performance; Marketing competence; Nigeria; Small-and medium-scale enterprises; SMEs; Strategic flexibility | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960952091 | Evaluation of some heavy metals in tilapia nicolitica found in selected rivers in Bayelsa state | Godwin J., Vaikosen N.E., Njoku C.J., Sebye J. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 7 | None | Department of Chemical Sciences, Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Department of | Godwin, J., Department of Chemical Sciences, Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Vaikosen, N.E., Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Njoku, C.J., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Sebye, J., Department of Chemical Sciences, Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria | There are numerous environmental problems associated with up-stream petroleum operations. Various drilling chemicals containing heavy metals are used and thereby released into the aquatic environment. Some of these metals are toxic and bio-accumulate in aquatic organism.Tilapia fish (tilapia nicolitica sp.) was collected from four fishing communities in Bayelsa State which had witnessed oil exploration and exploitation activities since early 1970s to date. Dry samples from studied locations were separated into flesh, gills and head. These parts were dry-ashed and analysed with spectrochemical methods for the heavy metals Cadmium, Cobalt, Lead, Nickel and Vanadium. The concentrations ranges were; Cadmium 0.09 mgKg -1 - 5.50 mgKg -1, Cobalt 5-10 mgKg -1 - 11-70 mgKg -1, Lead 1.20 mgKg -1 - 61.20 mgKg -1 and Nickel 2.10 mgKg -1 - 13.0 mgKg -1. Vanadium was below detection limit of 0.05 mgKg -1. The gills and head were found to have higher concentrations of the metals than the flesh in most of the samples. | Aquatic environment; Bioaccumulation; Cichlid fish; Dry-ashing; Spectrochemical methods; Toxicity | Cichlidae; Tilapia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949792518 | Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel Ferroquine and Phenylequine Analogues as Potential Antiplasmodial Agents | Jacobs L., De Kock C., De Villiers K.A., Smith P.J., Smith V.J., Van Otterlo W.A.L., Blackie M.A.L. | 2015 | ChemMedChem | 10 | 12 | 10.1002/cmdc.201500349 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X2 Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Jacobs, L., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X2 Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; De Villiers, K.A., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X2 Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Smith, V.J., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Van Otterlo, W.A.L., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Blackie, M.A.L., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | 7-Chloroquinoline-based antimalarial drugs are effective in the inhibition of hemozoin formation in the food vacuole of the Plasmodium parasite, the causative agent of malaria. We synthesized five series of ferroquine (FQ) and phenylequine (PQ) derivatives, which display good in vitro efficacy toward both the chloroquine-sensitive (CQS) NF54 (IC50: 4.2 nm) and chloroquine-resistant (CQR) Dd2 (IC50: 33.7 nm) strains of P. falciparum. Several compounds were found to have good inhibitory activity against β-hematin formation in an NP-40 detergent assay, with IC50 values ranging between 10.4 and 19.2 μm. © 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | ferroquine; malaria; oxalamide; phenylequine; β-hematin | antimalarial agent; aromatic amine; artesunate; beta hematin; chloroquine; ethyl 2 [[2 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]amino] 2 oxoacetate; ethyl 2 [[3 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)propyl] [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]amino] 2 oxoacetate; ferroquine; hematin; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]butan 1,4 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]hexan 1,6 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]ethan 1,2 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 3 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]propan 1,3 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 4 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]butan 1,4 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 5 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]pentan 1,5 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 5 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]penta 1,5 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 6 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]hexan 1,6 diamine; n 1 (7 chloroquinolin 4 yl) n 6 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]hexane 1,6 diamine; n 1 [2 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]oxalamide; n 1 [2 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 2 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [2 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 4 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [3 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 3 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]oxalamide; n 1 [3 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 3 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [4 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 4 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]oxalamide; n 1 [4 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 4 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [5 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 5 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; n 1 [6 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 6 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]benzyl]oxalamide; n 1 [6 (7 chloroquinolin 4 ylamino)ethyl] n 6 [2 [(dimethylamino)methyl]ferrocenylmethyl]oxalamide; phenylequine derivative; unclassified drug; unindexed drug; antimalarial activity; antimalarial drug resistance; Article; carbon nuclear magnetic resonance; cross resistance; drug design; drug efficacy; drug screening; drug synthesis; follow up; hydrogen bond; IC50; in vitro study; infrared spectroscopy; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; priority journal; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; X ray diffraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755182066 | Physico-chemical and sensory evaluation of market yoghurt in Nigeria | Olugbuyiro J.A.O., Oseh J.E. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 10 | None | Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Olugbuyiro, J.A.O., Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Oseh, J.E., Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | This study examined the quality of some yoghurts made and sold in the Nigerian market. Nine commercially available brands of yoghurt drinks which represent seven different manufacturers were randomly selected. The samples included seven plain yoghurt and two fruit yoghurt samples. All yoghurt samples were analyzed for chemical properties (moisture%, ash %, total solids, SNF, fat, pH and titratable acidity) and the organoleptic tests (color, thickness, appearance, body, texture, taste, smell, flavor and over all acceptability). The results of the study showed that the physico-chemical composition of the manufactured yogurts was different. The pH values of the samples ranged between 3.70-4.33 which were reasonably suitable for yoghurt marketed in tropical areas. No direct relationship was observed between pH values and titratable acidity. There was marked variation in the % fat content of the products. The results of the sensory evaluation revealed that flavor with respect to taste and smell had significant influence (p<0.05) on overall acceptability of yogurt product. So, the yogurt manufacturers need to improve on the sensory properties in particular flavor and taste for better consumer acceptability. Also, they may improve on packaging by labeling to specifications that precisely represent the content and type. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Chemical evaluation; Consumer acceptance; Sensory properties; Yogurt | yoghurt; acidity; article; controlled study; flavor; food analysis; food composition; food industry; food quality; moisture; Nigeria; organoleptic property; pH; physical chemistry; reference value; sensory analysis; taste; tropics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929400224 | Computational evaluation of the effect of structural parameters of 3-flouro thiophene and 3-thiophene malonic acid on corrosion inhibition efficiency of mild steel in acidic media | Usman B., Maarof H., Abdallah H.H., Aziz M. | 2015 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 10 | 4 | None | Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia; Advanced Membrane Technology Centre, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia; Department of P | Usman, B., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Bayero University, Kano. P. M. B, Kano, Nigeria; Maarof, H., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia; Abdallah, H.H., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia, Department of Chemistry, Education College, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq; Aziz, M., Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia, Advanced Membrane Technology Centre, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'azim, Malaysia | The effect of the substituent's, halide and carboxylic group on thiophene compounds, namely 3-flourothiophene (3FT) and 3-thiophene malonic acid (3TMA) on the corrosion inhibition efficiency of mild steel in acidic media has been predicted using quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model and quantum chemical calculation. The results from QSAR model show that 3TMA exhibit higher corrosion inhibition efficiency of 85.3 and 91.7%, which may be due to the increase in length of the malonic acid then 3FT which tends to exhibit higher electron withdrawing ability as a result of the fluorine substitution and hence lower corrosion inhibition efficiency of 40.6 and 42.1% respectively. Similarly the molecular structure of the compounds was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculation with 6-311G++(d,p) basis set. Quantum chemical parameters were calculated, the results show that QSAR model can be used to predict the corrosion inhibition performance of a compound prior to experimental. © 2015 The Authors. | 3-Flourothiophene; 3-Thiophene malonic acid; Corrosion inhibition; DFT; QSAR | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953337190 | Synthesis, photo physical studies and evaluation of ruthenium(II) complexes of polypyridyl ligands as sensitizer for DSSCs | Mkhohlakali A.C., Ajibade P.A. | 2015 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 10 | 12 | None | Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice, South Africa | Mkhohlakali, A.C., Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice, South Africa; Ajibade, P.A., Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X 1314, Alice, South Africa | In the research on TiO2 nanocrystalline sensitization, ruthenium(II) complexes have received considerable attention in order to get efficient dyes for DSSCs. In this study, we report the synthesis of ruthenium(II) complexes formulated as [Ru(L1)(L2)(NCS)2], [Ru(L3)(L1)((NCS)2] where L1= 1,10-phenanthroline-4,7-disulphonic acid, L2= 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid and L3 = 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxy aldehyde. The compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The complexes exhibited a broad metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption bands in the range 510-531 nm and intense (π-π*) transitions between 240-380 nm. Some of these complexes showed emission maxima up to 680 nm. The compounds were used sensitizers to fabricate solar cells and an overall conversion efficiencies of 0.2-1.06 % under standard 1 sun 1.5 AM illumination (100 mWcm-2) with open circuit voltage 0.53, and 0.6, 0.48 V, short circuit current density up to 3.4 mAcm-2 and fill factor up to 0.6 were obtained. © 2015 The Authors. | DSSCS; Open voltage solar cell efficiency; Photo physical properties; Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes; Short circuit current voltage | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929955236 | Performance of bonded boards using lignin-based resins | Oluwasina O.O., Lajide L., Owolabi B.J. | 2015 | Wood Material Science and Engineering | 10 | 2 | 10.1080/17480272.2014.923044 | Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Oluwasina, O.O., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Lajide, L., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Owolabi, B.J., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Abstract: Lignin was extracted from some underutilized plant materials using soda–anthraquinone and soda–anthraquinone–ethanol pulping chemicals. Soda–anthraquinone–ethanol gave higher lignin yield, ranging from 44.47% to 50.41% versus 39.40% to 47.92% of soda-anthraquinone. The isolated lignin was used as a partial substitution for phenol in preparation of lignin-phenol-formaldehyde. The free formaldehyde of the resins ranges from 0.25% to 0.67% versus 1.23% of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin used as control. The bonding effectiveness of the resin was evaluated when used as glue for board preparation. The density of the board ranges from 333.54 Kg/m3 to 363.84 Kg/m3. The result revealed that Musa sapientum-, Musa parasidiaca- and Tithonia diversifolia- soda–anthraquinone-derived resins, and soda-anthraquinone–ethanol-derived resin of M. parasidiaca and T. diversifolia had boards with better modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) than the board obtained using PF resin. © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | Board; characterization; lignin; plants; pulping; resin | Aromatic compounds; Characterization; Ethanol; Formaldehyde; Ketones; Lignin; Phenols; Board; Bonding effectiveness; Free formaldehydes; Lignin-phenol-formaldehyde; Partial substitution; Phenol formaldehyde; plants; pulping; Resins | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755171146 | Evaluation of protein and amino acid composition of selected spices grown in the Middle belt region of Nigeria | Aremu M.O., Alade P., Nweze C.C. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 10 | None | Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | Aremu, M.O., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Alade, P., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Nweze, C.C., Department of Biochemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | A study was conducted to determine the suitability of six different spices (pepper, garlic, ginger, onion, curry leaf and tomatoes) with a view to appraising their nutritive values. For this purpose, crude protein and amino acid composition were determined using standard analytical techniques. The result gave crude protein content in percentage as; pepper (20.11), garlic (19.94), ginger (11.43), onion (10.36), curry leaf (25.67) and tomatoes (19.83). The Total Amino Acid (TAA) of pepper, garlic, ginger, onion, curry leaf and tomatoes were: 48.40, 66.25, 39.21, 40.21, 78.08 and 40.30 g/100g crude protein, respectively. The order of calculated isoelectric point (pI) was curry leaf > garlic > pepper > onion = tomatoes > ginger while that of Predicted Protein Efficiency Ratio (P-PER) was garlic > curry leaf > ginger > pepper > onion > tomatoes. The contents of Essential Amino Acid (EAA) in all the spice samples are generally lower than FAO/WHO recommended values except curry leaf which had a balance content of all the EAAs and garlic that was adequate only in Leu and Phe + Tyr based on FAO/WHO provisional pattern. So curry leaf is considered to be a valuable protein source for the human diet. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Amino acids; Crude protein; Nigeria; Spices | amino acid; leucine; phenylalanine; tyrosine; vegetable protein; amino acid analysis; amino acid composition; article; controlled study; food quality; garlic; ginger; isoelectric point; Murraya koenigii; Nigeria; nonhuman; nutritional value; onion; pepper; prediction; protein content; protein diet; tomato | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955596902 | Titrimetric evaluation of cyanogens in parts of some Nigerian cassava species | Etonihu A.C., Olajubu O., Ekanem E.O., Bako S.S. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Abuja, Nigeria; Chemistry Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | Etonihu, A.C., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Olajubu, O., Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Abuja, Nigeria; Ekanem, E.O., Chemistry Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Bako, S.S., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | In this study, Tropical Manihot Selection TMS 30572 fresh cassava samples from Kubwa (in Abuja) and Agbara (in Ogun State) of Nigeria were evaluated for cyanogens using titrimetric method. The variations in the cyanide concentrations from different parts of the plant were significant at p<0.05 and of the order leave> peel> tuber (flesh)> stem. The average cyanide contents, respectively for the Abuja and Agbara samples ranged from 32.85±1.55 ppm to 36.17±11.80 ppm for stems; 50.24±0.18 ppm to 74.38±0.41 ppm for tubers; 74.38±0.41 ppm to 84.96±1.70 ppm for peels and 105.21±0.95 ppm to 118.00±13.70 ppm for leaves. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Cassava parts; Cyanogens; Nigeria | cyanide; article; cassava; controlled study; food analysis; Nigeria; nonhuman; plant leaf; plant stem; titrimetry; Manihot; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945926134 | Ru(II) and Co(II) complexes of bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine and pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid: Synthesis, photo physical studies and evaluation of solar cell conversion efficiencies | Motaung M.P., Ajibade P.A. | 2015 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 10 | 10 | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa | Motaung, M.P., Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa; Ajibade, P.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, South Africa | We report the synthesis of two nitrogen chelating ligands: 2,6-bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine (L1); 2,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)pyridine (L2) and their corresponding ruthenium(II) and cobalt(II) complexes formulated as [RuL1L(NCS)2] (C1), [RuL2L(NCS)2] (C2), [CoL1L(NCS)2] (C3) and [CoL2L(NCS)2] (C4) where L= pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid. The synthesis of the ligands were confirmed by 1HNMR spectroscopy and FTIR spectra studies confirmed the bonding of the Ru and Co ions to the ligands via the nitrogen atoms. Electronic absorption spectra indicates the geometries around the metal ions are six coordinate octahedral in which L1 or L2 acts as tridentate chelating ligands. In the cyclic voltammetry, cobalt(II) complexes exhibited lager redox potentials as compared to the ruthenium(II) complexes. The conversion efficiencies of the fabricated solar cells using the complexes as sensitizers showed that [RuL2L(NCS)2], C2 on TiO2 semiconductor produced the highest open-circuit photovoltage (Voc) of 87.3 × 10-3 mV, short-circuit photocurrent (Jsc) of 0.022 mA/cm-2 and the solar conversion efficiency was 101 × 10-5 %. © 2015 The Authors. | Conversion efficiency; Dye sensitizer; Dye-sensitized solar cells; Electrochemistry; Photo physical studies | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859912382 | Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among university undergraduates [Impact psychosocial de l'esthétique dentaire sur les étudiants en premiére année d'université] | Kolawole K.A., Ayeni O.O., Osiatuma V.I. | 2012 | International Orthodontics | 10 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ortho.2011.12.003 | Department of Child Dental Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, 220005 Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Preventive Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Child Dental Health, | Kolawole, K.A., Department of Child Dental Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, 220005 Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ayeni, O.O., Department of Preventive Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Osiatuma, V.I., Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dental appearance on the psychosocial well-being of young adults in a university community. Methods: The participants were a sample (165) of first year University undergraduates who completed the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), a condition- specific Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) measure and another self-rating instrument, the Perception of Occlusion Scale (POS). Self- and examiner-perceived dental aesthetics were determined using the Aesthetic Component (AC) scale of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and a modification of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Results were analysed using non-parametric tests (Kruskall Wallis). Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. Results: Participants with varying degrees of self- and examiner- perceived dental aesthetics according to the AC of IOTN and the POS demonstrated statistically significant differences in well-being based on the PIDAQ subscale scores (p < 0.05), with the dental self-confidence subscale demonstrating the strongest difference. No significant differences were observed between the modified DAI groups. Conclusion: Differences in the quality of life of individuals with varying degrees of dental aesthetics and different levels of treatment need were identified by the PIDAQ. The most significant impact of impaired aesthetics being on dental self-confidence. © 2011 CEO. | Dental aesthetics; Quality of life | adolescent; adult; article; dental procedure; female; human; male; malocclusion; Nigeria; nonparametric test; orthodontics; psychological aspect; quality of life; questionnaire; self concept; student; university; Adolescent; Adult; Esthetics, Dental; Female; Humans; Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need; Male; Malocclusion; Nigeria; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Self Concept; Statistics, Nonparametric; Students; Universities; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880124415 | Impact of tuberculosis on mortality among HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: A prospective cohort analysis | Chu R., Mills E.J., Beyene J., Pullenayegum E., Bakanda C., Nachega J.B., Devereaux P.J., Thabane L. | 2013 | AIDS Research and Therapy | 10 | 1 | 10.1186/1742-6405-10-19 | Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Biostatistics Unit, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 3rd Floor Martha, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; AIDS Support Organization (TASO), Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Departments of Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Hamilton Health Sciences, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada | Chu, R., Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, Biostatistics Unit, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 3rd Floor Martha, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada; Mills, E.J., Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Beyene, J., Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Pullenayegum, E., Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, Biostatistics Unit, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 3rd Floor Martha, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada; Bakanda, C., AIDS Support Organization (TASO), Kampala, Uganda; Nachega, J.B., Department of Medicine, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Departments of Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Devereaux, P.J., Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, Hamilton Health Sciences, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Canada; Thabane, L., Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, Biostatistics Unit, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 3rd Floor Martha, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada | Background: Tuberculosis (TB) disease affects survival among HIV co-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Yet, the magnitude of TB disease on mortality is poorly understood.Methods: Using a prospective cohort of 22,477 adult patients who initiated ART between August 2000 and June 2009 in Uganda, we assessed the effect of active pulmonary TB disease at the initiation of ART on all-cause mortality using a Cox proportional hazards model. Propensity score (PS) matching was used to control for potential confounding. Stratification and covariate adjustment for PS and not PS-based multivariable Cox models were also performed.Results: A total of 1,609 (7.52%) patients had active pulmonary TB at the start of ART. TB patients had higher proportions of being male, suffering from AIDS-defining illnesses, having World Health Organization (WHO) disease stage III or IV, and having lower CD4 cell counts at baseline (p < 0.001). The percentages of death during follow-up were 10.47% and 6.38% for patients with and without TB, respectively. The hazard ratio (HR) for mortality comparing TB to non-TB patients using 1,686 PS-matched pairs was 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08 - 1.75), less marked than the crude estimate (HR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.49 - 2.04). The other PS-based methods and not PS-based multivariable Cox model produced similar results.Conclusions: After controlling for important confounding variables, HIV patients who had TB at the initiation of ART in Uganda had an approximate 37% increased hazard of overall mortality relative to non-TB patients. © 2013 Chu et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Antiretroviral therapy; HIV; Propensity score methods; Prospective cohort study; Tuberculosis; Uganda | anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; adolescent; adult; antiviral therapy; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical trial; cohort analysis; female; hazard ratio; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mortality; priority journal; propensity score; proportional hazards model; prospective study; tuberculosis; Uganda; world health organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-20744437324 | The effectiveness of media use in health education: Evaluation of an HIV/AIDS television campaign in Ethiopia | Farr A.C., Witte K., Jarato K., Menard T. | 2005 | Journal of Health Communication | 10 | 3 | 10.1080/10810730590934244 | Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Development Studies Associates, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, 201K Winston Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-8104, United States | Farr, A.C., Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States, Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, 201K Winston Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695-8104, United States; Witte, K., Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Jarato, K., Development Studies Associates, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Menard, T., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States | An effective vehicle to change behaviors is entertainment education. To demonstrate entertainment education effects, researchers must first indicate that participants have been exposed to their program. Exposure to effective programs has been associated with increases in knowledge about program topics, attitude change, and self-efficacious perceptions. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a new exposure technique that accurately and precisely determines direct exposure levels to Ethiopia's Journey of Life. Overall, the study found very high listenership, storyline recall, liking of the program, and strong desire to change behavior while maintaining low error rates in terms of verbatim recall of storylines and reported listener ship to a fictitious program. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Inc. | None | accuracy; adult; article; controlled study; error; Ethiopia; female; health education; human; male; mass medium; recall; television; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Ethiopia; Female; Health Behavior; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Mental Recall; Radio; Television | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84964589439 | Development of a fuzzy logicbased model for monitoring cardiovascular risk | Idowu P.A., Ajibola S.O., Balogun J.A., Ogunlade O. | 2015 | International Journal of Healthcare Information Systems and Informatics | 10 | 4 | 10.4018/IJHISI.2015100103 | Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Idowu, P.A., Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ajibola, S.O., Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Balogun, J.A., Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ogunlade, O., Department of Physiological Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are top killers with heart failure as one of the most leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries. In Nigeria, the inability to consistently monitor the vital signs ofpatients has led to the hospitalization and untimely death of many as a result of heartfailure. Fuzzy logic models have found relevance in healthcare services due to their ability to measure vagueness associated with uncertainty management in intelligent systems. This study aims to develop a fuzzy logic modelfor monitoring heart failure risk using risk indicators assessed from patients. Following interview with expert cardiologists, the different stages ofheartfailure was identified alongside their respective indicators. Triangular membership functions were used to fuzzify the input and output variables while the fuzzy inference engine was developed using rules elicited from cardiologists. The model was simulated using the MATLAB® Fuzzy Logic Toolbox. Copyright © 2015, IGI Global. | Cardiovascular disease; Fuzzy logic; Heart failure; Monitoring system; Risk modeling | Cardiology; Computer circuits; Developing countries; Diseases; Fuzzy logic; Intelligent systems; Membership functions; Reconfigurable hardware; Risk assessment; Cardio-vascular disease; Healthcare services; Heart failure; Logic-based modeling; Monitoring system; Risk model; Triangular membership functions; Uncertainty management; Fuzzy inference | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884689244 | Performance evaluation of routing protocols in wireless mesh networks | Edwin Sejake M., Polite Ncube Z., Gasela N. | 2013 | Life Science Journal | 10 | SPL.ISSUE10 | None | Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Edwin Sejake, M., Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Polite Ncube, Z., Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Gasela, N., Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are the set of wireless nodes that can communicate with each other and forwarding each other's packets. WMNs are multi-hop networks consisting of routers, gateways and mobile nodes. WMNs act as a key technology for next generation WMNs. Because of their low cost and relative ease of deployment, they are an attractive paradigm and are advantageous to other wireless networks. The aim of WMNs is to guarantee connectivity. WMNs build a multihop wireless backbone to interconnect isolated Local Area Networks and to extend backhaul access to users not within range of typical access points. This research has carried out current/existing literature in WMNs. It has analysed routing protocols such as AODV, DSR, GRP, OLSR and TORA used in WMNs where AODV and DSR are reactive routing protocols, OLSR and GRP are proactive routing protocols and TORA is a hybrid routing protocol. The routing protocols have been analysed with the performance metrics of throughput and delay under the simulation of ftp traffic. The simulator used is OPNET. With the help of OPNET, results show that in terms of ftp traffic load, TORA has very long delay. For throughput, OLSR outperforms the other routing protocols. | Delay; ftp traffic; Routing protocols; Throughput; WMN | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880287523 | Towards an OPNET modeler based performance comparison of routing protocols in mobile Ad-hoc networks using voice over IP traffic | Mbougni M., Polite Ncube Z., Oukouomi Noutchie S.C. | 2013 | Life Science Journal | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Department of Mathematics, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | Mbougni, M., Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Polite Ncube, Z., Department of Computer Science, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa; Oukouomi Noutchie, S.C., Department of Mathematics, North West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa | With the increasing use of mobile devices and advances in wireless technologies, Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) has drawn great attention for being part of ubiquitous networks. MANET is an autonomous collection of mobile and/or fixed nodes that can communicate together over relatively bandwidth constrained wireless links, and the network topology may change rapidly and unpredictably over time. Unlike the conventional network, MANET is decentralized radio wireless network that can be established in situations where no infrastructure exists or where deployment of infrastructure is expensive or inconvenient. As a result, routing protocols play a crucial role in managing the formation, configuration, and maintenance of the topology of the network. There has been an extensive research on performance analysis of routing protocols in MANETs. However, most of the work done on the performance evaluation of routing protocols is done using the Constant Bit Rate (CBR) traffic. This paper presents the performance analysis of MANETs routing protocols such as Ad hoc on Demand Distance Vector (AODV), Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), Temporary Ordered Routing Algorithm (TORA), and Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic. The performance metrics used for the analysis of these routing protocols are delay and throughput. The overall results show that the proactive routing protocol (OLSR) performs better in terms of delay and throughput than the reactive Suares Clovis Oukouomi Noutchie. | MANET; Routing protocols; VoIP | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953789602 | The effect of rice yellow mottle virus infection on the performance of rice (oryza sativa l.) relative to time of infection under screenhouse condition | Onwughalu J.T., Abo M.E., Okoro J.K., Onasanya A., Sere Y. | 2010 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 10 | 13 | None | Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Nigeria; Plant Pathology Unit, Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 203 | Onwughalu, J.T., Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Abo, M.E., National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Nigeria; Okoro, J.K., Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Onasanya, A., Plant Pathology Unit, Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031, Cotonou, Benin Republic, Nigeria; Sere, Y., Plant Pathology Unit, Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2031, Cotonou, Benin Republic, Nigeria | The study on the resistance of Gigante, Moroberekan and Bouake 189 rice varieties was investigated against the Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) infection relative to time of infection under screenhouse controlled condition. Rice varieties, Moroberekan, Gigante and Bouake 189, were inoculated with RYMV isolate at seedling, tillering, booting and flowering growth stages. Gigante, Moroberekan and Bouake 189 gave mean yield losses of 12.68, 78.06 and 94.4%, respectively at booting and seedling infection stages. The No. of grains plant-1 is mostly affected at booting infection stage in Bouake 189 and at seedling infection stage in Moroberekan. No significant difference in No. of empty spikelets plant-1 due to infection at different growth stages among the three varieties. Plant height was significantly affected by virus infection at seedling stage of the three varieties and other growth stages of Bouake 189. The highest yield loss of 94.4% obtained in Bouake 189 at seedling and booting infection stages establishes the fact that yield losses to RYMV are strongly influenced by host cultivars as well as time of virus infection. The study revealed that the period from seedling and booting represents the most vulnerable phase to RYMV infection in rice growth stages. This information would strongly assist breeding programmes in the development of durable resistant rice cultivars to RYMV disease. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Growth stages; Indica; Japonica; Resistance; Rice variety; Rice yellow mottle virus | Breeding programmes; Controlled conditions; Different growth stages; Growth stages; Indica; Japonica; Rice (Oryza sativa L.); Rice variety; Electric resistance; Plants (botany); Viruses | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957836221 | Evaluation of the biological effects of leaf extracts of jatropha curcas against sitophilus zeamais (coleoptera: Curculionidae) | Jide-Ojo C., Ojo O.O. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 5 | None | Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Yola, Nigeria; Chevron Biotechnology Centre, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria | Jide-Ojo, C., Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Yola, Nigeria; Ojo, O.O., Chevron Biotechnology Centre, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria | This study assessed the grain protectant potentials of leaf extracts of Jatropha curcas. Its effects on inhibition of oviposition as well as F1 progeny production by S. zeamis on grains pre-treated with graded doses of the plant extracts were examined. The results obtained showed that the extract significantly inhibited oviposition in a dose dependent manner. About 26.62% and 76.49% inhibition of oviposition were obtained for the lowest (5% w/v) and highest (100% w/v) concentrations of the extract tested repsetcively. The same trend was observed for F1 progeny production with suppression of 10.88% and 77.69% obtained for 5% w/v and 100% w/v respectively. The study further examined the insecticidal and antifeedant effects of the plant extract. Results obtained showed that a dose-dependent insectidical and antifeedant effects were observed. The lowest incidence of insect mortality and higher number of grain damage were observed in grains pre-treated with the lowest of plant extract while the highest incidence of insect mortality and lowest grain damage was observed in grains pre-treated with the highest concentration (100% w/v) of plant extract. Future work will examine the potentials of other extracts of J. curcas. | Biological effects; Evaluation; Jatropha curcas; Leaf; Sitophilus zeamais | Coleoptera; Curculionidae; Hexapoda; Jatropha curcas; Sitophilus zeamais | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856928867 | Okra performance and soil and water conservation as influenced by poultry manure and organic mulch amendments | Uwah D.F., Ukoha G.O., Iyango J. | 2012 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 10 | 1 | None | Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria | Uwah, D.F., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Ukoha, G.O., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria; Iyango, J., Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria | There is growing interest in intensive dry season vegetable crop cultivation by peasant farmers in south eastern Nigeria, but little research information to guide them on appropriate soil and water management for restoring, replenishing, conserving and maintaining soil fertility for optimum profit on their fragile soils. A two-year field experiment was conducted during the dry seasons of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 on the acidic coastal plain soils at Calabar, to evaluate various rates of poultry manure (PM) (0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha) and organic mulch (0, 2, 4 and 6 t/ha) for optimum yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and their combined effect on weed growth and soil chemical and physical properties. The PM and mulch application reduced soil bulk density, increased soil moisture retention capacity and lowered weed infestation. They also raised the soil pH, organic matter content, total N, available P and exchangeable K, Ca and Mg status of the soil. The growth and fresh pod yield of okra peaked at 10 t/ha PM and 4 t/ha mulch rates. These rates increased fresh pod weight by 94 and 57% and mean fresh pod yield by 160 and 115%, respectively, compared with the unamended control plots. Poultry manure at 10 t/ha plus 4 t/ha organic mulch had the best effects on soil bulk density reduction and fresh pod yield of okra. | Okra; Organic mulch; Poultry manure; Soil properties; Weed density; Yield | calcium; magnesium; nitrogen; organic matter; phosphorous acid; potassium; article; bulk density; coastal plain; environmental protection; manure; mulch; nonhuman; okra; pH; plant growth; plant yield; pod; soil fertility; soil management; soil moisture; soil property; temperature; water management; weed; Abelmoschus; Abelmoschus esculentus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-13244273800 | Evaluation of syphilis in patients with HIV infection in Nigeria | Nnoruka E.N., Ezeoke A.C.J. | 2005 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 10 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01344.x | Department of Dermatology, Univ. of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Pathology, Univ. of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Univ. of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01 | Nnoruka, E.N., Department of Dermatology, Univ. of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Univ. of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01129, Enugu, Nigeria; Ezeoke, A.C.J., Department of Chemical Pathology, Univ. of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, Univ. of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, PMB 01129, Enugu, Nigeria | OBJECTIVE: To document the manifestations of syphilis among patients with concurrent HIV infection over a 12-month period. METHOD: Descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study of all adult patients with syphilis and HIV infection who attended the skin clinic of the University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, between July 2000 and June 2001. A standardized questionnaire was used to record age, sex, marital status, occupation and risk factor for HIV infection; initial site of onset of rash/ulcers, duration of the illness, any concomitant affection of mucosa, hair and nails as well as treatments received by each patient prior to presentation. Morphological distribution of lesions, mucosal surface (conjuctival, vulval and rectal) examinations and documentation of concomitant disorders with HIV were noted by the examining dermatologist. Lesional biopsy and dark-field microscopy were undertaken to confirm diagnosis where serologic (non-treponemal and treponemal specific) tests for syphilis were inconsistent with clinical suspicion. Each patient had a routine chest x-ray, mantoux and purified protein derivative (PPD) status taken. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (21 males) with concurrent syphilis and HIV were seen during the study period. Primary syphilis was diagnosed in nine (29%), secondary syphilis in 20 (64.5%) and latent syphilis in two (6.5%). Neurosyphilis was not observed. Prevalence of syphilis for these patients with concurrent HIV was 2.1%. Mean duration of syphilis was 3.9 months ± 1.4 and lesions of greatest concern occurred mainly on the genitalia. The glans penis was affected in 10 (32.3%) cases, the penile shaft in seven (22.6%), the oral cavity in five (16.1%), the rectum in six (19.4%) and the vulva in three (0.9%) cases. Nine (29.1%) patients had a history of primary syphilitic chancre, 19 (61.3%) had a past history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) - particularly genital ulcers - while three (9.7%) could not recall any past history of STD. Eighteen (59.3%) had a history of unprotected sex, 16 (51.7%) had multiple sexual partners, four (13.3%) had had oral sex, and one anal sex (3.3%); none admitted to being bisexual. Other relevant risk factors for HIV transmission were blood transfusion within 5 years for three (9.7%) and intravenous drug use in two (6.5%). Some patients had more than one condition as a potential source of exposure. Serological tests were weakly reactive in 17 (48.4%), strongly reactive in nine (29%) and non-reactive in five (16.1%) patients. Three patients exhibited prozone phenomenon. Treatment comprised the syndromic approach, which currently is advocated for use in primary healthcare centres without facilities for aetiological diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSION: Our cases with concurrent syphilis and HIV/AIDS had unusual manifestations, responded to treatment more slowly and died sooner than cases described in Western literature due to generally lower levels of health. | HIV/AIDS; Serology; Syndromic management; Syphilis associations; West Africa | benzathine penicillin; tuberculin; disease prevalence; disease transmission; human immunodeficiency virus; syphilis; adolescent; adult; article; biopsy; bisexuality; blood transfusion; clinical article; clinical feature; comorbidity; controlled study; disease association; disease duration; disease severity; female; fluorescent treponema antibody test; genital system disease; genital ulcer; hair disease; health care facility; health center; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intravenous drug abuse; male; medical documentation; microscopy; mortality; mouth cavity; mouth inflammation; mucosa inflammation; nail disease; neurosyphilis; Nigeria; penis glans; physical examination; prevalence; primary health care; questionnaire; rash; recall; rectum disease; risk factor; safe sex; serodiagnosis; serology; sexual behavior; sexually transmitted disease; skin ulcer; syphilis; teaching hospital; thorax radiography; Treponema pallidum; tuberculin test; unprotected sex; venereal disease reaction test; vulva disease; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chancre; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing Countries; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Penicillin G, Benzathine; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Syphilis; Treatment Outcome; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; World; Glans; Human immunodeficiency virus; RNA viruses; Treponema; Treponema pallidum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880491753 | Real exchange rate misalignment and economic performance in Namibia | Eita J.H., Jordaan A.C. | 2013 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 10 | 3 E,CONT4 | None | Department of Economics, Monash University (South African Campus), Private Bag X60, Roodepoort, 1725, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Eita, J.H., Department of Economics, Monash University (South African Campus), Private Bag X60, Roodepoort, 1725, South Africa; Jordaan, A.C., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa | This paper estimates the real exchange rate misalignment and investigates its impact on economic performance and competitiveness of Namibia for the period 1970 to 2011 using cointegrated vector autoregression methods. The results show that there were periods of overvaluation and undervaluation of the real exchange rate. The analysis reveals that misalignment has a negative impact on the competitiveness and performance of the economy. Maintaining the real exchange rate out of equilibrium reduces economic performance and competitiveness. This suggests that policy makers should monitor the real exchange rate regularly and make the exchange rate policy part of trade promotion strategy. | Autoregressions; Economic performance; Namibia; Trade promotion strategy | 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-s2.0-84875754510 | The impact of biases in mobile phone ownership on estimates of human mobility | Wesolowski A., Eagle N., Noor A.M., Snow R.W., Buckee C.O. | 2013 | Journal of the Royal Society Interface | 10 | 81 | 10.1098/rsif.2012.0986 | Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Wesolowski, A., Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; Eagle, N., College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Noor, A.M., Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Buckee, C.O., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Mobile phone data are increasingly being used to quantify the movements of human populations for a wide range of social, scientific and public health research. However, making population-level inferences using these data is complicated by differential ownership of phones among different demographic groups that may exhibit variable mobility. Here, we quantify the effects of ownership bias on mobility estimates by coupling two data sources from the same country during the same time frame. We analyse mobility patterns from one of the largest mobile phone datasets studied, representing the daily movements of nearly 15 million individuals in Kenya over the course of a year. We couple this analysis with the results from a survey of socioeconomic status, mobile phone ownership and usage patterns across the country, providing regional estimates of population distributions of income, reported airtime expenditure and actual airtime expenditure across the country. We match the two data sources and show that mobility estimates are surprisingly robust to the substantial biases in phone ownership across different geographical and socioeconomic groups. © 2013 The Authors. | Human mobility; Mobile phone; Socio-economic status | Demographic groups; Health research; Human mobility; Human population; Mobile phone datasets; Mobile phone datum; Mobility pattern; Socio-economic status; Cellular telephones; Economics; Estimation; Mobile phones; Population dynamics; Population statistics; Telephone sets; E-learning; article; human; income; Kenya; migration; mobile phone; ownership bias; social problem; social status; biological model; epidemiology; motor activity; physiology; socioeconomics; statistics; utilization review; Cellular Phone; Humans; Kenya; Models, Biological; Motor Activity; Selection Bias; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71749119345 | Toxicological evaluation of dietary fumonisin B1 on serum biochemistry of growing pigs | Gbore F.A., Egbunike G.N. | 2009 | Journal of Central European Agriculture | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba - Akoko, Nigeria; Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Gbore, F.A., Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba - Akoko, Nigeria; Egbunike, G.N., Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Twenty-four male Large White weanling pigs of 8-9 weeks of age averaging 6.94±0.26 kg were used to evaluate the effect of dietary fumonisin B1 (FB1) on serum biochemical parameters. The animals were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments containing 0.2, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 mg FB1/kg constituting the control, diets 1, 2 and 3 respectively, in a 6-month feeding trial. Blood sample was collected from the ear vein of each animal at the end of the feeding trial for biochemical analyses. Animals fed the control diet and diet 1 had significantly (P<0.05) higher serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations as well as the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and serum cholesterol concentrations than those on diets 2 and 3, while the serum triglyceride concentrations of the animals fed diets 1 and 2 were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those fed diet 3 but significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed the control diet. The study revealed that chronic ingestion of dietary FB1 ≥10.0 mg kg-1 may result in significant alterations of serum biochemical parameters in growing pigs suggesting chronic gastrointestinal or hepatic disease. | Fumonisin B1; Growing pigs; Serum biochemistry | Animalia; Pieris brassicae; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955608495 | New product development from tigernut (cyperus esculentus) and their sensory, proximate and microbiological evaluation | Ukwuru M.U., Ibeneme C.L., Agbo G.I. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 2 | None | Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Idah, P.M.B. 1037, Kogi State, Nigeria | Ukwuru, M.U., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Idah, P.M.B. 1037, Kogi State, Nigeria; Ibeneme, C.L., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Idah, P.M.B. 1037, Kogi State, Nigeria; Agbo, G.I., Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Idah, P.M.B. 1037, Kogi State, Nigeria | Tigernut tubers were processed in different ways to formulate two new products: product 1 -Orange Tigernut Beverage (OTB) and product 2 - Tigernut Drink (TD). OTB was formulated from a blend of Orange Juice (OJ) and Tiger Nut Milk (TM) by substitution at ratio (OJ:TM) 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100. TD was formulated by drying tigernut tuber (8% moisture) and milling to obtain a powder. Spices were added. TD samples were obtained by reconstituting the powdered tigernut with cold water at a concentration of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% (w/v). The samples were evaluated for their sensory, proximate composition and microbiological status. Significant differences (p<0.05) existed between samples under various parameters. All the samples of OTB were highly acceptable but the sample (OJ:TM) 40:60 received the highest (8.3) over all acceptability. In TD, reconstituting the sample from 20 to 25% (w/v) was most (8.3-8.6) acceptable. Carbohydrate (38-50%) and moisture (39-60%) were quantitatively the major component of OTB. The samples were deficient in crude fiber. Samples (OJ:TM) 40:60 and 20:80 with carbohydrate (46%), protein (2%), ash (2-3%) and fat (3-4%) had the highest nutrient values. The reconstituted TB sample of 25% (w/v) had the highest (carbohydrate 46%, fat 22%, Ash and protein 2% respectively) nutrient level with carbohydrate, fat and moisture forming its major component. Crude fiber in TB was higher than that in OTB. A direct relationship existed between the microbial content of OTB and the rate of substitution. Microbial content ranged from no growth to 102 cfu/ml, which was not critical to the wholesomeness of the products. The TD samples showed no microbial growth thereby confirming the wholesomeness of the samples. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Microbiological status; Product development; Proximate composition; Sensory characteristics; Tiger nut | article; ash; beverage; carbohydrate analysis; controlled study; Cyperus; Cyperus esculentus; fat content; food composition; food processing; food storage; microbiological examination; milk; moisture; nonhuman; nutritional value; orange juice; protein content; quantitative analysis; sensory analysis; Cyperus esculentus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83255188950 | Impact of insecticide-treated bed nets on malaria transmission indices on the south coast of Kenya | Mutuku F.M., King C.H., Mungai P., Mbogo C., Mwangangi J., Muchiri E.M., Walker E.D., Kitron U. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-356 | Department of Environmental Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya; Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (DVBNTD), Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States | Mutuku, F.M., Department of Environmental Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; King, C.H., Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Mungai, P., Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Mbogo, C., Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya; Mwangangi, J., Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya; Muchiri, E.M., Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (DVBNTD), Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Walker, E.D., Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Kitron, U., Department of Environmental Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States | Background: Besides significantly reducing malaria vector densities, prolonged usage of bed nets has been linked to decline of Anopheles gambiae s.s. relative to Anopheles arabiensis, changes in host feeding preference of malaria vectors, and behavioural shifts to exophagy (outdoor biting) for the two important malaria vectors in Africa, An. gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus. In southern coastal Kenya, bed net use was negligible in 1997-1998 when Anopheles funestus and An. gambiae s.s. were the primary malaria vectors, with An. arabiensis and Anopheles merus playing a secondary role. Since 2001, bed net use has increased progressively and reached high levels by 2009-2010 with corresponding decline in malaria transmission. Methods. To evaluate the impact of the substantial increase in household bed net use within this area on vector density, vector composition, and human-vector contact, indoor and outdoor resting mosquitoes were collected in the same region during 2009-2010 using pyrethrum spray catches and clay pots for indoor and outdoor collections respectively. Information on bed net use per sleeping spaces and factors influencing mosquito density were determined in the same houses using Poisson regression analysis. Species distribution was determined, and number of mosquitoes per house, human-biting rates (HBR), and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) were compared to those reported for the same area during 1997-1998, when bed net coverage had been minimal. Results: Compared to 1997-1998, a significant decline in the relative proportion of An. gambiae s.s. among collected mosquitoes was noted, coupled with a proportionate increase of An. arabiensis. Following > 5 years of 60-86% coverage with bed nets, the density, human biting rate and EIR of indoor resting mosquitoes were reduced by more than 92% for An. funestus and by 75% for An. gambiae s.l. In addition, the host feeding choice of both vectors shifted more toward non-human vertebrates. Besides bed net use, malaria vector abundance was also influenced by type of house construction and according to whether one sleeps on a bed or a mat (both of these are associated with household wealth). Mosquito density was positively associated with presence of domestic animals. Conclusions: These entomological indices indicate a much reduced human biting rate and a diminishing role of An. gambiae s.s. in malaria transmission following high bed net coverage. While increasing bed net coverage beyond the current levels may not significantly reduce the transmission potential of An. arabiensis, it is anticipated that increasing or at least sustaining high bed net coverage will result in a diminished role for An. funestus in malaria transmission. © 2011 Mutuku et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | insecticide; insecticide; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; article; bed net; disease transmission; female; inoculation; Kenya; malaria; male; nonhuman; animal; Anopheles; comparative study; disease carrier; disease transmission; evaluation; feeding behavior; housing; human; insect bite; Kenya; malaria falciparum; methodology; mosquito; parasitology; pathogenicity; physiology; Plasmodium falciparum; population density; regression analysis; season; statistics; utilization review; Animals; Anopheles; Feeding Behavior; Female; Housing; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Vectors; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Kenya; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Mosquito Control; Plasmodium falciparum; Population Density; Regression Analysis; Seasons; Statistics as Topic | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874927947 | Evaluation of the performance of a new freeze desalination technology | Mtombeni T., Maree J.P., Zvinowanda C.M., Asante J.K.O., Oosthuizen F.S., Louw W.J. | 2013 | International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology | 10 | 3 | 10.1007/s13762-013-0182-7 | Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; Aqua-Simon UG, Rabenslücke 40, 24944 Flensburg, Germany; Marlow Aquatec (Pty) LTD, 1100 Church Street, Colbyn, Pretoria, South Africa | Mtombeni, T., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; Maree, J.P., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; Zvinowanda, C.M., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; Asante, J.K.O., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; Oosthuizen, F.S., Aqua-Simon UG, Rabenslücke 40, 24944 Flensburg, Germany; Louw, W.J., Marlow Aquatec (Pty) LTD, 1100 Church Street, Colbyn, Pretoria, South Africa | The use of desalination technologies which produce concentrated brines is acutely limited by inadequate waste brine disposal mechanisms such that the brine does not contaminate fresh water resources. The treatment of highly saline brine using freeze desalination technique trade marked as HybridICE™ technology was investigated at pilot scale. The capacity of the HybridICE™ process to generate fresh water by freeze desalination of brine was investigated in this study. Brine samples to feed into the HybridICE process unit were prepared in tanks with volume capacities between 1. 0 and 10. 0 m3 by dissolving common salt into tape water. The effects of refrigerant temperature, initial brine concentration, energy consumption were evaluated in relation to product ice quality. Feed brine samples were processed in batches in a closed system where it was continuously re-circulated to generate product ice and more concentrated residual small volume of brine stream. The quality of ice produced could be turned into potable water it terms of its low total dissolved salts and conductivity. The salt removal, based on the average chloride concentration in the ice samples, was 96 %. The energy utilization efficiency amounted to an average of ZAR 10. 0/m3 water assuming energy cost of ZAR 0. 39/kWh. The HybridICE™ technology was shown to be a better option than other desalination technologies currently in use, in terms of energy utilization and cleaner by-products. © 2013 Islamic Azad University (IAU). | Brine; Desalination; Freeze desalination; Heat exchanger; Heat transfer; Impurity | Brine concentration; Chloride concentrations; Concentrated brines; Desalination technologies; Energy utilization efficiency; Fresh water resources; Refrigerant temperature; Total dissolved salts; Chlorine compounds; Desalination; Energy utilization; Heat exchangers; Heat transfer; Ice; Impurities; Potable water; Quality control; Technology; Waste disposal; Water filtration; Water resources; Brines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883422763 | CEO compensation and performance of state owned enterprises in South Africa | Ngwenya S., Khumalo M. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 10 | 0.041666666667 | None | Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, UNISA, 0003, South Africa | Ngwenya, S., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, UNISA, 0003, South Africa; Khumalo, M., Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking, University of South Africa, UNISA, 0003, South Africa | The study investigates the relationship between CEO compensation and performance of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa, using data for the period 2009 to 2011. The results indicated that there exist no positive relationship between CEO compensation and SOEs performance as measured by return on assets. The results also indicated a positive relationship between CEO compensation (base salary) and the size of SOEs as measured by total revenue and number of employees. The results suggest that board members of SOEs in South Africa should hold CEOs accountable for the performance of SOEs, and should not pay huge salaries and bonuses to non performing CEOs. | CEO compensation; Corporate governance; SOE performance; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755164141 | Organoleptic assessment of the performance of some cultivars of ipomoea batatas in the development of selected snack products | Ojinnaka M.C., Onwuka G.I. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 10 | None | Department of Food Science and Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, UmuahiaAbiaState, Nigeria | Ojinnaka, M.C., Department of Food Science and Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, UmuahiaAbiaState, Nigeria; Onwuka, G.I., Department of Food Science and Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, UmuahiaAbiaState, Nigeria | Baking tests were conducted with sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) composite paste at 20% level of substitution with wheat flour to determine their potentials in producing acceptable snack products. Studies conducted shows there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the specific volume of the baked bread samples but there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the loaf volume and loaf weight of the sweet potato bread samples. Bread samples from cultivars TIS 87/0087 and TIS 8441 were found to be significantly different (p<0.05) from the others in terms of their loaf weight with 357.98 g and 357.03 g respectively. Sensory analysis conducted showed there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the sweet potato chips produced in terms of texture. Cultivar Ex-Igbariam was the least preferred in terms of texture compared with the other cultivars with 3.95. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the taste of the sweet potato cake samples. In terms of texture, cake sample from cultivar TIS 25320P0P - 13 was the least preferred but all the cake samples were generally accepted by the panelist. Most of the cultivars performed well in the food product assessment. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Cultivar; Paste; Snack products; Sweet potato | article; baking; bread; controlled study; cooking; cultivar identification; fast food; food; food analysis; food preference; food processing; food texture; organoleptic property; pastry; potato chips; sensory analysis; sweet potato | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960402524 | Quality evaluation of weaning food produced from blend of ofada rice (Oryza sativa) and bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranean L.) | Adebayo-Oyetoro A.O., Olatidoye O.P., Ogundipe O.O., Balogun O.I., Faboya A.O. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 6 | None | Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria | Adebayo-Oyetoro, A.O., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria; Olatidoye, O.P., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria; Ogundipe, O.O., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria; Balogun, O.I., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria; Faboya, A.O., Department of Food Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Nigeria | Ofada rice and bambara ground nut were processed into flour, mixed in the ratios of 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 respectively and chemical, functional, rheological and sensory properties were evaluated. Data obtained indicated a decreasing trend with increases in the level of substitution with respects to water absorption and swelling capacities while the bulk density increases with increase in level of substitution. Proximate composition data indicated an increasing level of protein, fat, ash, 19.64-21.10%; 4.78-6.1% and 1.78-2.0% respectively. Carbohydrate content decreased with increasing level of substitution with bambara nut (64.5-58.8%).The peak viscosity of unsubtituted flour was significantly higher them other samples (p<0.05). Similar trends were obtained with respect to breakdown. Apart from adding value and varieties to meal due to textural improvement, fortifying ofada rice with bambara flour at 20% level would produce a more nutritionally balance and acceptable product which will reduce problem of food security among children in Nigeria where malnutrition due protein deficiency is prevalent. | Bambara nut; Functional properties; Ofada rice; Rheological properties; Weaning food | Arachis hypogaea; Bambara; Oryza sativa; Voandzeia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855169419 | Effect of cures and storage periods on the Sensory and microbial evaluation of smoke-dried, vacuum packaged rabbit meat products | Iwanegbe I., Iwanegbe A.I., Ebabhamiegbebho P.A., Bello Y.O. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 11 | None | Department of Food Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, P.M.B. 13, Auchi, Nigeria; National Food Reserved Agency (NFRA), Lokoja Branch, P.M.B. 1105, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin; Department of Hospitality Management, Nigeria | Iwanegbe, I., Department of Food Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, P.M.B. 13, Auchi, Nigeria; Iwanegbe, A.I., National Food Reserved Agency (NFRA), Lokoja Branch, P.M.B. 1105, Nigeria; Ebabhamiegbebho, P.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Benin, Benin; Bello, Y.O., Department of Hospitality Management, Nigeria | Sensory and microbial determination of cured smoke-dried rabbit meat products were carried out under different storage conditions. Sensory attributes were determined using the 9-point Hedonic scale. Sensory evaluation of rabbit meat products in terms of overall acceptance showed there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between freshly processed unpackaged products and packaged products, stored under refrigeration temperature at 8±2·C. At p<0.05 there was significant difference between product flavour obtained from different cure types. Packaged products were also preferred to the freshly processed unpackaged products from the various cures as a result of vacuum packaging ability to prevent surface dehydration and exclude oxygen from products. Cured smoke-dried, vacuum packaged rabbit meat products could be stored under ambient temperature (26±2·C). However, products stored under refrigeration temperature (8±2·C) had stable colour than products under ambient temperature (26±2·C). The results showed that microbial population (bacterial and fungi) in rabbit meat products were significantly different (p<0.001) because of the type of treatments (Storage periods, storage temperatures, different cure). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Cures; Meat curing; Nitrite; Rabbit; Vacuum package | nitrate; sodium chloride; sugar; article; Bacillus subtilis; bacterium identification; controlled study; curing; environmental temperature; flour; food packaging; food processing; freezing; male; nonhuman; rabbit meat; room temperature; shelf life; Staphylococcus aureus; storage temperature; vacuum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955611712 | Evaluation Of The Proximate, Pasting And Sensory Characteristics Of Cassava Flour (Fufu) Fortified With Pigeon Pea Flour | Akoja S.S., Mohammed A.O. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 2 | None | Department of Food Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50, llaro, Nigeria | Akoja, S.S., Department of Food Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50, llaro, Nigeria; Mohammed, A.O., Department of Food Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B. 50, llaro, Nigeria | The nutritious value of Fufu-fermented cassava flour was improved through supplementation with 10, 20, 30 and 40% pigeon pea flour and the products were subjected to proximate composition, pasting characteristics and sensory tests, with 100% cassava flour as control. The results showed that the pigeon pea Fufu flour contained 7.70% protein, 0.27% fat, 1.08% ash at 10% level of inclusion and this increased to 16.45, 0.54 and 1.24% for protein, fat and ash respectively at 40% level of inclusion. Meanwhile, the carbohydrate contents decreased from 90.28 to 80.81% at 10% and 40% inclusion of pigeon pea flour respectively. Pasting characteristic decreased with increased pigeon pea inclusion. Peak viscosity decreased from 341.92 to 219.80 (RVU) final viscosity from 301.71 to 191.00 (RVU), setback value from 82.29 to 58.21 (RVU) likewise the peak time from 4.93 to 4.33 min at 10% and 40% level of inclusion of pigeon pea respectively. There was a slight significant difference in overall acceptability between 10% level of inclusion and the control (100% cassava flour). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Fufu; Pasting characteristics and sensory evaluation; Pigeon pea flour | carbohydrate; fat; protein; article; ash; cassava; controlled study; flour; food analysis; food composition; food control; food handling; food processing; food quality; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional status; nutritional value; pigeonpea; viscosity; Cajanus cajan; Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755182077 | Effect of different pot sizes and growth media on the agronomic performance of jatropha curcas | Geply O.A., Baiyewu R.A., Adegoke I.A., Ayodele O.O., Ademola I.T. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 10 | None | Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria | Geply, O.A., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria; Baiyewu, R.A., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adegoke, I.A., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ayodele, O.O., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ademola, I.T., Department of Forest Product Development and Utilization, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria | This research study was carried out to investigate the effect of different pot sizes and growth media on the growth of Jatropha curcas. Two different pot sizes (5 cm by 10 cm) for big pot sizes and (21/2 cm by 21/2 cm by 6 cm) for small pot sizes and 3 different growth media made up of Top Soil, River Sand and Sawdust were used. Relative comparison in Jatropha curcas plant agronomic parameter such as plant height, stem girth and number of leaves, was determined and the values were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The result of the analysis shows a significant difference in the combination factor of treatment and weeks, for plant height, stem girth and number of leaves. From the mean value, River Sand in big pot (RB) has the highest value in height and girth with 7.2217 cm, 0.9950 mm respectively. While the highest number of leave was counted from Top Soil in big pot (TB) with 6.7333 cm. Based on the agronomic result obtained in this study, it can therefore be concluded that the best soil media for growing Jatropha curcas is River Sand and the best pot size is big pot (5 cm by 10 cm). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Agronomic; Height; Jatropha curcas; River sand; Stem girth | agricultural parameters; agronomy; article; controlled study; culture medium; Jatropha curcas; nonhuman; plant growth; plant height; plant leaf; plant leaf number; plant parameters; plant stem; pot size; river sand; sand; sawdust; soil analysis; stem girth; surface soil; top soil | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957848401 | Nutritional evaluation of date palm (phoenix dactylifera) seeds and fruit as source of feeds in aquaculture | Sotolu A.O., Kigbu A.A., Oshinowo J.A. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 5 | None | Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Sotolu, A.O., Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Kigbu, A.A., Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Oshinowo, J.A., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The present study was conducted to find out the nutritional values of Phoenix dactylifera (Date palm) flesh and seeds to be used as components in fish feeds for enhanced feed utilization efficiency. Dried (DD) and Semi-dried (SD) date fruits were purchased from Lafia main market. The samples were separated, milled and analyzed for proximate components and mineral elements using standard methods of the AOAC. Physical assessment of the samples showed that the weight (%) of flesh was found to be higher than weight of seed for both dried (DD) and semidried (SD) dates (90.38±2.58, 9.62± 1.80 and 94.69±2.15, 5.31±1.60) respectively. Proximate analysis showed that dry matter contents were higher in flesh of DD and SD (95.90±0.12% and 96.93±0.07% respectively) while their respective seeds yielded 94.82 ±0.4 and 94.22±0.30%. Results further showed that the crude protein and carbohydrate were found to be higher in the flesh of both DD and SD than their seeds (P<0.05) while ash, crude fibre and crude lipids were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the seeds than flesh of the dates. The estimated energy value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the seeds {1198.70±2.20 and 1007.58±1.00 (KJ/100g)} than the flesh {1183.45±3.10 and 992.67±2.10 (KJ/100g)} of DD and SD respectively. Mineral analysis indicated that both seeds and flesh of dates contain appreciable concentrations (mg/100g) of Ca; Mg; P; K; Na; Fe; Cu and Zn. However, moisture level affects mostly mineral composition of date and other nutrients. It could be inferred from the present study generally, that date flesh would serve a good source of fish feed additives while its seeds would best be used as a source of energy for improved feed utilization efficiency. | Additives; Date palm; Feed utilization efficiency; Flesh; Seed | Phoenix dactylifera | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878956174 | Pre-eclampsia: Evaluation of patient's care in a in South African hospital | Modiba L.M. | 2013 | Life Science Journal | 10 | 1 | None | Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, 0003, South Africa | Modiba, L.M., Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, 0003, South Africa | The purpose of the study was to evaluate the care and outcomes given to pre-eclamptic patients treated in a public hospital in South Africa. Findings: The age distribution of patients in this study is similar to other reports and suggests that pre-eclampsia is probably a disease of young women. Most of pre-eclamptic is probably a disease of young women. Most of the women in the study were less than 21 years old (51.4%). Also, the primigravida were more likely to develop eclampsia compared to the multigravida (p value 0.05; RR = 1.45). Discussions: Although pre-eclampsia is not preventable, deaths and morbidity from this disease can be prevented thorough early detection, careful monitoring and treatment of the disorder. Therefore, in order to decrease pre-eclampsia related mortality and morbidity appropriate prenatal care must be available to all women irrespective of their social and financial background. Pre-eclampsia is also a unique syndrome of pregnancy that is potentially dangerous for both mother and fetus; close supervision and timely delivery should be provided to all pre-eclamptic women. Conclusion: Preeclampsia remains a continuing problem in developing countries. The incidence of pre-eclampsia at this institution is one of the highest in the world. The major avoidable contributing is lack of or absence of antenatal care. In South Africa like other countries there is shortage of staff due to brain drain, leading to long waiting of patients before being seen by doctors or midwives. | Caesarean section; Morbidity; Mortality; Pre-eclampsia; Pregnancy; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943549368 | Evaluation of orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) varieties for yield and yield contributing parameters in the humid tropics of Southwestern Ethiopia | Mekonnen B., Tulu S., Nego J. | 2015 | Journal of Plant Sciences | 10 | 5 | 10.3923/jps.2015.191.199 | Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Mekonnen, B., Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Tulu, S., Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Nego, J., Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences, Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Five orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) varieties: four collected from Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center and one local variety with orange flesh were evaluated at field condition to identify the highest yielding and adaptable variety. The five varieties: Beletech (192026 II), Birtukanie (Saluboro), Kulfo (Lo-323), Tulla (CIP 420027) and a local variety were used as treatments and arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data collected on yield and yield contributing parameters were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS version 9.2. Variety had significantly affected root diameter, marketable tuberous root yield and total tuberous root yield. Significantly the highest root diameter (4.9 cm), marketable tuberous root yield (0.78 t ha-1) and total tuberous root yield (0.88 t ha-1) were obtained from variety Tulla. The result of the correlation analysis also revealed that root diameter and number of tuberous roots per plant were significantly and positively correlated with marketable and total tuberous root yield. Likewise marketable tuberous root yield was also significantly and positively correlated with total tuberous root yield. This indicated sweet potato producers targeting tuberous roots should use root diameter, number of tuberous roots per plant and marketable tuberous root yield as selection criteria. Likewise, these yield and yield contributing parameters are important selection parameters which can serve as indicators of adaptability of the sweet potato to the study area and can also be utilized for making improvement in tuberous root yield of sweet potato. Besides, yield is an important agronomic index that shows the adaptability of a variety to its growing environment and accordingly variety Tulla outperformed the three improved OFSP varieties and the local variety in yield and yield contributing parameters. Therefore, variety Tulla (CIP 420027) was identified as the highest yielding and adaptable OFSP variety under the rain fed condition in the humid tropics of Southwestern Ethiopia at Jimma and potentially combats VAD at community level. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Beta carotene; OFSP varieties; Root diameter; Southwestern Ethiopia; Yield | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054099170 | Evaluation of the role of location and distance in recruitment in respondent-driven sampling | McCreesh N., Johnston L.G., Copas A., Sonnenberg P., Seeley J., Hayes R.J., Frost S.D.W., White R.G. | 2011 | International Journal of Health Geographics | 10 | None | 10.1186/1476-072X-10-56 | Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Department of International Health and Development, Center for Global Health Equity, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, CB3 0ES, United Kingdom | McCreesh, N., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Johnston, L.G., Department of International Health and Development, Center for Global Health Equity, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Copas, A., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Sonnenberg, P., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Seeley, J., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda, School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Hayes, R.J., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Frost, S.D.W., Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, CB3 0ES, United Kingdom; White, R.G., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Background: Respondent-driven sampling(RDS) is an increasingly widely used variant of a link tracing design for recruiting hidden populations. The role of the spatial distribution of the target population has not been robustly examined for RDS. We examine patterns of recruitment by location, and how they may have biased an RDS study findings.Methods: Total-population data were available on a range of characteristics on a population of 2402 male household-heads from an open cohort of 25 villages in rural Uganda. The locations of households were known a-priori. An RDS survey was carried out in this population, employing current RDS methods of sampling and statistical inference.Results: There was little heterogeneity in the population by location. Data suggested more distant contacts were less likely to be reported, and therefore recruited, but if reported more distant contacts were as likely as closer contacts to be recruited. There was no evidence that closer proximity to a village meeting place was associated with probability of being recruited, however it was associated with a higher probability of recruiting a larger number of recruits. People living closer to an interview site were more likely to be recruited.Conclusions: Household location affected the overall probability of recruitment, and the probability of recruitment by a specific recruiter. Patterns of recruitment do not appear to have greatly biased estimates in this study. The observed patterns could result in bias in more geographically heterogeneous populations. Care is required in RDS studies when choosing the network size question and interview site location(s). © 2011 McCreesh et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | cohort analysis; heterogeneity; probability; recruitment (population dynamics); sampling; spatial distribution; village; article; cohort analysis; epidemiology; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; patient selection; probability; questionnaire; rural population; social stigma; Uganda; Bias (Epidemiology); Cohort Studies; Epidemiologic Research Design; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Patient Selection; Probability; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Sampling Studies; Social Stigma; Uganda | None |
| None | None | Formalization of water allocation systems and impacts on local practices in the Hingilili sub-catchment, Tanzania | Komakech H.C., van der Zaag P., Mul M.L., Mwakalukwa T.A., Kemerink J.S. | 2012 | International Journal of River Basin Management | 10 | 3 | 10.1080/15715124.2012.664774 | Department of Integrated Water Systems and Governance, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, DA, Delft, Netherlands; Department of Water Resources, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, 2600, GA, Delft, Netherlands; UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, DA, Delft, Netherlands; District Water Engineer, Karatu District Council, PO Box 190, Karatu, Tanzania | Komakech, H.C., Department of Integrated Water Systems and Governance, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, DA, Delft, Netherlands, Department of Water Resources, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, 2600, GA, Delft, Netherlands; van der Zaag, P., UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, DA, Delft, Netherlands, District Water Engineer, Karatu District Council, PO Box 190, Karatu, Tanzania; Mul, M.L., Department of Integrated Water Systems and Governance, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, DA, Delft, Netherlands; Mwakalukwa, T.A., Department of Water Resources, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5048, 2600, GA, Delft, Netherlands; Kemerink, J.S., Department of Integrated Water Systems and Governance, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, PO Box 3015, DA, Delft, Netherlands | Water scarcity caused by increased demands often leads to competition and conflict over water in many river catchments in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the local level, water users have in many places been able to solve water allocation problems by crafting institutions based on customs and traditions. These self-governing arrangements are not necessarily fair or good, but are able to adapt to the changing resource context. Simultaneously, many African governments have adopted new policies and laws, and established new institutions to achieve equitable and sustainable management of water resources. The formalization of the property right to water is often part of the recipe. This paper analyses the impact of one such government-led formalization process on local water allocation practices. Based on a field study in the Hingilili sub-catchment, Tanzania, we find that government interventions do not achieve the goal of equitable and sustainable water management. However, we find that the principle of good neighbourhood that still exists between the highland and lowland farmers in Hingilili could form a base to reconcile diverging water interests between the highland and lowland farmers. The paper shows that the concept of bricolage [Cleaver, F., 2002. Reinventing institutions: bricolage and the social embeddedness of natural resourcemanagement. TheEuropean Journal ofDevelopmentResearch, 14 (2), 11-30] is useful to demonstrate the need for new institutions to be sufficiently embedded in existing local practices to succeed, but this is not a sufficient condition. The hydraulic position of the various actors (upstream or downstream) must also be taken into account, and may be considered a driver for institutional innovation. © 2012 International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research. | Bricolage; Canal irrigation; Conflicts; Cooperation; Property right; Water allocation | canal; catchment; innovation; irrigation; river water; water management; water resource; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939157007 | Patterns of lymph node pathology; fine needle aspiration biopsy as an evaluation tool for lymphadenopathy: A retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Largest Hospital in Africa | Reddy D.L., Venter W.D.F., Pather S. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0130148 | Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (RHI), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Reddy, D.L., Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Venter, W.D.F., Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (RHI), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pather, S., Division of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background Lymphadenopathy is a common clinical presentation of disease in South Africa (SA), particularly in the era of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection. Methods Data from 560 lymph node biopsy reports of specimens from patients older than 12 years at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 was extracted from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), division of Anatomical Pathology. Cytology reports of lymph node fine needle aspirates (FNAs) performed prior to lymph node biopsy in 203 patients were also extracted from the NHLS. Consent was not obtained from participants for their records to be used as patient information was anonymized and de-identified prior to analysis. Results The majority of patients were female (55%) and of the African/black racial group (90%). The median age of patients was 40 years (range12-94). The most common indication for biopsy was an uncertain diagnosis (more than two differential diagnoses entertained), followed by a suspicion for lymphoma, carcinoma and TB. Overall, malignancy constituted the largest biopsy pathology group (39%), with 36% of this group being carcinoma and 27% non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 22% of the total sampled nodes displayed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation (including histopathology and cytology demonstrating definite, and suspicious for mycobacterial infection), 8% comprised HIV reactive nodes; in the remainder no specific pathology was identified (nonspecific reactive lymphoid hyperplasia). Kaposi sarcoma (KS) accounted for 2.5% of lymph node pathology in this sample. Concomitant lymph node pathology was diagnosed in four cases of nodal KS (29% of the subset). The co-existing pathologies were TB and Castleman disease. HIV positive patients constituted 49% of this study sample and the majority (64%) of this subset had CD4 counts less than 350 cells/ul. 27% were HIV negative and in the remaining nodes, the HIV status of patients was unknown. The most common lymph node pathologies in HIV positive patients were Mycobacterial infection (31%), HIV reactive nodes (15%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (15%) and nonspecific reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (15%). Only 8.7% were of Hodgkin lymphoma. In contrast, the most common lymph node pathologies in HIV negative patients were nonspecific reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (45%), carcinoma (25%) and Mycobacterial infection (11%). In this group, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma constituted 9% and 8%, respectively. There were more cases of high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the HIV positive group compared to the HIV negative group. FNA and lymph node biopsy had statistically significant good agreement with regard to Hodgkin lymphoma (K 0.774, SE 0.07, 95% CI 0.606-0.882, p=0.001), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (K 0.640, SE 0.07, 95% CI 0.472- 0.807, p=0.001), carcinoma (K 0.723, SE 0.069, 95% CI 0.528-0.918, p=0.001), and mycobacterial infection (K 0.726, SE 0.07, 95% CI 0.618-0.833, p=0.001). Conclusions The most common lymph node pathologies in CHBAH are malignancies, nonspecific reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and HIV reactive nodes. The distribution of disease differs in HIV positive patients. Overall, adequate FNA samples of lymph nodes have been found to have good correlation with lymph node biopsy findings in our setting. Copyright: © 2015 Reddy et al. | None | adolescent; adult; Africa; African; aged; Article; Black person; carcinoma; child; clinical evaluation; differential diagnosis; female; fine needle aspiration biopsy; granulomatous inflammation; histopathology; human; human tissue; lymphadenopathy; major clinical study; male; middle aged; nonhodgkin lymphoma; patient information; retrospective study; school child; tuberculosis; young adult; Human immunodeficiency virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947057579 | The impact of public access venue information and communication technologies in Botswana public libraries | Totolo A., Renken J., Sey A. | 2015 | Evidence Based Library and Information Practice | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Library and Information Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Management and Information Systems, Centre for Development Informatics, University of Manchester Manchester, England, United Kingdom; Technology and Social Change Group, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Totolo, A., Department of Library and Information Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Renken, J., Management and Information Systems, Centre for Development Informatics, University of Manchester Manchester, England, United Kingdom; Sey, A., Technology and Social Change Group, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Objective - A study on the impact of Public Access Venue (PAV) Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) was conducted in Botswana libraries with Internet connections. The main objective was to determine the impact of ICTs in public libraries. Methods -Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as a theoretical lens, the study used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to investigate the impact of PAV ICTs in 4 study sites, resulting in data from a total of 39 interviews and 4 focus groups. Methods -Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as a theoretical lens, the study used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to investigate the impact of PAV ICTs in 4 study sites, resulting in data from a total of 39 interviews and 4 focus groups. Results - The results of the study show that PAV ICTs had a positive impact on users in the areas of education and economic benefits. Within educational and economic impacts, social benefits were also found, pertaining to the use of social media and the Internet for formal and informal communication. The study also revealed a slight difference between school going users and non-school going elderly users where the use and acquisition of computer skills was concerned. Elderly non-school going users tended to rely on venue staff for skills more than the younger school going users. Conclusion - The study recommends that PAV facilities should be improved in terms of skills offered and resources availed so as to appeal to both the younger school going generation and the older non-school going users. It is also recommended that education on ICT be improved to help curb rising unemployment in Botswana; such skills would enhance the income generation skills of the unemployed users as well as school leavers. © 2015 Totolo, Renken, and Sey. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-62249133727 | The relationships among gender, strategic capabilities, and performance of small retail firms in Ghana | Boohene R. | 2009 | Journal of African Business | 10 | 1 | 10.1080/15228910802701601 | Department of Management, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Boohene, R., Department of Management, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | The study examines the direct and indirect effects of gender on business strategies, firm resources, business owners' skills, and performance of small firms in Ghana. Small businesses comprise about 90% of all enterprises and are recognized as a crucial and integral component of economic development aimed at sustained poverty reduction in Ghana. The ability of these firms to contribute to economic development is influenced by their business strategies, determined by the firm's resources and owner-manager's business skills. Structured questionnaires from 600 owner-managers of small retail shops in the Accra Metropolitan area were analyzed. Structural equation modeling using partial least-squares was used to examine the relationships between gender, business strategies, firm resources, business owners' skills, and performance. Results show that the gender of the owner-managers has a direct influence on business performance, resources, and skills; a partial influence on business strategies; and an indirect influence on performance through business strategies. The findings suggest that assistance programs aimed at addressing business performance should target gender differences to enhance women business owners' strategies, resources, and skills. | Gender; Ghana; Resources; Skills; Strategy | corporate strategy; economic development; firm ownership; gender issue; least squares method; metropolitan area; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751165076 | Customer-focus and business performance: The study of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria | Nwokah N.G., Maclayton D.W. | 2006 | Measuring Business Excellence | 10 | 4 | 10.1108/13683040610719281 | Department of Marketing, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Nwokah, N.G., Department of Marketing, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Maclayton, D.W., Department of Marketing, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of customer-focus on the performance of the organisation. While many empirical works have centered on customer-focus, the generalisability of its impact on performance of the food and beverages organisations in the Nigeria context has been under-researched. Design/methodology/approach - The paper adopted a triangulation methodology (quantitative and qualitative approach). Data were collected from key informants using a research instrument. Returned instruments were analyzed using non-parametric correlation through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10. Findings - The paper validated the earlier instruments but did not find any strong association between customer-focus and business performance in the Nigerian context using the food and beverages organisations for the study. The reasons underlying the weak relationship between customer-focus and business performance of the food and beverages organizations are government policies, new product development, diversification, innovation and devaluation of the Nigerian currency. One important finding of this paper is that customer-focus leads to business performance through some moderating variables. Practical implications - The paper recommends that the Nigerian Government should ensure a stable economy and make economic policies that will enhance existing business development in the country. Also, organisations should have performance measurement systems to detect the impact of investment on customer-focus with the aim of knowing how the organization works. Originality/value - This paper significantly refines the body of knowledge concerning the impact of customer-focus on the performance of the organization, and thereby offers a model of customer-focus and business performance in the Nigerian context for marketing scholars and practitioners. This model will, no doubt, contribute to the body of existing literature of customer-focus. | Beverages; Business performance; Customer orientation; Food industry; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941553650 | Performance, compliance and reliability of Waste stabilization pond: Effluent discharge quality and environmental protection agency standards in Ghana | Owusu-Ansah E.D.-G.J., Sampson A., Amponsah S.K., Abaidoo R.C., Hald T. | 2015 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 10 | 11 | None | Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Epidemiology and Risk Assessment, Division of Microbiology and Risk Assessment, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Morkhoj Bygade, Soborg, Denmark | Owusu-Ansah, E.D.-G.J., Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Sampson, A., Department of Biochemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Amponsah, S.K., Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Abaidoo, R.C., College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Hald, T., Epidemiology and Risk Assessment, Division of Microbiology and Risk Assessment, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Morkhoj Bygade, Soborg, Denmark | Measuring performance has been arguerably, one of the metric with many facets with different school of thoughts, as there exist different approaches of measuring it. Several of the existing approaches measure such metric by comparison with standards esherined in policy documents and as a result, takes less look to its compliance and reliability of values being matched to an established standards. This study seeks to integrate reliability and compliance into measuring of performance of Waste Stabilization Pond (WSP) and Treatment Plant (TP) as well as to generate the appropriate standard chart tables using the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved discharge values for physico-chemical and some biological parameters to account for these shortfalls on over reliance of EPA discharge standards. Probability distribution density function was applied on the lognormal distribution function to establish the relationship between the statistical coefficient of variation and the coefficient of reliability based on rth moment about the origin in the moment of generation function to generate the functions of the mean and standard deviation, properties of the standard Z normal distribution were used to establish the coefficient of reliability relationship depending on the coefficient of variation influenced by the standard of deviation. Discharge values of Physico-chemical Parameters measured from the WSP were found be performing acceptably based on the EPA standards, whereas only four of the TP were acceptable. Discharge Values of physico-chemical and biological parameters which are found to be accepted under comparison with EPA standards were found to have compliance levels below what is generally accepted for Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSP) designed compliance. Based on these shortcomings, reference charts were develop to serve as reference points in assessing the various characteristics of compliance and performance of WSPs in Ghana on (28) physico-chemical and biological parameters. These charts are intended to make it easier to assess the performance of WSPs and its corresponding reliability and compliance level to compensate for overreliance on EPA standards alone. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2015. | Coefficient of reliability; Coefficient of variation; Effluent quality discharge; EPA standards; Lognormal distribution; Performance and compliance; Probability of reliability; Waste stabilization ponds | None | None |
| None | None | The impact of human mobility on HIV transmission in Kenya | Isdory A., Mureithi E.W., Sumpter D.J.T. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0142805 | Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden | Isdory, A., Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mureithi, E.W., Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Sumpter, D.J.T., Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden | Disease spreads as a result of people moving and coming in contact with each other. Thus the mobility patterns of individuals are crucial in understanding disease dynamics. Here we study the impact of human mobility on HIV transmission in different parts of Kenya. We build an SIR metapopulation model that incorporates the different regions within the country. We parameterise the model using census data, HIV data and mobile phone data adopted to track human mobility. We found that movement between different regions appears to have a relatively small overall effect on the total increase in HIV cases in Kenya. However, the most important consequence of movement patterns was transmission of the disease from high infection to low prevalence areas. Mobility slightly increases HIV incidence rates in regions with initially low HIV prevalences and slightly decreases incidences in regions with initially high HIV prevalence. We discuss how regional HIV models could be used in public-health planning. This paper is a first attempt to model spread of HIV using mobile phone data, and we also discuss limitations to the approach. © 2015 Isdory 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 | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940577071 | Evaluation of residual stress in stainless steel 316L and Ti6Al4V samples produced by selective laser melting | Yadroitsev I., Yadroitsava I. | 2015 | Virtual and Physical Prototyping | 10 | 2 | 10.1080/17452759.2015.1026045 | Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa | Yadroitsev, I., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa; Yadroitsava, I., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa | Selective laser melting (SLM) has great potential in additive manufacturing because it enables the production of full-density complex parts with the desired inner structure and surface morphology. High temperature gradients as a result of the locally concentrated energy input lead to residual stresses, crack formation and part deformation during processing or after separation from the supports and the substrate. In this study, an X-ray diffraction technique and numerical simulation were used for investigating the residual stress in SLM samples fabricated from stainless steel 316L and Ti6Al4V alloy. Conclusions regarding directions and values of stresses in SLM objects are given. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | numerical simulation; residual stress; selective laser melting; stainless steel; titanium alloy | 3D printers; Alloy steel; Computer simulation; Melting; Numerical models; Residual stresses; Titanium alloys; X ray diffraction; Additive Manufacturing; Energy inputs; High temperature gradient; Inner structure; Selective laser melting; Stainless steel 316L; Ti-6Al-4V alloy; X-ray diffraction techniques; Stainless steel | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954821177 | The health profile and impact assessment of waste scavengers (Rag Pickers) in Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wachukwu C.K., Mbata C.A., Nyenke C.U. | 2010 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 10 | 17 | None | Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; College of Health Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wachukwu, C.K., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Mbata, C.A., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Nyenke, C.U., College of Health Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The objective of this study was to determine the health profile and impact assessment of waste scavengers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. To isolate and identify the potential pathogens that degrade the waste, samples were collected from 7 dumpsites and one control site. Serial dilutions of the samples were carried out and aliquots (0.1 mL) of the diluted samples were inoculated into appropriate media. Similarly, blood, stool, urine and nasal swabs were collected from 80 waste scavengers and 20 control subjects. The blood samples were used for the determination of haematological parameters and widal test, while urine, stool and nasal swabs were used for microbiological analysis. Five genera of bacteria were isolated from the waste dumpsites, which include Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus sp. while the control sites showed growth of Bacillus sp., only. The culture result from waste scavengers also showed similar organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Salmonella sp. There was significant decrease in the haemoglobin levels, haematocrit and Neutrophil counts of rag pickers as compared with the control subjects (p<0.05). Mean values for waste scavenger were Hb 12.12±1.85g dL1, HCT 36.33±16.7% and Neutrophil 33.33±14.06%, while control subjects were Hb 14.48±04g dL1, HCT 42.66±9.47% and Neutrophil 56.55±16.83%. The AST for waste scavengers was slightly increased, while the other LFT values were decreased compared to the control subjects. It can be inferred that waste scavengers serve as vehicles for the transmission of certain pathogens that degrade waste, thereby, constituting some public health hazards. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Health profile; Impact assessment; Microbial degradation; Rag pickers; Waste dumpsite; Waste scavengers | Impact assessments; Microbial degradation; Microbiological analysis; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Rag pickers; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus sp; Waste dumpsite; Bacteriology; Biodegradation; Blood; Escherichia coli; Health; Health hazards; Salmonella; Vehicle transmissions; Solid wastes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939475067 | Evaluation of pregnant women susceptible to cytomegalovirus infection in Maiduguri, Nigeria | Nasir I.A., Usman Y., Babayo A. | 2015 | Research Journal of Microbiology | 10 | 7 | 10.3923/jm.2015.336.342 | Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, PMB 228, Gwagwalada, FCT Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 05, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology | Nasir, I.A., Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, PMB 228, Gwagwalada, FCT Abuja, Nigeria; Usman, Y., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 05, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria; Babayo, A., Department of Medical Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Tecahing Hospital, PMB 0117, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening in pregnancy has not been recommended during antenatal clinic days in Nigeria and most countries of the world. However, CMV has been widely accepted as, the viral etiology with the greatest propensity for congenital transmission. Due to CMV ubiquity, seronegative women are highly susceptible to CMV infection and thus, has increased risk of maternal infections and possibly congenital transmission. In view of this, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of women, who are anti-CMV IgG seronegative, thus susceptible to CMV infections. We made use of NovalisaTM anti-CMV IgG ELISA kit to screen 182 blood samples of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was used to collect participants’ sociodemographic data. A total of 38 out of 182 subjects were anti-CMV IgG seronegative making a seroprevalence of 20.9%. There was significant statistical association between seronegativity and subjects’ education level and history of previous blood transfusion (p<0.05) but not with age, parity, gravida and gestation age (p>0.05). Findings from our evaluation indicated that many pregnant women were anti-CMV IgG seronegative and thus susceptible to maternal CMV infections. These women have high risk of contacting primary CMV infections and might eventually pose danger to their unborn fetuses in the absence of appropriate preventive. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Antenatal screening; Cytomegalovirus; Pregnant women; Seronegative; Susceptible | Cytomegalovirus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956647229 | Mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission events are differentially impacted by breast milk and its components from HIV-1-infected women | Shen R., Achenbach J., Shen Y., Palaia J., Rahkola J.T., Nick H.J., Smythies L.E., McConnell M., Fowler M.G., Smith P.D., Janoff E.N. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 12 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0145150 | Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Mucosal and Vaccine Research Program Colorado (MAVRC), University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States; Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, United States; Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States | Shen, R., Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Achenbach, J., Mucosal and Vaccine Research Program Colorado (MAVRC), University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States; Shen, Y., Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States; Palaia, J., Mucosal and Vaccine Research Program Colorado (MAVRC), University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States; Rahkola, J.T., Mucosal and Vaccine Research Program Colorado (MAVRC), University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States; Nick, H.J., Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States; Smythies, L.E., Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; McConnell, M., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Fowler, M.G., Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Smith, P.D., Department of Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, United States; Janoff, E.N., Mucosal and Vaccine Research Program Colorado (MAVRC), University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States | Breast milk is a vehicle of infection and source of protection in post-natal mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission (MTCT). Understanding the mechanism by which breast milk limits vertical transmission will provide critical insight into the design of preventive and therapeutic approaches to interrupt HIV-1 mucosal transmission. However, characterization of the inhibitory activity of breast milk in human intestinal mucosa, the portal of entry in postnatal MTCT, has been constrained by the limited availability of primary mucosal target cells and tissues to recapitulate mucosal transmission ex vivo. Here, we characterized the impact of skimmed breast milk, breast milk antibodies (Igs) and non-Ig components from HIV-1- infected Ugandan women on the major events of HIV-1 mucosal transmission using primary human intestinal cells and tissues. HIV-1-specific IgG antibodies and non-Ig components in breast milk inhibited the uptake of Ugandan HIV-1 isolates by primary human intestinal epithelial cells, viral replication in and transport of HIV-1- bearing dendritic cells through the human intestinal mucosa. Breast milk HIV-1-specific IgG and IgA, as well as innate factors, blocked the uptake and transport of HIV-1 through intestinal mucosa. Thus, breast milk components have distinct and complementary effects in reducing HIV-1 uptake, transport through and replication in the intestinal mucosa and, therefore, likely contribute to preventing postnatal HIV-1 transmission. Our data suggests that a successful preventive or therapeutic approach would require multiple immune factors acting at multiple steps in the HIV-1 mucosal transmission process. | None | immunoglobulin; immunoglobulin A; immunoglobulin antibody; immunoglobulin G; adult; antibody specificity; Article; breast milk; cell transport; child; clinical article; controlled study; dendritic cell; disease association; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; immune response; intestine epithelium cell; intestine mucosa; molecular dynamics; nonhuman; virus identification; virus isolation; virus replication; virus transmission; young adult | AI083127, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI083615, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI093151, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI106395, NIH, National Institutes of Health; AI41361, NIH, National Institutes of Health; DK064400, NIH, National In |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943176148 | Estimating PMTCT's impact on heterosexual HIV transmission: A mathematical modeling analysis | Khanna A.S., Roberts S.T., Cassels S., Ying R., John-Stewart G., Goodreau S.M., Baeten J.M., Murnane P.M., Celum C., Barnabas R.V., Moodley D. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0134271 | Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Khanna, A.S., Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Roberts, S.T., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Cassels, S., Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; Ying, R., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; John-Stewart, G., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Goodreau, S.M., Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Baeten, J.M., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Murnane, P.M., College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Celum, C., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Barnabas, R.V., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Moodley, D., University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Introduction Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) strategies include combined short-course antiretrovirals during pregnancy (Option A), triple-drug antiretroviral treament (ART) during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Option B), or lifelong ART (Option B+). The WHO also recommends ART for HIV treatment and prevention of sexual transmission of HIV. The impact of PMTCT strategies on prevention of sexual HIV transmission of HIV is not known. We estimated the population-level impact of PMTCT interventions on heterosexual HIV transmission in southwestern Uganda and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, two regions with different HIV prevalence and fertility rates. Materials and Methods We constructed and validated dynamic, stochastic, network-based HIV transmission models for each region. PMTCT Options A, B, and B+ were simulated over ten years under three scenarios: 1) current ART and PMTCT coverage, 2) current ART and high PMTCT coverage, and 3) high ART and PMTCT coverage. We compared adult HIV incidence after ten years of each intervention to Option A (and current ART) at current coverage. Results At current coverage, Options B and B+ reduced heterosexual HIV incidence by about 5% and 15%, respectively, in both countries. With current ART and high PMTCT coverage, Option B+ reduced HIV incidence by 35% in Uganda and 19% in South Africa, while Option B had smaller, but meaningful, reductions. The greatest reductions in HIV incidence were achieved with high ART and PMTCT coverage. In this scenario, all PMTCT strategies yielded similar results. Discussion Implementation of Options B/B+ reduces adult HIV incidence, with greater effect (relative to Option A at current levels) in Uganda than South Africa. These results are likely driven by Uganda's higher fertility rates. © 2015 Khanna et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | antiretrovirus agent; Article; breast feeding; CD4 lymphocyte count; fertility; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; incidence; mathematical model; pregnant woman; South Africa; Uganda; vertical transmission; virus transmission | KL2TR000421, NIH, National Institutes of Health; P30AI027757, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R00 HD057533, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R01 DA033875, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R24 HD042828, NIH, National Institutes of Health; RC4 AI0 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953397096 | Impact of immunosuppression on radiographic features of HIV related pulmonary tuberculosis among Nigerians | Desalu O.O., Olokoba A., Danfulani M., Gambo Z., Salawu F., Damburam A., Midala J. | 2009 | Turk Toraks Dergisi | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Radiology Usman Dan Fodio, University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Departmen | Desalu, O.O., Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Olokoba, A., Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria; Danfulani, M., Department of Radiology Usman Dan Fodio, University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria; Gambo, Z., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Salawu, F., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Damburam, A., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Midala, J., Department of Hematology, Federal Medical Centre Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | Objective: The impact of immunosuppression on radiographic manifestation of HIV related pulmonary tuberculosis among Nigerians was studied. Material and Method: We recruited 127 cases of HIV related pulmonary tuberculosis at the Federal Medical Centre Yola Adamawa state, Nigeria. Demographic information, smoking history and results of sputum smear for AAFB, chest radiographic findings and blood CD4 counts were obtained. Subjects were subdivided into two groups: Group I (CD4 count < 200cell/mm3) and Group II (CD4 count ≥ 200cell/mm3). Results: Of the 127 subjects, 74 were males and 53 were females. The mean age of the subjects was 35.1±8.4 years and the mean CD4 count was 166±100 cell/mm3. There were 93(73.2%) in Group I and 34(26.8%) in Group II. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy, middle and lower lung zone involvement, bilateral lung involvement, miliary or disseminated patterns as well as normal chest radiographs were found more frequently in Group I. Cavitations, upper lung zone involvement, pleural effusion and bilateral lung infiltrate were found more frequently in Group II. Conclusion: Severe immunosuppression was significantly associated with atypical radiological findings of TB, while mild immunosuppression was significantly associated with typical pulmonary tuberculosis. The physician needs to be aware of the impact of immunosuppression on radiographic manifestation of HIV related pulmonary tuberculosis. | AIDS manifestation; HIV; Immunosuppression; Nigerians; Radiographic; Tuberculosis | acid fast bacterium; adult; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; cigarette smoking; controlled study; disease association; disease severity; female; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune deficiency; lung cavitation; lung infiltrate; lung tuberculosis; lymphadenopathy; major clinical study; male; mediastinum lymph node; miliary tuberculosis; Nigeria; pleura effusion; sputum smear; thorax radiography | 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-s2.0-84862222142 | Evaluation of the growth enhancement ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain isolated from the rhizosphere of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) | Adegunloye D.V., Adetuyi F.C. | 2012 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 10 | 2 | None | Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria | Adegunloye, D.V., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Adetuyi, F.C., Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria | Seven bacteria species were isolated from rhizosphere of three cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seedlings grown in the screenhouse of the Department of the Crop, Soil and Pest Management, the Federal University of Technology, Akure. The isolated bacteria included Clostridium welchii, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus polymyxa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus sp. and Serratia marcescens. The growth-promoting and biocontrol potential of one of the isolated bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated by growing cowpea in soil. Three experiments were set up: A cowpea planted in unsterilized soil, B cowpea planted in sterilized soil and C cowpea coated with cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were planted in sterilized soil, respectively. The appearance, stem girth, above ground stem and the number of leaves formed by the different plants were the parameters used and observation commenced from three days after planting to a period of three weeks. Plant C germinated properly without infection and showed a steady increase in stem girth from 0.15 to 0.19 mm over the period of three weeks. Plant B increased in stem girth from 0.13 to 0.17 mm. In plant A germination was not observed on the third day, however, the stem girth ranged between 0.01mm after the sixth day to 0.13 mm after 3 weeks. The height of the plant A, B, and C increased from 2.0 to 9.0 cm, from 2.8 to 14.0 cm and from 4.0 to 14.5 cm, respectively. The number of leaves was 2-5 for plant A, 2-12 for plant B and 3-15 for C, this was for a period of three weeks. Three out of the four seeds coated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa developed into healthy stems while in the untreated seeds only two seeds germinated. Therefore, Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce substances that could enhance the growth of cowpea. | Cowpea; Enhancement; Evaluation; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Rhizosphere | article; bacterial growth; bacterial strain; bacterium isolation; cowpea; germination; nonhuman; plant leaf; plant stem; plantation; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; rhizosphere | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953299304 | Field evaluation of malaria microscopy, rapid malaria tests and loop-mediated isothermal amplification in a rural hospital in south Western Ethiopia | Cuadros J., Pérez-Tanoira R., Prieto-Pérez L., Martin-Martin I., Berzosa P., González V., Tisiano G., Balcha S., Ramos J.M., Górgolas M. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0142842 | Department of Microbiology, Universitary Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia; Division of Infectious Diseases, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Medical Entomology Unit, Department of Parasitology, National Centre of Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Health Insitute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario of Alicante.Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Alicante, Spain | Cuadros, J., Department of Microbiology, Universitary Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Pérez-Tanoira, R., Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia, Division of Infectious Diseases, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain, Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Prieto-Pérez, L., Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia, Division of Infectious Diseases, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain, Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Martin-Martin, I., Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia, Medical Entomology Unit, Department of Parasitology, National Centre of Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Berzosa, P., National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Health Insitute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; González, V., National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Health Insitute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Tisiano, G., Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia; Balcha, S., Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia; Ramos, J.M., Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario of Alicante.Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Alicante, Spain; Górgolas, M., Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Gambo Rural General Hospital, Kore, West-Arsi, Gambo, Ethiopia, Division of Infectious Diseases, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain, Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain | Background In up to one third of the hospitals in some rural areas of Africa, laboratory services in malaria diagnosis are limited to microscopy by thin film, as no capability to perform thick film exists (gold standard in terms of sensitivity for malaria diagnosis). A new rapid molecular malaria diagnostic test called Loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) has been recently validated in clinical trials showing exceptional sensitivity and specificity features. It could be a reliable diagnostic tool to be implemented without special equipment or training. Objective The objective of this proof of concept study was to confirm the feasibility of using LAMP technique for diagnosis of malaria in a rural Ethiopian hospital with limited resources. Methodology/Principal Findings This study was carried out in Gambo General Hospital, West Arsi Province (Ethiopia), from November 1st to December 31st 2013. A total of 162 patients with a non-focal febrile syndrome were investigated. The diagnostic capability (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values) of rapid malaria tests and microscopy by thin film was evaluated in comparison with LAMP. Eleven (6.79%) out of the 162 patients with fever and suspected malaria, tested positive for LAMP, 3 (1.85%) for rapid malaria tests and none of the eleven cases was detected by thin film microscopy. Conclusions/Significance LAMP can be performed in basic rural laboratories without the need for specialized infrastructure and it may set a reliable tool for malaria control to detect a low level parasitemia. © 2015 Cuadros 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 | artemether plus benflumetol; adolescent; adult; aged; Article; child; concept analysis; controlled study; diagnostic equipment; diagnostic test accuracy study; Ethiopia; Ethiopian; feasibility study; female; fever; hospital service; human; human cell; intermethod comparison; loop mediated isothermal amplification; major clinical study; malaria; malaria rapid test; male; microscopy; nonhuman; predictive value; preschool child; prevalence; rural health care; school child; sensitivity and specificity; syndrome; young adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051949350 | Indicators of wetland acidification and their relevance to environmental impact assessment | Ohimain E.I. | 2011 | International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development | 10 | 2 | 10.1504/IJESD.2011.041973 | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina A and T State University, 1601 E. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27411, United States; Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Researc | Ohimain, E.I., Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina A and T State University, 1601 E. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27411, United States, Bioenergy and Environmental Biotechnology Research Unit, Biological Science Department, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria | Developments in most tropical coastlines are often hampered by acidification, which occurs when sedimentary pyrites are disturbed during construction activities. Acidification causes vegetation die back, fish mortality, heavy metal pollution, corrosion of concrete, steel and other metallic structures. The aim of this study is to develop tools for predicting the likelihood of acidification occurring in advance prior to project implementation. The study found that acidification indicators including land forms, acidophilic bacteria, soil and water properties, mangrove vegetation, and hydrology and sedimentation pattern are useful tools for predicting acidification. The study concludes by providing keys for the identification of problem soils and recommended the mainstreaming of acidification related issues into the overall EIA process. Copyright © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Acid sulphate soils/sediments; Acidification; Acidithiobacillus sp.; Dredging; Environment; Indicators; Mangrove; Niger delta; Oil exploration | Acidithiobacillus; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956880965 | Evaluation of blood reservation and use for caesarean sections in a tertiary maternity unit in south western Nigeria | Akinola O.I., Fabamwo A.O., Tayo A.O., Rabiu K.A., Oshodi Y.A., Onyekwere C.A. | 2010 | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | 10 | None | 10.1186/1471-2393-10-57 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria | Akinola, O.I., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria; Fabamwo, A.O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria; Tayo, A.O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria; Rabiu, K.A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria; Oshodi, Y.A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria; Onyekwere, C.A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria | Background: Haemorrhage from obstetric causes is the most common cause of maternal mortality in the developing world. Prevention of mortality from haemorrhage will necessarily involve prompt blood transfusions among other life saving measures. There are however limited stocks of fresh or stored blood in many health care facilities in Sub Saharan Africa. Caesarean section has been identified as a common indication for blood transfusion in obstetrics practice and its performance is often delayed by non availability of blood in our centre. An evaluation of blood reservation and use at caesarean sections in a tertiary maternity unit in Lagos, south western Nigeria should therefore assist in formulating the most rational blood transfusion policies.Methods: Case records of 327 patients who had elective and emergency caesarian sections at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between 1 stOctober and 31 stDecember 2007 were reviewed. Data pertaining to age, parity, booking status, type and indication for Caesarean section, pre- and post-operative packed cell volume, blood loss at surgery, units of blood reserved in the blood bank, unit(s) of blood transfused and duration of hospital stay was extracted and the data analysed.Results: There were 1056 deliveries out of which 327 (31%) were by Caesarean section. During the study period, a total of 654 units of blood were reserved in the blood bank and subsequently made available in theatre. Out of this number, only 89 (13.6%) were transfused to 41 patients. Amongst those transfused, twenty-six (54%) were booked and 31 (75.6%) had primary caesarian section. About 81% of those transfused had emergency caesarean section. The most common indication for surgery among those transfused were placenta praevia (9 patients with 21 units of blood) and cephalo-pelvic disproportion (8 patients with 13 units).Conclusion: Even though a large number of units of blood was reserved and made available in the theatre at the time of operation, majority of the patients operated did not need blood transfusion. Provision of a mini- blood bank within the obstetric unit and careful patient categorization will ensure timely availability of blood for surgery without necessarily tying down stock in the central blood bank. © 2010 Akinola et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; bleeding; blood bank; blood transfusion; cesarean section; female; hospital department; hospital subdivisions and components; human; labor complication; Nigeria; pregnancy; university hospital; uterus bleeding; utilization review; age; blood storage; cephalopelvic disproportion; elective surgery; emergency surgery; erythrocyte concentrate; hospitalization; major clinical study; operation duration; parity; placenta previa; postoperative period; preoperative period; retrospective study; tertiary health care; Adult; Blood Banks; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Cesarean Section; Female; Hospital Units; Hospitals, University; Humans; Nigeria; Obstetric Labor Complications; Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital; Pregnancy; Uterine Hemorrhage | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77952900333 | Shamba Maisha: A pilot study assessing impacts of a micro-irrigation intervention on the health and economic wellbeing of HIV patients | Pandit J.A., Sirotin N., Tittle R., Onjolo E., Bukusi E.A., Cohen C.R. | 2010 | BMC Public Health | 10 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-10-245 | Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States; Department of Medicine, San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, United States; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, United States; Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya | Pandit, J.A., Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States; Sirotin, N., Department of Medicine, San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, United States, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, United States; Tittle, R., Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States; Onjolo, E., Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya; Bukusi, E.A., Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya; Cohen, C.R., Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States | HIV/AIDS negatively impacts poverty alleviation and food security, which reciprocally hinder the rapid scale up and effectiveness of HIV care programs. Nyanza province has the highest HIV prevalence (15.3%), and is the third highest contributor (2.4 million people) to rural poverty in Kenya. Thus, we tested the feasibility of providing a micro-irrigation pump to HIV-positive farmers in order to evaluate its impact on health and economic advancement among HIV-positive patients and their families. Methods. Thirty HIV-positive patients enrolled in the Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) program in Kisumu, Kenya were provided a micro-financed loan to receive an irrigation pump and farming guidance from KickStart, the developer of the pump. Economic data, CD4 counts, household health and loan repayment history were collected 12 months after the pumps were distributed. Results. Mean annual family income increased by $1,332 over baseline. CD4 counts did not change significantly. Though income increased, only three (10%) participants had paid off more than a quarter of the loan. Conclusions. We demonstrated the feasibility of an income-generating micro-irrigation intervention among HIV-positive patients and the collection of health and economic data. While family income improved significantly, loan repayment rates were low- likely complicated by the drought that occurred in Kenya during the intervention period. © 2010 Pandit et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | agriculture; article; economics; financial management; health status; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; income; information processing; pilot study; socioeconomics; Agriculture; Financial Support; Focus Groups; Health Status; HIV Infections; Humans; Income; Pilot Projects; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955941535 | Phytochemical and antibacterial evaluations of the stem bark of Newbouldia laevis against isolates from infected wounds and eyes | Akerele J.O., Ayinde B.A., Ngiagah J. | 2011 | Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | 10 | 2 | None | Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Akerele, J.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Nigeria; Ayinde, B.A., Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ngiagah, J., Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Nigeria | Purpose: To examine the phytochemical constituents and verify the ethnomedical claim of Newbouldia laevis (P.Beauv.) Seeman ex Bureau Bignoniaceae in treating septic wounds and eye problems. Methods: Applying standard methods, the phytochemical constituents of the stem bark were examined while the antibacterial potentials of the methanol extract of the stem bark and its organic solvent fractions were tested on clinical bacterial isolates from infected wounds and eyes using the agar - well diffusion method. Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin were used as standard controls. The time-kill kinetics of the methanol stem bark extract and ciprofloxacin were determined using isolates of Staphyloccocus aureus. Results: Phytochemical screening of the stem bark revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids with no traces of cyanogenic glycosides. The 65 bacterial pathogens isolated included Proteus mirabilis (26.0 %) and Pseudomonas aeurginosa (17.4 %) from non-diabetic patients' wounds; Staphylococcus aureus (32.0 %) and Escherichia coli (16.0%) from diabetic patients' wounds; Staphylococcus aureus (35.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35.3 %) from infected eyes. The chloroform fraction was observed to be more active on Gram- negative organisms while the aqueous fraction was more active on Gram-positive organisms. Time-kill kinetics of Staphylococcus aureus showed that the extract was bactericidal (99.9 % killing) at MIC and 2 x MIC after 24 and 3 hours, respectively. Conclusion: The study has established that the stem bark of Newbouldia laevis has antibacterial activities against bacterial isolates from infected wounds and eyes as claimed in ethnomedicinal practice. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. | Antibacterial; Eye isolates; Newbouldia laevis; Phytochemical; Wound isolates | alkaloid; antiinfective agent; chloroform; ciprofloxacin; flavonoid; gentamicin; methanol; Newbouldia laevis extract; plant extract; saponin; tannin; unclassified drug; water; agar diffusion; antibacterial activity; article; bactericidal activity; bacterium isolate; bark; Bignoniaceae; concentration response; controlled study; drug screening; Escherichia coli; eye infection; fractionation; minimum inhibitory concentration; Newbouldia laevis; nonhuman; phytochemistry; Proteus mirabilis; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; traditional medicine; wound infection | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24744462263 | Evaluation of dika nut mucilage (Irvingia gabonensis) as binding agent in metronidazole tablet formulations | Odeku O.A., Patani B.O. | 2005 | Pharmaceutical Development and Technology | 10 | 3 | 10.1081/PDT-54477 | Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Odeku, O.A., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Patani, B.O., Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Dika nut mucilage obtained from the nuts of Irvingia gabonensis (O'Rorke) Bail (family Irvingiaceae) has been evaluated as a binding agent in metronidazole tablet formulations in comparison with gelatin BP. The compressional properties of metronidazole formulations were analyzed using density measurements and the Heckel equations as assessment parameters, whereas the mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using the tensile strength (T), brittle fracture index (BFI), and the friability of the tablets. The drug release properties of the tablets were assessed using disintegration and dissolution times of the tablets. The results obtained indicate that formulations containing dika nut mucilage as binding agent show faster onset of plastic deformation under compression pressure than those containing gelatin. The tensile strength of the tablets increased with increase in concentration of the binding agents, whereas the BFI and friability values decreased. Furthermore, tablets containing dika nut mucilage generally showed lower tensile strength but higher brittleness and friability than those containing gelatin. The results also showed that tablets containing dika nut mucilage generally showed higher disintegration and dissolution times than those containing gelatin BP. The results suggest that dika nut mucilage could be useful in achieving various tablet strength and drug release properties. Copyright © 005 Taylor & Francis Inc. | Binding agent; Dika nut mucilage; Gelatin; Metronidazole; Tablet | adhesive agent; gelatin; metronidazole; article; concentration (parameters); dika nut mucilage; drug release; drug solubility; irvingia gabonensis; mucilage; plant; priority journal; tablet compression; tablet disintegration; tablet formulation; tensile strength; Adhesives; Cellulose; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Metronidazole; Tablets; Technology, Pharmaceutical; Tensile Strength | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946839797 | Paralympic sprint performance between 1992 and 2012 | Grobler L., Ferreira S., Terblanche E. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance | 10 | 8 | 10.1123/ijspp.2014-0560 | Dept of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Grobler, L., Dept of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Ferreira, S., Dept of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Terblanche, E., Dept of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa | The Paralympic Games have undergone many changes since their inception in 1960, one being the advances made in runningspecific prostheses (RSPs) for track athletes with lower-limb amputations. Purpose: To investigate the sprinting-performance changes in athletes with lower-limb amputations since 1992 to assess whether the influence of developments in RSP technology is evident. Methods: The results of the Olympic and Paralympic Games ranging between 1992 and 2012 for the 100-m and 200-m were collected, and performance trends, percentage change in performance, and competition density (CD) were calculated. Results: The results indicate that the greatest performance increases were seen in athletes with lower-limb amputations (T42 = 26%, T44 = 14%). These performance improvements were greater than for Olympic athletes (<3%), as well as Paralympic athletes from other selected classes (<10%). The T42 and T44 classes also showed the lowest CD values. Discussion: These results suggest that although there is an overall trend for improved Paralympic sprint performances, RSP technology has played a noteworthy role in the progression of performances of athletes with amputations. It is also hypothesized that the difference in the performance improvements between the T42 and T44 classes is due to the level of disability and therefore the extent to which technology is required to enable locomotion. Conclusion: It is evident that RSP technology has played a significant role in the progression of performances in athletes with lower-limb amputations. © 2015 Human Kinetics, Inc. | Amputees; Performance trends; Running-specific prosthesis; Sprinting; Technology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76749157199 | Evaluation of the anticonvulsant property of Russelia equisetiformis (Schlecht & Chan) | Emmanuel A.O., Janet M.M., Ayoka A.O. | 2010 | Journal of Natural Remedies | 10 | 1 | None | Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Physiologic | Emmanuel, A.O., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria; Janet, M.M., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ayoka, A.O., Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ife, Ile-ife, Nigeria | Fits or convulsions are extremely common symptoms in childhood most especially in inflammatory conditions such as malaria and viral infections, tonsillitis and cases of epileptic conditions. Most of the available drugs used in the control of this symptom usually present adverse reactions. Alternative medicine is one of the interesting areas, which is getting more popular and increasingly attractive world wide. In searching for herbal remedy that is safe and efficacious, we therefore, evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of methanol Russelia equisetiformis extracts (MERE). Anticonvulsant activity was evaluated in the picrotoxin (PCT) and strychnine (STC) - induced convulsions in mice. MERE (100-400mg/kg), significantly (p<0.05) protected mice against picrotoxin - induced seizures. However, the extract did not confer protection against (STC) - induced seizures. n-Hexane fraction (10 mg kg-1), showed the highest percentage level of protection (80%) against picrotoxin-induced seizures, with none of the fractions showing protection against (STC) - induced convulsion. Although, the data obtained in the present study, do not provide convulsive evidence, it would appear that R.equisetiformis crude extract (MERE), and its n-hexane fraction produce the observed anticonvulsant activity by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission, and/or facilitating GABAergic action in the brain. In general, the average onset of convulsion was delayed, while the average duration of convulsion was markedly reduced. These findings, suggest therefore, that the plant could serve as a supplementary therapy for the management and/or control of childhood convulsions and epilepsy. | Anticonvulsants; Russelia equisetiformis extract fractions | acetic acid ethyl ester; anticonvulsive agent; butanol; diazepam; dichloromethane; hexane; picrotoxin; plant extract; Russelia equisetiformis extract; strychnine; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; anticonvulsant activity; anticonvulsant therapy; article; controlled study; convulsion; dose response; drug dose comparison; drug efficacy; drug screening; latent period; male; mortality; mouse; nonhuman; Russelia equisetiformis; Scrophulariaceae; seizure; survival rate; Mus; Russelia equisetiformis; Strychnos toxifera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863952922 | Psychosocial impact of caring for children with cerebral palsy on the family in a developing country | Ogwumike O.O., Adeniyi F.A., Obidiegwu C.J. | 2012 | Journal of Pediatric Neurology | 10 | 2 | 10.3233/JPN-2012-0556 | Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogwumike, O.O., Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Adeniyi, F.A., Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Obidiegwu, C.J., Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Having a child with cerebral palsy (CP) in developing countries of the world is particularly burdensome. This study investigated psychosocial impact on the family caring for a child with CP, examined possible association of severity of gross motor function impairment on the psychosocial impact and compared impact scores of families with CP child with that of families with no CP child. Participants consisted of 117 parents/caregivers of children with CP and 117 parents/caregivers of children without CP whose children attended purposively selected secondary and tertiary health institutions in South-West region of Nigeria. Impact on family (IOF) scale was used to assess psychosocial impact while gross motor function classification system for CP was used to rate severity of motor function impairment in children with CP. Participants were mostly of low income 59 (25.2%) and middle income 85 (36.3%) categories. Children were mostly in the 1-3 year age range 116 (49.6%). Birth asphyxia was most reported cause of CP and no social support service was reported. Significantly higher mean subscale and total IOF scores were observed in families with CP child (37.4 ± 8.91) compared with families with no CP child (20.8 ± 4.98) P=0.000. Significant differences did not exist in mean total IOF scores and severity of motor function impairment in children with CP (P=0.16). Presence of a child with CP imposes tremendous psychosocial challenges on the family irrespective of severity of motor function impairment. Implementation of an effective and accessible social support system by Nigerian policy makers is imperative. © 2012 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved. | Cerebral palsy; children; family; psychosocial impact | adult; article; caregiver; cerebral palsy; child; child care; developing country; disease severity; family; female; Gross Motor Function Classification System; handicapped child; health care policy; human; impact on family scale; infant; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; parent; perinatal asphyxia; psychological aspect; psychometry; rating scale; scoring system; social support | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650440404 | Impact of Parthenium hysterophorus on grazing land communities in north-eastern Ethiopia | Nigatu L., Hassen A., Sharma J., Adkins S.W. | 2010 | Weed Biology and Management | 10 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1445-6664.2010.00378.x | Department of Plant Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; School of Land, Crop and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia | Nigatu, L., Department of Plant Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Hassen, A., Department of Plant Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Sharma, J., Department of Plant Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Adkins, S.W., School of Land, Crop and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia | An investigation into the impact of Parthenium hysterophorus infestation was conducted in 2007 in the north-eastern grazing lands of Ethiopia. Data on the above-ground and seedbank species diversity were collected from five areas, each having sites with low, medium, or high levels of weed infestation. A total of 72 species was found in all areas. They were categorized into grass species (23), other species (48), or P. hysterophorus for ease of interpretation. A regression analysis showed a highly significant, but negative, relationship between the above-ground species diversity and evenness with P. hysterophorus abundance. The mean cover abundance for the three infestation levels was 33.4% for P. hysterophorus, 41.0% for the grass species, and 26.5% for the other species. The most dominant grass species under all infestation levels were Cynodon dactylon, Urochloa panicoides, and Chloris gayana, while Andropogon abyssinicus and Eragrostis spp. were dominant under the low and medium infestation levels, respectively, and Hyparrhenia hirta was dominant under the low infestation level. Among the other species, Solanum nigrum was the most dominant under the low infestation level and Datura stramonium and Xanthium spp. were the most dominant under the medium and high infestation levels, respectively. The above-ground dry biomass of P. hysterophorus increased between the low and high infestation levels, while that of the grass or other species reduced in the high, as compared to the low, infestation level. Although the grass species density decreased significantly with successive increases in the P. hysterophorus infestation level, no such trend could be seen for the other species. Within the soil seed bank, the viable seed density for the grass species, other species, and P. hysterophorus were 25.7, 5.8, and 68.5%, respectively. Similarly, the soil seed bank under the low-, medium-, and high-infestation sites was dominated by P. hysterophorus, which contributed 25.1, 65.4, and 87.4% of the viable seed bank, respectively. Although the overall similarity between the above-ground vegetation composition and the soil seed bank was low, it was similar at the low-infested site. Thus, the invasion by P. hysterophorus was found to critically endanger the biodiversity of the grazing lands, particularly for the different grass and forbs species in the area. These changes might adversely affect not only future agriculture, but also food security, unless appropriate practises are developed and implemented for P. hysterophorus management. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Weed Science Society of Japan. | Biodiversity; Cover abundance; Dry weight; Grazing lands; Parthenium hysterophorus; Species evenness | Andropogon; Chloris gayana; Cynodon dactylon; Datura stramonium; Eragrostis; Hyparrhenia hirta; Parthenium hysterophorus; Solanum nigrum; Urochloa panicoides; Xanthium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953797150 | Evaluation and pharmacovigilance of projects promoting cultivation and local use of Artemisia annua for malaria | Willcox M.L., Burton S., Oyweka R., Namyalo R., Challand S., Lindsey K. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-84 | Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Rural Extension for Africa's Poor (REAP), PO Box 6173, Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya; Anamed Uganda, Masaka, Uganda; Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany | Willcox, M.L., Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom; Burton, S., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Department of Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Oyweka, R., Rural Extension for Africa's Poor (REAP), PO Box 6173, Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya; Namyalo, R., Anamed Uganda, Masaka, Uganda; Challand, S., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany; Lindsey, K., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany | Background: Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are promoting the use of Artemisia annua teas as a home-based treatment for malaria in situations where conventional treatments are not available. There has been controversy about the effectiveness and safety of this approach, but no pharmacovigilance studies or evaluations have been published to date. Method. A questionnaire about the cultivation of A. annua, treatment of patients, and side-effects observed, was sent to partners of the NGO Anamed in Kenya and Uganda. Some of the respondents were then selected purposively for more in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: Eighteen partners in Kenya and 21 in Uganda responded. 49% reported difficulties in growing the plant, mainly due to drought. Overall about 3,000 cases of presumed malaria had been treated with A. annua teas in the previous year, of which about 250 were in children and 54 were in women in the first trimester of pregnancy. The commonest problem observed in children was poor compliance due to the bitter taste, which was improved by the addition of sugar or honey. Two miscarriages were reported in pregnant patients. Only four respondents reported side-effects in other patients, the commonest of which was vomiting. 51% of respondents had started using A. annua tea to treat illnesses other than malaria. Conclusions: Local cultivation and preparation of A. annua are feasible where growing conditions are appropriate. Few adverse events were reported even in children and pregnant women. Where ACT is in short supply, it would make sense to save it for young children, while using A. annua infusions to treat older patients who are at lower risk. An ongoing pharmacovigilance system is needed to facilitate reporting of any adverse events. © 2011 Willcox et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antimalarial agent; sugar; Artemisia annua; article; bitter taste; child; diarrhea; drought; drug eruption; drug induced headache; drug surveillance program; feasibility study; female; first trimester pregnancy; health promotion; honey; human; interview; Kenya; malaria; male; plant breeding; pruritus; questionnaire; risk; spontaneous abortion; tea; Uganda; vomiting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36348987743 | The impact of war experiences and physical abuse on formerly abducted boys in Northern Uganda | Amone-P'Olak K., Garnefski N., Kraaij V. | 2007 | African Journal of Psychiatry (South Africa) | 10 | 2 | None | Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands | Amone-P'Olak, K., Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Garnefski, N., Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Kraaij, V., Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands | Objective: In this article, war experiences and the impact of physical abuse on formerly abducted boys in Northern Uganda are assessed. Method: In a cross-sectional self-report design, Impact of Events Scale - Revised (IES-R), War Experiences Checklist questionnaires were administered to 216 formerly abducted boys between August and November 2004 and data from records at three rehabilitation centres were retrospectively assessed and analysed. Results: The boys were exposed to war events, participated in atrocities, were physically abused, and manifested many signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress. Consequently, many were psychologically distressed at the time of the study. Conclusions: The psychosocial intervention activities proposed include teaching better coping skills, entrepreneurial skills training, and provision of micro credit facilities. | Physical abuse; Psychosocial intervention; PTS; Uganda; War | adolescent; adult; article; child abuse; coping behavior; cross-sectional study; distress syndrome; experience; human; Impact of Events Scale; major clinical study; male; posttraumatic stress disorder; psychosocial care; questionnaire; school child; self report; Uganda; war | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84948705704 | Predictors of late HIV diagnosis among adult people living with HIV/AIDS who undertake an initial CD4 T Cell evaluation, northern Ethiopia: A case-control study | Beyene M.B., Beyene H.B. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0140004 | Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Beyene, M.B., Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Beyene, H.B., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Introduction Early HIV testing and timely initiation of ART is critical for the improved quality of life of PLWHIV. Having identified a higher rates of Late HIV diagnosis, this study was aimed to determine Determinants of late diagnosis of HIV among adult HIV patients in Bahir Dar, Northern Ethiopia. Methods A case control study was conducted between January 2010 to December 2011 at Bahir Dar Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital. The study subjects consisted of 267 cases and 267 controls. Cases were adult people living with HIV/AIDS whose initial CD4 T cell count was< 200/μ of blood. Controls were those with a CD4 T cell count of greater than 200/ μl. Trained staff nurses were involved in data collection using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and Binary logistic regression were performed. Results Subjects who hold a certificate and above (AOR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.13. 0.54), being initiated by friends, families and other socials to undertake HIV testing (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.29, 1.48), who reported a medium and high knowledge score about HIV/AIDS and who undertake HIV testing while visiting a clinic for ANC (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.19, 0.83) were less likely to be diagnosed late. Subjects who undertake HIV testing due to providers' initiation (AOR = 1.70; 95%CI = 1.08, 2.68), who reported a medium internalized stigma (AOR = 4.94; 95% CI = 3.13, 7.80) and who reported a high internalized stigma score towards HIV/ AIDS (AOR = 16.64; 95% CI = 8.29, 33.4) had a high odds of being diagnosed late compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Internalized stigma, low knowledge level about HIV/AIDS, not to have attended formal education and failure to undertake HIV testing by own initiation were significant determinant factors associated with Late HIV diagnosis. Education about HIV/AIDS, promotion of general education, and encouraging people to motivate their social mates to undertake HIV testing are highly recommended. © 2015 Beyene, Beyene. 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 | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; Article; case control study; CD4+ T lymphocyte; controlled study; Ethiopia; female; health promotion; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; motivation; patient education; prediction; quality of life; questionnaire; scoring system; stigma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869228594 | Knowledge and performance of the Ethiopian health extension workers on antenatal and delivery care: A cross-sectional study | Medhanyie A., Spigt M., Dinant G., Blanco R. | 2012 | Human Resources for Health | 10 | None | 10.1186/1478-4491-10-44 | Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Department of Medicine, University of Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Department of General Practice, Tromso University, Tromso, Norway | Medhanyie, A., Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia, CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands, Department of Medicine, University of Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Spigt, M., CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands, Department of General Practice, Tromso University, Tromso, Norway; Dinant, G., CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Blanco, R., Department of Medicine, University of Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain | Background: In recognition of the critical shortage of human resources within health services, community health workers have been trained and deployed to provide primary health care in developing countries. However, very few studies have investigated whether these health workers can provide good quality of care. This study investigated the knowledge and performance of health extension workers (HEWs) on antenatal and delivery care. The study also explored the barriers and facilitators for HEWs in the provision of maternal health care.Methods: In conducting this research, a cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 50 HEWs working in 39 health posts, covering a population of approximately 195,000 people, were interviewed. Descriptive statistics was used and a composite score of knowledge of HEWs was made and interpreted based on the Ethiopian education scoring system.Results: Almost half of the respondents had at least 5 years of work experience as a HEW. More than half (27 (54%)) of the HEWs had poor knowledge on contents of antenatal care counseling, and the majority (44 (88%)) had poor knowledge on danger symptoms, danger signs, and complications in pregnancy. Health posts, which are the operational units for HEWs, did not have basic infrastructures like water supply, electricity, and waiting rooms for women in labor. On average within 6 months, a HEW assisted in 5.8 births. Only a few births (10%) were assisted at the health posts, the majority (82%) were assisted at home and only 20% of HEWs received professional assistance from a midwife.Conclusion: Considering the poor knowledge of HEWs, poorly equipped health posts, and poor referral systems, it is difficult for HEWs to play a key role in improving health facility deliveries, skilled birth attendance, and on-time referral through early identification of danger signs. Hence, there is an urgent need to design appropriate strategies to improve the performance of HEWs by enhancing their knowledge and competencies, while creating appropriate working conditions. © 2012 Medhanyie et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Antenatal care; Community health workers; Health extension workers; Maternal health care; Primary health care | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957474462 | Chemical evaluation of the nutritive value of Pentaclethra macrophylla tenth (African oil bean) seeds | Alinnor I.J., Oze R. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 4 | 10.3923/pjn.2011.355.359 | Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Alinnor, I.J., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Oze, R., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Pentaclethra macrophylla benth (African oil bean) seeds were analyzed for their nutritive values. The result showed that Pentaclethra macrophylla seeds have moisture content 11.87%, ash content 2.95%, crude fat content 46.95%, crude protein content 20.95%, crude fibre content 2.50%, carbohydrate content 14.79%, available energy 2344.56 kJ. The mineral content of the analyzed samples showed that Pentaclethra macrophylla seeds were rich in iron of value 140.97 mg/100 g. The analysis indicates that potassium is the most abundant mineral. The high Ca/P ratio indicates that Pentaclethra macrophylla is a very good food source. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Mineral compositions; Nutritive values; Pentaclethra macrophylla | iron; potassium; article; ash; carbohydrate analysis; controlled study; dietary fiber; fat content; food composition; legume; moisture; nonhuman; nutritional value; pentaclethra macrophylla; plant seed; protein content; Pentaclethra macrophylla | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868145132 | The coagulation performance of okra mucilage in an industrial effluent by turbidimetry | Ani J.U., Nnaji N.J., Okoye C.O.B., Onukwuli O.D. | 2012 | International Journal of Chemical Sciences | 10 | 3 | None | Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | Ani, J.U., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Nnaji, N.J., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okoye, C.O.B., Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Onukwuli, O.D., Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria | The determination of coagulation rate constants was achieved by monitoring changes in the concentration of the coagulating suspension with time. These coagulation rate constants were obtained by turbidimetric studies on fibre-cement industry effluent (FCIE). The gravimetric method of measuring the concentration of suspended particles is tedious and thus not suitable for routine evaluations of coagulation kinetics. The coagulation rate constants were obtained from the slopes of first and second order plots of the coagulation reactions using aluminum sulphate and okra mucilage (OMUC) as coagulants. The work further examined the suitability of OMUC as a novel coagulant for the removal of colloids from FCIE. | Coagulation rate constant; Colloids; Fibre-cement; Nephelometric; Orthokinetic | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33744929627 | Traditional healers, treatment delay, performance status and death from TB in rural South Africa | Barker R.D., Millard F.J.C., Malatsi J., Mkoana L., Ngoatwana T., Agarawal S., De Valliere S. | 2006 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 10 | 6 | None | Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MI, United States; Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, Bessemer Rd, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom | Barker, R.D., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom, Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, Bessemer Rd, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom; Millard, F.J.C., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Malatsi, J., Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Mkoana, L., Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Ngoatwana, T., Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa; Agarawal, S., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; De Valliere, S., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom, Jane Furse Memorial Hospital, Jane Furse, Limpopo Province, South Africa, Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MI, United States, Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, Bessemer Rd, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom | BACKGROUND: People in sub-Saharan Africa frequently consult traditional healers before reaching the government health services (GHS). This can lead to delays in starting effective anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. To our knowledge, no studies have shown a direct relationship between visiting traditional healers, increased morbidity and death from TB. METHODS: All patients starting on anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy at a rural hospital in South Africa in 2003 were included in the study. TB nurses interviewed the patients and established how long they had had symptoms before treatment was started, whether they had visited traditional healers before coming to the hospital, their performance status and, later, whether they had died. RESULTS: Of 133 patients, those who attended a traditional healer took longer to access anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy (median 90 days, range 0-210) than those who went directly to the GHS (median 21, range 0-120). Patients who visited a traditional healer had worse performance status (P < 0.001), and were more likely to die (24/77 [31%] vs. 4/33 [12%], P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Treatment delay due to visiting traditional healers can have dire consequences for patients with TB. Efforts are required to engage with health care practitioners outside the government sector to improve the prospects for patients with TB. © 2006 The Union. | Death; Karnofsky performance status; Sub-Saharan Africa; TB; Traditional medicine; Treatment | adolescent; adult; aged; article; female; health service; health status; human; major clinical study; male; priority journal; therapy delay; traditional medicine; tuberculosis; Humans; Medicine, Traditional; Rural Health; South Africa; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949664163 | Decision support for evaluating player performance in rugby union | Calder J.M., Durbach I.N. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching | 10 | 1 | None | Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Calder, J.M., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Durbach, I.N., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Many professional rugby teams collect extensive data on player performance, but the synthesis of this data into overall evaluations and subsequent selections is still largely left to the expert but unassisted judgment of coaching staff. Decision support systems are designed to assist this process by providing a framework for making decisions in a structured, transparent way. In this article we develop a decision support tool to assist performance evaluation in rugby. The method considers player performance over a range of attributes and addresses uncertainty both in the assessment of performance and in preferences for certain aspects of the game over others. We illustrate the approach using data collected for the 2008 and 2009 Super Rugby tournament. | Performance Analysis; Player Evaluation; Rugby Football; Sport Analytics | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81155150391 | The single match approach to strike rate adjustments in batting performance measures in cricket | Lemmer H.H. | 2011 | Journal of Sports Science and Medicine | 10 | 4 | None | Department of Statistics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa | Lemmer, H.H., Department of Statistics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa | Batting performance measures containing strike rate adjustments take into account the important fact that if two batsmen had scored the same number of runs in a match, the one with the better strike rate had performed best. But match conditions can influence the batting and bowling performances of cricket players. On a good pitch a batsman can get a good score at a high strike rate, but if the pitch was bad, a similar good score is normally accompanied by a much lower strike rate. The main objective of this study is to propose a method that can be used to make batsmen's scores comparable despite the fact that playing conditions might have been very different. The number of runs scored by a batsman is adjusted by comparing his strike rate with the overall strike rate of all the players in the specific match. These adjusted runs are then used in the most appropriate formula to calculate the average of the batsman. The method is illustrated by using the results of the Indian Premier League 2009 Twenty20 Series played during May and June 2009. The main conclusion is that the traditional average is not the most appropriate measure to compare batsmen's performances after conclusion of a short series. © Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. | Batting average; Indian premier league; Ratings; Sports | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908126776 | Predictors of death and production performance of layer chickens in opened and sealed pens in a tropical savannah environment | Shittu A., Raji A.A., Madugu S.A., Hassan A.W., Fasina F.O. | 2014 | BMC Veterinary Research | 10 | 1 | 10.1186/s12917-014-0214-7 | Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Department of Producti | Shittu, A., Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Raji, A.A., Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Madugu, S.A., Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Plot 223D, Cadastral Zone B6, Mabushi, Abuja, Nigeria; Hassan, A.W., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria; Fasina, F.O., Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa | Background: Layer chickens are exposed to high risks of production losses and mortality with impact on farm profitability. The harsh tropical climate and severe disease outbreaks, poor biosecurity, sub-minimal vaccination and treatment protocols, poor management practices, poor chick quality, feed-associated causes, and unintended accidents oftentimes aggravate mortality and negatively affect egg production. The objectives of this study were to estimate the probability of survival and evaluate risk factors for death under different intensive housing conditions in a tropical climate, and to assess the production performance in the housing systems. Results: Daily mean mortality percentages and egg production figures were significantly lower and higher in the sealed pens and open houses (P < 0. 001) respectively. The total mean feed consumption/bird/day was similar for the open sided and sealed pens but the mean feed quantity per egg produce was significantly lower in the sealed pens ((P < 0.005). Seasons differently impacted on mortality with the hot-dry season producing significantly higher risk of mortality (61 times) and reduced egg production. Other parameters also differed except the egg production during the cold-dry season. Layers in sealed pens appear to have higher probability of survival and the Kaplan-Meir survival curves differed for each pen; ≥78 weeks old layer have higher probability of survival compared with the younger chickens and the 19-38 weeks age category are at highest risk of death (P < 0.001). The hazard-ratio for mortality of layers raised in sealed pens was 0.568 (56.8%).Conclusion: Reasons for spiked mortality in layer chickens may not always be associated with disease. Hot-dry climatic environment is associated with heat stress, waning immunity and inefficient feed usage and increase probability of death with reduced egg production; usage of environmentally controlled building in conditions where environmental temperature may rise significantly above 25°C will reduce this impact. Since younger birds (19-38 weeks) are at higher risk of death due to stress of coming into production, management changes and diseases, critical implementation of protocols that will reduce death at this precarious period becomes mandatory. Whether older chickens' better protection from death is associated with many prophylactic and metaphylactic regimen of medications/vaccination will need further investigation. © 2014 Shittu et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Egg production; Mortality; Survival modeling; Tropical climate | Gallus gallus; animal; animal housing; chicken; eating; egg laying; female; heat; physiological stress; physiology; risk factor; season; survival; tropic climate; Animals; Chickens; Eating; Female; Hot Temperature; Housing, Animal; Oviposition; Risk Factors; Seasons; Stress, Physiological; Survival Analysis; Tropical Climate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939549793 | Evaluation of growth performance and body composition of Clarias gariepinus for graded level inclusion of soybean waste | Orire A.M., Ozoadibe T.N. | 2015 | Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science | 10 | 5 | 10.3923/jfas.2015.384.391 | Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria | Orire, A.M., Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria; Ozoadibe, T.N., Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Nigeria | Soybean waste has always been treated as waste product from soybean milk or cheese production despite its high nutrient profile. It is in view of this, a feeding, trial was conducted to evaluate its (soybean waste or soymilk residue) utilization as replacement for fish meal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (1.09±0.23 g). Twenty fishes were randomly distributed in 15 tanks in replicate and fed varied inclusion levels of soybean waste at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) among the growth parameters. However, diet containing 25% soybean waste gave the best growth performance in terms of mean weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and food conversion ratio. The use of soybean waste meal has the potentials to improve the growth performance and body composition of fish. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc. | Clarias gariepinus; Fish meal; Growth; Soybean waste | diet; fish culture; growth rate; soybean; waste; Clarias gariepinus; Glycine max; Pisces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869145589 | Growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus (Pisces: Cichlidae) in fertilized, tropical earthen ponds | Ekpenyong E., Ada F., Idung J. | 2012 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 10 | 04-Mar | None | Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria | Ekpenyong, E., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Ada, F., Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria; Idung, J., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria | The effect of cow dung, chicken manure and NPK on the production of Oreochromis niloticus was investigated in earthen ponds which were prepared thus: no liming, no fertilization (NL/NF), liming and fertilization with cow droppings (L/Cow), liming and fertilization with chicken droppings (L/Chick) and liming and fertilization with NPK (L/NPK). Best fish growth was recorded in the limed, NPK-fertilized (L/NPK) ponds while productivity values (Gross and Net) were highest in the limed, chicken droppings fertilized (L/Chick) ponds. Growth parameters decreased with age of fish while significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between treatments. | Culture; Fish; Organic and inorganic manure | age; article; growth; manure; nonhuman; Oreochromis niloticus; pond; Cichlidae; Oreochromis niloticus; Pisces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888117442 | The roles of degree of competition and types of business strategies in adopting multiple performance measurement practices: Some reflections from bangladesh | Khan H.U.Z., Ahmed R., Halabi A.K. | 2010 | Research in Accounting in Emerging Economies | 10 | None | 10.1108/S1479-3563 | East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Khan, H.U.Z., East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Ahmed, R., James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia; Halabi, A.K., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Aim-This empirical study explores the association between competition, business strategy, and the uses of a multiple performance measurement system in Bangladesh manufacturing firms. Design/methodology-The study uses a questionnaire survey of 50 manufacturing companies. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and other descriptive statistics. Findings-The results suggest that greater emphasis on multiple measures for performance evaluation is associated with businesses that are facing high competition. The practices of multiple performance measures are also significantly related to the types of business strategy being followed. Specifically, firms pursuing a prospector strategy have relied more on multiple performance measures to rate business performance than the firms pursuing a defender strategy. Practical implications-The article notes that the designers of performance measurement systems need to consider contingent factors that affect an organizations' control system. Originality/value-Substantiating the connection between contingent variables and the use of multiple performance measures in manufacturing firms facilitate a better acceptance of firms' tendency toward new measurement tools. The study contributes to the performance measurement and contingency literature since it presents empirical evidence of the state of multiple performance measures with organizational contingent variables using a developing country's manufacturing sector data. Copyright © 2010 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Bangladesh; Firms' strategy; Manufacturing sector; Market competition; Multiple performance measures | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947262801 | Effects of different missing data imputation techniques on the performance of undiagnosed diabetes risk prediction models in a mixed-ancestry population of South Africa | Masconi K.L., Matsha T.E., Erasmus R.T., Kengne A.P. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0139210 | Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Masconi, K.L., Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Matsha, T.E., Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; Erasmus, R.T., Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Kengne, A.P., Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Background. Imputation techniques used to handle missing data are based on the principle of replacement. It is widely advocated that multiple imputation is superior to other imputation methods, however studies have suggested that simple methods for filling missing data can be just as accurate as complex methods. The objective of this study was to implement a number of simple and more complex imputation methods, and assess the effect of these techniques on the performance of undiagnosed diabetes risk prediction models during external validation. Methods. Data from the Cape Town Bellville-South cohort served as the basis for this study. Imputation methods and models were identified via recent systematic reviews. Models' discrimination was assessed and compared using C-statistic and non-parametric methods, before and after recalibration through simple intercept adjustment. Results. The study s.ample consisted of 1256 individuals, of whom 173 were excluded due to previously diagnosed diabetes. Of the final 1083 individuals, 329 (30.4%) had missing data. Family history had the highest proportion of missing data (25%). Imputation of the outcome, undiagnosed diabetes, was highest in stochastic regression imputation (163 individuals). Overall, deletion resulted in the lowest model performances while simple imputation yielded the highest C-statistic for the Cambridge Diabetes Risk model, Kuwaiti Risk model, Omani Diabetes Risk model and Rotterdam Predictive model. Multiple imputation only yielded the highest C-statistic for the Rotterdam Predictive model, which were matched by simpler imputation methods. Conclusions. Deletion was confirmed as a poor technique for handling missing data. However, despite the emphasized disadvantages of simpler imputation methods, this study showed that implementing these methods results in similar predictive utility for undiagnosed diabetes when compared to multiple imputation. © 2015 Masconi et al. | None | adult; Article; Cambridge Diabetes Risk model; cohort analysis; controlled study; diabetes mellitus; family history; female; human; Kuwaiti Risk model; male; Omani Diabetes Risk model; prediction; risk assessment; Rotterdam Predictive model; South Africa; statistical analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940388598 | Theory-informed interventions to improve the quality of tuberculosis evaluation at Ugandan health centers: A quasi-experimental study | Chaisson L.H., Katamba A., Haguma P., Ochom E., Ayakaka I., Mugabe F., Miller C., Vittinghoff E., Davis J.L., Handley M.A., Cattamanchi A. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0132573 | 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; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of California San Francisco Center for Vulnerable Populations, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, CA, United States | Chaisson, L.H., 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, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Haguma, P., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Ochom, E., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Ayakaka, I., Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Mugabe, F., National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Miller, C., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Vittinghoff, E., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 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, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Handley, M.A., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States, University of California San Francisco Center for Vulnerable Populations, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, 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, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, Curry International Tuberculosis Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States | Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains under-diagnosed in many countries, in part due to poor evaluation practices at health facilities. Theory-informed strategies are needed to improve implementation of TB evaluation guidelines. We aimed to evaluate the impact of performance feedback and same-day smear microscopy on the quality of TB evaluation at 6 health centers in rural Uganda. Methods: We tested components of a multi-faceted intervention to improve adherence to the International Standards for Tuberculosis Care(ISTC): performance feedback and same-day smear microscopy. The strategies were selected based on a qualitative assessment guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the PRECEDE model. We collected patient data 6 months before and after the introduction of each intervention component, and compared ISTC adherence in the pre- and post-intervention periods for adults with cough ≥ 2 weeks' duration. Results: The performance feedback evaluation included 1,446 adults; 838 (58%) were evaluated during the pre-intervention period and 608 (42%) during the post-intervention period. Performance feedback resulted in a 15% (95%CI +10% to +20%, p<0.001) increase in the proportion of patients receiving ISTC-adherent care. The same-day microscopy evaluation included 1,950 adults; 907 (47%) were evaluated during the pre-intervention period and 1,043 (53%) during the post-intervention period. Same-day microscopy was associated with a 14% (95%CI +10% to +18%, p<0.001) increase in the proportion of patients receiving ISTC-adherent care. Conclusions: Performance feedback and same-day microscopy should be considered along with ISTC training as part of a multi-faceted intervention to improve the quality of TB evaluation in other high TB burden countries. © 2015 Chaisson 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 | adult; Article; female; fluorescence microscopy; health care quality; human; major clinical study; male; medical audit; middle aged; patient care; performance feedback; practice guideline; protocol compliance; quasi experimental study; rural area; total quality management; tuberculosis; Ugandan | MRC, National Institutes of Health; P60MD006902, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R21 AI096158, NIH, National Institutes of Health; UL1 TR000004, NIH, National Institutes of Health; National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925655100 | Evaluating the impact of the community-based health planning and services initiative on uptake of skilled birth care in Ghana | Johnson F.A., Frempong-Ainguah F., Matthews Z., Harfoot A.J.P., Nyarko P., Baschieri A., Gething P.W., Falkingham J., Atkinson P.M. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0120556 | Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; GeoData Institute, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Ghana Statistical Service, Head Office Building, Accra, Ghana; Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom; Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom | Johnson, F.A., Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Frempong-Ainguah, F., Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Matthews, Z., Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Harfoot, A.J.P., GeoData Institute, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Nyarko, P., Ghana Statistical Service, Head Office Building, Accra, Ghana; Baschieri, A., Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Gething, P.W., Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom; Falkingham, J., Division of Social Statistics and Demography, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Atkinson, P.M., Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom | Background: The Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative is a major government policy to improve maternal and child health and accelerate progress in the reduction of maternal mortality in Ghana. However, strategic intelligence on the impact of the initiative is lacking, given the persistant problems of patchy geographical access to care for rural women. This study investigates the impact of proximity to CHPS on facilitating uptake of skilled birth care in rural areas. Methods and Findings: Data from the 2003 and 2008 Demographic and Health Survey, on 4,349 births from 463 rural communities were linked to georeferenced data on health facilities, CHPS and topographic data on national road-networks. Distance to nearest health facility and CHPS was computed using the closest facility functionality in ArcGIS 10.1. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the effect of proximity to health facilities and CHPS on use of skilled care at birth, adjusting for relevant predictors and clustering within communities. The results show that a substantial proportion of births continue to occur in communities more than 8 km from both health facilities and CHPS. Increases in uptake of skilled birth care are more pronounced where both health facilities and CHPS compounds are within 8 km, but not in communities within 8 km of CHPS but lack access to health facilities. Where both health facilities and CHPS are within 8 km, the odds of skilled birth care is 16% higher than where there is only a health facility within 8km. Conclusion: Where CHPS compounds are set up near health facilities, there is improved access to care, demonstrating the facilitatory role of CHPS in stimulating access to better care at birth, in areas where health facilities are accessible. © 2015 Johnson et al. | None | adolescent; adult; Article; child health care; community care; demography; female; Ghana; health care; health care availability; health care facility; health care planning; health care policy; health care quality; human; maternal care; public health problem; rural health care; skilled birth care; social status; cross-sectional study; factual database; health care planning; male; maternity ward; middle aged; newborn; pregnancy; questionnaire; utilization; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Birthing Centers; Community Health Planning; Cross-Sectional Studies; Databases, Factual; Female; Ghana; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Rural Health Services; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult | Res-167-25-0343, ESRC, Economic and Social Research Council |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941801892 | HIV/AIDS-related stigma in South African alcohol-serving venues and its potential impact on HIV disclosure, testing and treatment-seeking behaviours | Velloza J., Watt M.H., Choi K.W., Abler L., Kalichman S.C., Skinner D., Pieterse D., Sikkema K.J. | 2015 | Global Public Health | 10 | 9 | 10.1080/17441692.2014.1001767 | Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Unit for Research on Health and Society, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Velloza, J., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Watt, M.H., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Choi, K.W., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Abler, L., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Kalichman, S.C., Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Skinner, D., Unit for Research on Health and Society, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Pieterse, D., Unit for Research on Health and Society, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Sikkema, K.J., Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States | Alcohol-serving venues in South Africa are sites for high-risk behaviours that may lead to HIV transmission. Prevention and treatment interventions are sorely needed in these settings, but HIV-related stigma may limit their effectiveness. This study explored expressions of stigma among alcohol-serving venue patrons in Cape Town and examined the potential impact of stigma on HIV disclosure, testing and treatment-seeking behaviours. A total of 92 in-depth interviews with male and female, black and coloured patrons were conducted. Transcripts were analysed via memo-writing and diagramming techniques. Many participants mentioned knowing other patrons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), and this visibility of HIV impacted expressions of HIV-related stigma. Participants discussed four forms of HIV-related stigma in the venues: fearing PLWH, fearing HIV acquisition, blaming others for spreading HIV and isolating PLWH. HIV visibility and expressions of HIV-related stigma, particularly fear of isolation, influenced participants' willingness to disclose their status. HIV-related stigma in the venues also appeared to indirectly influence testing and treatment-seeking behaviour outside the venue. Results suggest that efforts to change norms and reduce expressions of HIV-related stigma in alcohol-serving venues are necessary to successfully deliver tailored HIV prevention interventions and increase uptake of HIV testing and care in this important social setting. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | alcohol; alcohol-serving venue; HIV-related stigma; qualitative; South Africa | adult; Article; ethnic group; female; help seeking behavior; high risk behavior; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interview; major clinical study; male; priority journal; social status; South Africa; South African; stigma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940488699 | The impact of a community awareness strategy on caregiver treatment seeking behaviour and use of artemether-lumefantrine for febrile children in rural Kenya | Wasunna B., Okiro E.A., Webster J., Todd J., Snow R.W., Jones C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0130305 | Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Health Systems and Social Science Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMR-C), P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya | Wasunna, B., Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Okiro, E.A., Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Webster, J., Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Todd, J., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Jones, C., Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom, Health Systems and Social Science Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMR-C), P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya | Background: Access to prompt and effective treatment is the cornerstone for malaria control. Population Services International in collaboration with the Ministry of Health launched a malaria behaviour change communication intervention in Nyanza province, Kenya. The initiative aimed to improve: symptom recognition and prompt access to government health facilities for febrile children; effective treatment with the recommended first-line drug artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in public health facilities and adherence to the AL regimen. Methods: Pre- and post-intervention cross-sectional household surveys were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on prompt and correct use of AL for febrile children below five years of age. The primary outcome was the proportion of children below five years of age with fever in the last 14 days accessing AL within 48 hours of fever onset. Results: There was an increase from 62.8% pre-intervention to 79.4% post-intervention (95% CI: 11.1, 22.1) in caregivers who reported seeking formal treatment promptly (on the same day, or next day) for their febrile children. However, there was a decrease in the use of government health facilities in the post-intervention period. There was a small increase in the proportion of children accessing AL within 48 hours of fever onset [18.4% vs 23.5% (0.1-10.0)]. Conclusion: The findings of this evaluation demonstrate that interventions that target only one sector may have a limited impact on improvements in prompt and effective treatment where multiple sources of treatments are sought for febrile illness. Additionally, the context in which an intervention is implemented is likely to influence the process and outcomes. © 2015 Wasunna et al. | None | amodiaquine; artemether plus benflumetol; chloroquine; dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine; pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; quinine; Article; behavior change; caregiver; child; childhood disease; community care; cross-sectional study; female; fever; health care access; health care facility; health care utilization; health promotion; help seeking behavior; human; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; male; medication compliance; outcome assessment; patient compliance; rural area | 092654, Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960472927 | The general information about the impact of water hyacinth on Aba Samuel dam, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Implications for ecohydrologists | Ingwani E., Gumbo T., Gondo T. | 2010 | Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology | 10 | 42404 | 10.2478/v10104-011-0014-7 | Ethiopian Civil Service College, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ethiopian Civil Service College, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Venda, P Bag x5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | Ingwani, E., Ethiopian Civil Service College, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gumbo, T., Ethiopian Civil Service College, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gondo, T., Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Venda, P Bag x5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa | The water hyacinth, Eichhorrnia crassipes, has been widely recognized as the worst aquatic weed the world over and of increasing importance in Africa, Ethiopia inclusive. The aim of the research was to highlight the devastating impact of the water hyacinth on aquatic life and human activities on Aba Samuel Dam and to underline prospects of its beneficial use. Delphi technique and on-site observations were used. Eutrophication was found to be the main cause of the proliferation of the plant. However, a majority of its potential uses were identified. The absence of a distinct Ministry of Environment is retarding the efforts in fighting causes of water hyacinth spreading. Community awareness has also been identified as a vital component in eradication of water hyacinth. This research is of significant relevance to environmentalists and ecohydrologists in formulating appropriate strategies and policies for hampering proliferation of the weed. | Aquatic weeds; Ecohydrology; Eutrophication; Invasive species; Sustainability; Water quality | ecohydrology; ecological impact; eutrophication; invasive species; observational method; plant; policy analysis; research work; strategic approach; sustainability; water quality; Aba Samuel Dam; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia; Eichhornia crassipes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449125672 | The role of human resource systems and competitive strategies in hospitality organizational performance in Kenya | Onyango F.E., Monica A., Edwin O., Roselyne O. | 2009 | International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration | 10 | 2 | 10.1080/15256480902851131 | Faculty of Science, Department of Ecotourism, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno40105, Kenya; Memorial University of Newfoundland, NL, Canada | Onyango, F.E., Faculty of Science, Department of Ecotourism, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno40105, Kenya; Monica, A., Faculty of Science, Department of Ecotourism, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno40105, Kenya; Edwin, O., Faculty of Science, Department of Ecotourism, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno40105, Kenya; Roselyne, O., Memorial University of Newfoundland, NL, Canada | The past decade has witnessed increased scholarly interest in the effects of human resource systems on organizational performance. However, the focus has now shifted towards the nature and causes of these outcomes. Consequently, a consensus is emerging that informed understanding of the interaction between organizational strategy and human resources will be significant in accounting for these empirical outcomes. A cursory glance at the human resource practices in Kenyan hotels suggested limited evidence of the use of functional flexibility and greater reliance on numerical flexibility. In Kenya, there is no readily available record of empirical research done on choices of employment systems along criteria similar to functional and numerical flexibilities. This study is aimed at investigating the relationships between human resource systems, competitive strategies, and business performance in the Kenyan hotel industry. The research was conducted in Nairobi and Mombasa whereby the population mainly comprised managerial and non-managerial employees drawn from the hotels selected in the aforementioned cities. Purposive sampling was used to select hotels while stratified sampling was applied to obtain 160 participants to whom questionnaires were administered. Data was analyzed using chi-square goodness of fit test, Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, and descriptive statistics. The research revealed that functionally flexible human resource systems in conjunction with differentiation strategies are associated with high organizational performance, whereas numerically flexible human resource systems and cost reduction strategies are linked with low organizational performance. Additionally, the research equally found out that independent hotels pursued numerically flexible human resource systems in conjunction with cost reduction strategies whereas chain hotels applied functionally flexible human resource systems and differentiation/focus strategies. | Human resource systems; Kenya; Mombasa; Nairobi | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46849096098 | The effects of therapeutic management approach on depressive symptomatology and cognitive task performance among the physically challenged students of rehabilitation centre, Ibadan, Nigeria | Busari A.O., Eniola M.S. | 2008 | Anthropologist | 10 | 1 | None | Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, Nigeria; Department of Special Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Busari, A.O., Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, Nigeria; Eniola, M.S., Department of Special Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | This study investigated therapeutic management approach of depressive symptomatology on the performance of Cognitive task among the special need students of rehabilitation centre, Ibadan, Nigeria (male one hundred and eleven and female eight-nine), A self constructed validated questionnaire was used to generate data. The t-test statistics was employed to test the three research hypotheses formulated while the adjusted post-mean score was performed on the achievement test scores. Findings indicated that there were significant differences in the signs and symptoms of depression exhibited by the experimental and the control groups. Further, better cognitive task performance by the experimental group due to reduction in the level of signs and symptoms of depression was revealed. © Kamla-Raj 2008. | Cognitive task; Depressive symptomatology; Physically challenged; Therapeutic management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054994564 | Morphological and yield evaluation of some Capsicum pepper lines in two agro-ecological zones of Ghana | Nkansah G.O., Ayarna A., Gbokie T.J. | 2011 | Journal of Agronomy | 10 | 3 | 10.3923/ja.2011.84.91 | Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre-Kade, Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Ghana, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Legon Accra, Ghana | Nkansah, G.O., Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre-Kade, Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Ghana, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Legon Accra, Ghana; Ayarna, A., Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre-Kade, Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Ghana, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Legon Accra, Ghana; Gbokie, T.J., Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre-Kade, Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Ghana, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Legon Accra, Ghana | In this study, lines were evaluated different ecological zones to select those best suited for farmers and other stakeholders in the horticultural industry. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Capsicum species for their morphological, growth and yield in two different ecological zones of Ghana in two seasons (2008 and 2009). Ten pepper lines (ICPN16-1, ICPN16-2, ICPN16-3, ICPN16-4, ICPN16-5, ICPN16-6, ICPN16-7, ICPN16-8, ICPN16-9, ICPN16-10) and one local variety (Legon 18) were planted in a randomised complete block design with three replications in two ecological zones (Forest and Coastal Savanna zones). The results indicated that Line ICPN16-7 recorded the highest yield at the two ecological zones and in both years while the standard variety Legon 18 had the lowest yield. Fruit number per plant ranged from 56-267. Lines ICPN16-7, 4, 3, 6, 10 and 8 recorded veiy high yields above 201 ha -1. ICPN-3, 7, 6 and 4 were selected for export based on their fruit colour and yield. The trial also showed that yield in the forest zone was higher than those recorded in the Coastal Savanna zone. From the studies, pepper lines ICPN-7, 4, 3, 6, 10 can be recommended for production in both the forest and savanna ecological zones. © 2011 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Capsicum pepper; Export; Forest; Qualitative characteristics; Reproductive characters; Savanna zones; Stakeholders | Capsicum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919696749 | Performance evaluation of condensation-irrigation solar system under arid climate conditions | Chouaib W., Chaibi M.T. | 2014 | International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy | 10 | 2 | 10.1504/IJETP.2014.066330 | Forest Sciences Centre 2030, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Institut National de Recherche, en Génie Rural Eaux et Forêts, BP 10, Ariana, Tunisia; Human Resources, Science and Technology Department, Pan African Univesrity, African Union Commission Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Chouaib, W., Forest Sciences Centre 2030, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Institut National de Recherche, en Génie Rural Eaux et Forêts, BP 10, Ariana, Tunisia; Chaibi, M.T., Institut National de Recherche, en Génie Rural Eaux et Forêts, BP 10, Ariana, Tunisia, Human Resources, Science and Technology Department, Pan African Univesrity, African Union Commission Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Scarcity of water, major critical concern in arid areas, has led to the use of low-quality irrigation water in agriculture in most of arid climate areas. The quality of water used for agriculture has to be reduced to a sustainable level that is also adapted to the environment. This paper presents the performance of a pilot condensation irrigation (CI) solar system in Tunisia under arid climate conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of this combined solar system for producing fresh water as an alternative source for irrigation in the greenhouse used for tomato growth. The preliminary testing of the CI system performance showed that moisture amounts in the buried pipes remain high for the sunny and cloudy days and dew condensation is processing mainly at night and early morning times. The produced fresh water satisfies about 15% the maximum crop water requirements during the growth period where tomato crops are most sensitive to water deficit. Based on experimental results, recommendations for system improvements design are suggested. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Evapo-condensation; Performance system; Solar desalination; Subsurface irrigation; System design | agriculture; arid environment; condensation; desalination; evaporation; irrigation system; performance assessment; solar power; Tunisia; Lycopersicon esculentum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82755185855 | The growth performance of young Archachatina marginata Swaison (African Giant Snail) fed with mulberry (Morus alba) and siam-weed (Chromoleana odorata) leaf meal supplementary diet | Imran G.T., Ogungbile I.A., Oyeleye B. | 2011 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 10 | 9 | None | Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria | Imran, G.T., Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogungbile, I.A., Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oyeleye, B., Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria | Two of the most costly sources of protein ingredients in livestock feed are soya and fishmeals. These ingredients are now becoming scarce due to their multiple uses, hence the needs for sourcing for substitutes. A six weeks Completely Randomised Design experiment was conducted at the FRIN Snailery unit, Ibadan to evaluate the growth perfomance of Archachatina marginata Swaison on mulberry and chromoleana leafmeals. Thirty (30) young snails of 3-5 weeks old were fed with mulberry and siam-weed leafmeals in addition to the unripe pawpaw fruit. Concentrate feed containing soya and fish meals serves as the control. Average feed intakes, body weight gain, shell length and circumference of snails were the parameters assessed. The results showed that highest feed intake and feed conversion ratio were obtained in chromoleana leafmeal treatment but snails fed with mulberry leafmeal performed best in terms of average body weight gain, shell length and circumference of snails. This indicated that leaves of some tropical plants especially especially mulberry and siam-weed could be used as a good substitutes in snail supplementary ration and help to reduce the cost of production in snail farming. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Chromoleana leafmeals; Fishmeals; Mulberry; Siam-weed; Soya | Archachatina marginata; article; body weight; Chromoleana odorata; controlled study; cost; crude protein content; diet supplementation; feeding; fish; food composition; food intake; growth rate; mulberry; nonhuman; nutrient content; nutritional value; plant leaf; protein content; snail; soybean; weed; weight gain | 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-s2.0-84929998737 | Impact of exposure to intimate partner violence on CD4+ and CD8+ T cell decay in HIV infected women: Longitudinal study | Jewkes R., Dunkle K., Jama-Shai N., Gray G. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0122001 | Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa; Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Western-Cape, South Africa | Jewkes, R., Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa; Dunkle, K., Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa; Jama-Shai, N., Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Gauteng, South Africa; Gray, G., Office of the President, South African Medical Research Council, Western-Cape, South Africa | Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a risk factor for HIV acquisition in many settings, but little is known about its impact on cellular immunity especially in HIV infected women, and if any impact differs according to the form of IPV. We tested hypotheses that exposure to IPV, non-partner rape, hunger, pregnancy, depression and substance abuse predicted change in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell count in a dataset of 103 HIV infected young women aged 15-26 enrolled in a cluster randomised controlled trial. Multiple regression models were fitted to measure rate of change in CD4 and CD8 and including terms for age, person years of CD4+/CD8+ T-cell observation, HIV positivity at baseline, and stratum. Exposure variables included drug use, emotional, physical or sexual IPV exposure, non-partner rape, pregnancy and food insecurity. Mean CD4+ T cell count at baseline (or first HIV+ test) was 567.6 (range 1121-114). Participants were followed for an average of 1.3 years. The magnitude of change in CD4 T-cells was significantly associated with having ever experienced emotional abuse from a current partner at baseline or first HIV+ test (Coeff -132.9 95% CI -196.4, -69.4 p<0.0001) and drug use (Coeff -129.9 95% CI -238.7, -21.2 p=0.02). It was not associated with other measures. The change in CD8 T-cells was associated with having ever experienced emotional abuse at baseline or prior to the first HIV+ test (Coeff -178.4 95%CI -330.2, -26.5 p=0.02). In young ART-naive HIV positive women gender-based violence exposure in the form of emotional abuse is associated with a faster rate of decline in markers of cellular immunity. This highlights the importance of attending to emotional abuse when studying the physiological impact of IPV experience and the mechanisms of its impact on women's health. © 2015 Jewkes et al. | None | adolescent; adult; age; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD4+ T lymphocyte; CD8+ T lymphocyte; CD8+ T lymphocyte count; cellular immunity; controlled study; depression; drug use; emotional abuse; female; follow up; food insecurity; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; hunger; longitudinal study; lymphocyte count; major clinical study; mental health; partner violence; pregnancy; randomized controlled trial; rape; substance abuse | MRC, South African Medical Research Council; MH 64882-01, NIMH, South African Medical Research Council; P30 AI050409, South African Medical Research Council |
| WoS | WOS:000286143100001 | Turning around an ailing district hospital: a realist evaluation of strategic changes at Ho Municipal Hospital (Ghana) | Dedzo, McDamien,Kegels, Guy,Marchal, Bruno | 2010 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 10 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-10-787 | Ghana Health Service, Inst Trop Med | "Dedzo, McDamien: Ghana Health Service", | Background: There is a growing consensus that linear approaches to improving the performance of health workers and health care organisations may only obtain short-term results. An alternative approach premised on the principle of human resource management described as a form of 'High commitment management', builds upon a bundles of balanced practices. This has been shown to contribute to better organisational performance. This paper illustrates an intervention and outcome of high commitment management (HiCom) at an urban hospital in Ghana. Few studies have shown how HiCom management might contribute to better performance of health services and in particular of hospitals in low and middle-income settings.
Methods: A realist case study design was used to analyse how specific management practices might contribute to improving the performance of an urban district hospital in Ho, Volta Region, in Ghana. Mixed methods were used to collect data, including document review, in-depth interviews, group discussions, observations and a review of routine health information.
Results: At Ho Municipal Hospital, the management team dealt with the crisis engulfing the ailing urban district hospital by building an alliance between hospital staff to generate a sense of ownership with a focus around participative problem analysis. The creation of an alliance led to improving staff morale and attitude, and contributed also to improvements in the infrastructure and equipment. This in turn had a positive impact on the revenue generating capacity of the hospital. The quick turn around in the state of this hospital showed that change was indeed possible, a factor that greatly motivated the staff. In a second step, the management team initiated the development of a strategic plan for the hospital to maintain the dynamics of change. This was undertaken through participative methods and sustained earlier staff involvement, empowerment and feelings of reciprocity. We found that these factors acted as the core mechanisms underlying the changes taking place at Ho Municipal Hospital.
Conclusions: This study shows how a hospital management team in Ghana succeeded in resuscitating an ailing hospital. Their high commitment management approach led to the active involvement and empowerment of staff. It also showed how a realist evaluation approach such as this, could be used in the research of the management of health care organisations to explain how management interventions may or may not work. | ,AFRICA,CARE,CLIMATE,COMMITMENT,CULTURE,HEALTH,"HUMAN-RESOURCE MANAGEMENT","PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT",PERFORMANCE,POLICY | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of cervical cancer screening programs in Côte d'Ivoire, Guyana, and Tanzania: Effect of HIV status | Anderson J., Wysong M., Estep D., Besana G., Kibwana S., Varallo J., Sun K., Lu E. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0139242 | Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Jhpiego/Tanzania, Johns Hopkins University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Anderson, J., Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; Wysong, M., Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Estep, D., Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Besana, G., Jhpiego/Tanzania, Johns Hopkins University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kibwana, S., Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Varallo, J., Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Sun, K., Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States; Lu, E., Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States | Background: HIV infection increases a woman's risk for cervical cancer, and cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher in countries with high HIV prevalence and limited resources for screening. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) allows screening and treatment of cervical lesions in a single-visit approach (SVA), but data on its performance in HIV-infected women are limited. This study's objective was to examine cervical cancer screening using VIA/SVA in programs serving HIV-infected women. Methods: A VIA/SVA program with cryotherapy for VIA-positive lesions was implemented in Côte d'Ivoire, Guyana, and Tanzania from 2009 to 2012. The effect of HIV status on VIA positivity and on presence of cryotherapy-eligible lesions was examined using a cross-sectional study design, with Chi-square tests for comparisons and constructed multivariate logistic regression models. A P-value of < 0.05 was significant. Findings: VIA was performed on 34,921 women, 10% (3,580) were VIA positive; 2,508 (85%) eligible women received cryotherapy during the same visit; only 234 (52%) of those who postponed returned for treatment; 622 (17%) VIA-positive women had lesions too large to be treated with cryotherapy and were referred for excisional treatment. In multivariate analysis-controlling for HIV status, location of the screening clinic, facility location, facility type, and country-compared to HIV-uninfected/unknown women, HIV-infected women had higher odds of being VIA positive (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.76, 2.16, P<0.0001) and of having large lesions requiring referral (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.49, 2.51, P< 0.0001). Minor treatment complications occurred in 19 of 3,032 (0.63%) women; none required further intervention. Conclusions: This study found that compared to HIV-uninfected/unknown women, HIV-infected women had nearly twice the odds of being VIA-positive and to require referral for large lesions. SVA was safe and resulted in significant reductions in loss to follow-up. There is increased need for excisional treatment in countries with high HIV prevalence. © 2015 Anderson 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 | adult; Article; cancer screening; clinical effectiveness; clinical evaluation; cryotherapy; female; health care facility; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; rural area; screening test; Tanzania; treatment response; urban area; uterine cervix cancer | None |
| None | None | Statistical methodology for the evaluation of vaccine efficacy in a phase III multi-centre trial of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in African children | Lievens M., Aponte J.J., Williamson J., Mmbando B., Mohamed A., Bejon P., Leach A. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-222 | GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Wavre, Belgium; Centre de Recerca en Salut Internacional de Barcelona (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain; KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya; National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya | Lievens, M., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Wavre, Belgium; Aponte, J.J., Centre de Recerca en Salut Internacional de Barcelona (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain; Williamson, J., KEMRI/CDC Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya; Mmbando, B., National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es salaam, Tanzania; Mohamed, A., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Bejon, P., KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya; Leach, A., GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Wavre, Belgium | Background: There has been much debate about the appropriate statistical methodology for the evaluation of malaria field studies and the challenges in interpreting data arising from these trials. Methods. The present paper describes, for a pivotal phase III efficacy of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine, the methods of the statistical analysis and the rationale for their selection. The methods used to estimate efficacy of the primary course of vaccination, and of a booster dose, in preventing clinical episodes of uncomplicated and severe malaria, and to determine the duration of protection, are described. The interpretation of various measures of efficacy in terms of the potential public health impact of the vaccine is discussed. Conclusions: The methodology selected to analyse the clinical trial must be scientifically sound, acceptable to regulatory authorities and meaningful to those responsible for malaria control and public health policy. Trial registration. © 2011 Lievens et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | malaria vaccine; rts s as 01; unclassified drug; malaria vaccine; Africa; article; child; clinical assessment; clinical evaluation; controlled study; disease severity; double blind procedure; drug efficacy; fever; follow up; groups by age; human; immunization; infant; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; newborn; outcome assessment; parasitemia; phase 3 clinical trial; preschool child; randomized controlled trial; risk assessment; statistical analysis; Africa; biostatistics; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; immunization; immunology; malaria; methodology; treatment outcome; vaccination; Africa; Biostatistics; Child; Child, Preschool; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Immunization, Secondary; Infant; Malaria; Malaria Vaccines; Treatment Outcome; Vaccination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880451968 | Legitimacy or good governance: What drives carbon performance in Australia | Qian W. | 2013 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 10 | 0.125 | None | Governance and Sustainability, School of Commerce, University of South Australia, SA5001, South Africa | Qian, W., Governance and Sustainability, School of Commerce, University of South Australia, SA5001, South Africa | Previous studies present diverse views on carbon performance. The legitimacy perspective posits that external forces from a wide range of stakeholders drives environmental performance change, while the governance perspective posits that strong internal governance structure leads to performance improvement. This study empirically examines the validity of these different perspectives. Using data released by top polluting companies included in the Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reports (NGER), the study finds that better governance structures are significantly associated with higher carbon performance, but there is no significant relationship between external carbon disclosure and carbon performance. The results suggest that future policy needs to focus more on ensuring strong corporate governance system and encouraging the integration of environmental aspects into governance agenda. | Carbon disclosure; Carbon performance; Corporate governance; Environmental sensitivity; Legitimacy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84946962360 | Comparative validation of five quantitative rapid test kits for the analysis of salt iodine content: Laboratory performance, user-and field-friendliness | Rohner F., Kangambèga M.O., Khan N., Kargougou R., Garnier D., Sanou I., Ouaro B.D., Petry N., Wirth J.P., Jooste P. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0138530 | GroundWork LLC, Crans-près-Céligny, Switzerland; Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Micronutrient Initiative, Ottawa, Canada; UNICEF, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Direction de la Nutrition, Ministère de Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Iodine Global Network South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Rohner, F., GroundWork LLC, Crans-près-Céligny, Switzerland; Kangambèga, M.O., Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Khan, N., Micronutrient Initiative, Ottawa, Canada; Kargougou, R., UNICEF, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Garnier, D., UNICEF, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Sanou, I., Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Ouaro, B.D., Direction de la Nutrition, Ministère de Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Petry, N., GroundWork LLC, Crans-près-Céligny, Switzerland; Wirth, J.P., GroundWork LLC, Crans-près-Céligny, Switzerland; Jooste, P., Iodine Global Network South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa, Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Background Iodine deficiency has important health and development consequences and the introduction of iodized salt as national programs has been a great public health success in the past decades. To render national salt iodization programs sustainable and ensure adequate iodization levels, simple methods to quantitatively assess whether salt is adequately iodized are required. Several methods claim to be simple and reliable, and are available on the market or are in development. Objective This work has validated the currently available quantitative rapid test kits (quantRTK) in a comparative manner for both their laboratory performance and ease of use in field settings. Methods Laboratory performance parameters (linearity, detection and quantification limit, intra-and inter-assay imprecision) were conducted on 5 quantRTK. We assessed inter-operator imprecision using salt of different quality along with the comparison of 59 salt samples from across the globe; measurements were made both in a laboratory and a field setting by technicians and non-technicians. Results from the quantRTK were compared against iodometric titration for validity. An 'ease-of-use' rating system was developed to identify the most suitable quantRTK for a given task. Results Most of the devices showed acceptable laboratory performance, but for some of the devices, use by non-technicians revealed poorer performance when working in a routine manner. Of the quantRTK tested, the iCheck1 and I-Reader1 showed most consistent performance and ease of use, and a newly developed paper-based method (saltPAD) holds promise if further developed. Conclusions User-and field-friendly devices are now available and the most appropriate quantRTK can be selected depending on the number of samples and the budget available. © 2015 Rohner et al. | None | formic acid; iodine; potassium iodate; potassium iodide; sodium chloride; analytic method; Article; clinical effectiveness; comparative study; controlled study; function test kit; iodination; iodine deficiency; laboratory test; limit of detection; limit of quantitation; portable equipment; quantitative analysis; rapid test; rapid test kit; validation study | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928920460 | Cost evaluation of reproductive and primary health care mobile service delivery for women in two rural districts in South Africa | Schnippel K., Lince-Deroche N., Van Den Handel T., Molefi S., Bruce S., Firnhaber C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0119236 | Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa | Schnippel, K., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Lince-Deroche, N., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Van Den Handel, T., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Molefi, S., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bruce, S., Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa; Firnhaber, C., Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa, Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: Cervical cancer screening is a critical health service that is often unavailable to women in under-resourced settings. In order to expand access to this and other reproductive and primary health care services, a South African non-governmental organization established a van-based mobile clinic in two rural districts in South Africa. To inform policy and budgeting, we conducted a cost evaluation of this service delivery model. Methods: The evaluation was retrospective (October 2012-September 2013 for one district and April-September 2013 for the second district) and conducted from a provider cost perspective. Services evaluated included cervical cancer screening, HIV counselling and testing, syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), breast exams, provision of condoms, contraceptives, and general health education. Fixed costs, including vehicle purchase and conversion, equipment, operating costs and mobile clinic staffing, were collected from program records and public sector pricing information. The number of women accessing different services was multiplied by ingredients-based variable costs, reflecting the consumables required. All costs are reported in 2013 USD. Results: Fixed costs accounted for most of the total annual costs of the mobile clinics (85% and 94% for the two districts); the largest contributor to annual fixed costs was staff salaries. Average costs per patient were driven by the total number of patients seen, at $46.09 and $76.03 for the two districts. Variable costs for Pap smears were higher than for other services provided, and some services, such as breast exams and STI and tuberculosis symptoms screening, had no marginal cost. Conclusions: Staffing costs are the largest component of providing mobile health services to rural communities. Yet, in remote areas where patient volumes do not exceed nursing staff capacity, incorporating multiple services within a cervical cancer screening program is an approach to potentially expand access to health care without added costs. © 2015 Schnippel et al. | None | Article; breast examination; cancer screening; condom use; contraception; female; health care cost; health care delivery; health service; HIV education; HIV test; human; mobile clinic; Papanicolaou test; personnel management; preventive health service; primary health care; reproductive health; retrospective study; rural area; sexually transmitted disease; South Africa; uterine cervix cancer | 674-A-00-08- 00007-00, USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941312733 | Ion imprinted polymer based electrochemical sensor for environmental monitoring of copper(II) | Abu-Dalo M.A., Salam A.A., Nassory N.S. | 2015 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 10 | 8 | None | Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan; Institute of Continuing Education, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B 3011, Kano, Nigeria | Abu-Dalo, M.A., Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan; Salam, A.A., Institute of Continuing Education, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B 3011, Kano, Nigeria; Nassory, N.S., Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan | Plasticized membranes using copper-carboxybenzotriazole have been prepared and explored as Cu2+-selective electrochemical sensors. Effects of three different plasticizers: bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (BEHS), dibutylphthalate (DBP) and Dioctylphthalate (DOP) were studied, optimized and evaluated. Optimum performance was observed with membrane having the following composition: PVC (61%): DBP (35%): IIP (4%). The optimized membrane was used for construction of liquid electrochemical sensor. The sensor was found to work satisfactorily in the concentration range between 1.0×10-1-1.0×10-5M with a Nerstian slope value of about 28.1mV/decade. Wide pH range (3-8), fast response time (22s) and long lifetime (~ 2 months) indicate the potential of the proposed sensors in the determination of copper II ions in synthetic and wastewater samples with excellent recoveries (94%- 109%). Potentiometric selectivity coefficient values were determined by separate solution method (SSM), and good selectivity for Cu2+ over most interfering ions was achieved. © 2015 The Authors. | Copper-carboxybenzotriazole; Electrochemical sensor; Environmental monitoring; Ion imprinted polymer | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866134258 | Economic evaluation of task-shifting approaches to the dispensing of anti-retroviral therapy | Foster N., McIntyre D. | 2012 | Human Resources for Health | 10 | None | 10.1186/1478-4491-10-32 | Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Foster, N., Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa; McIntyre, D., Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: A scarcity of human resources for health has been identified as one of the primary constraints to the scale-up of the provision of Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART). In South Africa there is a particularly severe lack of pharmacists. The study aims to compare two task-shifting approaches to the dispensing of ART: Indirectly Supervised Pharmacist's Assistants (ISPA) and Nurse-based pharmaceutical care models against the standard of care which involves a pharmacist dispensing ART.Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods study design was used. Patient exit interviews, time and motion studies, expert interviews and staff costs were used to conduct a costing from the societal perspective. Six facilities were sampled in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and 230 patient interviews conducted.Results: The ISPA model was found to be the least costly task-shifting pharmaceutical model. However, patients preferred receiving medication from the nurse. This related to a fear of stigma and being identified by virtue of receiving ART at the pharmacy.Conclusions: While these models are not mutually exclusive, and a variety of pharmaceutical care models will be necessary for scale up, it is useful to consider the impact of implementing these models on the provider, patient access to treatment and difficulties in implementation. © 2012 Foster and McIntyre; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Anti-retroviral therapy; Pharmaceutical care models; Skills mix; Task-shifting | None | None |
| None | None | Impact of malaria control on mortality and anemia among Tanzanian children less than five years of age, 1999-2010 | Smithson P., Florey L., Salgado S.R., Hershey C.L., Masanja H., Bhattarai A., Mwita A., McElroy P.D. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0141112 | Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; ICF International, Rockville, MD, United States; United States Agency for International Development, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Washington, DC, United States; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Atlanta, GA, United States; National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Smithson, P., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Florey, L., ICF International, Rockville, MD, United States; Salgado, S.R., United States Agency for International Development, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Washington, DC, United States; Hershey, C.L., United States Agency for International Development, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Washington, DC, United States; Masanja, H., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Bhattarai, A., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Atlanta, GA, United States; Mwita, A., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; McElroy, P.D., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background: Mainland Tanzania scaled up multiple malaria control interventions between 1999 and 2010. We evaluated whether, and to what extent, reductions in all-cause under-five child mortality (U5CM) tracked with malaria control intensification during this period. Methods: Four nationally representative household surveys permitted trend analysis for malaria intervention coverage, severe anemia (hemoglobin <8 g/dL) prevalence (SAP) among children 6-59 months, and U5CM rates stratified by background characteristics, age, and malaria endemicity. Prevalence of contextual factors (e.g., vaccination, nutrition) likely to influence U5CM were also assessed. Population attributable risk percentage (PAR%) estimates for malaria interventions and contextual factors that changed over time were used to estimate magnitude of impact on U5CM. Results: Household ownership of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) rose from near zero in 1999 to 64% (95% CI, 61.7-65.2) in 2010. Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy reached 26% (95% CI, 23.6-28.0) by 2010. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine replaced chloroquine in 2002 and artemisinin-based combination therapy was introduced in 2007. SAP among children 6-59 months declined 50% between 2005 (11.1%; 95% CI, 10.0-12.3%) and 2010 (5.5%; 95% CI, 4.7-6.4%) and U5CM declined by 45% between baseline (1995-9) and endpoint (2005-9), from 148 to 81 deaths/1000 live births, respectively. Mortality declined 55% among children 1-23 months of age in higher malaria endemicity areas. A large reduction in U5CM was attributable to ITNs (PAR%= 11) with other malaria interventions adding further gains. Multiple contextual factors also contributed to survival gains. Conclusion: Marked declines in U5CM occurred in Tanzania between 1999 and 2010 with high impact from ITNs and ACTs. High-risk children (1-24 months of age in high malaria endemicity) experienced the greatest declines in mortality and SAP. Malaria control should remain a policy priority to sustain and further accelerate progress in child survival. | None | artemisinin; chloroquine; pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; anemia; Article; attributable risk; bed net; child; childhood mortality; disease severity; endemic disease; female; human; infant; infection prevention; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; male; population risk | None |
| None | None | Effect of paying for performance on utilisation, quality, and user costs of health services in Tanzania: A controlled before and after study | Binyaruka P., Patouillard E., Powell-Jackson T., Greco G., Maestad O., Borghi J. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0135013 | Ifakara Health Institute, Plot 463, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Chr. Michelsens Institutt, Jekteviksbakken 31, Bergen, Norway | Binyaruka, P., Ifakara Health Institute, Plot 463, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Patouillard, E., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Powell-Jackson, T., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Greco, G., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Maestad, O., Chr. Michelsens Institutt, Jekteviksbakken 31, Bergen, Norway; Borghi, J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Despite widespread implementation across Africa, there is limited evidence of the effect of payment for performance (P4P) schemes in low income countries on the coverage of quality services and affordability, consistent with universal health coverage objectives. We examined the effect of a government P4P scheme on utilisation, quality, and user costs of health services in Tanzania. Methods: We evaluated the effects of a P4P scheme on utilisation of all maternal and child immunization services targeted by the scheme, and non-targeted general outpatient service use.We also evaluated effects on patient satisfaction with care and clinical content of antenatal care, and user costs. The evaluation was done in 150 facilities across all 7 intervention districts and 4 comparison districts with two rounds of data collection over 13-months in January 2012 and February 2013. We sampled 3000 households of women who had delivered in the 12 months prior to interview; 1500 patients attending health facilities for targeted and non-targeted services at each round of data collection. Difference-in-difference regression analysis was employed. Findings: We estimated a significant positive effect on two out of eight targeted indicators. There was an 8.2% (95% CI: 3.6% to 12.8%) increase in coverage of institutional deliveries among women in the intervention area, and a 10.3%(95% CI: 4.4% to 16.1%) increase in the provision of anti-malarials during pregnancy. Use of non-targeted services reduced at dispensaries by 57.5 visits per month among children under five (95% CI: -110.2 to -4.9) and by 90.8 visits per month for those aged over five (95% CI: -156.5 to -25.2). There was no evidence of an effect of P4P on patient experience of care for targeted services. There was a 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.10) increase in the patient satisfaction score for non-targeted services. P4P was associated with a 5.0% reduction in those paying out of pocket for deliveries (95% CI: -9.3% to -0.7%) but there was no evidence of an effect on the average amount paid. Conclusion: This study adds to the very limited evidence on the effects of P4P at scale and highlights the potential risks of such schemes in relation to non-targeted service use. Further consideration of the design of P4P schemes is required to enhance progress towards universal health coverage, and close monitoring of effects on non-targeted services and user costs should be encouraged. © 2015 Binyaruka et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | Africa; Article; controlled study; health care cost; health care delivery; health care facility; health care quality; health care utilization; health insurance; health service; human; immunization; major clinical study; outpatient care; patient satisfaction; performance; prenatal care; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877590894 | 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-s2.0-84935519516 | Potential impact of co-infections and co-morbidities prevalent in Africa on influenza severity and frequency: A systematic review | Cohen A.L., McMorrow M., Walaza S., Cohen C., Tempia S., Alexander-Scott M., Widdowson M.-A. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0128580 | Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; United States Public Health Service, Rockville, MD, United States; Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Applied Research and Technology (DART), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, United States; University of Illinois, Springfield, IL, United States | Cohen, A.L., Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States, Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, United States Public Health Service, Rockville, MD, United States; McMorrow, M., Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States, United States Public Health Service, Rockville, MD, United States; Walaza, S., Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, South Africa, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cohen, C., Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, South Africa, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tempia, S., Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States, Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, South Africa; Alexander-Scott, M., Division of Applied Research and Technology (DART), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, United States, University of Illinois, Springfield, IL, United States; Widdowson, M.-A., Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States | Infectious diseases and underlying medical conditions common to Africa may affect influenza frequency and severity. We conducted a systematic review of published studies on influenza and the following co-infections or co-morbidities that are prevalent in Africa: dengue, malaria, measles, meningococcus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), hemoglobinopathies, and malnutrition. Articles were identified except for influenza and PCP. Very few studies were from Africa. Sickle cell disease, dengue, and measles co-infection were found to increase the severity of influenza disease, though this is based on few studies of dengue and measles and the measles study was of low quality. The frequency of influenza was increased among patients with sickle cell disease. Influenza infection increased the frequency of meningococcal disease. Studies on malaria and malnutrition found mixed results. Age-adjusted morbidity and mortality from influenza may be more common in Africa because infections and diseases common in the region lead to more severe outcomes and increase the influenza burden. However, gaps exist in our knowledge about these interactions. | None | 2009 H1N1 influenza; Africa; Article; beta thalassemia; cohort analysis; comorbidity; dengue; disease association; disease severity; frequency analysis; human; immunogenicity; influenza; influenza A (H3N2); influenza B; kwashiorkor; malaria; malnutrition; marasmus; measles; meningococcemia; mixed infection; morbidity; mortality; nonhuman; observational study; outcome assessment; Pneumocystis jiroveci; Pneumocystis pneumonia; prevalence; risk factor; sickle cell anemia; systematic review; time series analysis; Neisseria meningitidis; Pneumocystis jirovecii | CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929208462 | The fishery performance indicators: A management tool for triple bottom line outcomes | Anderson J.L., Anderson C.M., Chu J., Meredith J., Asche F., Sylvia G., Smith M.D., Anggraeni D., Arthur R., Guttormsen A., McCluney J.K., Ward T., Akpalu W., Eggert H., Flores J., Freeman M.A., Holland D.S., Knapp G., Kobayashi M., Larkin S., MacLauchlin | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0122809 | Institute for Global Food Systems, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States; School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, United States; World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Economics, University of Washington, Box 353330, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Industrial Economics, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Marine Resource Economics, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR, United States; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, United States; Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, JL. Palem Putri IX/NO. 1, Taman Yasmin V, Bogor, Indonesia; MRAG Ltd., 18 Queen Street, London, United Kingdom; Department of Economics and Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway; South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) - Aquatic Sciences, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA, Australia; United Nations University-World Institute for Development Economics Research, C/O Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 74, Legon, Ghana; Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Block1, #5 El Rio Vista Phase 5, Davao City, Philippines; Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University, PO Box 5187, Mississippi State, MS, United States; Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Centre, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd, Seattle, WA, United States; Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, United States; Environment and Natural Resource Management, The World Bank, 1818 H St. NW, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Dr., Suite 201, North Charleston, SC, United States; School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA, United States; Marine Economic Development, Level 1 83-85 Victoria Rd, Devonport, Aukland, New Zealand; University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, 205 Kingston Coastal Institute, One Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI, United States | Anderson, J.L., Institute for Global Food Systems, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States; Anderson, C.M., School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, United States; Chu, J., World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC, United States; Meredith, J., Department of Economics, University of Washington, Box 353330, Seattle, WA, United States; Asche, F., Department of Industrial Economics, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Sylvia, G., Marine Resource Economics, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR, United States; Smith, M.D., Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, United States; Anggraeni, D., Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, JL. Palem Putri IX/NO. 1, Taman Yasmin V, Bogor, Indonesia; Arthur, R., MRAG Ltd., 18 Queen Street, London, United Kingdom; Guttormsen, A., Department of Economics and Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway; McCluney, J.K., School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, United States; Ward, T., South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) - Aquatic Sciences, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA, Australia; Akpalu, W., United Nations University-World Institute for Development Economics Research, C/O Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 74, Legon, Ghana; Eggert, H., Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Flores, J., Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, Block1, #5 El Rio Vista Phase 5, Davao City, Philippines; Freeman, M.A., Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University, PO Box 5187, Mississippi State, MS, United States; Holland, D.S., Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Centre, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd, Seattle, WA, United States; Knapp, G., Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, United States; Kobayashi, M., Environment and Natural Resource Management, The World Bank, 1818 H St. NW, Washington, DC, United States; Larkin, S., Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States; MacLauchlin, K., South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Dr., Suite 201, North Charleston, SC, United States; Schnier, K., School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA, United States; Soboil, M., Marine Economic Development, Level 1 83-85 Victoria Rd, Devonport, Aukland, New Zealand; Tveteras, S., University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Uchida, H., Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, 205 Kingston Coastal Institute, One Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI, United States; Valderrama, D., Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Florida, PO Box 110240, Gainesville, FL, United States | Pursuit of the triple bottom line of economic, community and ecological sustainability has increased the complexity of fishery management; fisheries assessments require new types of data and analysis to guide science-based policy in addition to traditional biological information and modeling.We introduce the Fishery Performance Indicators (FPIs), a broadly applicable and flexible tool for assessing performance in individual fisheries, and for establishing cross-sectional links between enabling conditions, management strategies and triple bottom line outcomes. Conceptually separating measures of performance, the FPIs use 68 individual outcome metrics-coded on a 1 to 5 scale based on expert assessment to facilitate application to data poor fisheries and sectors-that can be partitioned into sectorbased or triple-bottom-line sustainability-based interpretative indicators. Variation among outcomes is explained with 54 similarly structured metrics of inputs, management approaches and enabling conditions. Using 61 initial fishery case studies drawn from industrial and developing countries around the world, we demonstrate the inferential importance of tracking economic and community outcomes, in addition to resource status. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | Article; ecology; economic aspect; environmental aspects and related phenomena; environmental factor; environmental sanitation; environmental sustainability; exogenous environmental factor; fish stock; fishery; fishery management; Fishery Performance Indicator; general environmental performance; harvest sector performance; human rights; post harvest sector performance; triple bottom line | USAID, United States Agency for International Development |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953218301 | Evaluation of xpert® MTB/RIF assay in induced sputum and gastric lavage samples from young children with suspected tuberculosis from the MVA85A TB vaccine trial | Bunyasi E.W., Tameris M., Geldenhuys H., Schmidt B.-M., Luabeya A.K.K., Mulenga H., Scriba T.J., Hanekom W.A., Mahomed H., McShane H., Hatherill M. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0141623 | Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Health, Western Cape Province, Division of Community Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom | Bunyasi, E.W., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Tameris, M., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Geldenhuys, H., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Schmidt, B.-M., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Luabeya, A.K.K., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Mulenga, H., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Scriba, T.J., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hanekom, W.A., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Mahomed, H., Department of Health, Western Cape Province, Division of Community Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; McShane, H., Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Hatherill, M., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Objective Diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis is limited by the paucibacillary respiratory samples obtained from young children with pulmonary disease. We aimed to compare accuracy of the Xpert1 MTB/RIF assay, an automated nucleic acid amplification test, between induced sputum and gastric lavage samples from young children in a tuberculosis endemic setting. Methods We analyzed standardized diagnostic data from HIV negative children younger than four years of age who were investigated for tuberculosis disease near Cape Town, South Africa [2009-2012]. Two paired, consecutive induced sputa and early morning gastric lavage samples were obtained from children with suspected tuberculosis. Samples underwent Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube [MGIT] culture and Xpert MTB/RIF assay. We compared diagnostic yield across samples using the two-sample test of proportions and McNemar's χ2 test; and Wilson's score method to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Results 1,020 children were evaluated for tuberculosis during 1,214 admission episodes. Not all children had 4 samples collected. 57 of 4,463[1.3%] and 26 of 4,606[0.6%] samples tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis on MGIT culture and Xpert MTB/RIF assay respectively. 27 of 2,198[1.2%] and 40 of 2,183[1.8%] samples tested positive [on either Xpert MTB/RIF assay or MGIT culture] on induced sputum and gastric lavage samples, respectively. 19/1,028[1.8%] and 33/1,017[3.2%] admission episodes yielded a positive MGIT culture or Xpert MTB/RIF assay from induced sputum and gastric lavage, respectively. Sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was 8/30[26.7%; 95% CI: 14.2-44.4] for two induced sputum samples and 7/31[22.6%; 11.4-39.8] [p = 0.711] for two gastric lavage samples. Corresponding specificity was 893/893[100%;99.6-100] and 885/890[99.4%;98.7-99.8] respectively [p = 0.025]. Conclusion Sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was low, compared to MGIT culture, but diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB/RIF did not differ sufficiently between induced sputum and gastric lavage to justify selection of one sampling method over the other, in young children with suspected pulmonary TB. ©2015 Dickinson-Copeland 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 | adolescent; Article; bacterium culture; bacterium identification; coughing; culture medium; disease duration; failure to thrive; female; human; major clinical study; male; mycobacterial growth indicator tube culture; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis test kit; rapid test; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; sputum analysis; sputum smear; stomach lavage; tuberculosis; weight reduction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896727045 | Health systems performance assessment in low-income countries: Learning from international experiences | Tashobya C.K., da Silveira V.C., Ssengooba F., Nabyonga-Orem J., Macq J., Criel B. | 2014 | Globalization and Health | 10 | 1 | 10.1186/1744-8603-10-5 | Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, B 2000, Belgium; Ministry of Health, 6 Lourdel Road Nakasero, P.O Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere School of Public Health, Mulago Hill, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; WHO Regional Uganda for Africa, P.O Box 6, Brazaville, Congo; Institute of Research Health and Society, Catholic University of Louvain, Promenade de l'Alma, 31 bte B1.41.03, Brussels B-12000, Belgium | Tashobya, C.K., Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, B 2000, Belgium, Ministry of Health, 6 Lourdel Road Nakasero, P.O Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda; da Silveira, V.C., Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, B 2000, Belgium; Ssengooba, F., Makerere School of Public Health, Mulago Hill, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Nabyonga-Orem, J., WHO Regional Uganda for Africa, P.O Box 6, Brazaville, Congo; Macq, J., Institute of Research Health and Society, Catholic University of Louvain, Promenade de l'Alma, 31 bte B1.41.03, Brussels B-12000, Belgium; Criel, B., Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, B 2000, Belgium | Background: The study aimed at developing a set of attributes for a 'good' health system performance assessment (HSPA) framework from literature and experiences in different contexts and using the attributes for a structured approach to lesson learning for low-income countries (LICs).Methods: Literature review to identify relevant attributes for a HSPA framework; attribute validation for LICs in general, and for Uganda in particular, via a high-level Ugandan expert group; and, finally, review of a selection of existing HSPA frameworks using these attributes.Results: Literature review yielded six key attributes for a HSPA framework: an inclusive development process; its embedding in the health system's conceptual model; its relation to the prevailing policy and organizational set-up and societal context; the presence of a concrete purpose, constitutive dimensions and indicators; an adequate institutional set-up; and, its capacity to provide mechanisms for eliciting change in the health system. The expert group contextualized these attributes and added one on the adaptability of the framework.Lessons learnt from the review of a selection of HSPA frameworks using the attributes include: it is possible and beneficial to involve a range of stakeholders during the process of development of a framework; it is important to make HSPA frameworks explicit; policy context can be effectively reflected in the framework; there are marked differences between the structure and content of frameworks in high-income countries, and low- and middle-income countries; champions can contribute to put HSPA high on the agenda; and mechanisms for eliciting change in the health system should be developed alongside the framework.Conclusion: It is possible for LICs to learn from literature and the experience of HSPA in other contexts, including HICs. In this study a structured approach to lesson learning included the development of a list of attributes for a 'good' HSPA framework. The attributes thus derived can be utilized by LICs like Uganda seeking to develop/adjust their HSPA frameworks as guidelines or a check list, while taking due consideration of the specific context. The review of frameworks from varied contexts, highlighted varied experiences which provide lessons for LICs. © 2014 Tashobya et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Health systems; Low-income countries; Performance assessment framework; Uganda | conceptual framework; developing world; guideline; health policy; health services; low income population; performance assessment; policy analysis; policy approach; article; conceptual framework; empowerment; health care financing; health care management; health care organization; health care policy; health care quality; health care system; health system performance assessment; lowest income group; medical information system; performance measurement system; priority journal; total quality management; Uganda; developing country; health care delivery; health care quality; human; international cooperation; methodology; poverty; review; Uganda; Delivery of Health Care; Developing Countries; Humans; Internationality; Poverty; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Uganda | None |
| None | None | Impacts of population pressure and poverty alleviation strategies on common property resource availability in rural Tanzania | Madulu N.F. | 2005 | African Journal of Environmental Assessment and Management | 10 | None | None | Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35097, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Madulu, N.F., Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35097, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This paper outlines the linkages between population pressure and common property resources availability in Tanzania. It examines on whether population pressure has an influence on diminishing common property resources at the local level and establishes the coping mechanisms of the local communities in response to new circumstances and changing environment. In the course of discussion, an attempt has been made to assess the extent to which population pressure have influenced availability of common property resources at the local level; and identify policy implications and alternatives strategies to cope with diminishing common property resources. Further analysis have been made of the extent to which poverty alleviation strategies at the local level influence non-sustainable use and degradation of common property resources. These issues require a closer examination of the circumstances under which population; development and environment linkages manifest themselves. Whereas the population has shown a continuous increase, there is less information about the rate at which the common property resources are diminishing in response to changing demographic conditions. Similarly, the impacts of various poverty alleviation strategies on diminish common property resources at the local level are not well documented. Small and large-scale mining operations in Mabuki and Maganzo villages has been used as an example to illustrate the transformation in the way local communities use and manage common property resources. The identified long-term implications of the various practices to include increased environmental degradation; accelerated food insecurity, increased poverty, diminishing common property resources, increased land use conflicts, and creation of a landless class at the village level. These implications require policy commitment and support to enable sustainable utilization of common property resources. | Commons property resources; Community conservation; Globalization; Partnership management; Population pressures; Poverty | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65149083096 | Transferability of management innovation to Africa: A study of two multinational companies' performance management system in Nigeria | Mamman A., Baydoun N., Adeoye B. | 2009 | Global Business Review | 10 | 1 | 10.1177/097215090801000101 | International and Comparative Management, Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; School of E-Business and Quality Management, ETQM College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; KPMG Professio | Mamman, A., International and Comparative Management, Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Baydoun, N., School of E-Business and Quality Management, ETQM College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Adeoye, B., KPMG Professional Services, 18A Temple Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria | Horwitz et al. (2006: 807) have argued that the debate regarding convergence/divergence perspectives in the cross-cultural diffusion of human resource management (HRM) practices is a somewhat simplistic one.™ The authors are of the view that because convergent similarity of HRM practice exists at a nominal level, the notions of hybridization and crossvergence are better in explaining HRM practices and their diffusion across countries. While the authors focused on exploring explanations of the differences in HRM practices, the article provocatively challenges researchers and experts to explore the question of whether Multinational Companies (MNCs) should adapt Human Resource Management Innovation (HRMI) and if so, why? And how? The main aim of this article is to investigate the following questions: (a) Given that MNCs transfer HRMI to developing countries, which policy should guide the transfer (polycentric or ethnocentric?); and (b) Given that host-country nationals (HCNs) are not passive recipients of HRMI, what are the implications of the policy (polycentric or ethnocentric) for MNCs? The result of our investigation and the review of literature suggest that the MNCs™ performance management (PM) policies are partially ethnocentric, but the practice, as perceived by some HCNs (employees), is polycentric. For example, some HCNs perceive some degree of nepotism and patronage in the system. Also, many felt that their line managers were biased against them. Similarly, a significant number of HCNs felt that their views are not taken into account during PM review and they do not receive feedback from their managers. The implications of the findings are then discussed. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904339730 | 'There are a lot of new people in town: But they are here for soccer, not for business' a qualitative inquiry into the impact of the 2010 soccer world cup on sex work in South Africa | Richter M.L., Scorgie F., Chersich M.F., Luchters S. | 2014 | Globalization and Health | 10 | 1 | 10.1186/1744-8603-10-45 | International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium; African Centre for Migration and Society, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for International Health, Burnet Institute 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia | Richter, M.L., International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium, African Centre for Migration and Society, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Scorgie, F., Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chersich, M.F., International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium, Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Luchters, S., International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium, Centre for International Health, Burnet Institute 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia | Background: Sports mega-events have expanded in size, popularity and cost. Fuelled by media speculation and moral panics, myths proliferate about the increase in trafficking into forced prostitution as well as sex work in the run-up to such events. This qualitative enquiry explores the perceptions of male, female and transgender sex workers of the 2010 Soccer World Cup held in South Africa, and the impact it had on their work and private lives.Methods: A multi-method study design was employed. Data consisted of 14 Focus Group Discussions, 53 sex worker diaries, and responses to two questions in surveys with 1059 male, female and transgender sex workers in three cities.Results: Overall, a minority of participants noted changes to the sex sector due to the World Cup and nothing emerged on the feared increases in trafficking into forced prostitution. Participants who observed changes in their work mainly described differences, both positive and negative, in working conditions, income and client relations, as well as police harassment. The accounts of changes were heterogeneous - often conflicting in the same research site and across sites.Conclusions: No major shifts occurred in sex work during the World Cup, and only a few inconsequential changes were noted. Sports mega-events provide strategic opportunities to expand health and human rights programmes to sex workers. The 2010 World Cup missed that opportunity. © 2014 Richter et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | 2010 Soccer World Cup; Prostitution; Sex work; Sports mega-events; Trafficking | human rights; morality; parallel economy; perception; prostitution; sport; trafficking; working conditions; behavioral response; health impact; social impact; strategic approach; adult; article; female; female worker; human; male; multimethod study; police; priority journal; prostitution; qualitative research; sexual harassment; sexual minority; soccer; social participation; South Africa; sporting event; threat; transsexuality; work environment; young adult; Article; assault; health program; health survey; human relation; human rights; income; legal aspect; perception; sex trafficking; sexual behavior; social aspect; South Africa; transgender; human trafficking; information processing; prostitution; psychology; statistics and numerical data; South Africa; Adult; Female; Focus Groups; Human Trafficking; Humans; Male; Prostitution; Qualitative Research; Sex Workers; Soccer; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953814667 | Reproductive health services for populations at high risk of HIV: Performance of a night clinic in Tete province, Mozambique | Lafort Y., Geelhoed D., Cumba L., Lzaro C.D.D.M., Delva W., Luchters S., Temmerman M. | 2010 | BMC Health Services Research | 10 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-10-144 | International Centre for Reproductive Health, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Provincial Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Tete, Mozambique; South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Lafort, Y., International Centre for Reproductive Health, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Geelhoed, D., International Centre for Reproductive Health, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Cumba, L., Provincial Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Tete, Mozambique; Lzaro, C.D.D.M., Provincial Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Tete, Mozambique; Delva, W., International Centre for Reproductive Health, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium, South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Luchters, S., International Centre for Reproductive Health, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Temmerman, M., International Centre for Reproductive Health, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium | Background. Different models exist to provide HIV/STI services for most-at-risk populations (MARP). Along the Tete traffic corridor in Mozambique, linking Malawi and Zimbabwe, a night clinic opening between 4 and 10 PM was established targeting female sex workers (FSW) and long-distance truck drivers (LDD). The clinic offers free individual education and counselling, condoms, STI care, HIV testing, contraceptive services and outreach peer education. To evaluate this clinic model, we assessed relevance, service utilisation, efficiency and sustainability. Methods. In 2007-2009, mapping and enumeration of FSW and LDD was conducted; 28 key informants were interviewed; 6 focus group discussions (FGD) were held with FSW from Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and LDD from Mozambique and Malawi. Clinic outputs and costs were analysed. Results. An estimated 4,415 FSW work in the area, or 9% of women aged 15-49, and on average 66 trucks stay overnight near the clinic. Currently on average, 475 clients/month visit the clinic (43% for contraception, 24% for counselling and testing and 23% for STI care). The average clinic running cost is US$ 1408/month, mostly for human resources. All informants endorsed this clinic concept and the need to expand the services. FGD participants reported high satisfaction with the services and mentioned good reception by the health staff, short waiting times, proximity and free services as most important. Participants were in favour of expanding the range of services, the geographical coverage and the opening times. Conclusions. Size of the target population, satisfaction of clients and endorsement by health policy makers justify maintaining a separate clinic for MARP. Cost-effectiveness may be enhanced by broadening the range of SRHR-HIV/AIDS services, adapting opening times, expanding geographical coverage and targeting additional MARP. Long-term sustainability remains challenging and requires private-public partnerships or continued project-based funding. © 2010 Lafort et al. | None | adolescent; adult; article; attitude to health; female; health care delivery; health care quality; health education; health service; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; middle aged; motor vehicle; Mozambique; organization and management; patient satisfaction; prostitution; sexual behavior; statistics; traffic and transport; utilization review; vulnerable population; Adolescent; Adult; After-Hours Care; Attitude to Health; Contraception Behavior; Efficiency, Organizational; Female; Health Education; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Vehicles; Mozambique; Patient Satisfaction; Prostitution; Quality of Health Care; Reproductive Health Services; Transportation; Utilization Review; Vulnerable Populations; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250209073 | Nature-based tourism and poverty alleviation: Impacts of private sector and parastatal enterprises in and around Kruger National Park, South Africa | Spenceley A., Goodwin H. | 2007 | Current Issues in Tourism | 10 | 42403 | 10.2167/cit305.0 | International Centre for Responsible Tourism, South Africa; Transboundary Protected Areas Research Initiative, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, 2050 Wits, South Africa; International Centre for Responsible Tourism, University of Greenwich, Greenwich, United Kingdom | Spenceley, A., International Centre for Responsible Tourism, South Africa, Transboundary Protected Areas Research Initiative, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, 2050 Wits, South Africa; Goodwin, H., International Centre for Responsible Tourism, University of Greenwich, Greenwich, United Kingdom | International programmes and national policies around the world have identified tourism as an appropriate mechanism for sustainable development, poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation. To evaluate the impact of nature-based tourism on the poor, socio-economic assessments were undertaken at enterprises based within South African protected areas. Comparisons were made between local economic interventions reported by enterprises and neighbouring community member's perceptions of their initiatives. Socioeconomic impacts evaluated included employment, gender equality, procurement, corporate social responsibility, dependency on tourism and access to markets. The studies demonstrate that isolated efforts from individual tourism companies have little tangible impact on the majority of people living in highly populated rural communities but impacts are substantial for the few people who directly benefit. Implications of these findings for future socio-economic initiatives through tourism, and options to increase net benefits to the poor are explored. © 2007 A. Spenceley and H. Goodwin. | Kruger National Park; Poverty; Private nature reserve; Protected area; Socioeconomic; South Africa; SUNTAT | accessibility; biodiversity; economic impact; ecotourism; poverty alleviation; private sector; protected area; socioeconomic conditions; socioeconomic impact; state owned enterprise; sustainable development; Africa; Kruger National Park; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947460103 | The invasive American weed parthenium hysterophorus can negatively impact malaria control in Africa | Nyasembe V.O., Cheseto X., Kaplan F., Foster W.A., Teal P.E.A., Tumlinson J.H., Borgemeister C., Torto B. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 9 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0137836 | International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1700 Southwest 23 Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States; Kaplan Schiller Research LLC., PO Box 13853, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, 318W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, United States; Center for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany | Nyasembe, V.O., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Cheseto, X., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya; Kaplan, F., Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1700 Southwest 23 Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States, Kaplan Schiller Research LLC., PO Box 13853, Gainesville, FL, United States; Foster, W.A., Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, 318W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, United States; Teal, P.E.A., Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1700 Southwest 23 Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States; Tumlinson, J.H., Center for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Borgemeister, C., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, Bonn, Germany; Torto, B., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya | The direct negative effects of invasive plant species on agriculture and biodiversity are well known, but their indirect effects on human health, and particularly their interactions with disease-transmitting vectors, remains poorly explored. This study sought to investigate the impact of the invasive Neotropical weed Parthenium hysterophorus and its toxins on the survival and energy reserves of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. In this study, we compared the fitness of An. gambiae fed on three differentially attractive mosquito host plants and their major toxins; the highly aggressive invasive Neotropical weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) in East Africa and two other adapted weeds, Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) and Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae). Our results showed that female An. gambiae fitness varied with host plants as females survived better and accumulated substantial energy reserves when fed on P. hysterophorus and R. communis compared to B. pilosa. Females tolerated parthenin and 1-phenylhepta-1, 3, 5-triyne, the toxins produced by P. hysterophorus and B. pilosa, respectively, but not ricinine produced by R. communis. Given that invasive plants like P. hysterophorus can suppress or even replace less competitive species that might be less suitable host-plants for arthropod disease vectors, the spread of invasive plants could lead to higher disease transmission. Parthenium hysterophorus represents a possible indirect effect of invasive plants on human health, which underpins the need to include an additional health dimension in risk-analysis modelling for invasive plants. | None | alkaloid; parthenin; phenylheptatriyne; plant toxin; ricinine; unclassified drug; adult; Africa; Anopheles gambiae; Article; Asteraceae; Bidens pilosa; controlled study; Euphorbiaceae; female; intraspecific competition; invasive species; malaria control; Neotropics; nonhuman; Parthenium hysterophorus; Ricinus communis; toxin analysis; weed | ARS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; RO1A1077722, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; USDA, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873990157 | Evaluation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) germplasm lines for tolerance to drought | Fatokun C.A., Boukar O., Muranaka S. | 2012 | Plant Genetic Resources: Characterisation and Utilisation | 10 | 3 | 10.1017/S1479262112000214 | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria | Fatokun, C.A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Boukar, O., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria; Muranaka, S., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria | Cowpea is an important grain legume crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where, on a worldwide basis, the bulk is produced and consumed. The dry savanna area of SSA is where cowpea is mostly grown under rain-fed conditions. The crop is therefore prone to drought which may occur early, mid and/or late in the cropping season. Compared with many other crops, cowpea is drought tolerant, even though drought is still a major constraint limiting its productivity in SSA. Increasing the level of drought tolerance in existing cowpea varieties grown by farmers would enable them to obtain more and stable yield from their cowpea fields. As a first step towards enhancing drought tolerance in existing cowpea varieties, 1288 lines were selected randomly from cowpea germplasm collections maintained at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, and evaluated for their drought tolerance at Ibadan. Drought was imposed by withdrawal of irrigation from 5 weeks after sowing. On average, drought reduced the number of days to flower by 12 d, and the mean grain yield per plant was also reduced by 67.28%. A few of the cowpea lines stayed green for up to 6 weeks after irrigation was stopped, even though some of these produced no pods when the study was terminated. Further evaluation in the screenhouse of 142 selected drought-tolerant lines helped to identify six lines that could be potential parents for developing breeding lines with enhanced drought tolerance. © NIAB 2012. | black-eyed pea; cowpea; delayed leaf senescence; drought tolerance; genetic diversity; germplasm evaluation | Pisum sativum; Vigna unguiculata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953020195 | Strategic assessment of the magnitude and impacts of sand mining in Poyang Lake, China | de Leeuw J., Shankman D., Wu G., de Boer W.F., Burnham J., He Q., Yesou H., Xiao J. | 2010 | Regional Environmental Change | 10 | 2 | 10.1007/s10113-009-0096-6 | International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), P.O. Box 6, 7500 AA Enschede, Netherlands; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Geography, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0322, United States; School of Resources and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, 129 Luoyu Road, 430079 Wuhan, China; Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands; International Crane Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Baraboo, WI 53913, United States; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, North Zhongshan Road 3663, Shanghai 200062, China; SERTIT, Strasbourg University, Pole API, Boulevard Sebastien Brant, BP 10413, 67412 Illkirch, France | de Leeuw, J., International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), P.O. Box 6, 7500 AA Enschede, Netherlands, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya; Shankman, D., Department of Geography, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0322, United States; Wu, G., School of Resources and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, 129 Luoyu Road, 430079 Wuhan, China; de Boer, W.F., Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands; Burnham, J., International Crane Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Baraboo, WI 53913, United States; He, Q., State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, North Zhongshan Road 3663, Shanghai 200062, China; Yesou, H., SERTIT, Strasbourg University, Pole API, Boulevard Sebastien Brant, BP 10413, 67412 Illkirch, France; Xiao, J., International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), P.O. Box 6, 7500 AA Enschede, Netherlands, School of Resources and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, 129 Luoyu Road, 430079 Wuhan, China | Planning for the extraction of aggregates is typically dealt with at a case to case basis, without assessing environmental impacts strategically. In this study we assess the impact of sand mining in Poyang Lake, where dredging began in 2001 after sand mining in the Yangtze River had been banned. In April 2008 concern over the impact on the biodiversity led to a ban on sand mining in Poyang Lake until further plans could be developed. Planning will require consideration of both sand extraction in relation to available sediment resources and also environmental impacts within the context of future demand for sand in the lower Yangtze Valley. We used pairs of near-infrared (NIR) Aster satellite imagery to estimate the number of vessels leaving the lake. Based on this we calculated a rate of sand extraction of 236 million m3 year-1 in 2005-2006. This corresponds to 9% of the total Chinese demand for sand. It qualifies Poyang Lake as probably the largest sand mining operation in the world. It also indicates that sand extraction currently dominates the sediment balance of the lower Yangtze River. A positive relation between demand for sand and GDP, revealed by historic data from the USA, suggests that the current per capita demand for sand in China might increase in the near future from 2 to 4 m3 year-1. We review various environmental impacts and question whether it will be possible to preserve the rich biodiversity of the lake, while continuing at the same time satisfying the increasing Chinese demand for sand. Finally we review alternative options for sand mining, in order to relieve the pressure from the Poyang Lake ecosystem. © 2009 Springer-Verlag. | Biodiversity; Environmental impact; Hydrology; Sand mining; Sediment balance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36849093892 | Evaluation of maize yield in an on-farm maize-soybean and maize-Lablab crop rotation systems in the Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria | Okogun J.A., Sanginga N., Abaidoo R.C. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 10 | 21 | None | International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT (TSBF-CIAT), P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; IITA, c/o | Okogun, J.A., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, IITA, c/o L.W. Lamboum and Co., 26 Dingwall Rd., Croydon CR9 3EE, United Kingdom; Sanginga, N., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT (TSBF-CIAT), P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Abaidoo, R.C., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria | An attempt was made to solving the problem of shortfall of fertilizer to maize production in the Northern Guinea Savanna (NGS) of Nigeria by harnessing the potentials of legume/cereal crop rotation in on-farm trials. The yield of maize that succeeded two soybean varieties and Lablab in a two-cycle of soybean/maize and Lablab/maize crop rotation in NGS Nigeria was assessed in researcher-managed and farmer-managed plots. Though maize that followed the soybean received between 5 kg N ha-1 from improved soybean variety (TGx 1448-2E) and 17 kg N ha-1 from farmer soybean variety (Samsoy-2) as N balance, this did not significantly (p = 0.05) affect the maize yields. The soybean shed 90-100% of its leaves at physiological maturity which resulted in about 110 kg N ha-1 N uptake. This source of N might be one of the factors responsible for the increase in maize yield that followed soybean (20 to 24%) compared with continuous maize yield plot. Maize yield in previous Lablab plot was significantly (p = 0.05) higher than in all other treatments. Maize yield in farmer-managed plot ranged between 0.13 and 4.53 t ha -1, maize yield in researcher-managed plot was over 200% higher than maize yield in farmer-managed plot because of poor crop management on the part of the farmer. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Biological nitrogen fixation; Fertilizer; Maize; Northern Guinea savanna; Rotation; Soybean | nitrogen; agriculture; article; biological model; chemistry; crop; growth, development and aging; maize; metabolism; methodology; Nigeria; nitrogen fixation; soil; soybean; Agriculture; Crops, Agricultural; Models, Biological; Nigeria; Nitrogen; Nitrogen Fixation; Soil; Soybeans; Zea mays; Glycine max; Lablab; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350042192 | The International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus statement on periodic health evaluation of elite athletes | Ljungqvist A., Jenoure P., Engebretsen L., Alonso J.M., Bahr R., Clough A., de Bondt G., Dvorak J., Maloley R., Matheson G., Meeuwisse W., Meijboom E., Mountjoy M., Pelliccia A., Schwellnus M., Sprumont D., Schamasch P., Gauthier J.-B., Dubi C., Stupp H., | 2009 | International SportMed Journal | 10 | 3 | None | IOC, Medical Commission, Lausanne, Switzerland; Sports Medicine, Basel and Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo Sports Trauma Centre, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Medical Department of Royal Spanish Athletic Federation, Madrid, Spain; Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Sports Dentistry, University College London, and Oral Health, University of Essex, United Kingdom; Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Neurology, Spine Unit Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland; PrivIT Inc. and PrivIT Healthcare Inc., London, ON, Canada; Stanford University Department of Athletics, United States; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; University Hospital Center of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland; University of Guelph, McMaster University Medical School, Canada; Institute of Sports Medicine and Science of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Rome, Italy; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Faculty of Law, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland | Ljungqvist, A., IOC, Medical Commission, Lausanne, Switzerland; Jenoure, P., Sports Medicine, Basel and Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Engebretsen, L., Orthopaedic Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo Sports Trauma Centre, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Alonso, J.M., Medical Department of Royal Spanish Athletic Federation, Madrid, Spain; Bahr, R., Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway; Clough, A., Sports Dentistry, University College London, and Oral Health, University of Essex, United Kingdom; de Bondt, G., Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC), Brussels, Belgium; Dvorak, J., Department of Neurology, Spine Unit Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland; Maloley, R., PrivIT Inc. and PrivIT Healthcare Inc., London, ON, Canada; Matheson, G., Stanford University Department of Athletics, United States; Meeuwisse, W., Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Meijboom, E., University Hospital Center of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland; Mountjoy, M., University of Guelph, McMaster University Medical School, Canada; Pelliccia, A., Institute of Sports Medicine and Science of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Rome, Italy; Schwellnus, M., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Sprumont, D., Faculty of Law, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Schamasch, P., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland; Gauthier, J.-B., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland; Dubi, C., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland; Stupp, H., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland; Thill, C., IOC, Lausanne, Switzerland | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| None | None | Economic evaluation of an alternative drug to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine as intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy | Sicuri E., Fernandes S., Macete E., González R., Mombo-Ngoma G., Massougbodgi A., Abdulla S., Kuwawenaruwa A., Katana A., Desai M., Cot M., Ramharter M., Kremsner P., Slustker L., Aponte J., Hanson K., Menéndez C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125072 | ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné(CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d'Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin; Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States; Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Paris, France; Université René Descartes, Paris, France; Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria | Sicuri, E., ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Fernandes, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Macete, E., Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique; González, R., ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique; Mombo-Ngoma, G., Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné(CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Massougbodgi, A., Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d'Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin; Abdulla, S., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kuwawenaruwa, A., Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Katana, A., Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Desai, M., Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Cot, M., Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Paris, France, Université René Descartes, Paris, France; Ramharter, M., Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné(CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Kremsner, P., Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné(CERMEL), Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Slustker, L., Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Aponte, J., ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique; Hanson, K., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Menéndez, C., ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique | Background: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended in HIV-negative women to avert malaria, while this relies on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (CTXp) in HIV-positive women. Alternative antimalarials are required in areas where parasite resistance to antifolate drugs is high. The cost-effectiveness of IPTp with alternative drugs is needed to inform policy. Methods: The cost-effectiveness of 2-dose IPTp-mefloquine (MQ) was compared with IPTp-SP in HIV-negative women (Benin, Gabon, Mozambique and Tanzania). In HIV-positive women the cost-effectiveness of 3-dose IPTp-MQ added to CTXp was compared with CTXp alone (Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania). The outcomes used were maternal clinical malaria, anaemia at delivery and non-obstetric hospital admissions. The poor tolerability to MQ was included as the value of women's loss of working days. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated and threshold analysis undertaken. Results: For HIV-negative women, the ICER for IPTp-MQ versus IPTp-SP was 136.30 US$ (2012 US$) (95%CI 131.41; 141.18) per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted, or 237.78 US$ (95%CI 230.99; 244.57), depending on whether estimates from Gabon were included or not. For HIV-positive women, the ICER per DALY averted for IPTp-MQ added to CTXp, versus CTXp alone was 6.96 US$ (95%CI 4.22; 9.70). In HIV-negative women, moderate shifts of variables such as malaria incidence, drug cost, and IPTp efficacy increased the ICERs above the cost-effectiveness threshold. In HIV-positive women the intervention remained cost-effective for a substantial (up to 21 times) increase in cost per tablet. Conclusions: Addition of IPTp with an effective antimalarial to CTXp was very cost-effective in HIV-positive women. IPTp with an efficacious antimalarial was more cost-effective than IPTp-SP in HIV-negative women. However, the poor tolerability of MQ does not favour its use as IPTp. Regardless of HIV status, prevention of malaria in pregnancy with a highly efficacious, well tolerated antimalarial would be cost-effective despite its high price. Trials Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 00811421; Pan African Trials Registry PACTR2010020001429343 and PACTR2010020001813440. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | cotrimoxazole; mefloquine; pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; adult; anemia; Article; Benin; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; disability adjusted life year; drug cost; drug efficacy; drug safety; drug tolerability; economic evaluation; female; Gabon; hospital admission; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; malaria control; monotherapy; Mozambique; outcome assessment; pregnancy; pregnancy outcome; quality of life; Tanzania; working time | None |
| WoS | WOS:000338029800001 | Quality of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Services during Scale-Up: A Comparative Process Evaluation in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe | Aduda, Dickens S. Omondi,Bertrand, Jane,Castor, Delivette,Cherutich, Peter,Fimbo, Bennett,Harvey, Steven A.,Hatzold, Karin,Jennings, Larissa,Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel,Perry, Linnea,Rech, Dino,Samkange, Christopher A. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 6 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0079525 | Johns Hopkins University, Tulane University, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), University of Zimbabwe, Ctr HIV & AIDS Prevent Studies, Impact Res & Dev Org, Minist Hlth & Social Welf, Natl AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Infect Control P, US Agcy Int Dev | "Bertrand, Jane: Tulane University","Castor, Delivette: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)","Harvey, Steven A.: Johns Hopkins University","Jennings, Larissa: Johns Hopkins University","Njeuhmeli, Emmanuel: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)","Perry, Linnea: Tulane University","Samkange, Christopher A.: University of Zimbabwe", | Background: The rapid expansion of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) has raised concerns whether health systems can deliver and sustain VMMC according to minimum quality criteria.
Methods and Findings: A comparative process evaluation was used to examine data from SYMMACS, the Systematic Monitoring of the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Scale-Up, among health facilities providing VMMC across two years of program scale-up. Site-level assessments examined the availability of guidelines, supplies and equipment, infection control, and continuity of care services. Direct observation of VMMC surgeries were used to assess care quality. Two sample tests of proportions and t-tests were used to examine differences in the percent of facilities meeting requisite preparedness standards and the mean number of directly-observed surgical tasks performed correctly. Results showed that safe, high quality VMMC can be implemented and sustained at-scale, although substantial variability was observed over time. In some settings, facility preparedness and VMMC service quality improved as the number of VMMC facilities increased. Yet, lapses in high performance and expansion of considerably deficient services were also observed. Surgical tasks had the highest quality scores, with lower performance levels in infection control, pre-operative examinations, and post-operative patient monitoring and counseling. The range of scale-up models used across countries additionally underscored the complexity of delivering high quality VMMC.
Conclusions: Greater efforts are needed to integrate VMMC scale-up and quality improvement processes in sub-Saharan African settings. Monitoring of service quality, not just adverse events reporting, will be essential in realizing the full health impact of VMMC for HIV prevention. | ,"HIV PREVENTION",MEN,SAFETY,TRIAL | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952945983 | Perceived organizational politics as a moderator of the relationship between performance management processes and organizational justice perceptions: A study of few selected state corporations in Kenya | Gachunga H.G. | 2011 | International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management | 10 | 8 | None | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya | Gachunga, H.G., Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya | In this study the moderating effects of perceived organizational politics (POPS) on performance management processes are studied. It was hypothesized that the strength of the relationship between performance management processes and organizational justice dimensions was dependent on perceived organizational politics. In a sample of over 900 employees drawn from employees working for state corporations in Kenya it was found that POPS has a moderating effect on performance evaluation processes and specifically on the procedural justice dimension of organizational justice. The study adopted multiple regression analysis. The implications of this research and directions for future research are discussed in this paper. © Common Ground, Hazel Gachoka Gachunga, All Rights Reserved. | Organizational justice; Perceived organizational politics; Performance management | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905509530 | Glyphosate-based herbicides on weeds management and maize performance under conservation agriculture practices in eastern Kenya | Micheni A., Mburu D., Kanampiu F., Mugai N., Kihanda F. | 2014 | International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology | 10 | 3 | 10.1504/IJARGE.2014.064001 | Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 27-60100, Embu, Kenya; Faculty of Agriculture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, P.O. Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Horticulture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya | Micheni, A., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 27-60100, Embu, Kenya; Mburu, D., Faculty of Agriculture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Kanampiu, F., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, P.O. Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya; Mugai, N., Department of Horticulture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Kihanda, F., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 27-60100, Embu, Kenya | A three-season research study was conducted at Embu Agricultural Research Station farm to determine the effect of glyphosate-based herbicides on weeds management and maize (Zea mays L.) performance under zero-tillage conservation agriculture practice. Glyphosate herbicide sprays were prepared from Roundup Turbo product at the rate of 2.5 L ha-1 and Roundup Weathermax at 1.5, 2.5 and 3.0 L ha-1 rates. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in weeds management were observed under the tested rate of Roundup Turbo compared to un-weeded control plots. The average grain yield from conventionally tilled plots was 3.6 t ha-1. This did not differ significantly from those of herbicide-managed plots. Low-grain yield (0.1 t ha-1) was observed from un-weeded plots compared to those from zero-tilled plots that had also exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher net-benefits. The study concluded that the application of herbicides improves weeds control and maize performance. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Agricultural resources; Conventional tillage; Glyphosate herbicide; Maize performance; Net-benefits; Weed control; Zero tillage | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957164487 | Multi-centred mixed-methods PEPFAR HIV care & support public health evaluation: Study protocol | Harding R., Simms V., Penfold S., McCrone P., Moreland S., Downing J., Powell R.A., Mwangi-Powell F., Namisango E., Fayers P., Curtis S., Higginson I.J. | 2010 | BMC Public Health | 10 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-10-584 | King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals Bessemer Road, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom; King's College London, Department of Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry Box P024, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom; Futures Group One Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States; African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Kampala, Uganda; University of Aberdeen Department of Public Health, School of Medicine Polwarth Building Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom; MEASURE Evaluation Project Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 8120 Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States | Harding, R., King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals Bessemer Road, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom; Simms, V., King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals Bessemer Road, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom; Penfold, S., King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals Bessemer Road, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom; McCrone, P., King's College London, Department of Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry Box P024, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom; Moreland, S., Futures Group One Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States; Downing, J., African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Kampala, Uganda; Powell, R.A., African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Kampala, Uganda; Mwangi-Powell, F., African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Kampala, Uganda; Namisango, E., African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Kampala, Uganda; Fayers, P., University of Aberdeen Department of Public Health, School of Medicine Polwarth Building Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom; Curtis, S., MEASURE Evaluation Project Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 8120 Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Higginson, I.J., King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals Bessemer Road, London SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom | Background: A public health response is essential to meet the multidimensional needs of patients and families affected by HIV disease in sub-Saharan Africa. In order to appraise curret provision of HIV care and support in East Africa, and to provide evidence-based direction to future care programming, and Public Health Evaluation was commissioned by the PEPFAR programme of the US Government. Methods/Design: This paper described the 2-Phase international mixed methods study protocol utilising longitudinal outcome measurement, surveys, patient and family qualitative interviews and focus groups, staff qualitative interviews, health economics and document analysis. Aim 1) To describe the nature and scope of HIV care and support in two African countries, including the types of facilities available, clients seen, and availability of specific components of care [Study Phase 1]. Aim 2) To determine patient health outcomes over time and principle cost drivers [Study Phase 2]. The study objectives are as follows. 1) To undertake a cross-sectional survey of service configuration and activity by sampling 10% of the facilities being funded by PEPFAR to provide HIV care and support in Kenya and Uganda (Phase 1) in order to describe care currently provided, including pharmacy drug reviews to determine availability and supply of essential drugs in HIV management. 2) To conduct patient focus group discussions at each of these (Phase 1) to determine care received. 3) To undertake a longitudinal prospective study of 1200 patients who are newly diagnosed with HIV or patients with HIV who present with a new problem attending PEPFAR care and support services. Data collection includes self-reported quality of life, core palliative outcomes and components of care received (Phase 2). 4) To conduct qualitative interviews with staff, patients and carers in order to explore and understand service issues and care provision in more depth (Phase 2). 5) To undertake document analysis to appraise the clinical care procedures at each facility (Phase 2). 6) To determine principle cost drivers including staff, overhead and laboratory costs (Phase 2). Discussion: This novel mixed methods protocol will permit transparent presentation of subsequent dataset results publication, and offers a substantive model of protocol design to measure and integrate key activities and outcomes that underpin a public health approach to disease management in a low-income setting. © 2010 Harding et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; clinical trial; cost; cross-sectional study; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information processing; interview; Kenya; methodology; multicenter study; outcome assessment; public health; social support; Uganda; Costs and Cost Analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Focus Groups; HIV Infections; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Kenya; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Public Health; Research Design; Social Support; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929484502 | Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of CareStart G6PD deficiency Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) in a malaria endemic area in Ghana, Africa | Adu-Gyasi D., Asante K.P., Newton S., Dosoo D., Amoako S., Adjei G., Amoako N., Ankrah L., Tchum S.K., Mahama E., Agyemang V., Kayan K., Owusu-Agyei S. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125796 | Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana | Adu-Gyasi, D., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Asante, K.P., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Newton, S., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Dosoo, D., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Amoako, S., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Adjei, G., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Amoako, N., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Ankrah, L., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Tchum, S.K., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Mahama, E., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Agyemang, V., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Kayan, K., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana; Owusu-Agyei, S., Kintampo Health Research Centre, P O Box 200, Kintampo, Brong Ahafo, Ghana | Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most widespread enzyme defect that can result in red cell breakdown under oxidative stress when exposed to certain medicines including antimalarials. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CareStart G6PD deficiency Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) as a point-of-care tool for screening G6PD deficiency. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 randomly selected and consented participants from a group with known G6PD deficiency status between February 2013 and June 2013. A maximum of 1.6ml of capillary blood samples were used for G6PD deficiency screening using CareStart G6PD RDT and Trinity qualitative with Trinity quantitative methods as the "gold standard". Samples were also screened for the presence of malaria parasites. Data entry and analysis were done using Microsoft Access 2010 and Stata Software version 12. Kintampo Health Research Centre Institutional Ethics Committee granted ethical approval. Results: The sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) of CareStart G6PD deficiency RDT was 100% and 72.1% compared to Trinity quantitative method respectively and was 98.9% and 96.2% compared to Trinity qualitative method. Malaria infection status had no significant (P=0.199) change on the performance of the G6PD RDT test kit compared to the "gold standard". Conclusions: The outcome of this study suggests that the diagnostic performance of the CareStart G6PD deficiency RDT kit was high and it is acceptable at determining the G6PD deficiency status in a high malaria endemic area in Ghana. The RDT kit presents as an attractive tool for point-of- care G6PD deficiency for rapid testing in areas with high temperatures and less expertise. The CareStart G6PD deficiency RDT kit could be used to screen malaria patients before administration of the fixed dose primaquine with artemisinin-based combination therapy. © 2015 Adu-Gyasi et al. | None | artemisinin; artemisinin plus primaquine; primaquine; unclassified drug; adolescent; adult; Africa; aged; Article; capillary blood; child; controlled study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic procedure; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency; gold standard; high temperature; human; major clinical study; malaria; malaria rapid test; male; point of care testing; randomized controlled trial; Rapid Diagnostic Test; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; Trinity qualitative method | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929429757 | Electrochemical evaluation and DFT studies of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-4,6-dioxo-8-phenyl-4,6-dihydropyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazine-7-carbonitrile of carbon steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid | Belayachi M., Serrar H., El Assyry A., Oudda H., Boukhris S., Ebn Touhami M., Zarrouk A., Hammouti B., Ebenso E.E., El Midaoui A. | 2015 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 10 | 4 | None | Laboratoire des procèdes de séparation, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique, Organométallique et Théorique, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Laboratoire d'Optoélectronique et de Physico-chimie des Matériaux, Unité associée au CNRST, Département de Physique,Université Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kénitra, Morocco; Laboratoire Matériaux, Electrochimie et Environnement, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco; LCAE-URAC18, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed 1er, Oujda, Morocco; Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa | Belayachi, M., Laboratoire des procèdes de séparation, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Serrar, H., Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique, Organométallique et Théorique, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; El Assyry, A., Laboratoire d'Optoélectronique et de Physico-chimie des Matériaux, Unité associée au CNRST, Département de Physique,Université Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kénitra, Morocco; Oudda, H., Laboratoire des procèdes de séparation, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Boukhris, S., Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique, Organométallique et Théorique, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco; Ebn Touhami, M., Laboratoire Matériaux, Electrochimie et Environnement, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco; Zarrouk, A., LCAE-URAC18, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed 1er, Oujda, Morocco; Hammouti, B., LCAE-URAC18, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed 1er, Oujda, Morocco, Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Ebenso, E.E., Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa; El Midaoui, A., Laboratoire des procèdes de séparation, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, BP 133, Kenitra, Morocco | In present study corrosion inhibition property of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-4,6-dioxo-8-phenyl-4,6-dihydropyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazine-7-carbonitrile (CHPPC) in 1.0 M HCl was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization and DFT studies. From electrochemical measurements it is observed that inhibition efficiency increases with CHPPC concentration and maximum efficiency (98.9) was obtained at 1.0 mM. The potentiodynamic study reveals that pyrimidothiazine derivative is a mixed type inhibitor with predominant cathodic action. EIS plot indicates that the addition of inhibitor increases the charge-transfer resistance (R<inf>ct</inf>) and decreases the double-layer capacitance (C<inf>dl</inf>) of the corrosion process, these observation reveal that investigated pyrimidothiazine derivative inhibits carbon steel corrosion by adsorption mechanism. Adsorption of pyrimidothiazine derivative on carbon steel surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The effect of temperature on the corrosion rate was investigated and some thermodynamic parameters were also calculated in order to explain the mechanism of adsorption. A theoretical study of the corrosion inhibition efficiency of this pyrimidothiazine derivative, was carried out using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. © 2015 The Authors. | Corrosion inhibition; DFT; Electrochemical techniques; Pyrimidothiazine derivative; Steel | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951092096 | Comparative performance of the REGA subtyping tool version 2 versus version 1 | Abecasis A.B., Wang Y., Libin P., Imbrechts S., de Oliveira T., Camacho R.J., Vandamme Anne-Mieke A.-M. | 2010 | Infection, Genetics and Evolution | 10 | 3 | 10.1016/j.meegid.2009.09.020 | Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium; Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Portugal; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Laboratory of Virology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Portugal | Abecasis, A.B., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium, Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Portugal; Wang, Y., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium; Libin, P., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium; Imbrechts, S., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium; de Oliveira, T., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Camacho, R.J., Centro de Malária e Outras Doenças Tropicais, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Portugal, Laboratory of Virology, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Portugal; Vandamme Anne-Mieke, A.-M., Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, REGA Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven, Belgium | The REGA HIV-1 subtyping tool is a phylogenetic-based method for subtyping HIV-1 genomic sequences that was published in 2005. The subtyping tool combines phylogenetic approaches with recombination detection methods. Recently, version 2 was released (http://www.bioafrica.net/rega-genotype/html/index.html) as an improvement of version 1. Version 2 implements a Decision-Tree-based algorithm that was not implemented in version 1. We wanted to compare the two versions on a large sequence dataset to assess the improvements of version 2 and to verify whether features lost during updating the tool needed to be recovered. We analysed the results of the two versions in the genotyping of 4676 HIV-1 pol sequences. We compared those results to a manual approach, used in previous studies. Our results show that version 2 has an overall better sensitivity but especially for the detection of subtypes A, B, D, F, G and CRF14_BG and CRF06_CPX. For the other subtypes, no significant differences were observed in the sensitivity of versions 1 and 2. The overall increase in sensitivity was however accompanied by a decrease in the specificity for the detection of subtype B. This is the main limitation of version 2. However, while the number of false negatives decreased by 53 samples, the number of false positives increased only by 5 samples from version 1 to 2. The performance of the REGA HIV-1 subtyping tool was considerably improved from one version to the other. Our results are very valuable and allow us to make suggestions for further improvement of the tool for a version 3 release. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. | HIV-1; Subtyping | algorithm; article; controlled study; decision tree; false negative result; false positive result; gene sequence; genotype; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; phylogeny; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; structural gene; virus typing; Algorithms; Automatic Data Processing; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Genetic Variation; Genome, Viral; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Pattern Recognition, Automated; Phylogeny; pol Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Recombination, Genetic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952713801 | Evaluation of changes in pasting properties of ogi during storage | Bolaji O.T., Awonorin S.O., Olalusi P.A., Adepoju P.A. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 1 | None | Lagos State polytechnic, Dept of Food science, Shagamu Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria; University Of Agriculture Dept Food science and Technology, Abeokuta ogun state, Nigeria; Federal University of Technology, Dept of Agriculture Engineering, Akure Ondo S | Bolaji, O.T., Lagos State polytechnic, Dept of Food science, Shagamu Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria; Awonorin, S.O., University Of Agriculture Dept Food science and Technology, Abeokuta ogun state, Nigeria; Olalusi, P.A., Federal University of Technology, Dept of Agriculture Engineering, Akure Ondo State, Nigeria; Adepoju, P.A., Lagos State polytechnic, Dept of Food science, Shagamu Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria | This study was conducted to investigate the effect of storage temperature on pasting properties of ogi. This was processed using traditional method and stored at different temperatures (27±3°C, 5 ±2°C, -10±3°C and -20 ±3°C) for a period of 12 weeks, this was repeated for another 12 weeks. Ogi samples were subsequently dried in cabinet drier at temperature of 47±3°C. The peak and final viscosity of ogi stored at the ambient temperature (27±3°C), witnessed a noticeable reduction from week four (4) of storage. Storage at temperature of 5 ±2°C, -10±3°C and -20 ±3°c conditions maintained the hold strength throughout the storage period. There was significant difference (p<. 0.05) in the values of breakdown viscosity. The setback viscosity values were consistently maintained in storage condition of 5 ±2°C, -10±3°C and -20 ±3°C throughout the period of storage but a consistent reduction was observed in ogi stored at 27±3°C. The range of pasting temperature for ogi samples throughout the period of storage was between 76 and 79°C. The cooking time ranged from 4.80 and 5.70 minutes. The study showed that gelling stability and pasting ability tend to witness reduction with increase in storage period at ambient temperature (27±3°C) and 5±2°C if the storage period is increased beyond that used in this research work. | Final viscosity storage temperature; Peak time set back viscosity; Peak viscosity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961361626 | CD4 enumeration technologies: A systematic review of test performance for determining eligibility for antiretroviral therapy | Peeling R.W., Sollis K.A., Glover S., Crowe S.M., Landay A.L., Cheng B., Barnett D., Denny T.N., Spira T.J., Stevens W.S., Crowley S., Essajee S., Vitoria M., Ford N. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0115019 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, Oakland, CA, United States; UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Center for HIV/AIDS, Immunology and Virology Quality Assessment Center, Durham, NC, United States; Division of AIDS, STD, andTB Laboratory Research, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa; Director Health Programs, ELMA Philanthropies, New York, NY, United States; Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, United States; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Peeling, R.W., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Sollis, K.A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Glover, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Crowe, S.M., Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Landay, A.L., Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Cheng, B., Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, Oakland, CA, United States; Barnett, D., UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Denny, T.N., Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Center for HIV/AIDS, Immunology and Virology Quality Assessment Center, Durham, NC, United States; Spira, T.J., Division of AIDS, STD, andTB Laboratory Research, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Stevens, W.S., University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa; Crowley, S., Director Health Programs, ELMA Philanthropies, New York, NY, United States; Essajee, S., Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, United States; Vitoria, M., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Ford, N., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | Background: Measurement of CD4+ T-lymphocytes (CD4) is a crucial parameter in the management of HIV patients, particularly in determining eligibility to initiate antiretroviral treatment (ART). A number of technologies exist for CD4 enumeration, with considerable variation in cost, complexity, and operational requirements. We conducted a systematic review of the performance of technologies for CD4 enumeration. Methods and Findings: Studies were identified by searching electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE using a pre-defined search strategy. Data on test accuracy and precision included bias and limits of agreement with a reference standard, and misclassification probabilities around CD4 thresholds of 200 and 350 cells/μl over a clinically relevant range. The secondary outcome measure was test imprecision, expressed as % coefficient of variation. Thirty-two studies evaluating 15 CD4 technologies were included, of which less than half presented data on bias and misclassification compared to the same reference technology. At CD4 counts <350 cells/μl, bias ranged from -35.2 to +13.1 cells/μl while at counts >350 cells/μl, bias ranged from -70.7 to +47 cells/μl, compared to the BD FACSCount as a reference technology. Misclassification around the threshold of 350 cells/μl ranged from 1-29% for upward classification, resulting in under-treatment, and 7-68% for downward classification resulting in overtreatment. Less than half of these studies reported within laboratory precision or reproducibility of the CD4 values obtained. Conclusions: A wide range of bias and percent misclassification around treatment thresholds were reported on the CD4 enumeration technologies included in this review, with few studies reporting assay precision. The lack of standardised methodology on test evaluation, including the use of different reference standards, is a barrier to assessing relative assay performance and could hinder the introduction of new point-of-care assays in countries where they are most needed. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | antiretrovirus agent; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD4+ T lymphocyte; flow cytometry; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; measurement accuracy; measurement precision; microscopy; outcome assessment; probability; reproducibility; systematic review; volumetry | WHO, World Health Organization |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956859258 | 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 |
| None | None | Cluster-randomized study of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in infants (IPTi) in southern Tanzania: Evaluation of impact on survival | Armstrong Schellenberg J.R.M., Maokola W., Shirima K., Manzi F., Mrisho M., Mushi A., Alonso P., Mshinda H., Tanner M., Schellenberg D.M. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-387 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; National Institute for Medical Research, Muheza, Tanzania; Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland | Armstrong Schellenberg, J.R.M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Maokola, W., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Shirima, K., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Manzi, F., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Mrisho, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Mushi, A., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania, National Institute for Medical Research, Muheza, Tanzania; Alonso, P., Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Mshinda, H., Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania; Tanner, M., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Schellenberg, D.M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Background: Intermittent Preventive Treatment for malaria control in infants (IPTi) consists of the administration of a treatment dose of an anti-malarial drug, usually sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, at scheduled intervals, regardless of the presence of Plasmodium falciparum infection. A pooled analysis of individually randomized trials reported that IPTi reduced clinical episodes by 30%. This study evaluated the effect of IPTi on child survival in the context of a five-district implementation project in southern Tanzania. [Trial registration: clinical trials.gov NCT00152204]. Methods. After baseline household and health facility surveys in 2004, five districts comprising 24 divisions were randomly assigned either to receive IPTi (n = 12) or not (n = 12). Implementation started in March 2005, led by routine health services with support from the research team. In 2007, a large household survey was undertaken to assess the impact of IPTi on survival in infants aged two-11 months through birth history interviews with all women aged 13-49 years. The analysis is based on an "intention-to-treat" ecological design, with survival outcomes analysed according to the cluster in which the mothers lived. Results: Survival in infants aged two-11 months was comparable in IPTi and comparison areas at baseline. In intervention areas in 2007, 48% of children aged 12-23 months had documented evidence of receiving three doses of IPTi, compared to 2% in comparison areas (P < 0.0001). Over the three years of the study there was a marked improvement in survival in both groups. Between 2001-4 and 2005-7, mortality rates in two-11 month olds fell from 34.1 to 23.6 per 1,000 person-years in intervention areas and from 32.3 to 20.7 in comparison areas. In 2007, divisions implementing IPTi had a 14% (95% CI -12%, 49%) higher mortality rate in two-11 month olds in comparison with non-implementing divisions (P = 0.31). Conclusion: The lack of evidence of an effect of IPTi on survival could be a false negative result due to a lack of power or imbalance of unmeasured confounders. Alternatively, there could be no mortality impact of IPTi due to low coverage, late administration, drug resistance, decreased malaria transmission or improvements in vector control and case management. This study raises important questions for programme evaluation design. © 2011 Schellenberg et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antimalarial agent; diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine; measles vaccine; article; controlled study; evaluation; false negative result; health care facility; health service; health survey; household; human; infant; intention to treat analysis; malaria; mortality; outcome assessment; preventive medicine; randomization; randomized controlled trial; survival; Tanzania; vector control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928910645 | The impact of gender norms on condom use among HIV-Positive adults in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa | Fladseth K., Gafos M., Newell M.L., McGrath N. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0122671 | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa; Faculty of Medicine and of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom | Fladseth, K., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Gafos, M., Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Newell, M.L., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Faculty of Medicine and of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; McGrath, N., Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtubatuba, South Africa, Faculty of Medicine and of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom | Critical to preventing the spread of HIV is promoting condom use among HIV-positive individuals. Previous studies suggest that gender norms (social and cultural constructions of the ways that women and men are expected to behave) may be an important determinant of condom use. However, the relationship has not been evaluated among HIV-positive women and men in South Africa. We examined gender norms and condom use at last sex among 550 partnerships reported by 530 sexually-active HIV-positive women (372) and men (158) who had sought care, but not yet initiated antiretroviral therapy in a high HIV-prevalence rural setting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa between January 2009 and March 2011. Participants enrolled in the cohort study completed a baseline questionnaire that detailed their socio-demographic characteristics, socio-economic circumstances, religion, HIV testing history and disclosure of HIV status, stigma, social capital, gender norms and self-efficacy. Gender norms did not statistically differ between women and men (p = 0.18). Overall, condoms were used at last sex in 58% of partnerships. Although participants disclosed their HIV status in 66% of the partnerships, 60% did not have knowledge of their partner's HIV status. In multivariable logistic regression, run separately for each sex, women younger than 26 years with more equitable gender norms were significantly more likely to have used a condom at last sex than those of the same age group with inequitable gender norms (OR = 8.88, 95% CI 2.95-26.75); the association between condom use and gender norms among women aged 26+ years and men of all ages was not statistically significant. Strategies to address gender inequity should be integrated into positive prevention interventions, particularly for younger women, and supported by efforts at a societal level to decrease gender inequality. © 2015 Fladseth et al. | None | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; adult; age distribution; Article; cohort analysis; condom use; controlled study; female; gender bias; help seeking behavior; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; middle aged; prevalence; questionnaire; religion; rural area; self concept; sex difference; sex role; sexual behavior; social capital; social status; South Africa; stigma; young adult | #065377/Z01/H, Wellcome Trust; #WT083495MA, Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943175517 | Evaluation of integrated community case management in eight districts of Central Uganda | Mubiru D., Byabasheija R., Bwanika J.B., Meier J.E., Magumba G., Kaggwa F.M., Abusu J.O., Opio A.C., Lodda C.C., Patel J., Diaz T. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0134767 | Malaria Consortium, Kampala, Uganda; Keeping Children and Mothers Alive, UNICEF Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Epidemiology and Health Policy and Practice, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Health Section, Programme Division, UNICEF Headquarters, New York, NY, United States | Mubiru, D., Malaria Consortium, Kampala, Uganda; Byabasheija, R., Keeping Children and Mothers Alive, UNICEF Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Bwanika, J.B., Malaria Consortium, Kampala, Uganda; Meier, J.E., Malaria Consortium, Kampala, Uganda; Magumba, G., Malaria Consortium, Kampala, Uganda; Kaggwa, F.M., Keeping Children and Mothers Alive, UNICEF Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Abusu, J.O., Keeping Children and Mothers Alive, UNICEF Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Opio, A.C., Keeping Children and Mothers Alive, UNICEF Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Lodda, C.C., Keeping Children and Mothers Alive, UNICEF Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Patel, J., Epidemiology and Health Policy and Practice, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Diaz, T., Health Section, Programme Division, UNICEF Headquarters, New York, NY, United States | Objective: Evidence is limited on whether Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) improves treatment coverage of the top causes of childhood mortality (acute respiratory illnesses (ARI), diarrhoea and malaria). The coverage impact of iCCM in Central Uganda was evaluated. Methods: Between July 2010 and December 2012 a pre-post quasi-experimental study in eight districts with iCCM was conducted; 3 districts without iCCM served as controls. A two-stage household cluster survey at baseline (n = 1036 and 1042) and end line (n = 3890 and 3844) was done in the intervention and comparison groups respectively. Changes in treatment coverage and timeliness were assessed using difference in differences analysis (DID). Mortality impact was modelled using the Lives Saved Tool. Findings: 5,586 Village Health Team members delivered 1,907,746 treatments to children under age five. Use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc treatment of diarrhoea increased in the intervention area, while there was a decrease in the comparison area (DID = 22.9, p = 0.001). Due to national stock-outs of amoxicillin, there was a decrease in antibiotic treatment for ARI in both areas; however, the decrease was significantly greater in the comparison area (DID = 5.18; p<0.001). There was a greater increase in Artemisinin Combination Therapy treatment for fever in the intervention areas than in the comparison area but this was not significant (DID = 1.57, p = 0.105). In the intervention area, timeliness of treatments for fever and ARI increased significantly higher in the intervention area than in the comparison area (DID = 2.12, p = 0.029 and 7.95, p<0.001, respectively). An estimated 106 lives were saved in the intervention area while 611 lives were lost in the comparison area. Conclusion: iCCM significantly increased treatment coverage for diarrhoea and fever, mitigated the effect of national stock outs of amoxicillin on ARI treatment, improved timeliness of treatments for fever and ARI and saved lives. Copyright: © 2015 Mubiru et al. | None | amoxicillin; antimalarial agent; artemisinin; cotrimoxazole; insecticide; oral rehydration solution; zinc; adolescent; adult; Article; bed net; case management; child; child health care; childhood mortality; cluster analysis; controlled study; demography; diarrhea; early intervention; female; fever; health care delivery; health survey; help seeking behavior; human; integrated health care system; major clinical study; malaria; male; middle aged; preschool child; quasi experimental study; respiratory tract disease; respiratory tract infection; social status; Uganda; urban rural difference; young adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749480619 | The impact of meaning in life and life goals on adherence to a tuberculosis medication regimen in South Africa | Corless I.B., Nicholas P.K., Wantland D., McInerney P., Ncama B., Bhengu B., McGibbon C., Davis S. | 2006 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 10 | 10 | None | Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; MGH Institute of Health Professions, CNY 36 1st Ave, Boston, MA 02129, United States | Corless, I.B., Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States, MGH Institute of Health Professions, CNY 36 1st Ave, Boston, MA 02129, United States; Nicholas, P.K., Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States; Wantland, D., University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; McInerney, P., University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Ncama, B., University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bhengu, B., University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa; McGibbon, C., Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada; Davis, S., Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States | SETTING: Out-patient tuberculosis (TB) clinics in Durban, South Africa. OBJECTIVE: Health care provider concerns about persons with active TB defaulting on medications led to a study of adherence among persons receiving anti-tuberculosis therapy and, specifically, the relationships between meaning in life, life goals, sense of coherence, social support, symptom presence and intensity, and adherence in individuals diagnosed with TB. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used to gather self-reported data from TB-infected individuals who were enrolled in out-patient clinics. Data were collected from 159 Zulu and/or English-speaking persons who agreed to participate in the study. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between higher life goals and adherence to TB treatment (P = 0.027). Analysis of variance revealed that higher meaning in life ratings were significantly associated with older age (P = 0.007). Having children and children living in the same household were significantly associated with low meaning in life ratings (P = 0.006 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively), indicating that these individuals were more concerned about basic matters of home and sustenance. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that meaning in life and life goals may be useful for identifying individuals who will require additional support in adhering to anti-tuberculosis treatment. © 2006 The Union. | Adherence; Life goals; Meaning in life; South Africa; Tuberculosis | tuberculostatic agent; adult; aged; article; controlled study; demography; female; health care personnel; human; life; lung tuberculosis; male; outpatient department; patient compliance; priority journal; social support; South Africa; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Goals; Humans; Life; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Social Support; Social Values; South Africa; Tuberculosis; Value of Life | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874994953 | Performance evaluation of potassium dichromate and potassium chromate inhibitors on concrete steel rebar corrosion | Omotosho O.A., Okeniyi J.O., Ajayi O.O. | 2010 | Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention | 10 | 5 | 10.1007/s11668-010-9375-2 | Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B.1023, Ota, Nigeria | Omotosho, O.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B.1023, Ota, Nigeria; Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B.1023, Ota, Nigeria; Ajayi, O.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P.M.B.1023, Ota, Nigeria | This study investigated the performance of potassium dichromate and potassium chromate inhibitors on the corrosion of steel rebar in concrete partially immersed in sulfuric acid and sodium chloride medium. The open circuit potential corrosion monitoring technique was employed for the acidic and marine simulating environments, and potential readings were taken in accordance with ASTM C 876. Inhibiting quality and uniformity of the inhibitors were then analyzed using an extreme value statistical modeling approach of the Weibull probability density distribution for determining the most efficient inhibitor. In the inhibitor concentrations used, the statistically analyzed experimental results identified 0.145 M potassium chromate as exhibiting the best inhibiting quality in sulfuric acid whereas the synergetic admixture of 0.032 M potassium dichromate and 0.097 M potassium chromate was predicted as showing the lowest probability of corrosion risk in sodium chloride solution. However, the overall probabilistic results rated potassium chromate as the best inhibitor compared to potassium dichromate in most of the other concentrations investigated in the study, especially in concrete structures exposed to saline environments. © ASM International 2010. | Corrosion inhibitors; Extreme value; Passive/active corrosion; Performance; Weibull density distribution | Density distributions; Extreme value; Inhibitor concentration; Open circuit potential; Passive/active; Performance; Potassium dichromates; Sodium chloride solution; Chromates; Concretes; Corrosion; Potassium; Probability density function; Sodium chloride; Sulfuric acid; Weibull distribution; Corrosion inhibitors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953265639 | Time to ART initiation among patients treated for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in khayelitsha, South Africa: Impact on mortality and treatment success | Daniels J.F., Khogali M., Mohr E., Cox V., Moyo S., Edginton M., Hinderaker S.G., Meintjes G., Hughes J., De Azevedo V., Van Cutsem G., Cox H.S. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0142873 | Medecins Sans Frontieres, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa; Medecins Sans Frontieres, Luxembourg; Human Sciences Research Council, HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Programme, Cape Town, South Africa; International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, Paris, France; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Medical Microbiology and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Daniels, J.F., Medecins Sans Frontieres, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa; Khogali, M., Medecins Sans Frontieres, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa; Mohr, E., Human Sciences Research Council, HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Programme, Cape Town, South Africa; Cox, V., Medecins Sans Frontieres, Luxembourg; Moyo, S., International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, Paris, France; Edginton, M., Human Sciences Research Council, HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB Programme, Cape Town, South Africa; Hinderaker, S.G., School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meintjes, G., University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Hughes, J., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; De Azevedo, V., City of Cape Town Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Cutsem, G., Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cox, H.S., Division of Medical Microbiology and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Setting Khayelitsha, South Africa, with high burdens of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) and HIV co-infection. Objective To describe time to antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation among HIV-infected RR-TB patients initiating RR-TB treatment and to assess the association between time to ART initiation and treatment outcomes. Design A retrospective cohort study of patients with RR-TB and HIV co-infection not on ART at RRTB treatment initiation. Results Of the 696 RR-TB and HIV-infected patients initiated on RR-TB treatment between 2009 and 2013, 303 (44%) were not on ART when RR-TB treatment was initiated. The median CD4 cell count was 126 cells/mm3. Overall 257 (85%) patients started ART during RR-TB treatment, 33 (11%) within 2 weeks, 152 (50%) between 2-8 weeks and 72 (24%) after 8 weeks. Of the 46 (15%) who never started ART, 10 (21%) died or stopped RR-TB treatment within 4 weeks and 16 (37%) had at least 4 months of RR-TB treatment. Treatment success and mortality during treatment did not vary by time to ART initiation: treatment success was 41%, 43%, and 50% among patients who started ART within 2 weeks, between 2-8 weeks, and after 8 weeks (p = 0.62), while mortality was 21%, 13% and 15% respectively (p = 0.57). Mortality was associated with never receiving ART (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 6.0, CI 2.1-18.1), CD4 count 100 (aHR 2.1, CI 1.0-4.5), and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with second-line resistance (aHR 2.5, CI 1.1-5.4). Conclusions Despite wide variation in time to ART initiation among RR-TB patients, no differences in mortality or treatment success were observed. However, a significant proportion of patients did not initiate ART despite receiving 4 months of RR-TB treatment. Programmatic priorities should focus on ensuring all patients with RR-TB/HIV co-infection initiate ART regardless of CD4 count, with special attention for patients with CD4 counts 100 to initiate ART as soon as possible after RR-TB treatment initiation. © 2015 Daniels et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | antiretrovirus agent; rifampicin; adult; age distribution; Article; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical effectiveness; cohort analysis; controlled study; drug resistant tuberculosis; female; high risk population; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; mortality; newborn; outcome assessment; retrospective study; South Africa; treatment duration; tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957445336 | Evaluation of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) oil and pure natural honey on the shelf life of cheese | Belewu M.A., Belewu K.Y., Ganiyu R.O. | 2011 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 10 | 4 | None | Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, Department of Animal production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Belewu, M.A., Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, Department of Animal production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Belewu, K.Y., Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, Department of Animal production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Ganiyu, R.O., Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, Department of Animal production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | The efficacy of Lemon grass oil (Cymbopogon citrates), pure natural honey and whey in extending the shelf life of West African soft cheese was evaluated in a completely randomized design model. The treatments include Lemon grass oil (A). Pure natural honey (B); and the Control (Whey (C). The nutritional composition revealed increased dry matter content for Treatments A and B which are similar (p>0.05) but significantly higher than the control (C). The crude fat was significantly higher in the control (C) and least in Treatments B and A in that order. The Lemon grass oil treated sample (A) had the highest crude protein content while the crude protein content of B and C was 15.64% and 12.62% respectively. The ash content ranged between 4.51 and 1.17% and it was greatest for Treatment A, greater in the control (C) and great in Treatment B. The Influence of Lemon grass oil on the cheese was noticed, with lowest bacterial count (21cfu/g ×103). However, the highest total bacterial count of 140cfu/g ×103 was recorded for the Control treatment (C) while honey treated sample had 73cfu/g ×103. Contrarily, the fungal count of honey treated sample (B) was 12cfu/g × 102 followed closely by A (10cfu/g × 102) Lemon grass oil and 30cfu/g × 102 for C. Isolation of various bacterial and fungi from the samples revealed the presence of Lactobacillus cocci, Lactobacillus planterium, Micrococcus luteus, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae in the Control sample (C). With the exception of Micrococcus luteum which was negative in the honey treated sample (B) other aforementioned fungi and bacterial species are found to be positive /present. It is enough to note that Lemon grass oil prevent the cheese against Micrococcus luteus, Lactobacillus planterium and Rhizopus oryzae.The presence of antmicrobial activity of Lemon grass oil may be responsible for increasing the shelf life of the cheese sample. It could be concluded from this study that preservation of cheese with Lemon grass oil enhanced the nutritional quality and shelf life of the sample. | Lemon grass oil; Microbial count; Proximate composition; Pure natural honey; Shelf life | Aspergillus niger; Bacteria (microorganisms); Cymbopogon; Cymbopogon citratus; Fungi; Lactobacillus; Micrococcus; Micrococcus luteus; Rhizopus; Rhizopus oryzae | 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-s2.0-84931031651 | Evaluation of intensity of urinary schistosomiasis in biase and yakurr local government areas of cross river state, nigeria after two years of integrated control measures | Adie H.A., Oyo-Ita A., Okon O.E., Arong G.A., Atting I.A., Braide E.I., Nebe O., Emanghe U.E., Otu A.A. | 2015 | Research Journal of Parasitology | 10 | 2 | 10.3923/jp.2015.58.65 | Ministry of Health, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Uyo/University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria; Federal Univer | Adie, H.A., Ministry of Health, Calabar, Nigeria; Oyo-Ita, A., Ministry of Health, Calabar, Nigeria; Okon, O.E., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Arong, G.A., Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Atting, I.A., Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Uyo/University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria; Braide, E.I., Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Nebe, O., Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Emanghe, U.E., Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Otu, A.A., Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | A parasitological mapping of urinary schistosomiasis using filtration method was conducted in Biase and Yakurr LGAs of Cross River State, Nigeria by the Neglected Tropical Diseases Control unit in collaboration with the schistosomiasis/soil transmitted helminths unit of the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria in November 2012. The results of the study revealed a mean urinary schistosomiasis prevalence of 49% for the six schools under study in Biase and 30% for the six schools under study in Yakurr LGA. The mean ova load was 0.9 for males and 0.8 for females in the two LGAs. Integrated control measures put in place, included chemotherapy of infected individuals with praziquantel and health education on the predisposing factors responsible for the transmission of urinary schistosomiasis. An evaluation of the interventions was carried out in November 2014, after two rounds of treatment with Praziquantel and intensive education were given. Urine samples were collected from 600 school children, 300 from each of the two LGAs. The evaluation study using the urine filtration technique revealed a mean schistosomiasis prevalence of 0% for the six schools under study in Biase and 0.02% for the six schools under study in Yakurr LGA with mean ova load reduced to 0.3 for males and 0 for females in the two LGAs. Data analysis with SPSS package revealed a 100% participation of all selected school children in 12 schools (6 in each LGA). Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the prevalence between male and female (p>0.005). A student t-test showed a significant difference between prevalence rates in 2012 and the results in 2014 (p>0.005). The spatial distribution showed that endemic schools were distributed within marshy areas where rice was cultivated in the two LGAs. These results showed that with wide scale integrated control measures, urinary schistosomiasis can be eliminated or reduced to a disease of no public health importance. © 2015, Academic Journals Inc. | Evaluation; Integrated control measures; Intensity; Urinary schistosomiasis | praziquantel; adolescent; Article; child; disease predisposition; drug efficacy; female; health education; human; infection control; infection rate; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; parasite load; parasite transmission; prevalence; schistosomiasis; school child; student; treatment duration; urinalysis; Vermes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48249110296 | HIV/AIDS and cultural practices in western Kenya: The impact of sexual cleansing rituals on sexual behaviours | Ayikukwei R., Ngare D., Sidle J., Ayuku D., Baliddawa J., Greene J. | 2008 | Culture, Health and Sexuality | 10 | 6 | 10.1080/13691050802012601 | Moi University, AMPATH Program, Eldoret, Kenya; Population and Family Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States | Ayikukwei, R., Moi University, AMPATH Program, Eldoret, Kenya; Ngare, D., Population and Family Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Sidle, J., Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Ayuku, D., Population and Family Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Baliddawa, J., Population and Family Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Greene, J., Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States | This paper reports on an exploratory study examining the role of sexual cleansing rituals in the transmission of HIV among the Luo community in western Kenya. Data were collected using both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study population consisted of 38 widows, 12 community elders and 44 cleansers. Data were collected on non-behavioural causes, behavioural causes and behavioural indicators associated with sexual rituals. Content analysis revealed five central themes: the effect of the ritual on sexual behaviours; factors contributing to the continued practice of the ritual, including a sub-theme on the commercialization of the ritual; the inseparable relationship between the sanctity of sex, prosperity and fertility of the land; and the effects of modernization on the ritual, including a sub-theme on the effects of mass media on HIV-prevention awareness campaigns. Causal factors of unchanging sexual behaviours are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, which the community uphold strongly. These beliefs encourage men and women to have multiple sexual partners in a context where the use of condoms is rejected and little HIV testing is carried out. | HIV/AIDS; Kenya; Sex cleansers; Sexual rituals; Widows | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; adult; aged; article; awareness; commercial phenomena; condom; cultural anthropology; cultural value; female; health program; health promotion; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection prevention; interview; Kenya; male; mass medium; priority journal; ritual; safe sex; sexual behavior; social belief; virus transmission; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ceremonial Behavior; Cultural Characteristics; Developing Countries; Female; Grief; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections; Humans; Hygiene; Kenya; Male; Marriage; Middle Aged; Mortuary Practice; Sex Education; Sexual Behavior; Socialization; Unsafe Sex; Widowhood | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927799281 | Drafting's improvement of 3000-m running performance in elite athletes: Is it a placebo effect? | Zouhal H., BenAbderrahman A., Prioux J., Knechtle B., Bouguerra L., Kebsi W., Noakes T.D. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance | 10 | 2 | 10.1123/ijspp.2013-0498 | Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Higher Inst of Sport and Physical Education of Tunis, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia; Inst of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Zouhal, H., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; BenAbderrahman, A., Higher Inst of Sport and Physical Education of Tunis, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia; Prioux, J., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Knechtle, B., Inst of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Bouguerra, L., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Kebsi, W., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Noakes, T.D., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose: To determine the effect of drafting on running time, physiological response, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during 3000-m track running. Methods: Ten elite middle- and long-distance runners performed 3 track-running sessions. The 1st session determined maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic speed using a lightweight ambulatory respiratory gas-exchange system (K4B<inf>2</inf>). The 2nd and the 3rd tests consisted of nondrafting 3000-m running (3000-mND) and 3000-m running with drafting for the 1st 2000 m (3000-mD) performed on the track in a randomized counterbalanced order. Results: Performance during the 3000-mND (553.59 ± 22.15 s) was significantly slower (P < .05) than during the 3000-mD (544.74 ± 18.72 s). Cardiorespiratory responses were not significantly different between the trials. However, blood lactate concentration was significantly higher (P < .05) after the 3000-mND (16.4 ± 2.3 mmol/L) than after the 3000-mD (13.2 ± 5.6 mmol/L). Athletes perceived the 3000-mND as more strenuous than the 3000-mD (P < .05) (RPE = 16.1 ± 0.8 vs 13.1 ± 1.3). Results demonstrate that drafting has a significant effect on performance in highly trained runners. Conclusion: This effect could not be explained by a reduced energy expenditure or cardiorespiratory effort as a result of drafting. This raises the possibility that drafting may aid running performance by both physiological and nonphysiological (ie, psychological) effects. © 2015 Human Kinetics, Inc. | Endurance; Highly trained; Pacing; Rating of perceived exertion; Track running | lactic acid; adult; biomechanics; blood; endurance; energy metabolism; exercise; heart rate; human; lung ventilation; male; oxygen consumption; perception; physiology; placebo effect; psychology; running; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Energy Metabolism; Heart Rate; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Perception; Physical Endurance; Physical Exertion; Placebo Effect; Pulmonary Ventilation; Running | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247150733 | Growth and subsequent egg production performance of Shika-Brown pullets fed graded levels of cooked Lablab purpureus beans | Abeke F.O., Ogundipe S.O., Sekoni A.A., Dafwang I.I., Adeyinka I.A., Oni O.O., Abeke A. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences | 10 | 7 | None | National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; National Agric Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Abeke, F.O., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; Ogundipe, S.O., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; Sekoni, A.A., National Agric Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Dafwang, I.I., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; Adeyinka, I.A., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; Oni, O.O., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; Abeke, A., National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria | The lablab seeds were cooked for 30 min, sundried for three days and thereafter milled and incorporated into chickens' diets. Six treatments, comprising of six dietary levels of lablab at 0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5, 30.0 and 37.5%, respectively was fed during the grower's phase. Results obtained for the growers phase indicate that final weight (g/bird), weight gain (g/bird) and feed cost (N kg-1) decreased significantly (p<0.05) as the level of lablab increased in the diet. Feed intake (g/bird and g/bird/day) as well as feed cost (N/bird) and total cost (N/bird) also decreased significantly (p<0.05) as the level of lablab increased in the diet up to 22.5% inclusion level before increasing as the level of lablab in the diets continued to increase. The level of lablab in the diet had no effect on mortality throughout the experimental period. In addition haematological parameters such as Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb) and Total Protein (TP) were not significantly (p<0.05) affected by feeding diets containing graded levels of cooked lablab beans to pullets. Results obtained during the laying phase indicates that feeding lablab seed meal up to 22.5% in the diets at the growers stage had no significant adverse effect (p<0.05) on final weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, percent henday and henhoused egg production, percent production at peak, kilogramme feed per twelve eggs, feed cost per twelve eggs, Haugh Unit and yolk index. However, age of birds at first egg, age at 50% production and age at peak egg production were increased significantly (p>0.05) with increase in the level of lablab seed meal in the growers diets. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Beans; Chicken diets; Egg production; Lablab purpureus | animal; animal food; article; chemistry; chicken; cooking; eating; egg; female; growth, development and aging; legume; metabolism; weight gain; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Chickens; Cookery; Eating; Eggs; Fabaceae; Female; Weight Gain; Aves; Gallus gallus; Lablab; Lablab purpureus | None |
| None | None | Design, implementation and evaluation of a national campaign to distribute nine million free LLINs to children under five years of age in Tanzania | Bonner K., Mwita A., McElroy P.D., Omari S., Mzava A., Lengeler C., Kaspar N., Nathan R., Ngegba J., Mtung'E R., Brown N. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-73 | National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; President's Malaria Initiative, American Embassy, PO Box 9123, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; ITN Cell, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 3430, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Health Interventions Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 4002, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; World Vision Tanzania, PO Box 6399, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Population Services International, PO Box 33500, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Bonner, K., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mwita, A., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; McElroy, P.D., President's Malaria Initiative, American Embassy, PO Box 9123, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Omari, S., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, ITN Cell, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 3430, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mzava, A., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, ITN Cell, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 3430, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lengeler, C., Health Interventions Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 4002, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Kaspar, N., President's Malaria Initiative, American Embassy, PO Box 9123, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Nathan, R., Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Ngegba, J., World Vision Tanzania, PO Box 6399, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mtung'E, R., Population Services International, PO Box 33500, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Brown, N., National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, ITN Cell, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box 3430, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Background: After a national voucher scheme in 2004 provided pregnant women and infants with highly subsidized insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), use among children under five years (U5s) in mainland Tanzania increased from 16% in 2004 to 26.2% in 2007. In 2008, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare planned a catch-up campaign to rapidly and equitably deliver a free long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) to every child under five years in Tanzania. Methods. The ITN Cell, a unit within the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), coordinated the campaign on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Government contractors trained and facilitated local government officials to supervise village-level volunteers on a registration of all U5s and the distribution and issuing of LLINs. The registration results formed the basis for the LLIN order and delivery to village level. Caregivers brought their registration coupons to village issuing posts during a three-day period where they received LLINs for their U5s. Household surveys in five districts assessed ITN ownership and use immediately after the campaign. Results: Nine donors contributed to the national campaign that purchased and distributed 9.0 million LLINs at an average cost of $7.07 per LLIN, including all campaign-associated activities. The campaign covered all eight zones of mainland Tanzania, the first region being covered separately during an integrated measles immunization/malaria LLIN distribution in August 2008, and was implemented one zone at a time from March 2009 until May 2010. ITN ownership at household level increased from Tanzania's 2008 national average of 45.7% to 63.4%, with significant regional variations. ITN use among U5s increased from 28.8% to 64.1%, a 2.2-fold increase, with increases ranging from 22.1-38.3% percentage points in different regions. Conclusion: A national-level LLIN distribution strategy that fully engaged local government authorities helped avoid additional burden on the healthcare system. Distribution costs per net were comparable to other public health interventions. Particularly among rural residents, ITN ownership and use increased significantly for the intended beneficiaries. The upcoming universal LLIN distribution and further behaviour change communication will further improve ITN ownership and use in 2010-2011. © 2011 Bonner et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | measles vaccine; article; bed net; caregiver; child care; financial management; government; health care cost; health care planning; health program; health survey; human; immunization; long lasting insecticidal net; malaria; measles; prevalence; registration; Tanzania; bed; economics; evaluation; female; health care policy; health care survey; instrumentation; malaria; methodology; mosquito; organization and management; preschool child; Tanzania; utilization review; Bedding and Linens; Child, Preschool; Female; Health Care Surveys; Health Policy; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Ownership; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745047510 | Performance measures reflecting impact of the Workplace Challenge Programme | Sebego C. | 2006 | Measuring Business Excellence | 10 | 2 | 10.1108/13683040610668693 | National Productivity Institute, Midrand, South Africa | Sebego, C., National Productivity Institute, Midrand, South Africa | Purpose - The paper aims to examine the impact of the Workplace Challenge (WPC) Programme within the National Productivity Institute (NPI), which is a supply-side initiative of the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) and established to meet the competitive challenges presented by South Africa's re-entry into the global market. It aims to encourage government, business and labour to participate in a consultative process, to improve the performance of local industry. Disparties exisat between the variables that are being measured under the dimensions of Quality, Speed, Cost and Morale at all levels (i.e. cluster, region and national), and as such, the results cannot be aggregated together to determine an overall impact. The common measures will assist with providing valid and reliable reporting to the DTI. Design/methodology/approach - Ten companies were randomly selected out of a total population of about 120 companies participating in the WPC for interviews and discussions about the topic. Findings - It became evident during data collection that most companies do not align the green area measurements with the overall business objectives. A better way to integrate WPC impact into the company strategies is needed to present a cohesive picture all the time. The research indicated that the broad WPC objectives exists in terms of increased employee and customer satisfaction could be achieved. Employee satisfaction is achieved by: improved management decision making (effectiveness), because WPC change management process encourages consultation of the floor workers; involvement and consultation in turn leads to improved motivation/morale of the workers. Customer satisfaction is achieved by: improved product efficiency results in good quality benefits, and improved process efficiency results in good delivery and lower costs. Practical implications - The outcome of this research will be used to provide a clear and practical guideline for implementation of properly designed performance measurements in order to report productivity improvement resulting from the WPC programme. By doing this, we are also assisting the companies to assess the true benefits of joining the programme. The author's view is that, this rule of thumb should be followed when reporting on the measures: the goal must be to strive for adequate but valid measures instead of highly accurate but invalid measures. Research limitations/implications - The research focuses only on the NPI's WPC Programme. The key strategies for best operating practice will be used as the reference for determining world-class performance. The research does not assess the role of the organisational leadership and the company strategies, nor take the duration of companies on the WPC Programme into account. Originality/;value - This is the first opportunity in the WPC to investigate the uniform measures that would indicate the impact of the programme on the participating companies reliably. In the author's view, this research paper provides the platform and a guide for an informed dialogue on elevating the issues to a common level, describing the real constraints, the factors that must be considered when determining common performance measures and a sensible approach to a complex topic. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Best practice; Cost effectiveness; Operations management; Performance measures; Productivity rate; Waste minimization | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883733820 | The performance of children prenatally exposed to HIV on the A-not-B task in Kilifi, Kenya: A preliminary study | Abubakar A., Holding P., Van Baar A., Newton C.R.J.C., Van de Vijver F.J.R., Espy K.A. | 2013 | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | 10 | 9 | 10.3390/ijerph10094132 | Neuroassessment, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Box 230, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; Department of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg 5000 LE, Netherlands; Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80125, Utrecht 3508 TC, Netherlands; International Centre for Behavioral Studies, P.O. Box 34307, Mombasa 80118, Kenya; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Department of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg 5000 LE, Netherlands; Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States | Abubakar, A., Neuroassessment, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Box 230, Kilifi 80108, Kenya, Department of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg 5000 LE, Netherlands, Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80125, Utrecht 3508 TC, Netherlands; Holding, P., Neuroassessment, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Box 230, Kilifi 80108, Kenya, International Centre for Behavioral Studies, P.O. Box 34307, Mombasa 80118, Kenya; Van Baar, A., Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80125, Utrecht 3508 TC, Netherlands; Newton, C.R.J.C., Neuroassessment, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Box 230, Kilifi 80108, Kenya, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, United Kingdom; Van de Vijver, F.J.R., Department of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, Tilburg 5000 LE, Netherlands; Espy, K.A., Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States | The aim of the study was to investigate early executive functioning in young children from 6-35 months of age. The study involved 319 randomly selected children from the community, 17 HIV exposed but uninfected children and 31 HIV infected ARV-naive children. A variation of the A-not-B task was used. While there were no group differences in total correct, perseverative errors, nor maximum error run, a significant percentage of children were unable to complete the task as a consequence of the children becoming overtly distressed or refusing to continue. In a multivariate analysis we observed that the significant predictors of non-completion were HIV exposure (both infected and exposed) and being under 24 months of age. These patterns of results indicate that future work with a broader array of tasks need to look at the association of HIV and EF tasks and potential contribution of factors such as emotion regulation, persistence and motivation on performance on EF tasks. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. | A-not-B task; Children; Executive functions; HIV; Kenya | child development; cognition; human immunodeficiency virus; infectious disease; multivariate analysis; vertical transmission; A not B task; article; body weight; child; clinical article; community; controlled study; cross-sectional study; education; executive function; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; Kenya; male; measurement error; prenatal exposure; preschool child; task performance; Coast Province; Kenya; Kilifi; Child, Preschool; Executive Function; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Kenya; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Neuropsychological Tests; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects | None |
| WoS | WOS:000291851000001 | Two-year evaluation of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Children (IPTc) combined with timely home treatment for malaria control in Ghana | Ahorlu, Collins K.,Koram, Kwadwo A.,Seake-Kwawu, Atsu,Weiss, Mitchell G. | 2011 | MALARIA JOURNAL | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-127 | Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Basel, University of Ghana, Keta Dist Hlth Management Team, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute | "Ahorlu, Collins K.: Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research","Ahorlu, Collins K.: University of Ghana","Koram, Kwadwo A.: Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research","Koram, Kwadwo A.: University of Ghana","Weiss, Mitchell G.: University of Basel", | Background: Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) has recently been accepted as an important component of the malaria control strategy. Intermittent preventive treatment for children (IPTc) combined with timely treatment of malaria related febrile illness at home to reduce parasite prevalence and malaria morbidity in children aged between six and 60 months in a coastal community in Ghana. This paper reports persistence of reduced parasitaemia two years into the intervention. The baseline and year-one-evaluation findings were published earlier.
Objective: The main objective in the second year was to demonstrate whether the two interventions would further reduce parasite prevalence and malaria-related febrile illness in the study population.
Methods: This was an intervention study designed to compare baseline and evaluation findings without a control group. The study combined home-based delivery of intermittent preventive treatment for children (IPTc) aged 6 - 60 months and home treatment of suspected febrile malaria-related illness within 24 hours. All children aged 6 - 60 months received home-based delivery of intermittent preventive treatment using amodiaquine + artesunate, delivered at home by community assistants every four months (6 times in 24 months). Malaria parasite prevalence surveys were conducted before the first and after the third and sixth IPTc to the children. The evaluation surveys were done four months after the third and sixth IPTc was given.
Results: Parasite prevalence which reduced from 25% to 3.0% at year-one evaluation had reduced further from 3% to 1% at year-two-evaluation. At baseline, 13.8% of the children were febrile (axilary temperature of >= 37.5 degrees C) compared to 2.2% at year-one-evaluation while 2.1% were febrile at year-two-evaluation.
Conclusion: The year-two-evaluation result indicates that IPTc given three times in a year (every four months) combined with timely treatment of febrile malaria illness, is effective to reduce malaria parasite prevalence in children aged 6 to 60 months in the study community. This must give hope to malaria control programme managers in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of the disease is most debilitating. | ,AFRICA,ANEMIA,DELIVERY,INFANTS,"PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL",RANDOMIZED-TRIAL,"ROUTINE VACCINATIONS","SOUTHERN GHANA",SULFADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE,TRANSMISSION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926365570 | Evaluation of two influenza surveillance systems in South Africa | Budgell E., Cohen A.L., McAnerney J., Walaza S., Madhi S.A., Blumberg L., Dawood H., Kahn K., Tempia S., Venter M., Cohen C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0120226 | Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States; Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation:Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Hospital Complex and University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; CTS Global, Inc., Los Angeles, United States; Zoonoses Research Unit, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Schools of Public Health and Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Budgell, E., Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cohen, A.L., Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States, Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; McAnerney, J., Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Walaza, S., Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Madhi, S.A., Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation:Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Blumberg, L., Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dawood, H., Department of Medicine, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Hospital Complex and University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Kahn, K., MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tempia, S., Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States, Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, CTS Global, Inc., Los Angeles, United States; Venter, M., Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa, Zoonoses Research Unit, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Cohen, C., Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa, Schools of Public Health and Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: The World Health Organisation recommends outpatient influenza-like illness (ILI) and inpatient severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance. We evaluated two influenza surveillance systems in South Africa: one for ILI and another for SARI. Methodology: The Viral Watch (VW) programme has collected virological influenza surveillance data voluntarily from patients with ILI since 1984 in private and public clinics in all 9 South African provinces. The SARI surveillance programme has collected epidemiological and virological influenza surveillance data since 2009 in public hospitals in 4 provinces by dedicated personnel. We compared nine surveillance system attributes from 2009-2012. Results: We analysed data from 18,293 SARI patients and 9,104 ILI patients. The annual proportion of samples testing positive for influenza was higher for VW (mean 41%) than SARI (mean 8%) and generally exceeded the seasonal threshold from May to September (VW: weeks 21-40; SARI: weeks 23-39). Data quality was a major strength of SARI (most data completion measures >90%; adherence to definitions: 88-89%) and a relative weakness of the VW programme (62% of forms complete, with limited epidemiologic data collected; adherence to definitions: 65-82%). Timeliness was a relative strength of both systems (e.g. both collected >93% of all respiratory specimens within 7 days of symptom onset). ILI surveillance was more nationally representative, financially sustainable and expandable than the SARI system. Though the SARI programme is not nationally representative, the high quality and detail of SARI data collection sheds light on the local burden and epidemiology of severe influenza-associated disease. Conclusions: To best monitor influenza in South Africa, we propose that both ILI and SARI should be under surveillance. Improving ILI surveillance will require better quality and more systematic data collection, and SARI surveillance should be expanded to be more nationally representative, even if this requires scaling back on information gathered. © 2015, Public Library of Science. All rights reserved. | None | Article; controlled study; disease surveillance; flu like syndrome; health survey; human; influenza; major clinical study; program acceptability; seasonal variation; sensitivity and specificity; severe acute respiratory syndrome; South Africa; strain identification; system analysis; virus strain | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859187717 | Exploring the impacts of social networking sites on academic relations in the university | Rambe P. | 2011 | Journal of Information Technology Education:Research | 10 | 1 | None | Office of International Academic Programmes, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Rambe, P., Office of International Academic Programmes, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Social networking sites (SNS) affordances for persistent interaction, collective generation of knowledge, and formation of peer-based clusters for knowledge sharing render them useful for developing constructivist knowledge environments. However, notwithstanding their academic value, these environments are not necessarily insulated from the exercise of academic/ power. Despite a growing corpus of literature on SNS's capacity to enhance social capital formation, foster trust, and connect interactants in remote locations, there is a dearth of research on how SNS potentially leverages academic /power relations in university settings. Mindful of the unsubstantiated nexus between power relations, knowledge construction, and academic appropriation of SNS, unraveling the impact of SNS on lecturer-student and student-peer power relations in the university can illuminate the understanding of this academic connection/puzzle. This work employs Critical Theory of Technology (CTT) and virtual case study method to explore the influence of SNS use on power relations of lecturers, students, and their peers in a blended (Facebook-enhanced) Information Technology course at a middle-sized South African university. The findings demonstrate that academic appropriation of SNS differentially empower academics and students at different times, and students employ various forms of sophisticated authorial language to territorialise power in their interactions with lecturers and peers. Academics and instructional designers are urged to examine different forms of language employed in lecturer-student and student-peer discourses to grasp student learning needs and to foster meaningful, knowledge-rich learning environments. | Academic relations; Critical theory of technology; Differential power; Meaningful learning; Social networking sites | Academic relations; Affordances; Differential power; Instructional designer; Knowledge construction; Knowledge environment; Knowledge-sharing; Learning environments; Meaningful learning; Power relations; Remote location; Social capitals; Social networking sites; Student learning; Study methods; Engineering education; Information technology; Social sciences computing; Students; Teaching; Social networking (online) | None |
| None | None | The economic impact of malignant catarrhal fever on pastoralist livelihoods | Lankester F., Lugelo A., Kazwala R., Keyyu J., Cleaveland S., Yoder J. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0116059 | Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania; School of Economics, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States | Lankester, F., Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Lugelo, A., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kazwala, R., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Keyyu, J., Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania; Cleaveland, S., Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Yoder, J., School of Economics, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States | This study is the first to partially quantify the potential economic benefits that a vaccine, effective at protecting cattle against malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), could accrue to pastoralists living in East Africa. The benefits would result from the removal of household resource and management costs that are traditionally incurred avoiding the disease. MCF, a fatal disease of cattle caused by a virus transmitted from wildebeest calves, has plagued Maasai communities in East Africa for generations. The threat of the disease forces the Maasai to move cattle to less productive grazing areas to avoid wildebeest during calving season when forage quality is critical. To assess the management and resource costs associated with moving, we used household survey data. To estimate the costs associated with changes in livestock body condition that result from being herded away from wildebeest calving grounds, we exploited an ongoing MCF vaccine field trial and we used a hedonic price regression, a statistical model that allows estimation of the marginal contribution of a good's attributes to its market price. We found that 90 percent of households move, on average, 82 percent of all cattle away from home to avoid MCF. In doing so, a herd's productive contributions to the household was reduced, with 64 percent of milk being unavailable for sale or consumption by the family members remaining at the boma (the children, women, and the elderly). In contrast cattle that remained on the wildebeest calving grounds during the calving season (and survived MCF) remained fully productive to the family and gained body condition compared to cattle that moved away. This gain was, however, short-lived. We estimated the market value of these condition gains and losses using hedonic regression. The value of a vaccine for MCF is the removal of the costs incurred in avoiding the disease. © 2015 Lankester et al. | None | Africa; age; Article; body constitution; Bovinae; cattle farming; controlled study; economic evaluation; female; gender; heart weight; heifer; high risk population; human; income; infection control; infection risk; livestock; male; malignant catarrhal fever; marketing; milk production; nonhuman; pasture; resource management; vaccination; Bos | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84956597471 | Decreasing the burden of type 2 diabetes in South Africa: The impact of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages | Manyema M., Veerman J.L., Chola L., Tugendhaft A., Labadarios D., Hofman K. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0143050 | PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council, Capetown, South Africa | Manyema, M., PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Veerman, J.L., School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Chola, L., PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tugendhaft, A., PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Labadarios, D., Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council, Capetown, South Africa; Hofman, K., PRICELESS SA-MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Introduction Type 2 diabetes poses an increasing public health burden in South Africa (SA) with obesity as the main driver of the epidemic. Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) is linked to weight gain and reducing SSB consumption may significantly impact the prevalence of obesity and related diseases. We estimated the effect of a 20% SSB tax on the burden of diabetes in SA. Methods and Findings We constructed a life table-based model in Microsoft Excel (2010). Consumption data from the 2012 SA National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, previously published own- and cross-price elasticities of SSBs and energy balance equations were used to estimate changes in daily energy intake and its projected impact on BMI arising from increased SSB prices. Diabetes relative risk and prevalent years lived with disability estimates fromthe Global Burden of Disease Study andmodelled disease epidemiology estimates from a previous study were used to estimate the effect of the BMI changes on diabetes burden. Diabetes cost estimates were obtained from the South African Council forMedical Schemes. Over 20 years, a 20% SSB tax could reduce diabetes incident cases by 106 000 in women (95%uncertainty interval (UI) 70 000-142 000) and by 54 000 inmen (95%UI: 33 000-80 000); and prevalence in all adults by 4.0% (95% UI: 2.7%-5.3%). Cumulatively over twenty years, approximately 21 000 (95%UI: 14 000-29 000) adult T2DM-related deaths, 374 000 DALYs attributed to T2DM (95%UI: 299 000-463 000) and over ZAR10 billion T2DM healthcare costs (95%UI: ZAR6.8-14.0 billion) equivalent to USD860 million (95%UI: USD570 million-USD1.2 billion) may be averted. Conclusion Fiscal policy on SSBs has the potential tomitigate the diabetes epidemic in South Africa and contribute to the National Department of Health goals stated in the National NCD strategic plan. © 2015 Manyema et al.This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | None | Article; beverage; body mass; caloric intake; cost of illness; disability; disability adjusted life year; epidemic; health care concepts; health care cost; incidence; life table method; life years gained; mortality; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; prevalence; sensitivity analysis; South Africa; sugar sweetened beverage; tax | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955832040 | Palliative care making a difference in rural Uganda, Kenya and Malawi: Three rapid evaluation field studies | Grant L., Brown J., Leng M., Bettega N., Murray S.A. | 2011 | BMC Palliative Care | 10 | None | 10.1186/1472-684X-10-8 | Primary Palliative Care Research Group, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, United Kingdom; Eastern Virginia Medical School, 431 New Hampshire Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23508, United States; Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust and Head of Palliative Care, Mulago Hospital and Makerere University, C/o Hospice Africa Uganda, PO BOX 7757, Kampala, Uganda; 44c Sussex Way, London, N7 6RS, United Kingdom | Grant, L., Primary Palliative Care Research Group, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, United Kingdom; Brown, J., Eastern Virginia Medical School, 431 New Hampshire Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23508, United States; Leng, M., Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust and Head of Palliative Care, Mulago Hospital and Makerere University, C/o Hospice Africa Uganda, PO BOX 7757, Kampala, Uganda; Bettega, N., 44c Sussex Way, London, N7 6RS, United Kingdom; Murray, S.A., Primary Palliative Care Research Group, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, United Kingdom | Background: Many people live and die in pain in Africa. We set out to describe patient, family and local community perspectives on the impact of three community based palliative care interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Three palliative care programmes in Uganda, Kenya and Malawi were studied using rapid evaluation field techniques in each country, triangulating data from three sources: interviews with key informants, observations of clinical encounters and the local health and social care context, and routine data from local reports and statistics. Results: We interviewed 33 patients with advanced illness, 27 family carers, 36 staff, 25 volunteers, and 29 community leaders and observed clinical care of 12 patients. In each site, oral morphine was being used effectively. Patients valued being treated with dignity and respect. Being supported at home reduced physical, emotional and financial burden of travel to, and care at health facilities. Practical support and instruction in feeding and bathing patients facilitated good deaths at home. In each country mobile phones enabled rapid access to clinical and social support networks. Staff and volunteers generally reported that caring for the dying in the face of poverty was stressful, but also rewarding, with resilience fostered by having effective analgesia, and community support networks. Conclusions: Programmes were reported to be successful because they integrated symptom control with practical and emotional care, education, and spiritual care. Holistic palliative care can be delivered effectively in the face of poverty, but a public health approach is needed to ensure equitable provision. © 2011 Grant et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | morphine; analgesia; article; bath; care and caring; caregiver; death; evaluation; family; feeding; female; finance; health care facility; home; human; human dignity; interview; Kenya; major clinical study; Malawi; male; mobile phone; observation; palliative therapy; poverty; reward; social care; social support; spiritual care; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929497624 | Low parasitemia in submicroscopic infections significantly impacts malaria diagnostic sensitivity in the highlands of Western Kenya | Lo E., Zhou G., Oo W., Afrane Y., Githeko A., Yan G. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 3 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0121763 | Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States; Centre for Vector Biology and Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya | Lo, E., Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States; Zhou, G., Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States; Oo, W., Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States; Afrane, Y., Centre for Vector Biology and Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Githeko, A., Centre for Vector Biology and Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Yan, G., Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States | Asymptomatic malaria infections represent a major challenge in malaria control and elimination in Africa. They are reservoirs of malaria parasite that can contribute to disease transmission. Therefore, identification and control of asymptomatic infections are important to make malaria elimination feasible. In this study, we investigated the extent and distribution of asymptomatic malaria in Western Kenya and examined how varying parasitemia affects performance of diagnostic methods including microscopy, conventional PCR, and quantitative PCR. In addition, we compared parasite prevalence rates and parasitemia levels with respect to topography and age in order to explore factors that influence malaria infection. Over 11,000 asymptomatic blood samples from children and adolescents up to 18 years old representing broad areas of Western Kenya were included. Quantitative PCR revealed the highest parasite positive rate among all methods and malaria prevalence in western Kenya varied widely from less than 1% to over 50%. A significantly lower parasitemia was detected in highland than in lowland samples and this contrast was also observed primarily among submicroscopic samples. Although we found no correlation between parasitemia level and age, individuals of younger age group (aged <14) showed significantly higher parasite prevalence. In the lowlands, individuals of aged 5-14 showed significantly higher prevalence than those under age 5. Our findings highlight the need for a more sensitive and time-efficient assay for asymptomatic malaria detection particularly in areas of low-transmission. Combining QPCR with microscopy can enhance the capacity of detecting submicroscopic asymptomatic malaria infections. © 2015 Lo et al. | None | adolescent; adult; age; Article; child; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; disease severity; disease transmission; false negative result; gender; gene dosage; human; intermethod comparison; Kenya; limit of detection; malaria falciparum; microscopy; parasite load; polymerase chain reaction; prevalence; quantitative analysis; school child; sensitivity and specificity | D43TW001505, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R01 A1050243, NIH, National Institutes of Health; R01AI094580, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84933035582 | Earth observation in support of malaria control and epidemiology: MALAREO monitoring approaches | Franke J., Gebreslasie M., Bauwens I., Deleu J., Siegert F. | 2015 | Geospatial Health | 10 | 1 | 10.4081/gh.2015.335 | Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH, Baierbrunn, Germany; School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Nazka mapps bvba, Hever, United Kingdom; EUROSENSE, Wemmel, Belgium; Biology Department II, GeoBioCenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg, Germany | Franke, J., Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH, Baierbrunn, Germany; Gebreslasie, M., School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Bauwens, I., Nazka mapps bvba, Hever, United Kingdom; Deleu, J., EUROSENSE, Wemmel, Belgium; Siegert, F., Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH, Baierbrunn, Germany, Biology Department II, GeoBioCenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Planegg, Germany | Malaria affects about half of the world’s population, with the vast majority of cases occuring in Africa. National malaria control programmes aim to reduce the burden of malaria and its negative, socioeconomic effects by using various control strategies (e.g. vector control, environmental management and case tracking). Vector control is the most effective transmission prevention strategy, while environmental factors are the key parameters affecting transmission. Geographic information systems (GIS), earth observation (EO) and spatial modelling are increasingly being recognised as valuable tools for effective management and malaria vector control. Issues previously inhibiting the use of EO in epidemiology and malaria control such as poor satellite sensor performance, high costs and long turnaround times, have since been resolved through modern technology. The core goal of this study was to develop and implement the capabilities of EO data for national malaria control programmes in South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. High- and very high resolution (HR and VHR) land cover and wetland maps were generated for the identification of potential vector habitats and human activities, as well as geoinformation on distance to wetlands for malaria risk modelling, population density maps, habitat foci maps and VHR household maps. These products were further used for modelling malaria incidence and the analysis of environmental factors that favour vector breeding. Geoproducts were also transferred to the staff of national malaria control programmes in seven African countries to demonstrate how EO data and GIS can support vector control strategy planning and monitoring. The transferred EO products support better epidemiological understanding of environmental factors related to malaria transmission, and allow for spatio-temporal targeting of malaria control interventions, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of interventions. © Copyright M. Eckardt et al. | Disease monitoring; Health; Malaria risk; Remote sensing; Vector control | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862227694 | Impacts of maize intercropping with ryegrass and alfalfa on environment in fields with nitrogen fertilizer over-dose | Nie S.-W., Chen Y.-Q., Egrinya E.A., Sui P., Huang J.-X. | 2012 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 10 | 2 | None | Research Center of Circular Agriculture, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100193, China; National Soil Fertility, Fertilizer Effects long-term Monitoring Net work-Zhengzhou Fluvo-aquic Stn, Key Field Scientific Observation Station of Zhengzhou Fluvo- | Nie, S.-W., Research Center of Circular Agriculture, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100193, China, National Soil Fertility, Fertilizer Effects long-term Monitoring Net work-Zhengzhou Fluvo-aquic Stn, Key Field Scientific Observation Station of Zhengzhou Fluvo-aquic Soils Ecology Environment, Ministry of Agrl, Inst of Plant nutrient and Environmental Resources, Henan Academy of Agrl Sci, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Chen, Y.-Q., Research Center of Circular Agriculture, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100193, China; Egrinya, E.A., Department of Soil Science Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Nigeria; Sui, P., Research Center of Circular Agriculture, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100193, China; Huang, J.-X., Research Center of Circular Agriculture, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100193, China | Accumulation of nitrate in soil increases the risk of nitrate leaching and hence ground water nitrate pollution. The impact of maize intercropping with ryegrass and alfalfa on environment in farming systems has been little studied in China. Using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, we analyzed the effects of different cropping systems (sole maize (CK), maize + ryegrass (CRT), and maize + alfalfa (CAT)) on the environment. The comprehensive index of environmental impacts varied in the order, sole maiz>maize + ryegrass>maize + alfalfa, with corresponding values of 0.1421, 0.1353 and 0.1299, respectively. The results showed that intercropping maize with alfalfa and ryegrass could reduce the adverse effects of over- application of nitrogen fertilizer on the environment. The study further demonstrated that the LCA method may be a convenient and effective approach for analyzing the environmental impact of fertilizer management in agricultural fields. | Environment impact; Intercropping; Life cycle assessment; Nitrogen fertilizer | nitrogen fertilizer; pesticide; acidification; alfalfa; article; controlled study; cropping system; ecotoxicity; environmental impact; eutrophication; fertilizer application; field study; greenhouse effect; human; intercropping; life cycle assessment; Lolium; maize; nonhuman; plant seed; soil pollution; water pollution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942921309 | JMS: An open source workflow management system and web-based cluster front-end for high performance computing | Brown D.K., Penkler D.L., Musyoka T.M., Bishop O.T. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0134273 | Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Brown, D.K., Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Penkler, D.L., Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Musyoka, T.M., Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Bishop, O.T., Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Complex computational pipelines are becoming a staple of modern scientific research. Often these pipelines are resource intensive and require days of computing time. In such cases, it makes sense to run them over high performance computing (HPC) clusters where they can take advantage of the aggregated resources of many powerful computers. In addition to this, researchers often want to integrate their workflows into their own web servers. In these cases, software is needed to manage the submission of jobs from the web interface to the cluster and then return the results once the job has finished executing. We have developed the Job Management System (JMS), a workflow management system and web interface for high performance computing (HPC). JMS provides users with a user-friendly web interface for creating complex workflows with multiple stages. It integrates this workflow functionality with the resource manager, a tool that is used to control and manage batch jobs on HPC clusters. As such, JMS combines workflow management functionality with cluster administration functionality. In addition, JMS provides developer tools including a code editor and the ability to version tools and scripts. JMS can be used by researchers from any field to build and run complex computational pipelines and provides functionality to include these pipelines in external interfaces. JMS is currently being used to house a number of bioinformatics pipelines at the Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi) at Rhodes University. JMS is an open-source project and is freely available at https://github.com/RUBi-ZA/JMS. © 2015 Brown 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 | analytical parameters; Article; bioinformatics; cluster analysis; computer interface; computer program; data base; high performance computing cluster; information processing; Job Management System; mathematical computing; resource management; scientist; web browser; work environment; workflow | 93690, National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35948957044 | Tillage effects on growth performance of Hevea seedling rootstock and some fertility indices of sandy acid soil in the humid forest area of Nigeria | Okore I.K., Akpobome F.A., Tijani-Eniola H., Oghide E.A. | 2007 | Journal of Rubber Research | 10 | 2 | None | Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria | Okore, I.K., Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Nigeria; Akpobome, F.A., Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Nigeria; Tijani-Eniola, H., Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Oghide, E.A., Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B 1049, Benin City, Nigeria | Vast amount of resources are devoted annually for the establishment of Hevea seedling rootstock nursery through conventional tillage, despite global disposition of conservative tillage. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of tillage methods, namely, plough+harrow, plough only, bed and without tillage on the growth performance of Hevea brasiliensis (natural rubber) seedling rootstock and the nutrient status of sandy acid soil in a forest area (Benin) of Nigeria for two years. In both cropping years (2003/2004 and 2004/2005), the effect of tillage methods on seedling height and stem girth did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05). However, seedling dry matter and budding success (69.8 g/tree and 78% on the average, respectively) were significantly higher in the ploughed plots. The plots with no tillage, followed by raised seedbed treatments, had significantly higher values of organic C, available P and exchangeable bases with low levels of Al3+ and H + at 0 cm-15 cm depth. Having recorded no significant difference in crop performance between the nil-tillage and plough+harrow plots, but higher soil nutrient levels in the treatments without tillage for two years; it could be predicted that land preparation without tillage, in addition to ploughing only or raised seed-bed was a better alternative to plough+harrow which often caused soil degradation in the sandy acid soil of high rainfall areas. | CEC; Growth performance; Hevea seedling; Natural rubber; Nigeria; Nursery; Organic C; Rootstock; Tillage practices | None | 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-s2.0-37849019619 | Performance optimization of a membrane assisted passive sampler for monitoring of ionizable organic compounds in water | Chimuka L., Nemutandani T., Cukrowska E., Tutu H. | 2008 | Journal of Environmental Monitoring | 10 | 1 | 10.1039/b713072d | School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa | Chimuka, L., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Nemutandani, T., School of Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa; Cukrowska, E., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa; Tutu, H., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa | A thin-walled silicone rubber hollow fibre membrane has been developed as a passive sampler. The inside of the tube is filled with an aqueous solution at an appropriate pH. The tube is sealed at both ends and then immersed in a water sample. In order for the ionizable permeating compounds to be trapped in the aqueous receiving phase, the pH is adjusted such that the compounds are ionized and trapped. The major advantages are its simplicity, low cost and high selectivity, since only ionizable organic compounds are trapped. Additionally, the sampler uses no organic solvent. By adjusting the pH of the acceptor phase, it is possible to control the extraction process and whether the sampler is used in the kinetic or equilibrium regime. Since it is very selective, no further clean-up of the extract is required. The membrane assisted passive sampler has been tested for extraction of chlorophenols under laboratory conditions. The extraction process was found to be linear over a 72 h sampling period. Selectivity of the passive sampler in river water was demonstrated and the extraction process was independent of sample concentration, even at lower concentration levels of analytes. However, the sample matrix in some river water samples led to incomplete trapping, thereby reducing the amount trapped in the acceptor phase. Detection limits (three times signal to noise ratio) were dependant on sample matrix and type of detection system and ranged from 0.05 μg L-1 to about 1 μg L-1 with a UV photodiode detector in water samples from one river and 1.0 μg L-1 to 20 μg L-1 in another but with an ordinary UV detector. The enrichment factors in river water were 28 for 2-chlorophenol and 44 for 2,4-dichlorophenol over a 72 h sampling period. 4-chlorophenol was poorly extracted and its enrichment factor was 3. © The Royal Society of Chemistry. | None | 2,4 dichlorophenol; 4 chlorophenol; organic compound; river water; aqueous solution; article; extraction; pH; pollution monitoring; priority journal; sampler; water contamination; water pollutant; water pollution; water sampling; Chlorophenols; Environmental Monitoring; Rivers; Silicone Elastomers; Water Pollutants, Chemical | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860830558 | Embracing the mobile phone technology: Its social and linguistic impact with special reference to Zimbabwean Ndebele | Nkomo D., Khumalo L. | 2012 | African Identities | 10 | 2 | 10.1080/14725843.2012.657832 | School of Languages, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Department of Linguistics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Nkomo, D., School of Languages, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Khumalo, L., Department of Linguistics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Mobile phone technology has revolutionised the art of communication across all societies. Access to this form of communication has made personal contact much easier than before, with mobile phone networks in many countries now reaching rural areas where fixed telephones were rare. However, the popularity of mobile phones and mobile text messaging has come to evoke excessive hype and hysteria about the kinds of cultural, social and psychological impacts that the new technology is having. Central among these is the concern about the way that standard use of language and conventional linguistic and communicative practices are affected. The mobile phone presents one area of study in which language change is evident. This article highlights how the mobile phone has been embraced among the Ndebele speaking people of Zimbabwe by discussing, among other things, the SMS language, turn-taking in telephone conversation and naming around the mobile phone. Having done that, it argues that the gadget is not solely responsible for all the undesirable linguistic and communicative developments mainly because mobile phone users are at times able to control technology. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | communication; culture; mobile phone; Ndebele language; SMS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60849127577 | The risk-adjusted performance of companies with female directors: A South African case | Msweli-Mbanga P., Mkhize H. | 2007 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 10 | 2 | None | School of Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; School of Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Msweli-Mbanga, P., School of Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Mkhize, H., School of Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | The objective of this research was to examine the effects of female directors on the risk-adjusted performance of firms listed on the JSE Securities Exchange of South Africa (the JSE). The theoretical underpinning for the relationship between representation of female directors and the risk-adjusted performance of companies was based on institutional theory. The hypothesis that there is no difference between the risk-adjusted performance of companies with female directors and that of companies without female directors was rejected. Implications of the results are discussed and suggestions for future research presented. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883370799 | The perceived impact of restructuring on service quality in a health care environment | Ntsatsi L., Brijball Parumasur S. | 2012 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 10 | 1 E,CONT4 | None | School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | Ntsatsi, L., School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa; Brijball Parumasur, S., School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa | This study evaluates health care employees perceptions of service quality in a hospital environment after the process of restructuring and assesses whether their perceptions are influenced by biographical profiles. A sample of 143 clinical and non-clinical employees from three of the largest regional hospitals within the Ministry of Health in Lesotho was drawn using cluster sampling. Data was collected using an adapted version of SERVQUAL whose psychometric properties were statistically determined. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that employees were fairly convinced that the process of transformation undertaken in the health care organization led to enhanced service quality in terms of improved empathy, assurance, responsiveness, tangibles and reliability, although in varying degrees and, reflect areas for improvement. | Assurance; Business strategies; Empathy; Integrated delivery network; Reliability; Responsiveness; Service quality; Tangibles | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-69849099187 | Impact of social stigma on the process of obtaining informed consent for genetic research on podoconiosis: A qualitative study | Tekola F., Bull S., Farsides B., Newport M.J., Adeyemo A., Rotimi C.N., Davey G. | 2009 | BMC Medical Ethics | 10 | 1 | 10.1186/1472-6939-10-13 | School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Sussex, United Kingdom; Centre for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, United States; Ethox Center, Division of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, United Kingdom | Tekola, F., School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Sussex, United Kingdom, Centre for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, United States; Bull, S., Ethox Center, Division of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Farsides, B., Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Sussex, United Kingdom; Newport, M.J., Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Sussex, United Kingdom; Adeyemo, A., Centre for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, United States; Rotimi, C.N., Centre for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, United States; Davey, G., School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background. The consent process for a genetic study is challenging when the research is conducted in a group stigmatized because of beliefs that the disease is familial. Podoconiosis, also known as 'mossy foot', is an example of such a disease. It is a condition resulting in swelling of the lower legs among people exposed to red clay soil. It is a very stigmatizing problem in endemic areas of Ethiopia because of the widely held opinion that the disease runs in families and is untreatable. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of social stigma on the process of obtaining consent for a study on the genetics of podoconiosis in Southern Ethiopia. Methods. We adapted a rapid assessment tool validated in The Gambia. The methodology was qualitative involving focus-group discussions (n = 4) and in-depth interviews (n = 25) with community members, fieldworkers, researchers and staff of the Mossy Foot Treatment and Prevention Association (MFTPA) working on prevention and treatment of podoconiosis. Results. We found that patients were afraid of participation in a genetic study for fear the study might aggravate stigmatization by publicizing the familial nature of the disease. The MFTPA was also concerned that discussion about the familial nature of podoconiosis would disappoint patients and would threaten the trust they have in the organization. In addition, participants of the rapid assessment stressed that the genetic study should be approved at family level before prospective participants are approached for consent. Based on this feedback, we developed and implemented a consent process involving community consensus and education of fieldworkers, community members and health workers. In addition, we utilized the experience and established trust of the MFTPA to diminish the perceived risk. Conclusion. The study showed that the consent process developed based on issues highlighted in the rapid assessment facilitated recruitment of participants and increased their confidence that the genetic research would not fuel stigma. Therefore, investigators must seek to assess and address risks of research from prospective participants' perspectives. This involves understanding the issues in the society, the culture, community dialogues and developing a consent process that takes all these into consideration. © 2009 Tekola et al. | None | adult; aged; article; community medicine; consensus; controlled study; Ethiopia; fear; female; field work; Gambia; genetics; health care personnel; health education; human; informed consent; major clinical study; male; medical research; medical society; motivation; patient decision making; patient participation; perception; podoconiosis; qualitative research; risk assessment; stigma; clay; community care; confidentiality; economics; elephantiasis; ethics; genetic predisposition; information processing; middle aged; patient selection; psychological aspect; questionnaire; research subject; risk factor; social psychology; soil; trust; verbal communication; aluminum silicate; Adult; Aged; Aluminum Silicates; Community Health Services; Confidentiality; Elephantiasis; Ethiopia; Female; Focus Groups; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Research; Humans; Informed Consent; Male; Middle Aged; Narration; Patient Selection; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; Research Subjects; Risk Factors; Soil; Stereotyping; Trust | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941992325 | Evaluating the impact of Zimbabwe's prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission program: Population-level estimates of HIV-free infant survival pre-option A | Buzdugan R., McCoy S.I., Watadzaushe C., Dufour M.-S.K., Petersen M., Dirawo J., Mushavi A., Mujuru H.A., Mahomva A., Musarandega R., Hakobyan A., Mugurungi O., Cowan F.M., Padian N.S. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0134571 | School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe; University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe; Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, United Kingdom; Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom | Buzdugan, R., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; McCoy, S.I., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Watadzaushe, C., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Dufour, M.-S.K., School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Petersen, M., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Dirawo, J., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mushavi, A., Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mujuru, H.A., University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mahomva, A., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe; Musarandega, R., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hakobyan, A., Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, United Kingdom; Mugurungi, O., Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe; Cowan, F.M., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Padian, N.S., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States | Objective: We estimated HIV-free infant survival and mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) rates in Zimbabwe, some of the first community-based estimates from a UNAIDS priority country. Methods: In 2012 we surveyed mother-infant pairs residing in the catchment areas of 157 health facilities randomly selected from 5 of 10 provinces in Zimbabwe. Enrolled infants were born 9-18 months before the survey. We collected questionnaires, blood samples for HIV testing, and verbal autopsies for deceased mothers/infants. Estimates were assessed among i) all HIV-exposed infants, as part of an impact evaluation of Option A of the 2010 WHO guidelines (rolled out in Zimbabwe in 2011), and ii) the subgroup of infants unexposed to Option A. We compared province-level MTCT rates measured among women in the community with MTCT rates measured using program monitoring data from facilities serving those communities. Findings: Among 8568 women with known HIV serostatus, 1107 (12.9%) were HIV-infected. Among all HIV-exposed infants, HIV-free infant survival was 90.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 88.7-92.7) and MTCT was 8.8% (95% CI: 6.9-11.1). Sixty-six percent of HIV-exposed infants were still breastfeeding. Among the 762 infants born before Option A was implemented, 90.5%(95% CI: 88.1-92.5) were alive and HIV-uninfected at 9-18 months of age, and 9.1% (95%CI: 7.1-11.7) were HIV-infected. In four provinces, the community-based MTCT rate was higher than the facility-based MTCT rate. In Harare, the community and facility-based rates were 6.0% and 9.1%, respectively. Conclusion: By 2012 Zimbabwe had made substantial progress towards the elimination of MTCT. Our HIV-free infant survival and MTCT estimates capture HIV transmissions during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding regardless of whether or not mothers accessed health services. These estimates also provide a baseline against which to measure the impact of Option A guidelines (and subsequently Option B+). | None | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; adult; Article; blood sampling; breast feeding; community; controlled study; cross-sectional study; delivery; female; health care access; health care facility; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; major clinical study; monitoring; practice guideline; pregnancy; questionnaire; survival rate; vertical transmission; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953379172 | Organizational impact of the introduction of a new portable syringe pump for iloprost therapy in Italian hospital settings | Restelli U., Faggioli P., Scolari F., Gussoni G., Valerio A., Sciascera A., Croce D., Mazzone A. | 2015 | Current Drug Therapy | 10 | 2 | None | School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, Carlo Cattaneo University - LIUC, Castellanza (Varese), Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Civile di Legnano, Legnano (Milan), Italy; Research Department, FADOI Foundation Italian Scientific Society of Internal Medicine, Milan, Italy | Restelli, U., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, Carlo Cattaneo University - LIUC, Castellanza (Varese), Italy; Faggioli, P., Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Civile di Legnano, Legnano (Milan), Italy; Scolari, F., Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, Carlo Cattaneo University - LIUC, Castellanza (Varese), Italy; Gussoni, G., Research Department, FADOI Foundation Italian Scientific Society of Internal Medicine, Milan, Italy; Valerio, A., Research Department, FADOI Foundation Italian Scientific Society of Internal Medicine, Milan, Italy; Sciascera, A., Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Civile di Legnano, Legnano (Milan), Italy; Croce, D., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, Carlo Cattaneo University - LIUC, Castellanza (Varese), Italy; Mazzone, A., Research Department, FADOI Foundation Italian Scientific Society of Internal Medicine, Milan, Italy | Purpose: The study aims at assessing the organizational and economic impact related to the use of a new portable syringe pump (Pompa Infonde®, Italfarmaco S.p.A., Cinisello Balsamo, Italy) at a hospital level. Methodology: Based on the HTA approach, the analysis assessed the organizational and economic impact of the new device at hospital level, using the traditional methods of Iloprost infusion as comparator. After a pilot evaluation, the organizational impact was assessed within 24 Italian hospitals. Structured interviews were conducted with clinicians and nurses. According to the Hospital-Based HTA approach, a questionnaire assessed the impact on human resources, training activities, internal meetings, spaces needed, facilities, clinical practice implications. Using Activity Based Costing approach, the economic evaluation was performed within the pilot center “Ospedale Civile” of Legnano, Italy. Findings: The new device leads to a positive managerial impact, with a substantial reduction of time to monitor patients by nurses. This resulted in a better management of human resources and in a reduction in nursing cost. Although a mild negative impact on training time for personnel, the structured interviews allowed the identification of three main areas of positive impact: (i) efficiency of internal processes, (ii) clinical pathways, (iii) synergies between wards. Originality: The organizational impact of Pompa Infonde®, showed that it is an efficient alternative to traditional methods, with benefits in the management of patients administered with Iloprost. © 2015 Bentham Science Publishers. | Hospital; Italy; Medical device; Organizational impact; Prevention; Rehabilitation | iloprost; anticoagulant therapy; Article; clinical assessment; clinical pathway; clinical practice; comorbidity; controlled study; cost control; device comparison; economic evaluation; health care cost; health care management; health care planning; health personnel attitude; hospital purchasing; human; infusion pump; mental health organization; nurse training; nursing cost; outpatient care; patient autonomy; patient education; patient monitoring; peristaltic pump; personnel management; pilot study; primary medical care; priority journal; productivity; structured interview; time; treatment planning; computer program; economic evaluation; portable syringe pump; pump; purchasing; questionnaire; staff training | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901335748 | Genotypic and Functional Impact of HIV-1 Adaptation to Its Host Population during the North American Epidemic | Cotton L.A., Kuang X.T., Le A.Q., Carlson J.M., Chan B., Chopera D.R., Brumme C.J., Markle T.J., Martin E., Shahid A., Anmole G., Mwimanzi P., Nassab P., Penney K.A., Rahman M.A., Milloy M.-J., Schechter M.T., Markowitz M., Carrington M., Walker B.D., Wag | 2014 | PLoS Genetics | 10 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004295 | Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Microsoft Research, Los Angeles, CA, United States; KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States; Cancer and Inflammation Program, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States; New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States; Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States | Cotton, L.A., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Kuang, X.T., Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Le, A.Q., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Carlson, J.M., Microsoft Research, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Chan, B., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Chopera, D.R., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Brumme, C.J., British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Markle, T.J., Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Martin, E., Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Shahid, A., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Anmole, G., Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Mwimanzi, P., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Nassab, P., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Penney, K.A., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Rahman, M.A., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Milloy, M.-J., British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Schechter, M.T., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Markowitz, M., Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States; Carrington, M., Cancer and Inflammation Program, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Walker, B.D., Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Wagner, T., San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States; Buchbinder, S., San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States; Fuchs, J., San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States; Koblin, B., New York Blood Center, New York, NY, United States; Mayer, K.H., Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Harrigan, P.R., British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Brockman, M.A., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Poon, A.F.Y., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Brumme, Z.L., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada | HLA-restricted immune escape mutations that persist following HIV transmission could gradually spread through the viral population, thereby compromising host antiviral immunity as the epidemic progresses. To assess the extent and phenotypic impact of this phenomenon in an immunogenetically diverse population, we genotypically and functionally compared linked HLA and HIV (Gag/Nef) sequences from 358 historic (1979-1989) and 382 modern (2000-2011) specimens from four key cities in the North American epidemic (New York, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver). Inferred HIV phylogenies were star-like, with approximately two-fold greater mean pairwise distances in modern versus historic sequences. The reconstructed epidemic ancestral (founder) HIV sequence was essentially identical to the North American subtype B consensus. Consistent with gradual diversification of a "consensus-like" founder virus, the median "background" frequencies of individual HLA-associated polymorphisms in HIV (in individuals lacking the restricting HLA[s]) were ∼2-fold higher in modern versus historic HIV sequences, though these remained notably low overall (e.g. in Gag, medians were 3.7% in the 2000s versus 2.0% in the 1980s). HIV polymorphisms exhibiting the greatest relative spread were those restricted by protective HLAs. Despite these increases, when HIV sequences were analyzed as a whole, their total average burden of polymorphisms that were "pre-adapted" to the average host HLA profile was only ∼2% greater in modern versus historic eras. Furthermore, HLA-associated polymorphisms identified in historic HIV sequences were consistent with those detectable today, with none identified that could explain the few HIV codons where the inferred epidemic ancestor differed from the modern consensus. Results are therefore consistent with slow HIV adaptation to HLA, but at a rate unlikely to yield imminent negative implications for cellular immunity, at least in North America. Intriguingly, temporal changes in protein activity of patient-derived Nef (though not Gag) sequences were observed, suggesting functional implications of population-level HIV evolution on certain viral proteins. © 2014 Cotton et al. | None | CD4 antigen; Gag protein; HLA A antigen; Nef protein; HLA antigen; adult; amino acid sequence; article; cellular immunity; codon; controlled study; down regulation; functional genomics; gene frequency; genetic distance; genetic polymorphism; genotype; HLA system; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; major clinical study; male; microbial diversity; North America; nucleic acid base substitution; nucleotide sequence; phylogeny; protein determination; protein expression; protein function; unindexed sequence; virus cell interaction; virus load; virus replication; virus transmission; adaptation; genetics; genotype; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; molecular genetics; Adaptation, Physiological; Amino Acid Sequence; Genotype; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HLA Antigens; Humans; Male; Molecular Sequence Data; North America; Phylogeny; Polymorphism, Genetic | MOP-93536, CIHR, National Institutes of Health; NIDA, National Institutes of Health; RO1DA011591, NIH, National Institutes of Health; RO1DA021525, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960451830 | Environmental impact of coffee processing effluent on the ecological integrity of rivers found in gomma woreda of Jimma zone, Ethiopia | Kebede Y.K., Kebede T., Assefa F., Amsalu A. | 2010 | Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology | 10 | 42404 | 10.2478/v10104-011-0019-2 | Soil and Water Management Research Division, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 28019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Soil and Water Management Research Division, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 192, Jimma, Ethiopia; Biology Department, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Geography and Environmental Studies Department, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150223, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kebede, Y.K., Soil and Water Management Research Division, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 28019, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kebede, T., Soil and Water Management Research Division, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 192, Jimma, Ethiopia; Assefa, F., Biology Department, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Amsalu, A., Geography and Environmental Studies Department, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 150223, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The physico-chemical parameters of coffee effluent consists of very high amount of BOD (2200 mg dm -3), TDS (1810 mg dm -3), NO 3 (26.4 mg dm -3), NH 4 + (12.6 mg dm -3), low pH (4.3) and zero DO values. Despite the reduction of these values by dilution effect of river water, BOD values as high as 1900 mg dm -3 and 1700 mg dm -3 were found at the downstream sites of Bore and Fite rivers. For biological assemblage study, 6047 macroinvertebrates representing 27 different taxa were identified from riffle sampling sites. The average Shannon and equitability indices and total EPT taxa were reduced at the downstream sites. The habitat score of the study sites was in the range of 27% (very poor) up to 84% (excellent). | Coffee effluent; Environmental impact; Gomma; Macroinvertebrates | ammonium; biochemical oxygen demand; dissolved matter; dissolved oxygen; ecological impact; effluent; environmental impact; freshwater ecosystem; Index of Biotic Integrity; industrial waste; macroinvertebrate; nitrate; parameterization; pH; physicochemical property; Ethiopia; Jimma | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957242163 | Field evaluation of polymer capacitive humidity sensors for bowen ratio energy balance flux measurements | Savage M.J. | 2010 | Sensors | 10 | 8 | 10.3390/s100807748 | Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa | Savage, M.J., Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa | The possibility of reliable, reasonably accurate and relatively inexpensive estimates of sensible heat and latent energy fluxes was investigated using a commercial combination thin-film polymer capacitive relative humidity and adjacent temperature sensor instrument. Long-term and unattended water vapour pressure profile difference measurements using low-power combination instruments were compared with those from a cooled dewpoint mirror hygrometer, the latter often used with Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) systems. An error analysis, based on instrument relative humidity and temperature errors, was applied for various capacitive humidity instrument models. The main disadvantage of a combination capacitive humidity instrument is that two measurements, relative humidity and temperature, are required for estimation of water vapour pressure as opposed to one for a dewpoint hygrometer. In a laboratory experiment using an automated procedure, water vapour pressure differences generated using a reference dewpoint generator were measured using a commercial model (Dew-10) dewpoint hygrometer and a combination capacitive humidity instrument. The laboratory measurement comparisons showed that, potentially, an inexpensive model combination capacitive humidity instrument (CS500 or HMP50), or for improved results a slightly more expensive model (HMP35C or HMP45C), could substitute for the more expensive dewpoint hygrometer. In a field study, in a mesic grassland, the water vapour pressure measurement noise for the combination capacitive humidity instruments was greater than that for the dewpoint hygrometer. The average water vapour pressure profile difference measured using a HMP45C was highly correlated with that from a dewpoint hygrometer with a slope less than unity. Water vapour pressure measurements using the capacitive humidity instruments were not as accurate, compared to those obtained using a dewpoint hygrometer, but the resolution magnitudes for the profile difference measurements were less than the minimum of 0.01 kPa required for BREB measurements when averaged over 20 min. Furthermore, the longer-term capacitive humidity measurements are more reliable and not dependent on a sensor bias adjustment as is the case for the dewpoint hygrometer. A field comparison of CS500 and HMP45C profile water vapour pressure differences yielded a slope of close to unity. However, the CS500 exhibited more variable water vapour pressure measurements mainly due to its increased variation in temperature measurements compared to the HMP45C. Comparisons between 20-min BREB sensible heat fluxes obtained using a HMP45C and a dewpoint hygrometer yielded a slope of almost unity. BREB sensible heat fluxes measured using a HMP45C were reasonably well correlated with those obtained using a surface-layer scintillometer and eddy covariance (slope of 0.9629 and 0.9198 respectively). This reasonable agreement showed that a combination capacitive humidity instrument, with similar relative humidity (RH) and temperature error magnitudes of at most 2% RH and 0.3 °C respectively, and similar measurement time response, would be an adequate and less expensive substitute for a dewpoint hygrometer. Furthermore, a combination capacitive humidity instrument requires no servicing compared to a dewpoint hygrometer which requires a bias adjustment and mirror cleaning each week. These findings make unattended BREB measurements of sensible heat flux and evaporation cheaper and more reliable with the system easier to assemble and service and with reduced instrument power. © 2010 by the authors. | Eddy covariance; Energy balance fluxes; Humidity measurement; Humidity resolution; Surface-layer scintillometer | Bowen ratio energy balances; Capacitive humidity sensors; Difference measurements; Eddy covariance; Humidity measurements; Laboratory measurements; Relative humidity and temperatures; Surface-layer scintillometer; Atmospheric humidity; Energy balance; Error analysis; Heat flux; Humidity sensors; Hygrometers; Instrument errors; Measurements; Mirrors; Moisture meters; Pressure measurement; Scintillation; Temperature measurement; Vapor pressure; Water vapor; Capacitive sensors; polymer; water; article; chemistry; energy metabolism; evaluation; heat; humidity; pressure; temperature; theoretical model; vapor pressure; water vapor; Energy Metabolism; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Hot Temperature; Humidity; Models, Theoretical; Polymers; Pressure; Steam; Temperature; Vapor Pressure; Water | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942098446 | Market structure-performance hypothesis in Kenyan banking industry | Giorgis Sahile S.W., Tarus D.K., Cheruiyot T.K. | 2015 | International Journal of Emerging Markets | 10 | 4 | 10.1108/IJoEM-12-2012-0178 | Specialized Financial & Promotional Institution (SFPI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Finance and Accounting, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; School of Business & Economics, Moi Universty, Eldoret, Kenya | Giorgis Sahile, S.W., Specialized Financial & Promotional Institution (SFPI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Tarus, D.K., Department of Finance and Accounting, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Cheruiyot, T.K., School of Business & Economics, Moi Universty, Eldoret, Kenya | Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test market structure-performance hypothesis in banking industry in Kenya. Specifically, the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) and market efficiency hypotheses were examined to determine how market concentration and efficiency affect bank performance in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – The study used secondary data of 44 commercial banks operating from 2000 to 2009. Three proxies to measure bank performance were used while market concentration and market share were used as proxies for market structure. Market concentration was measured using two concentration measures; the concentration ratio of the four largest banks (CR<inf>4</inf>) and Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, while market share was used as a proxy for efficiency. The study made use of generalized least square regression method. Findings – The empirical results confirm that market efficiency hypothesis is a predictor of firm performance in the banking sector in Kenya and rejects the traditional SCP hypothesis. Thus, the results support the view that efficient banks maximize profitability. Practical implications – The study provides insights into the role of efficiency in enhancing profitability in commercial banks in Kenya. It has managerial implication that profitable banks ought to be efficient and dispels the notion of collusive behavior as a precursor for profitability. Originality/value – The paper fills an important gap in the extant literature by proving insights into what determines bank profitability in banking sector in Kenya. Although this area is rich in research, little work has been conducted in the developing economies and in particular no study in the knowledge has addressed this critical issue in Kenya. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Banks; Efficiency; Kenya; Market structure; Performance | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of giant African pouched rats for detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients from a high-endemic setting | Reither K., Jugheli L., Glass T.R., Sasamalo M., Mhimbira F.A., Weetjens B.J., Cox C., Edwards T.L., Mulder C., Beyene N.W., Mahoney A. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0135877 | Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO), Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States; Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Reither, K., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Jugheli, L., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Glass, T.R., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Sasamalo, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Mhimbira, F.A., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Weetjens, B.J., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO), Morogoro, Tanzania; Cox, C., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO), Morogoro, Tanzania; Edwards, T.L., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO), Morogoro, Tanzania, Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States; Mulder, C., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO), Morogoro, Tanzania, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Beyene, N.W., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO), Morogoro, Tanzania; Mahoney, A., Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO), Morogoro, Tanzania, Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States | Background: This study established evidence about the diagnostic performance of trained giant African pouched rats for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum of well-characterised patients with presumptive tuberculosis (TB) in a high-burden setting. Methods: The TB detection rats were evaluated using sputum samples of patients with presumptive TB enrolled in two prospective cohort studies in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. The patients were characterised by sputum smear microscopy and culture, including subsequent antigen or molecular confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and by clinical data at enrolment and for at least 5-months of follow-up to determine the reference standard. Seven trained giant African pouched rats were used for the detection of TB in the sputum samples after shipment to the APOPO project in Morogoro, Tanzania. Results: Of 469 eligible patients, 109 (23.2%) were culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 128 (27.3%) were non-TB controls with sustained recovery after 5 months without anti- TB treatment. The HIV prevalence was 46%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the seven rats for the detection of culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis was 0.72 (95% CI 0.66-0.78). An optimal threshold could be defined at ≥2 indications by rats in either sample with a corresponding sensitivity of 56.9% (95% CI 47.0-66.3), specificity of 80.5% (95% CI 72.5-86.9), positive and negative predictive value of 71.3% (95% CI 60.6-80.5) and 68.7%(95% CI 60.6-76.0), and an accuracy for TB diagnosis of 69.6%. The diagnostic performance was negatively influenced by low burden of bacilli, and independent of the HIV status. Conclusion: Giant African pouched rats have potential for detection of tuberculosis in sputum samples. However, the diagnostic performance characteristics of TB detection rats do not currently meet the requirements for high-priority, rapid sputum-based TB diagnostics as defined by the World Health Organization. Copyright: © 2015 Reither et al. | None | adult; animal experiment; animal model; area under the curve; Article; cohort analysis; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; endemic disease; female; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; predictive value; prevalence; prospective study; rat; receiver operating characteristic; sensitivity and specificity; sputum culture; sputum smear; Tanzania | None |
| None | None | Maturation and Mip-1β production of cytomegalovirus-specific T cell responses in Tanzanian children, adolescents and adults: Impact by HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis co-infections | Portevin D., Moukambi F., Mpina M., Bauer A., Haraka F., Chachage M., Metzger P., Saathoff E., Clowes P., Ntinginya N.E., Rachow A., Hoelscher M., Reither K., Daubenberger C.A., Geldmacher C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0126716 | Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany | Portevin, D., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Moukambi, F., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Mpina, M., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Bauer, A., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Haraka, F., Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Chachage, M., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Metzger, P., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Saathoff, E., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany; Clowes, P., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Ntinginya, N.E., NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania; Rachow, A., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany; Hoelscher, M., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany; Reither, K., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania; Daubenberger, C.A., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Geldmacher, C., Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany | It is well accepted that aging and HIV infection are associated with quantitative and functional changes of CMV-specific T cell responses. We studied here the expression of Mip-1β and the T cell maturation marker CD27 within CMVpp65-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in relation to age, HIV and active Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection in a cohort of Tanzanian volunteers (≤16 years of age, n = 108 and ≥18 years, n = 79). Independent of HIV co-infection, IFNγ+ CMVpp65-specific CD4+ T cell frequencies increased with age. In adults, HIV co-infection further increased the frequencies of these cells. A high capacity for Mip-1β production together with a CD27low phenotype was characteristic for these cells in children and adults. Interestingly, in addition to HIV co-infection active TB disease was linked to further down regulation of CD27 and increased capacity of Mip-1β production in CMVpp65-specific CD4+ T cells. These phenotypic and functional changes of CMVpp65-specific CD4 T cells observed during HIV infection and active TB could be associated with increased CMV reactivation rates. © 2015 Portevin et al. | None | CD27 antigen; macrophage inflammatory protein 1beta; adolescent; adult; age; Article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; CD8+ T lymphocyte; child; controlled study; Cytomegalovirus; down regulation; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; lymphocyte subpopulation; major clinical study; mixed infection; nonhuman; phenotype; protein expression; protein processing; protein synthesis; T lymphocyte; Tanzanian; tuberculosis; virus reactivation; Cytomegalovirus; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954092700 | Evaluation of the Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM) framework: Evidence from Uganda | Hotchkiss D.R., Aqil A., Lippeveld T., Mukooyo E. | 2010 | BMC Health Services Research | 10 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-10-188 | Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; John Snow Inc., Arlington, VI, United States; John Snow Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda | Hotchkiss, D.R., Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; Aqil, A., John Snow Inc., Arlington, VI, United States; Lippeveld, T., John Snow Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Mukooyo, E., Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda | Background. Sound policy, resource allocation and day-to-day management decisions in the health sector require timely information from routine health information systems (RHIS). In most low- and middle-income countries, the RHIS is viewed as being inadequate in providing quality data and continuous information that can be used to help improve health system performance. In addition, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of RHIS strengthening interventions in improving data quality and use. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the newly developed Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM) framework, which consists of a conceptual framework and associated data collection and analysis tools to assess, design, strengthen and evaluate RHIS. The specific objectives of the study are: a) to assess the reliability and validity of the PRISM instruments and b) to assess the validity of the PRISM conceptual framework. Methods. Facility- and worker-level data were collected from 110 health care facilities in twelve districts in Uganda in 2004 and 2007 using records reviews, structured interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The analysis procedures include Cronbach's alpha to assess internal consistency of selected instruments, test-retest analysis to assess the reliability and sensitivity of the instruments, and bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques to assess validity of the PRISM instruments and conceptual framework. Results. Cronbach's alpha analysis suggests high reliability (0.7 or greater) for the indices measuring a promotion of a culture of information, RHIS tasks self-efficacy and motivation. The study results also suggest that a promotion of a culture of information influences RHIS tasks self-efficacy, RHIS tasks competence and motivation, and that self-efficacy and the presence of RHIS staff have a direct influence on the use of RHIS information, a key aspect of RHIS performance. Conclusions. The study results provide some empirical support for the reliability and validity of the PRISM instruments and the validity of the PRISM conceptual framework, suggesting that the PRISM approach can be effectively used by RHIS policy makers and practitioners to assess the RHIS and evaluate RHIS strengthening interventions. However, additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further investigate the value of the PRISM instruments in exploring the linkages between RHIS data quality and use, and health systems performance. © 2010 Hotchkiss et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; decision support system; evaluation; health care delivery; information system; interview; management; organization and management; quality control; questionnaire; standard; Uganda; Decision Support Systems, Management; Delivery of Health Care; Information Management; Interviews as Topic; Management Audit; Quality Control; Questionnaires; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650892194 | Measurement error associated with performance testing in well-trained cyclists: Application to the precision of monitoring changes in training status | Lamberts R.P., Swart J., Woolrich R.W., Noakes T.D., Lambert M.I. | 2009 | International SportMed Journal | 10 | 1 | None | UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands, South Africa; High Performance Centre, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Road, Newlands, South Africa | Lamberts, R.P., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands, South Africa; Swart, J., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands, South Africa; Woolrich, R.W., High Performance Centre, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Boundary Road, Newlands, South Africa; Noakes, T.D., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands, South Africa; Lambert, M.I., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands, South Africa | Small changes in performance, as low as 1%, are regarded as meaningful in well-trained cyclists. Being able to detect these changes is necessary to fine tune training and optimise performance. The typical error of measurement (TEM) in common performance cycle tests is about 2-3%. It is not known whether this TEM is lower in well-trained cyclists and therefore whether small changes in performance parameters are detectable. In this research, after familiarisation, 17 well-trained cyclists each completed three Peak Power Output (PPO) tests (including VO2max) and three 40km time trials (40km TT). All tests were performed after a standardised warm-up at the same relative intensity and under a strict testing-protocol. TEM within the PPO-test was 2.2% for VO2max and 0.9% for PPO, while TEM for the 40km TT was 0.9%. In conclusion, measurement of PPO and 40km TT time, after a standardised warm-up, has sufficient precision in well-trained cyclists to detect small meaningful changes. | Cycling; High performance; Meaningful differences; Monitoring; Precision; Testing | 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-s2.0-84949523692 | Evaluation of an inexpensive growth medium for direct detection of Escherichia coli in temperate and sub-tropical waters | Bain R.E.S., Woodall C., Elliott J., Arnold B.F., Tung R., Morley R., Du Preez M., Bartram J.K., Davis A.P., Gundry S.W., Pedley S. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 10 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0140997 | UNICEF, New York, NY, United States; School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom; Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; CPI International, Santa Rosa, CA, United States; Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Brightwater Diagnostics Limited, Bath, United Kingdom | Bain, R.E.S., UNICEF, New York, NY, United States; Woodall, C., School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Elliott, J., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom; Arnold, B.F., Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Tung, R., CPI International, Santa Rosa, CA, United States; Morley, R., Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom; Du Preez, M., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Bartram, J.K., Water Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Davis, A.P., School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Gundry, S.W., Brightwater Diagnostics Limited, Bath, United Kingdom; Pedley, S., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom | The cost and complexity of traditional methods for the detection of faecal indicator bacteria, including E. coli, hinder widespread monitoring of drinking water quality, especially in lowincome countries and outside controlled laboratory settings. In these settings the problem is exacerbated by the lack of inexpensive media for the detection of E. coli in drinking water. We developed a new low-cost growth medium, aquatest (AT), and validated its use for the direct detection of E. coli in temperate and sub-tropical drinking waters using IDEXX Quanti-Tray®. AT was compared with IDEXX Colilert-18® and either EC-MUG or MLSB for detecting low levels of E. coli from water samples from temperate (n = 140; Bristol, UK) and subtropical regions (n = 50, Pretoria/Tshwane, South Africa). Confirmatory testing (n = 418 and 588, respectively) and the comparison of quantitative results were used to assess performance. Sensitivity of AT was higher than Colilert-18® for water samples in the UK [98.0% vs. 86.9%; p<0.0001] and South Africa [99.5% vs. 93.2%; p = 0.0030]. There was no significant difference in specificity, which was high for both media (>95% in both settings). Quantitative results were comparable and within expected limits. AT is reliable and accurate for the detection of E. coli in temperate and subtropical drinking water. The composition of the new medium is reported herein and can be used freely. © Copyright 2015 Bain 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 | drinking water; Africa; Article; bacterial growth; bacterial strain; bacterium detection; bacterium isolate; comparative study; controlled study; culture medium; Escherichia coli; limit of detection; measurement accuracy; nonhuman; quantitative analysis; reliability; sensitivity and specificity; tropics; water analysis; water sampling | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908312636 | The moderating effect of self-motivation on the relationship between parent’s socio-economic background and children’s academic performance at Nigerian universities | Ekpe I., Adelaiye M.O., Adubasim E.I., Adim V.C. | 2014 | Asian Social Science | 10 | 21 | 10.5539/ass.v10n21p73 | Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia; Department of Business Administration and Management, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Nigeria; Department of Management, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria | Ekpe, I., Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Malaysia; Adelaiye, M.O., Department of Business Administration and Management, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria; Adubasim, E.I., Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Nigeria; Adim, V.C., Department of Management, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria | The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of self-motivation on the relationship between parent’s socio-economic backgrounds on their children’s academic performance at Nigerian Universities, which has received little attention. Issues concerning University undergraduate youths have become a cause for concern among stakeholders in the project called ‘education in Nigeria’. Such issues like expulsion from school due to examination malpractice or cultism, withdrawal due to poor academic performance and production of half-baked graduates have forced many concerned people to question the role of teachers as well as parent’s socio-economic background. The paper adopted a survey methodology to solicit responses from 150 final year University students (2012/2013) of Business Faculties in the north, east and west regions of Nigeria; using stratified proportionate random sampling. After data cleaning, 130 data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression. One of the results indicated that student’s self-motivation (hard work) and rich parental socio-economic background are needed to achieve academic success; though self-motivation appears to be a more critical success factor. The paper recommended that the government and the authorities of Nigerian universities should intensify effort at counselling the students on the need to study hard in order to achieve academic success rather than relying on their parents’ socio-economic background. This will improve teaching and learning in Nigerian Universities. The study is limited to University Business Faculties in Nigeria. Future studies can investigate other tertiary institutions in Nigeria. © Canadian Center of Science and Education. | Academic performance; Self-motivation; Socio-economic background | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943257313 | Performance comparison of three rapid tests for the diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis | Catanzaro A., Rodwell T.C., Catanzaro D.G., Garfein R.S., Jackson R.L., Seifert M., Georghiou S.B., Trollip A., Groessl E., Hillery N., Crudu V., Victor T.C., Rodrigues C., Lin G.S.-Y., Valafar F., Desmond E., Eisenach K. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0136861 | University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States; Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Institute of Phthisiopneumology, Chisinau, Moldova; PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India; Microbial Diseases Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States; San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States; University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, United States | Catanzaro, A., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Rodwell, T.C., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Catanzaro, D.G., University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States; Garfein, R.S., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Jackson, R.L., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Seifert, M., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Georghiou, S.B., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Trollip, A., Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Groessl, E., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Hillery, N., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Crudu, V., Institute of Phthisiopneumology, Chisinau, Moldova; Victor, T.C., Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Rodrigues, C., PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India; Lin, G.S.-Y., Microbial Diseases Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States; Valafar, F., San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States; Desmond, E., Microbial Diseases Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States; Eisenach, K., University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, United States | Background: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of several recently developed assays for the detection of multi- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) in a large, multinational field trial. Methods: Samples from 1,128 M/XDR-TB suspects were examined by Line Probe Assay (LPA), Pyrosequencing (PSQ), and Microscopic Observation of Drug Susceptibility (MODS) and compared to the BACTEC MGIT960 reference standard to detect M/XDR-TB directly from patient sputum samples collected at TB clinics in India, Moldova, and South Africa. Results: Specificity for all three assays was excellent: 97-100% for isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), moxifloxacin (MOX) and ofloxacin (OFX) and 99-100% for amikacin (AMK), capreomycin (CAP) and kanamycin (KAN) resistance. Sensitivities were lower, but still very good: 94-100% for INH, RIF, MOX and OFX, and 84-90% for AMK and CAP, but only 48-62% for KAN. In terms of agreement, statistically significant differences were only found for detection of RIF (MODS outperformed PSQ) and KAN (MODS outperformed LPA and PSQ) resistance. Mean time-to-result was 1.1 days for LPA and PSQ, 14.3 days for MODS, and 24.7 days for MGIT. Conclusions: All three rapid assays evaluated provide clinicians with timely detection of resistance to the drugs tested; with molecular results available one day following laboratory receipt of samples. In particular, the very high specificity seen for detection of drug resistance means that clinicians can use the results of these rapid tests to avoid the use of toxic drugs to which the infecting organism is resistant and develop treatment regiments that have a higher likelihood of yielding a successful outcome. Copyright: © 2015 Catanzaro et al. | None | amikacin; capreomycin; isoniazid; kanamycin; moxifloxacin; ofloxacin; rifampicin; aged; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; Article; bacterium culture; bacterium isolate; child; comparative study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; extensively drug resistant tuberculosis; female; human; India; Line Probe Assay; major clinical study; male; Microscopic Observation of Drug Susceptibility; multidrug resistant tuberculosis; Mycobacterium; nonhuman; pyrosequencing; reference value; sensitivity and specificity; tuberculosis rapid test; very elderly | U01-AI082229, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
| WoS | WOS:000286342600019 | Qualitative evaluation of a physical activity-based chronic disease prevention program in a low-income, rural South African setting | de Kock, L.,Draper, C. E.,Grimsrud, A. T.,Kolbe-Alexander, T. L.,Lambert, E. V.,Nemutandani, S. M.,Rudolph, M. | 2010 | RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTH | 10 | 3 | None | University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand | "de Kock, L.: University of Witwatersrand","Draper, C. E.: University of Cape Town","Grimsrud, A. T.: University of Cape Town","Kolbe-Alexander, T. L.: University of Cape Town","Lambert, E. V.: University of Cape Town","Nemutandani, S. M.: University of Witwatersrand","Rudolph, M.: University of Witwatersrand" | Introduction: Chronic diseases, an increasing global concern, are prevalent in the low-income communities of South Africa, where rural health systems bear the double burden of infectious and chronic diseases. The Discovery Healthy Lifestyle Programme (DHLP) is a physical activity-based chronic disease prevention program that has been implemented in a low-income, rural setting in South Africa. The DHLP consists of both school-and primary healthcare clinic-based interventions for learners (Healthnutz) and adults (Live it Up), facilitated by teachers, nurses and community volunteers. The aim of this evaluation was to qualitatively assess the process by which the DHLP was implemented, identifying enabling factors and barriers.
Methods: Data were collected in target communities at schools and clinics from semi-structured focus groups of program leaders and members, teachers and community members (n=45), situational analyses of the school physical activity environment, informal community observations and informal interviews with program coordinators.
Results: The target communities faced socioeconomic and health inequalities and remained under-resourced and under-served. In spite of these and other challenges, the DHLP was well received by community members and stakeholders. It was valued by respondents for its health and psychosocial outcomes, evidenced by increased knowledge and awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and positively altered perceptions of physical activity. Program implementers believed the Live it Up component was growing, and this suggested the sustainability of the program. There were, however, some concerns about the fidelity of the Healthnutz intervention, due to timetabling difficulties. Despite this, teachers were positive about the program and its value for their learners, staff and school. The community characteristics of being under-resourced and under-served appeared to positively influence DHLP implementation. Local government involvement in the DHLP resulted in greater ownership of the program, which enabled successful implementation.
Conclusions: This study presents a unique opportunity to assess the implementation and sustainability requirements of programs in environments of limited resources, considerable burden of infectious and chronic diseases and extensive socioeconomic challenges. The findings suggest that through enhancement of knowledge, transfer of appropriate skills and the provision of an enabling environment, participation in physical activity can be effectively promoted in a low-income, rural setting. Physical activity interventions that promote the participation and empowerment of rural communities can be feasible and accessible, thereby assisting in addressing the growing burden of chronic diseases in low-income. | "community-based research","HEALTH PROMOTION","PHYSICAL ACTIVITY","QUALITATIVE RESEARCH",CHILDREN,COMMUNITY,ELEMENTARY-SCHOOLS,"EXERCISE PROGRAM",FITNESS,"HEALTH-PROMOTION PROGRAM",INACTIVITY,OBESITY,POPULATIONS,"SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTION" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000279725600004 | TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN RESEARCH ETHICS EVALUATION AMONG RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN THREE AFRICAN COUNTRIES: CAMEROON, MALI AND TANZANIA | Ateudjieu, Jerome,Baume, Cedric,Hirtle, Marie,Ikingura, Joyce,Niare, Alassane,Sprumont, Dominique,Williams, John | 2010 | DEVELOPING WORLD BIOETHICS | 10 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1471-8847.2009.00266.x | University of Fribourg, University of Geneva, University of Neuchatel, University of Ottawa, University of Yaounde I, Malaria Res & Training Ctr | "Ateudjieu, Jerome: University of Yaounde I","Sprumont, Dominique: University of Neuchatel","Williams, John: University of Ottawa", | Background:
As actors with the key responsibility for the protection of human research participants, Research Ethics Committees (RECs) need to be competent and well-resourced in order to fulfil their roles. Despite recent programs designed to strengthen RECs in Africa, much more needs to be accomplished before these committees can function optimally.
Objective:
To assess training needs for biomedical research ethics evaluation among targeted countries.
Methods:
Members of RECs operating in three targeted African countries were surveyed between August and November 2007. Before implementing the survey, ethical approvals were obtained from RECs in Switzerland, Cameroon, Mali and Tanzania. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire in English and in French.
Results:
A total of 74 respondents participated in the study. The participation rate was 68%. Seventy one percent of respondents reported having received some training in research ethics evaluation. This training was given by national institutions (31%) and international institutions (69%). Researchers and REC members were ranked as the top target audiences to be trained. Of 32 topics, the top five training priorities were: basic ethical principles, coverage of applicable laws and regulations, how to conduct ethics review, evaluating informed consent processes and the role of the REC.
Conclusion:
Although the majority of REC members in the targeted African countries had received training in ethics, they expressed a need for additional training. The results of this survey have been used to design a training program in research ethics evaluation that meets this need. | Africa,CURRICULUM,"ETHICS COMMITTEES",RESEARCH,"TRAINING PROGRAM" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000232529400007 | Communicating HIV and AIDS, what works? A report on the impact evaluation of Soul City's fourth series | GOLDSTEIN, S,Japhet, G,Scheepers, E,Usdin, S | 2005 | JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION | 10 | 5 | 10.1080/10810730591009853 | University of Witwatersrand | None | This article describes the evaluation of the HIV/AIDS communication aspect of the multi media Soul City, health promotion intervention in South Africa. The intervention consists of a television and radio drama and print material. The evaluation was multifaceted with a before and after national survey and a national qualitative study. M the before and after survey, change it-as measured and then multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the variables associated with the change.
The qualitative study consisted of focus group discussions, which were analysed thematically. The studies shalt, that there are numerous instances of community change and how, the change is mediated at the community level. The studies also describe the change at a number of levels of the described behaviour change model for individuals. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883830215 | Earnings per share as a measure of financial performance: Does it obscure more than it reveals? | de Wet J. | 2013 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 10 | 4 C,CONT2 | None | University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | de Wet, J., University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | The well-known earnings per share measure is simultaneously very popular but also potentially misleading. This study briefly discusses the popularity of EPS and then outlines three limitations, namely the inability of EPS to reflect shareholder value, EPS management and an inherent bias towards positive EPS growth. A case study approach is used to analyze the EPS growth of three listed companies and the four major components of EPS growth are identified. These are inflation, increased asset investment due to retained profit and debt, operating leverage and financial leverage. It is indicated how an "excess" EPS growth can be determined and it was found that none of the three case study companies was able to generate positive "excess" EPS growth. | Earnings management; Earnings per share (EPS); EPS growth; Financial leverage; Operating leverage; Shareholder value; Sustainable growth rate | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878998712 | The impact of an advanced certificate in education (ACE) program on the professional practice of graduates | Aluko R. | 2009 | International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning | 10 | 4 | None | University of Pretoria, South Africa | Aluko, R., University of Pretoria, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of a distance education program offered by the university of pretoria, south africa, on the professional practice of teachers. a pilot study was conducted using a combination of surveys and focus group interviews. findings reveal that the program was beneficial to graduates" personal development, professional practice, schools, learners, and colleagues. further, principals who participated in the study attested to the differences they observed between the graduates and other teachers who had not been exposed to such a program. suggestions for improvements included the introduction of subjects taught at school as areas of specialization, involvement of school principals in the assessment of enrolled students, visits to schools by the organizers, and exposure of students to the practical opportunities offered by the program (with portfolios that could be a part of the assessment). | Distance Education; Formative evaluation; Impact analysis; Program evaluation; Summative evaluation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58449125010 | Evaluation of a decentralised primary health care training programme | Mabaso S.S., van der Merwe M.M., Smith J.E. | 2008 | Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | 10 | 2 | None | University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, Pretoria, South Africa; University of South Africa (UNISA), Department of Health Studies, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | Mabaso, S.S., University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies, Pretoria, South Africa; van der Merwe, M.M., University of South Africa (UNISA), Department of Health Studies, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa; Smith, J.E., University of South Africa (UNISA), Department of Health Studies, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa | The effectiveness of the one-year training programme for Primary Health Care (PHC) nurses of the Limpopo Province required evaluation. The competencies were assessed of the learners, who had completed this PHC programme with decentralised experiential learning opportunities. Qualified PHC nurses should be competent to stand in for medical doctors, when required to do so. This implies that patients' lives might be at stake, depending on the PHC nurses' competencies. The researchers evaluated the participants' PHC nursing competencies whilst managing patients with hypertension, using a pre-tested checklist. Through stratified sampling, twelve newly qualified nurses of a PHC training programme from six health districts in the Limpopo Province, were interviewed to identify their perceptions of the training programme, problems encountered during and after their PHC training and their perceptions as to their abilities to stand in for medical doctors' in PHC clinics. The research results show that the PHC training programme was effective as the participants were competent in most items tested, although it became evident that more attention should be given to history taking. Interviewees expressed their satisfaction with the PHC training programme but identified problems in rendering PHC services due to shortages of medication and equipment. The interviewees reportedly felt confident to stand in for doctors when required to do so in PHC clinics. | Clinical training; Experiential learning; Health assessment; Limpopo Province; Primary Health Care (PHC) training programme | None | 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-s2.0-84865291371 | 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-s2.0-84892590427 | The impacts of neutralized acid mine drainage contaminated water on the expression of selected endocrine-linked genes in juvenile Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus exposed in vivo | Truter J.C., Wyk J.H.V., Oberholster P.J., Botha A.-M. | 2014 | Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety | 100 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.11.005 | Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Truter, J.C., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Wyk, J.H.V., Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Oberholster, P.J., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Botha, A.-M., Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a global environmental concern due to detrimental impacts on river ecosystems. Little is however known regarding the biological impacts of neutralized AMD on aquatic vertebrates despite excessive discharge into watercourses. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the endocrine modulatory potential of neutralized AMD, using molecular biomarkers in the teleost fish Oreochromis mossambicus in exposure studies. Surface water was collected from six locations downstream of a high density sludge (HDS) AMD treatment plant and a reference site unimpacted by AMD. The concentrations of 28 elements, including 22 metals, were quantified in the exposure water in order to identify potential links to altered gene expression. Relatively high concentrations of manganese (~ 10. mg/l), nickel (~ 0.1. mg/l) and cobalt (~ 0.03. mg/l) were detected downstream of the HDS plant. The expression of thyroid receptor-α (trα), trβ, androgen receptor-1 (ar1), ar2, glucocorticoid receptor-1 (gr1), gr2, mineralocorticoid receptor (mr) and aromatase (cyp19a1b) was quantified in juvenile fish after 48. h exposure. Slight but significant changes were observed in the expression of gr1 and mr in fish exposed to water collected directly downstream of the HDS plant, consisting of approximately 95 percent neutralized AMD. The most pronounced alterations in gene expression (i.e. trα, trβ, gr1, gr2, ar1 and mr) was associated with water collected further downstream at a location with no other apparent contamination vectors apart from the neutralized AMD. The altered gene expression associated with the "downstream" locality coincided with higher concentrations of certain metals relative to the locality adjacent to the HDS plant which may indicate a causative link. The current study provides evidence of endocrine disruptive activity associated with neutralized AMD contamination in regard to alterations in the expression of key genes linked to the thyroid, interrenal and gonadal endocrine axes of a teleost fish species. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Endocrine disruption; Fish; Gene expression; Metal ions; Treated acid mine drainage | aromatase; biological marker; cobalt; endocrine disruptor; manganese; mineralocorticoid receptor; nickel; surface water; thyroid hormone receptor alpha; acid mine drainage; biomarker; cobalt; concentration (composition); endocrine disruptor; gene expression; juvenile; molecular analysis; perciform; river pollution; sludge; acid mine drainage; androgen receptor 1 gene; androgen receptor 2 gene; aromatase gene; article; concentration (parameters); controlled study; endocrine disease; environmental exposure; environmental impact; gene; gene expression; genetic association; glucocorticoid receptor 1 gene; glucocorticoid receptor 2 gene; in vivo study; juvenile animal; mineralocorticoid receptor gene; molecular biology; Mozambique; nonhuman; Oreochromis mossambicus; sludge; thyroid receptor alpha gene; waste water treatment plant; water contamination; Oreochromis mossambicus; Teleostei; Vertebrata; Endocrine disruption; Fish; Gene expression; Metal ions; Treated acid mine drainage; Acids; Animals; Endocrine System; Fish Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation; Mining; Rivers; Tilapia; Water Pollutants, Chemical | CSIR, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051470936 | Geochemical evaluation of Niger Delta sedimentary organic rocks: A new insight | Akinlua A., Torto N. | 2011 | International Journal of Earth Sciences | 100 | 6 | 10.1007/s00531-010-0544-z | Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P. O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Fossil Fuels and Environmental Research Group, Department of C | Akinlua, A., Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa, Fossil Fuels and Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Torto, N., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P. O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | A geochemical evaluation of Niger Delta organic matter was carried out using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) sample preparation procedure. Comparison of geochemical significance of gas chromatographic data of rock extracts of SFE with those of Soxhlet extraction method from previous studies was made in order to establish the usefulness of SFE in geochemical exploration. The assessment of geochemical character of the rock samples from the comparison and interpretation of other geochemical parameters were used to give more insights into understanding the source rocks characteristics of onshore and shelf portions of the Niger Delta Basin. The results of the gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of the rock extracts across the lithostratigraphic units show that Pr/Ph, Pr/nC17, Pr/nC18, CPI and odd/even preference ranged from 0.07 to 12.39, 0.04 to 6.66, 0.05 to 13.80, 0.12 to 8.4 and 0.06 to 8.12, respectively. The Rock-Eval pyrolysis data and geochemical ratios and parameters calculated from the GC data showed that most of the samples are mature and have strong terrestrial provenance while a few samples have strong marine provenance. The few marine source rocks are located in the deeper depth horizon. Pr/Ph and standard geochemical plots indicate that most of samples were derived from organic matter deposited in less reducing conditions, i. e. more of oxidizing conditions while a few samples have predominantly influence of reducing conditions. The results of trace metal analysis of older samples from Agbada Formation also indicate marine and mixed organic matter input deposited in less reducing conditions. The results obtained in this study are comparable with those obtained from previous studies when Soxhlet extraction method was used and also indicated the presence of more than one petroleum systems in the Niger Delta. © 2010 Springer-Verlag. | Extraction; Niger Delta; Organic matter; Supercritical fluid | extraction method; gas chromatography; lithostratigraphy; organic matter; oxidation; pyrolysis; sediment chemistry; source rock; trace metal; Niger Delta; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872296918 | Sensitivity of narrow- and wideband LNA performance to individual transistor model parameters | Weststrate M., Mukherjee A., Sinha S., Schroter M. | 2013 | International Journal of Electronics | 100 | 1 | 10.1080/00207217.2012.680789 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Electron Devices and Integrated Circuits, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany | Weststrate, M., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Mukherjee, A., Electron Devices and Integrated Circuits, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany; Sinha, S., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Schroter, M., Electron Devices and Integrated Circuits, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany | Although it is desirable for a transistor model to be as accurate as possible, the extraction of model parameters from fabricated transistors is a time-consuming and often costly process. An investigation of the sensitivity of low-noise amplifier (LNA) performance characteristics to individual parameters of the physics-based standard HBT model HICUM/L2 was, therefore, done to gain a preliminary insight into the most important parameters for transistors used in actual circuits. This can potentially allow less strenuous accuracy requirements on some parameters which would ease the extraction process. Both a narrow- and wideband LNA configuration were investigated. It was found that the series resistance parameters have a large impact on LNA gain, S11 and noise figure performance in both cases. Since the narrow-band LNA relied heavily on the transistor characteristics to provide a proper matching, it was also very sensitive to changes in the parameters used in modelling the high-frequency current gain and depletion capacitances of the transistor. © 2013 Taylor and Francis. | HICUM; Inductive emitter degeneration; LC-ladder and capacitive feedback; Low-noise amplifier; Parameter variations; Sensitivity; Solid-state electronics devices | Capacitive feedback; Emitter degeneration; HICUM; Parameter variations; Sensitivity; Solid state electronics; Electric resistance; Sensitivity analysis; Transistors; Low noise amplifiers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904052572 | Impact of wellsite biostratigraphy on exploration drilling in the deepwater offshore Nigeria | Fadiya S.L. | 2014 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 100 | None | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2014.06.009 | Department of Geology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Fadiya, S.L., Department of Geology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The application of wellsite biostratigraphic technique has aided the reconstruction of the subsurface geology in the Nigerian deepwater region. It has further aided decision making during drilling operations including the planning of well paths. Critical decisions regarding casing setting, coring point selection, overpressure zone determination and total depth picks, are easily achieved through confirmation of well prognosis and correlation to offset wells. This technique is very important in the tectonically active Nigerian deepwater region which is characterized by varying degrees of both syn-depositional and post-depositional deformation. Accurate interpretation of basin architecture, lateral variation and facies change is required before drilling. Confirmation of well prognosis during drilling operation is equally important.It has been proved that wellsite biostratigraphic technique helps to "get it right at first" when integrated with the traditional lithologic description, log signature correlation and seismic profile interpretations. The modern and rapid processing technique of calcareous nannofossil, for instance, provides 'real time' result for the exploration team for confirmation of, or adjustment to, the drilling program. The attendant contribution in saved time, cost and safe and successful drilling operation makes the technique beneficial for all operators.This paper presents practical experience of wellsite biostratigraphy application in three oil prolific Nigerian deepwater regions: the Niger Delta, Joint Development zone of Nigeria/Sao Tome and Principe area (JDZ) and Benin (Dahomey) Basin. © 2014 The Authors. | Biostratigraphy; Calcareous nannofossils; Deepwater; Exploration; Niger Delta; Wellsite | biostratigraphy; decision making; deep water; drilling; fossil assemblage; fossil record; hydrocarbon exploration; hydrocarbon reservoir; nanofossil; oil well; paleoenvironment; basin analysis; deep drilling; exploration; lithology; Atlantic Ocean; Brazil; Dahomey Basin; Gulf of Guinea; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Parana [Brazil]; Principe; Sao Tome and Principe; Sao Tome Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-30444435779 | HIV impact on acute morbidity and pelvic tumor control following radiotherapy for cervical cancer | Gichangi P., Bwayo J., Estambale B., Rogo K., Njuguna E., Ojwang S., Temmerman M. | 2006 | Gynecologic Oncology | 100 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ygyno.2005.10.006 | Department of Human Anatomy and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 2631, KNH 00202, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Nairobi Oncology Center, Nairobi, Kenya; Radiotherapy Unit, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; International Center for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | Gichangi, P., Department of Human Anatomy and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 2631, KNH 00202, Nairobi, Kenya; Bwayo, J., Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Estambale, B., Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Rogo, K., Nairobi Oncology Center, Nairobi, Kenya; Njuguna, E., Radiotherapy Unit, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya; Ojwang, S., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Temmerman, M., International Center for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium | Objective. To determine the impact of HIV infection on acute morbidity and pelvic tumor control following external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for cervical cancer. Method. 218 patients receiving EBRT who also had HIV testing after informed consent was obtained were evaluated. Acute treatment toxicity was documented weekly during treatment and 1 month post-EBRT. Pelvic tumor control was documented at 4 and 7 months post-EBRT. Clinicians were blinded for HIV results. Results. About 20% of the patients were HIV-positive. Overall, 53.4% of the patients had radiation-related acute toxicity (grade 3-4). HIV infection was associated with a 7-fold higher risk of multisystem toxicity: skin, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and genitourinary tract (GUT) systems. It was also an independent risk factor for treatment interruptions (adjusted relative risk 2.2). About 19% of the patients had residual tumor at 4 and 7 months post-EBRT. HIV infection was independently and significantly associated with 6-fold higher risk of residual tumor post-EBRT. The hazard ratio of having residual tumor after initial EBRT was 3.1-times larger for HIV-positive than for HIV-negative patients (P = 0.014). Conclusion. HIV is associated with increased risk of multisystem radiation-related toxicity; treatment interruptions and pelvic failure (residual tumor) following EBRT. HIV infection is an adverse prognostic factor for outcome of cervical cancer treatment. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Cervical cancer; HIV; Outcome; Radiotherapy | acute toxicity; adult; Africa; aged; anemia; article; controlled study; external beam radiotherapy; female; follow up; gastrointestinal toxicity; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human tissue; informed consent; major clinical study; morbidity; pelvis tumor; priority journal; radiation injury; radical hysterectomy; risk factor; skin toxicity; urogenital system; uterine cervix cancer; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Middle Aged; Radiation Injuries; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951889468 | In vivo evaluation of the release of zidovudine and polystyrene sulfonate from a dual intravaginal bioadhesive polymeric device in the pig model | Ndesendo V.M.K., Pillay V., Choonara Y.E., Du Toit L.C., Meyer L.C.R., Buchmann E., Kumar P., Khan R.A. | 2011 | Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 100 | 4 | 10.1002/jps.22365 | Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Central Animal Services, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Bertsham 2013, Johannesburg, South Africa; Manav Rachna International University, Aravali Hills, Faridabad, India | Ndesendo, V.M.K., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pillay, V., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meyer, L.C.R., Central Animal Services, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Buchmann, E., Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Bertsham 2013, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kumar, P., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa; Khan, R.A., Manav Rachna International University, Aravali Hills, Faridabad, India | This study focused on determining the concentration of zidovudine (AZT) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) in the plasma and vaginal tissue of the large white pig from an intravaginal bioadhesive polymeric device (IBPD). Biocompatible polymers were compressed with AZT and PSS into caplet-shaped devices for insertion into the posterior fornix of the pig vagina. A total of 25 pigs were used in this study. Plasma was sampled from the jugular vein at various time points after insertion of the IBPD reaching 28 days. At day 28, the pigs were euthanized and vaginal tissue was removed and digested with subtilisin for AZT and PSS extraction. The mean concentration detected in vaginal tissue at day 28 was 1.214 ± 0.062 mg/mL for AZT and 1.400 ± 0.071 mg/mL for PSS. Plasma concentration was significantly lower for AZT (0.332 ± 0.014 mg/mL) and PSS (0.256 ± 0.013 mg/mL). This indicated higher retention of AZT and PSS within the vaginal tissue. Molecular mechanics simulations blueprinted polymer-drug-mucin force-field interactions and energies that explicated the spatial preference of AZT and PSS for the vaginal tissue. Histopathotoxicity studies revealed negative-to-mild foreign body events and results strongly suggest that the IBPD may be suitable for prolonged intravaginal drug delivery in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association. | Formulation; HIV/AIDS; Intravaginal drug delivery; Molecular dynamics; Permeability; large white pig model; Pharmacokinetics; Polymeric drug delivery systems; STIs; Zidovudine; polystyrene sulfonate | mucin; polymer; polystyrenesulfonic acid; subtilisin; zidovudine; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; biomaterial; chelating agent; polystyrene derivative; polystyrenesulfonic acid; zidovudine; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; biocompatibility; brain fornix; controlled study; device; drug blood level; drug delivery system; drug isolation; drug release; drug tissue level; energy; epithelium hyperplasia; female; foreign body; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; in vivo study; intravaginal bioadhesive polymeric device; jugular vein; molecular mechanics; nonhuman; sexually transmitted disease; simulation; vagina; adhesion; animal; blood; chemistry; devices; drug delivery system; intravaginal drug administration; metabolism; swine; Adhesiveness; Administration, Intravaginal; Animals; Anti-HIV Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Chelating Agents; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Polymers; Polystyrenes; Swine; Vagina; Zidovudine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77958084538 | Impact of the South African mental health care Act No. 17 of 2002 on regional and district hospitals designated for mental health care in Kwazulu-Natal | Ramlall S., Chipps J., Mars M. | 2010 | South African Medical Journal | 100 | 10 | None | Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of TeleHealth, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Ramlall, S., Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Chipps, J., Department of TeleHealth, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Mars, M., Department of TeleHealth, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background: The South African Mental Health Care Act (the Act) No. 17 of 2002 stipulated that regional and district hospitals be designated to admit, observe and treat mental health care users (MHCUs) for 72 hours before they are transferred to a psychiatric hospital. Methods: Medical managers in 49 'designated' hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) were surveyed on infrastructure, staffing, administrative requirements and mental health care user case load pertaining to the Act for the month of July 2009. Results: Thirty-six (73.4%) hospitals responded to the survey; 30 (83.3%) stated that the Act improved mental health care for MHCUs through the protection of their rights, provision of least restrictive care, and reduction of discrimination; 10 (27.8%) had a psychiatric unit and, of the remaining 26 hospitals, 11 (30.6%) had general ward beds dedicated for psychiatric admissions; 16 (44.4%) had some form of seclusion facility; and 24 (66.7%) provided an outpatient psychiatric service. Seventy-six per cent of admissions were involuntary or assisted. Thirteen of the 32 (40.6%) state psychiatrists in KZN were employed at 8 of these hospitals. Designated hospitals expressed dissatisfaction with the substantial administrative load required by the Act. The Review Board had not visited 29 (80.6%) hospitals in the preceding 6 months. Conclusion: Although 'designated' hospitals admit and treat assisted and involuntary MHCUs, they do so against a backdrop of inadequate infrastructure and staff, a high administrative load, and a low level of contact with Review Boards. | None | act; article; controlled study; employee; government regulation; health care facility; health survey; hospital admission; hospital bed; hospital personnel; human; human rights; manager; mental health service; mental hospital; psychiatric department; psychiatrist; public hospital; South Africa; workload; Ethics Committees, Research; Hospitals, District; Medical Staff, Hospital; Mental Health Services; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891360015 | Evaluation of solar disinfection of E. coli under Sub-Saharan field conditions using a 25L borosilicate glass batch reactor fitted with a compound parabolic collector | Nalwanga R., Quilty B., Muyanja C., Fernandez-Ibañez P., McGuigan K.G. | 2014 | Solar Energy | 100 | None | 10.1016/j.solener.2013.12.011 | Dept. of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland; School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; School of Food Technology and Nutrition Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Plataforma Solar de Almería - CIEMAT, P.O. Box 22, 07200 Tabernas, Almería, Spain | Nalwanga, R., Dept. of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Quilty, B., School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland; Muyanja, C., School of Food Technology and Nutrition Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Fernandez-Ibañez, P., Plataforma Solar de Almería - CIEMAT, P.O. Box 22, 07200 Tabernas, Almería, Spain; McGuigan, K.G., Dept. of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland | The bacterial inactivation efficacy of a solar water disinfection (SODIS) reactor consisting of a 25L borosilicate glass tube fitted with a compound parabolic collector (BGTR-CPC) was assessed under equatorial weather conditions in Uganda. The SODIS BGTR-CPC was tested over a 17month period in Sub-Saharan conditions in Kampala, Uganda. The BGTR-CPC was filled with natural water from a nearby protected well. A wild strain of Escherichia coli isolated from local natural water was added to the reactor to give a starting population of between 105 and 107CFU/100ml. This spiked water was exposed to natural sunlight. Satisfactory bacterial inactivation (log10 reduction values>6 units or inactivation to below the limit of detection (<1CFU/100ml)) was observed for 11 of 13 experiments. Rainfall and overcast/cloudy conditions were factors on both of the occasions when incomplete inactivation was observed. In conclusion, the use of CPC SODIS technology is suitable for treating drinking water both at household level and institutional level in Sub-Saharan and other similar tropical climates if careful consideration of the cloud cover and rainfall is taken into account. © 2013. | Compound parabolic collector (CPC); Enhancement technologies; Point of use water treatment; Solar disinfection (SODIS) | Bacterial inactivation; Borosilicate glass batches; Compound parabolic collector; Enhancement technologies; Limit of detection; Point of use; Solar disinfection; Solar water disinfection; Batch reactors; Borosilicate glass; Escherichia coli; Rain; Disinfection; bacterium; cloud cover; disinfection; drinking water; fieldwork; glass; rainfall; silicate; solar power; water treatment; Kampala; Uganda; Bacteria (microorganisms); Escherichia coli | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-28244491530 | Field evaluation of a fast anti-Leishmania antibody detection assay in Ethiopia | Hailu A., Schoone G.J., Diro E., Tesfaye A., Techane Y., Tefera T., Assefa Y., Genetu A., Kebede Y., Kebede T., Schallig H.D.F.H. | 2006 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 100 | 1 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2005.07.003 | Institute for Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Jimma Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen, KIT Biomedical Research, Department of Parasitology, Meibergdreef 39, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia; Kahsay Abera Hospital, Humera, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia | Hailu, A., Institute for Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Jimma Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Schoone, G.J., Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen, KIT Biomedical Research, Department of Parasitology, Meibergdreef 39, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Diro, E., Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia; Tesfaye, A., Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia; Techane, Y., Kahsay Abera Hospital, Humera, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia; Tefera, T., Kahsay Abera Hospital, Humera, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia; Assefa, Y., Kahsay Abera Hospital, Humera, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia; Genetu, A., Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia; Kebede, Y., Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia; Kebede, T., Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Schallig, H.D.F.H., Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen, KIT Biomedical Research, Department of Parasitology, Meibergdreef 39, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands | A fast agglutination screening test (FAST) for the detection of Leishmania antibodies in human serum samples was evaluated under harsh field conditions in northern Ethiopia. Test performance was compared with a standard serological test, namely the direct agglutination test (DAT), and with parasitology. In total, 103 suspected cases were recruited for the study. Based on parasitological examination, 49 patients were confirmed of having visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and the other 54 suspected cases were parasitologically negative. Field evaluation of FAST was possible in blood samples of 89 patients. FAST had 4 false negative results and 13 false positive results. DAT had 2 false negative results and 20 false positive results. A good degree of agreement (86.9%) was observed between FAST and DAT (κ value 0.73). In this field-based evalauation, the sensitivity and specificity of FAST were found to be 91.1% (95% CI 77.9-97.1) and 70.5% (95% CI 54.6-82.8), respectively, compared with 95.3% (95% CI 82.9-99.2) and 62.3% (95% CI 47.9-74.9) for DAT. FAST had a high predictive value of a negative test, demonstrating that FAST could be utilised to exclude rapidly non-VL patients from a large population of suspects with fever and splenomegaly in endemic areas. © 2005 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | DAT; Direct agglutination test; Ethiopia; FAST; Fast agglutination screening test; Visceral leishmaniasis | protozoon antibody; agglutination test; antibody detection; antibody screening; article; blood sampling; controlled study; diagnostic error; diagnostic value; endemic disease; Ethiopia; fever; field experiment; human; intermethod comparison; Leishmania; leishmaniasis; major clinical study; microbiological examination; nonhuman; parasitology; prediction; sensitivity and specificity; splenomegaly; visceral leishmaniasis; Agglutination Tests; Antibodies, Protozoan; Ethiopia; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Humans; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Sensitivity and Specificity; Protozoa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650130086 | The impact of the National HIV Health Care Worker Hotline | Swart A., Chisholm B., Cohen K., Blockman M., Kinkel H.-F., Kredo T. | 2010 | South African Medical Journal | 100 | 12 | None | Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; HIV and TB Medicine Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa; South African Cochrane Centre, MRC, Cape Town, South Africa | Swart, A., Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Chisholm, B., Medicines Information Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Cohen, K., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Blockman, M., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Kinkel, H.-F., HIV and TB Medicine Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa; Kredo, T., South African Cochrane Centre, MRC, Cape Town, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | article; HIV education; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information dissemination; information service; South Africa; Health Services Accessibility; HIV; HIV Infections; Hotlines; Humans; Preventive Health Services; Public Health; South Africa | None |
| WoS | WOS:000253025900010 | Evaluation of health workers' training in use of the partogram | Adeyemi, A. B.,Fatusi, A. O.,Makinde, O. N.,Onwudiegwu, U.,Orji, E. O. | 2008 | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS | 100 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.07.020 | Obafemi Awolowo University | "Adeyemi, A. B.: Obafemi Awolowo University","Fatusi, A. O.: Obafemi Awolowo University","Makinde, O. N.: Obafemi Awolowo University","Onwudiegwu, U.: Obafemi Awolowo University","Orji, E. O.: Obafemi Awolowo University" | Objective: To assess the impact of training on use of the partogram for tabor monitoring among various categories of primary health care workers. Methods: Fifty-six health workers offering delivery services in primary health care facilities were trained to use the partogram and were evaluated after 7 months. Results: A total of 242 partograms of women in tabor were plotted over a 1-year period; 76.9% of them were correctly plotted. Community health extension workers (CHEWs) plotted 193 (79.8%) partograms and nurse/midwives plotted 49 (20.2%). Inappropriate action based on the partogram occurred in 6.6%. No statistically significant difference was recorded in the rate of correct plotting and consequent decision-making between nurse/midwives and the CHEWs. Conclusion: Lower cadres of primary health care workers can be effectively trained to use the partogram with satisfactory results, and thus contribute towards improved maternal outcomes in developing countries with scarcity of skilled attendants. (c) 2007 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | NIGERIA,partogram,"primary health care workers","TRAINING PROGRAM",LABOR,MANAGEMENT,MIDWIVES,"ORGANIZATION PARTOGRAPH" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646181838 | Poor performance status is associated with early death in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis | de Vallière S., Barker R.D. | 2006 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 100 | 7 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2005.09.007 | Pietersburg-Mankweng Hospital Complex, Private Bag X9316, Polokwane 0700, South Africa; Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, Camberwell, London, United Kingdom | de Vallière, S., Pietersburg-Mankweng Hospital Complex, Private Bag X9316, Polokwane 0700, South Africa; Barker, R.D., Department of Respiratory Medicine, King's College Hospital, Camberwell, London, United Kingdom | The objective of this study was to determine whether poor performance status at the start of anti-tuberculous (anti-TB) treatment is associated with early death in patients admitted to hospital with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). During 3 months in 2001, all adult patients admitted to eight hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and diagnosed with PTB were eligible for inclusion. At initiation of anti-TB treatment, a performance status between 0 and 4 was estimated for each patient using a modified version of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scoring system. Hospital records and local TB registers were reviewed to identify patients who had died during the first 2 months of treatment. In addition, it was ascertained whether a death notification had been received by the provincial administration. Fifty-three of 295 (18%) patients died within 2 months. Mortality increased from 6% in patients with the best performance status to 51% in patients with the poorest performance status. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the hazard ratio for dying was significantly higher for patients with a performance status of 3 or 4. Poor performance status shows a strong association with early death in patients with PTB and has the potential to be a useful clinical, epidemiological and research tool. © 2005 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Early death; Performance status; Pulmonary tuberculosis; South Africa | tuberculostatic agent; adult; aged; article; controlled study; death certificate; female; functional assessment; high risk patient; hospital admission; human; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; medical record; mortality; multivariate analysis; proportional hazards model; register; regression analysis; scoring system; South Africa; Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Disability Evaluation; Epidemiologic Methods; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Self Care; Sex Distribution; South Africa; Time Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644828010 | Fat adaptation followed by carbohydrate loading compromises high-intensity sprint performance | Havemann L., West S.J., Goedecke J.H., Macdonald I.A., St Clair Gibson A., Noakes T.D., Lambert E.V. | 2006 | Journal of Applied Physiology | 100 | 1 | 10.1152/japplphysiol.00813.2005 | Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Dept. of Human Biology, Univ. of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa | Havemann, L., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; West, S.J., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Goedecke, J.H., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa, UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Dept. of Human Biology, Univ. of Cape Town, PO Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Macdonald, I.A., School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom; St Clair Gibson, A., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Noakes, T.D., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Lambert, E.V., Univ. of Cape Town/Medical Research Council Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) followed by 1 day of carbohydrate (CHO) loading on substrate utilization, heart rate variability (HRV), effort perception [rating or perceived exertion (RPE)], muscle recruitment [electromyograph (EMG)], and performance during a 100-km cycling time trial. In this randomized single-blind crossover study, eight well-trained cyclists completed two trials, ingesting either a high-CHO diet (HCD) (68% CHO energy) or an isoenergetic HFD (68% fat energy) for 6 days, followed by 1 day of CHO loading (8-10 g CHO/kg). Subjects completed a 100-km time trial on day 1 and a 1-h cycle at 70% of peak oxygen consumption on days 3, 5, and 7, during which resting HRV and resting and exercising respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured. On day 8, subjects completed a 100-km performance time trial, during which blood samples were drawn and EMG was recorded. Ingestion of the HFD reduced RER at rest (P < 0.005) and during exercise (P < 0.01) and increased plasma free fatty acid levels (P < 0.01), indicating increased fat utilization. There was a tendency for the low-frequency power component of HRV to be greater for HFD-CHO (P = 0.056), suggestive of increased sympathetic activation. Overall 100-km time-trial performance was not different between diets; however, 1-km sprint power output after HFD-CHO was lower (P < 0.05) compared with HCD-CHO. Despite a reduced power output with HFD-CHO, RPE, heart rate, and EMG were not different between trials. In conclusion, the HFD-CHO dietary strategy increased fat oxidation, but compromised high intensity sprint performance, possibly by increased sympathetic activation or altered contractile function. Copyright © 2006 the American Physiological Society. | Endurance exercise; Fat oxidation; Heart rate variability; Muscle recruitment; Rating of perceived exertion | fatty acid; adult; article; blood sampling; carbohydrate absorption; controlled study; electromyogram; energy resource; exercise intensity; fat body; fatty acid blood level; heart rate variability; human; human experiment; lipid diet; lung gas exchange; male; motor performance; muscle contraction; muscle function; normal human; priority journal; adaptation; carbohydrate diet; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; crossover procedure; endurance; exercise; exercise test; fat intake; heart rate; metabolism; oxygen consumption; physiology; psychomotor performance; randomized controlled trial; running; single blind procedure; skeletal muscle; Adaptation, Physiological; Adult; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Exercise Test; Exertion; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Psychomotor Performance; Running; Single-Blind Method | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79952233508 | In vivo evaluation of a biodegradable donut-shaped minitablet for prolonged posterior segment drug delivery in the rabbit eye model | Choonara Y.E., Pillay V., Carmichael T.R., Meyer L.C., Du Toit L.C., Naylor S., Wanblad C. | 2011 | Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 100 | 5 | 10.1002/jps.22421 | University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Division of Neurosciences, Department of Ophthalmology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Physiology, Brian Function Research Group and Central Animal Services, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Choonara, Y.E., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Pillay, V., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Carmichael, T.R., University of the Witwatersrand, Division of Neurosciences, Department of Ophthalmology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Meyer, L.C., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Physiology, Brian Function Research Group and Central Animal Services, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Du Toit, L.C., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Naylor, S., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Wanblad, C., University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | This study focused on the in vivo evaluation of a biodegradable ganciclovir-loaded donut-shaped minitablet (DSMT) for controlled drug delivery in the New Zealand white albino rabbit eye model. Specialized tablet tooling was used to manufacture a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) DSMT device that was implanted into 18 rabbits through the pars plana/peripheral retina of the right eyes of each rabbit. The left eyes were used as controls. Possible adverse effects on ocular tissues were assessed by histomorphology, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. The ex vivo microenvironmental vitreous pH was also monitored. Rabbits were euthanized at predetermined intervals and the residual devices, vitreous humor, and ocular tissue were retrieved and stored appropriately until further analysis. The DSMT was well tolerated up to 72 days and was still visible in the superotemporal quadrant of the eye. The mean IOP range (6-8 mmHg; N = 18) and changes in vitreous pH (7.25 ± 0.01; N = 3) correlated with baseline measurements. The DSMT displayed constant ganciclovir release at a rate of 2.02 μg/h maintained within the 50% effective dose for human cytomegalovirus retinitis (N = 3). The design simplicity and application of the biodegradable DSMT device may provide a superior alternative for prolonged rate-controlled intraocular drug delivery. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association. | Biodegradable; Ganciclovir; Intraocular drug delivery; Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); Polymeric device; Posterior segment eye disease; Rabbit eye model | ganciclovir; polyglactin; resomer; adverse outcome; animal experiment; animal tissue; area under the curve; article; biodegradation; ciliary disk; controlled study; donut shaped minitablet; drug bioavailability; drug blood level; drug delivery system; drug elimination; drug isolation; drug release; ex vivo study; histology; in vivo study; intraocular pressure; male; nonhuman; ophthalmoscopy; pH; rabbit; retina; slit lamp; toxicity testing; vitreous body; Absorbable Implants; Animals; Antiviral Agents; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Delivery Systems; Equipment Design; Ganciclovir; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lactic Acid; Male; Polyglycolic Acid; Posterior Eye Segment; Rabbits | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876694087 | Large herbivores favour species diversity but have mixed impacts on phylogenetic community structure in an African savanna ecosystem | Yessoufou K., Davies T.J., Maurin O., Kuzmina M., Schaefer H., van der Bank M., Savolainen V. | 2013 | Journal of Ecology | 101 | 3 | 10.1111/1365-2745.12059 | African Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, APK Campus 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, Montreal, QC, Canada; Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Biodiversitaet der Pflanzen, Maximus-von-Imhof Forum 2, Freising, 85354, Germany; Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, TW9 3DS, United Kingdom | Yessoufou, K., African Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, APK Campus 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Davies, T.J., Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, Montreal, QC, Canada; Maurin, O., African Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, APK Campus 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kuzmina, M., Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Schaefer, H., Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Biodiversitaet der Pflanzen, Maximus-von-Imhof Forum 2, Freising, 85354, Germany; van der Bank, M., African Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, APK Campus 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Savolainen, V., Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, TW9 3DS, United Kingdom | There has been much debate on the impact of large herbivores on biodiversity, especially given that large mammals are becoming locally extinct in many places. The use of evolutionary information on community structure has typically been limited to evaluating assembly processes, for example, competition or habitat filtering, whereas a lack of long-term experiments has precluded the test of predictions considering more complex biotic interactions. Reconstructing the complete phylogeny of the trees and shrubs of the Kruger National Park from DNA data, we tested for phylogenetic signal in antiherbivory traits and compared the phylogenetic structure of communities under various degrees of herbivore pressure using experimental plots spanning several decades. We show that all antiherbivory traits examined demonstrated weak but significant phylogenetic signal, and that exclusion of large herbivores results in impoverished species diversity in restructured communities. Surprisingly, we also show that reduction in species diversity coupled with community reorganization does not necessarily result in a decrease in phylogenetic diversity, and that community responses to herbivore exclusion depend on initial structure. Synthesis. Extinction of large mammal herbivores will have cascading effects on plant diversity; however, impacts on plant community structure are contingent on initial conditions. This research has implications for best practice when managing large herbivores and natural habitats. Extinction of large mammal herbivores will have cascading effects on plant diversity; however, impacts on plant community structure are contingent on initial conditions. This research has implications for best practice when managing large herbivores and natural habitats. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Ecology © 2013 British Ecological Society. | Determinants of plant community diversity and structure; Extinction; Functional diversity; Kruger National Park; Phylogenetics | biodiversity; community structure; evolutionary biology; extinction; herbivory; interspecific competition; mammal; phylogenetics; phylogeny; plant community; plant-herbivore interaction; savanna; shrub; species diversity; Kruger National Park; South Africa; Mammalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34248169658 | Field-based evaluation of a reagent strip test for diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni by detecting circulating cathodic antigen in urine before and after chemotherapy | Legesse M., Erko B. | 2007 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 101 | 7 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.11.009 | Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Legesse, M., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Erko, B., Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The sensitivity of a reagent strip test for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis by detecting circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) in urine was evaluated under field conditions using 251 stool and urine samples collected from a Schistosoma mansoni-endemic area of Ethiopia. The specificity of the test was evaluated in an area where schistosomiasis is not endemic. Stool samples were examined microscopically using duplicate Kato slides and formol-ether concentration methods. The effectiveness of the test in monitoring efficacy was also evaluated following chemotherapy. The results revealed that detection of CCA in urine using the one-step reagent strip test was superior to the stool examination methods (P < 0.05) in indicating the prevalence of the disease. Assuming the combination of parasitological test results as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 82.1% and 75.9%, respectively. The results of egg counts suggested the potential use of urine CCA in indicating the intensity of infection as an alternative to parasitological methods. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 75% and 73.7%, respectively, following chemotherapy. Diagnosis of S. mansoni infection in urine using reagent strips would provide information on the prevalence of the disease, although further study is needed to improve its sensitivity and specificity. © 2007 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Circulating cathodic antigen; Ethiopia; Reagent strip; Schistosoma mansoni; Urine CCA | antigen; circulating cathodic antigen; praziquantel; unclassified drug; adolescent; adult; aged; antigen detection; article; child; controlled study; diagnostic test; drug efficacy; drug monitoring; endemic disease; Ethiopia; feces analysis; female; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; microscopy; nonhuman; prediction; prevalence; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis; sensitivity and specificity; test strip; urinalysis; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anthelmintics; Antigens, Helminth; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Feces; Female; Glycoproteins; Helminth Proteins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Praziquantel; Reagent Strips; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Sensitivity and Specificity; Schistosoma mansoni | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875808744 | Impact delamination testing of fibre reinforced polymers using Hopkinson Pressure Bars | Govender R.A., Langdon G.S., Nurick G.N., Cloete T.J. | 2013 | Engineering Fracture Mechanics | 101 | None | 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2012.07.025 | Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Govender, R.A., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Langdon, G.S., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nurick, G.N., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Cloete, T.J., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | High rate delamination tests are often performed using high speed servo-hydraulic or drop-weight test frames. However, impact induced stress wave propagation in the specimen, load cell and test frame often results in oscillations in the force readings which can obscure specimen response. The Hopkinson Pressure Bar provides a means of measuring impact forces and velocities that accounts for stress wave propagation, but is typically used where forces are relatively high and deflections to failure are relatively low. A modified Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatus was developed to conduct delamination tests, based on Three Point Bend Test geometry, at impact velocities of the order of 5-10. m/s, with specimen deflections to failure approaching 10. mm. This apparatus was used to test the delamination response of Glass Fibre reinforced Polypropylene specimens, using the mixed Mode I-Mode II Single Leg Bend delamination test. The shape of the force-deflection curve differed dramatically between quasi-static and impact tests. Finite Element Analysis, using cohesive zone elements to capture delamination, was used to elucidate the different response of the quasi-static and impact delamination tests. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Delamination; Fibre reinforced polymer; Strain rate | Cohesive zone element; Delamination testing; Fibre reinforced polymers; Force-deflection curves; Glass fibre reinforced; Hopkinson pressure bar; Stress wave propagation; Three point bend tests; Bridge decks; Fiber reinforced plastics; Finite element method; Glass fibers; Polypropylenes; Reinforced plastics; Strain rate; Delamination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958069725 | Frequency and clinical genetics of familial dilated cardiomyopathy in Cape Town: Implications for the evaluation of patients with unexplained cardiomyopathy | Ntusi N.B.A., Wonkam A., Shaboodien G., Badri M., Mayosi B.M. | 2011 | South African Medical Journal | 101 | 6 | None | Cardiac Clinic and Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa; College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdelaziz University of Medical Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Division of Human Genetics, Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Ntusi, N.B.A., Cardiac Clinic and Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa; Wonkam, A., Division of Human Genetics, Departments of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Shaboodien, G., Cardiac Clinic and Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa; Badri, M., College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdelaziz University of Medical Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Mayosi, B.M., College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdelaziz University of Medical Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Background. Studies from Europe and North America suggest that 20 - 50% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may have familial disease. There is little information on the frequency and clinical genetics of familial DCM in Africa. Purpose. To determine the frequency and probable mode of inheritance of familial DCM in patients referred for investigation of the cause of DCM at a tertiary centre in Cape Town. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients diagnosed with DCM between 1 February 1996 and 31 December 2009 to determine the frequency of familial disease. Results. Of 109 unrelated patients with DCM, 29 (26.6%) had familial disease. Their mean age of onset of cardiomyopathy (28.01 (standard deviation (SD) 15.33) years) was significantly younger than that for non-familial cases (39.1 (SD 12.6) years) (p=0.001). Male predominance (N=21, 72.4%) and racial distribution (15 (48.3%) coloured patients, 10 (34.5%) black Africans, 4 (13.8%) white individuals, and 1 (3.4%) of Indian descent) of familial DCM probands were similar to the non-familial cases. Of the 29 patients with familial DCM, 2 (7%) had at least one relative diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Pedigree analysis of the 29 families was consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance in 72.4%, autosomal recessive inheritance in 17.2% and X-linked recessive inheritance in 10.4%. Conclusions. Familial DCM affects at least a quarter of African patients with DCM, presents at a young age, is associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy, and follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance in the majority of families. Family screening for familial DCM is indicated in all cases of unexplained DCM, including patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy. | None | adult; article; autosomal dominant inheritance; autosomal recessive inheritance; clinical genetics; congestive cardiomyopathy; controlled study; electrocardiogram; familial disease; female; heart catheterization; heart left ventricle ejection fraction; heart left ventricle function; human; major clinical study; male; patient referral; pedigree analysis; peripartum cardiomyopathy; race difference; retrospective study; tertiary health care; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Female; Humans; Male; Pedigree; Peripartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Retrospective Studies; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052577707 | Potential impact of reactive vaccination in controlling cholera outbreaks: An exploratory analysis using a Zimbabwean experience | Kim S.-Y., Choi Y., Mason P.R., Rusakaniko S., Goldie S.J. | 2011 | South African Medical Journal | 101 | 9 | None | Center for Health Decision Science, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe | Kim, S.-Y., Center for Health Decision Science, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Choi, Y., Center for Health Decision Science, Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Mason, P.R., Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Rusakaniko, S., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Goldie, S.J., Biomedical Research and Training Institute, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe | Background. To contain ongoing cholera outbreaks, the World Health Organization has suggested that reactive vaccination should be considered in addition to its previous control measures. Objectives. To explore the potential impact of a hypothetical reactive oral cholera vaccination using the example of the recent large-scale cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe. Methods. This was a retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis calculating the health and economic burden of the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe with and without reactive vaccination. The primary outcome measure was incremental cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. Results. Under the base-case assumptions (assuming 50% coverage among individuals aged ≥2 years), reactive vaccination could have averted 1 320 deaths and 23 650 DALYs. Considering herd immunity, the corresponding values would have been 2 920 deaths and 52 360 DALYs averted. The total vaccination costs would have been ~$74 million and ~$21 million, respectively, with per-dose vaccine price of US$5 and $1. The incremental costs per DALY averted of reactive vaccination were $2 770 and $370, respectively, for vaccine price set at $5 and $1. Assuming herd immunity, the corresponding cost was $980 with vaccine price of $5, and the programme was cost-saving with a vaccine price of $1. Results were most sensitive to case-fatality rate, per-dose vaccine price, and the size of the outbreak. Conclusions. Reactive vaccination has the potential to be a costeffective measure to contain cholera outbreaks in countries at high risk. However, the feasibility of implementation should be further evaluated, and caution is warranted in extrapolating the findings to different settings in the absence of other in-depth studies. | None | cholera vaccine; article; child; cholera; controlled study; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; drug cost; epidemic; exploratory research; fatality; herd; human; immunity; nonhuman; quality adjusted life year; retrospective study; vaccination; Zimbabwe; Cholera; Cholera Vaccines; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Support Techniques; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Immunity, Herd; Vaccination; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748979968 | Chemical analysis and preliminary toxicological evaluation of Garcinia mangostana seeds and seed oil | Ajayi I.A., Oderinde R.A., Ogunkoya B.O., Egunyomi A., Taiwo V.O. | 2006 | Food Chemistry | 101 | 3 | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.02.053 | Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ajayi, I.A., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Oderinde, R.A., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ogunkoya, B.O., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Egunyomi, A., Botany Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Taiwo, V.O., Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The chemical analysis and preliminary toxicological evaluation of Garcinia mangostana seeds and seed oil have been investigated in order to determine the possibility of using them for human and/or animal consumption. Proximate analysis showed that the seeds had high amount of carbohydrate and were rich in oil (21.68 ± 6.18%) but have a low protein content. The physical properties of the oil extracts showed the state to be liquid at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) and the colour of the oil golden-orange. The specific gravity of the oil was 0.98 ± 0.01. Among the chemical properties of the oil extracts, acid value, saponification number, iodine value, percent free fatty acid and peroxide value compared well with those of conventional edible oils. The seed flour was found to be a good source of minerals. It contained considerable amounts of potassium (7071 mg/kg), magnesium (865 mg/kg) and calcium (454 mg/kg). Fatty acid composition of the seed oil indicated that the oil contained one essential fatty acids small proportions: linoleic acid (1.30%). The most prevalent fatty acids were palmitic acid (49.5%) and oleic acid (34.0%). Weanling albino rats appeared to suffer no toxicological effects when fed with G. mangostana seed oil in their diet for 8 weeks. Weekly monitoring of the rats showed good physical appearance and steady weight increase. Histological examination of sections of the heart, liver, kidney, spleen and lung revealed that the kidney of some of the rats had some degrees of pathology which included diffuse glomerular and tubular degeneration. No lesion was found in the heart and liver of the rats. The seed oil could be useful as an edible oil and for industrial applications. © 2006. | Fatty acid; Garcinia mangostana; Mineral elements; Toxicology effect | calcium; carbohydrate; fatty acid; iodine; linoleic acid; magnesium; oleic acid; palmitic acid; peroxide; potassium; vegetable oil; acidity; animal tissue; article; chemical analysis; chemical composition; color; comparative study; degeneration; diet; fluor; Garcinia mangostana; glomerulus; heart; histology; kidney; kidney tubule; lipid composition; liquid; liver; lung; monitoring; nonhuman; pathology; plant seed; rat; relative density; room temperature; saponification; spleen; toxicology; Animalia; Garcinia mangostana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39749093887 | Evaluation on potential of wild hosts as trap plants for managing gramineous stemborers in maize based-agroecosystem | Yewhalaw D., Getu E., Seyoum E. | 2008 | Journal of Economic Entomology | 101 | 1 | 10.1603/0022-0493(2008)101[50:EOPOWH]2.0.CO;2 | Department of Biology, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Yewhalaw, D., Department of Biology, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Getu, E., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Seyoum, E., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | As part of habitat management system to control cereal stemborers, various wild hosts used as trap plants were studied during the dry season from November 2003 to March 2004 at Melkassa, central Ethiopia. Five wild hosts of the family Poaceae [Pennisetum purpurum (Schumach), Sorghum vulgare variety sudanense (Pers.), Panicum coloratura L., Sorghum arundi-naceum Stapf, and Hyperrhania rufa (Nees)] were evaluated as trap plants in maize, Zea mays L.,-based agroecosystem. The results of the study showed that maize plots surrounded by all tested wild hosts had significantly lower mean percentage of foliage damage and stemborer density than maize monocrop plots 15 m away from the treatment blocks. Interestingly, mean foliar damage and stemborer density between maize plots surrounded by wild hosts and maize monocrop plots within the treatment blocks was not significant. Percentage of tunneled stalks was significantly greater in maize monocrop plots 15 m away from the treatment blocks than in maize plots surrounded by all tested wild host plant species. Moreover, the highest mean percentage of parasitism (62%) of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) by Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) was recorded in maize plots surrounded by P. purpureum. Therefore, the findings revealed that these wild hosts have considerable merit to be used as trap plants in the development of strategies for managing cereal stemborers in maize crops. © 2008 Entomological Society of America. | Cotesia flavipes; Maize; Stemborer; Trap plants; Wild hosts | animal; article; biological pest control; crop; ecosystem; Ethiopia; evaluation; growth, development and aging; Hymenoptera; Lepidoptera; maize; parasitology; physiology; Poaceae; population density; population dynamics; randomization; season; Animals; Crops, Agricultural; Ecosystem; Ethiopia; Hymenoptera; Lepidoptera; Pest Control, Biological; Poaceae; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Random Allocation; Seasons; Zea mays; Chilo partellus; Cotesia flavipes; Panicum; Pennisetum; Pennisetum glaucum; Pennisetum purpureum; Poaceae; Sorghum bicolor; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35348933379 | Hyperoxia improves 20 km cycling time trial performance by increasing muscle activation levels while perceived exertion stays the same | Tucker R., Kayser B., Rae E., Rauch L., Bosch A., Noakes T. | 2007 | European Journal of Applied Physiology | 101 | 6 | 10.1007/s00421-007-0458-z | Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland | Tucker, R., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Kayser, B., Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Rae, E., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Rauch, L., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Bosch, A., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa; Noakes, T., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, P.O. Box 115, Newlands 7725, South Africa | Increasing inspiratory oxygen tension improves exercise performance. We tested the hypothesis that this is partly due to changes in muscle activation levels while perception of exertion remains unaltered. Eleven male subjects performed two 20-km cycling time-trials, one in hyperoxia (HI, FiO2 40%) and one in normoxia (NORM, FiO2 21%). Every 2 km we measured power output, heart rate, blood lactate, integrated vastus lateralis EMG activity (iEMG) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Performance was improved on average by 5% in HI compared to NORM (P < 0.01). Changes in heart rate, plasma lactate concentration and RPE during the trials were similar. For the majority of the time-trials, power output was maintained in HI, but decreased progressively in NORM (P < 0.01) while it increased in both trials for the last kilometre (P < 0.0001). iEMG was proportional to power output and was significantly greater in HI than in NORM. iEMG activity increased significantly in the final kilometer of both trials (P < 0.001). This suggests that improved exercise performance in hyperoxia may be the result of increased muscle activation leading to greater power outputs. The finding of identical RPE, lactate and heart rate in both trials suggests that pacing strategies are altered to keep the actual and perceived exercise stress at a similar level between conditions. We suggest that a complex, intelligent system regulates exercise performance through the control of muscle activation levels in an integrative manner under conditions of normoxia and hyperoxia. © Springer-Verlag 2007. | Exercise; Fatigue; Hyperoxia; Pacing strategy | lactic acid; adult; article; athlete; controlled study; cycling; electromyogram; heart rate; human; human experiment; hyperoxia; hypothesis; lactate blood level; male; muscle contraction; muscle strength; normal human; physical performance; priority journal; statistical significance; vastus lateralis muscle; Adult; Athletic Performance; Bicycling; Biomechanics; Electromyography; Exertion; Heart Rate; Humans; Hyperoxia; Lactic Acid; Male; Muscle Fatigue; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxygen; Perception | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-19944416234 | Monitoring the oceanic flow between Africa and Antarctica: Report of the first GoodHope cruise | Ansorge I.J., Speich S., Lutjeharms J.R.E., Göni G.J., Rautenbach C.J.D.W., Froneman P.W., Rouault M., Garzoli S. | 2005 | South African Journal of Science | 101 | 42371 | None | Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; LPO/UBO UFR Sciences, 6 ave. Le Gorgeu, 29285 Brest Cedex, France; NOAA/AOML, U.S. Department of Commerce, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States; Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Southern Ocean Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Physical Oceanography Division, NOAA/AOML, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States | Ansorge, I.J., Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Speich, S., LPO/UBO UFR Sciences, 6 ave. Le Gorgeu, 29285 Brest Cedex, France; Lutjeharms, J.R.E., Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Göni, G.J., NOAA/AOML, U.S. Department of Commerce, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States; Rautenbach, C.J.D.W., Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology Department, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Froneman, P.W., Southern Ocean Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Rouault, M., Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Garzoli, S., Physical Oceanography Division, NOAA/AOML, 4301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States | THE SOUTHERN OCEAN PLAYS A MAJOR role in the global oceanic circulation, as a component of the Meridional Overturning Circulation, and it is postulated that it has a great influence on present-day climate. However, our understanding of its complex three-dimensional dynamics and of the impact of its variability on the climate system is rudimentary. The newly constituted, international GoodHope research venture aims to address this knowledge gap by establishing a programme of regular observations across the Southern Ocean between the African and Antarctic continents. The objectives of this programme are fivefold: (1) to improve understanding of Indo-Atlantic inter-ocean exchanges and their impact on the global thermohaline circulation and thus on global climate change; (2) to understand in more detail the influence these exchanges have on the climate variability of the southern African subcontinent; (3) to monitor the variability of the main Southern Ocean frontal systems associated with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current; (4) to study air-sea exchanges and their role on the global heat budget, with particular emphasis on the intense exchanges occurring within the Agulhas Retroflection region south of South Africa, and (5) to examine the role of major frontal systems as areas of elevated biological activity and as biogeographical barriers to the distribution of plankton. We present here preliminary results on the physical and biological structure of the frontal systems using the first GoodHope transect that was completed during February-March 2004. | None | oceanic circulation; oceanic regions; Southern Ocean; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960982564 | Evaluation of pain incidence and pain management in a South African paediatric trauma unit | Tiadens T., Vervat E., Albertyn R., van Dijk M., van As A.B.S. | 2011 | South African Medical Journal | 101 | 8 | None | Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Tiadens, T., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Vervat, E., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Albertyn, R., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; van Dijk, M., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands; van As, A.B.S., Department of Paediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Objectives. To evaluate pain incidence and pain management in a South African paediatric trauma unit, and to compare the usefulness of 5 different assessment tools.Design. A prospective observational study, using the Numerical Rating Scale for pain (NRS pain), Numerical Rating Scale for anxiety (NRS anxiety), the Alder Hey Triage Pain Score (AHTPS), the COMFORT behaviour scale and the Touch Visual Pain Scale (TVPS). All patients were assessed at admission; those who were hospitalised were again assessed every 3 hours until discharge.Results. A total of 165 patients, with a mean age of 5.3 years (range 0 - 13), were included. NRS scores were indicative of moderate to severe pain in 13.3% of the patients, and no pain in 24% at admission. Two-thirds of the patients received no analgesics; for them, NRS pain, AHTPS and TVP scores were lower than the scores for the other children. Conclusion. Pain and anxiety incidences in this paediatric trauma unit are relatively low. Implementation of a standard pain assessment tool in the emergency department triage system can improve pain management. The AHTPS is the most promising for use in non-Western settings. | None | benzodiazepine; chloral hydrate; codeine; narcotic analgesic agent; paracetamol; adolescent; Alder Hey Triage Pain Score; analgesia; anxiety; article; child; child care; childhood injury; clinical assessment tool; COMFORT behavior scale; comparative effectiveness; controlled study; disease severity; emergency health service; feasibility study; female; human; incidence; infant; interrater reliability; major clinical study; male; Numerical Rating Scale for anxiety; pain; pain assessment; pediatric ward; process design; prospective study; psychometry; rating scale; receiver operating characteristic; scoring system; South Africa; Touch Visual Pain Scale; Adolescent; Analgesics; Chi-Square Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pain; Pain Measurement; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Triage | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-24644432106 | Evaluation of five medicinal plants used in diarrhoea treatment in Nigeria | Agunu A., Yusuf S., Andrew G.O., Zezi A.U., Abdurahman E.M. | 2005 | Journal of Ethnopharmacology | 101 | 03-Jan | 10.1016/j.jep.2005.03.025 | Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Agunu, A., Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Yusuf, S., Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Andrew, G.O., Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Zezi, A.U., Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Abdurahman, E.M., Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Five medicinal plants [Acacia nilotica, Acanthospermun hispidum, Gmelina arborea, Parkia biglobosa and Vitex doniana] used in diarrhoeal treatment in Kaduna State, Nigeria, were investigated. This study was carried out on perfused isolated rabbit jejunum and castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. The aqueous methanol extracts (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mg/ml) were generally found to cause a dose-dependent response in the isolated rabbit jejunum, though this was not uniform in all the plants. Gmelina arborea and Vitex doniana showed concentration dependent relaxation at low doses (0.5, 1.0 mg/ml), but showed no significant relaxation at higher doses (2.0, 3.0 mg/ml). Other extracts showed biphasic effects. For example, Acacia nilotica at 3.0 mg/ml caused initial relaxation quickly followed by contraction. In the castor oil-induced diarrhoeal, 100% protections were shown by extracts of Acacia nilotica and Parkia biglobosa (100, 200 mg/kg) while Vitex doniana showed a dose-dependent effect. The least protection was shown by Acanthospermun hispidum, at the same dose, when compared with the other four plants. The results obtained revealed that the aqueous methanol extracts of all the five medicinal plants investigated have pharmacological activity against diarrhoea. This may explain their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Antidiarrhoeal; Castor oil; Medicinal plants; Methanol extracts; Tissue relaxation | Acacia nilotica extract; acanthospermum hispidum extract; castor oil; Gmelina arborea extract; loperamide; methanol; Parkia biglobosa extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; vitex doniana extract; Acacia; acanthospermum hispidum; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; article; concentration (parameters); controlled study; diarrhea; drug activity; drug effect; drug screening; gmelina arborea; intestine contraction; jejunum; male; medicinal plant; mouse; muscle relaxation; Nigeria; nonhuman; Parkia biglobosa; rabbit; Vitex doniana; Acacia; Animals; Diarrhea; Jejunum; Male; Mice; Nigeria; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Rabbits; Vitex; Acacia nilotica; Gmelina arborea; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Parkia biglobosa; Vitex doniana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879606961 | Climatic stress mediates the impacts of herbivory on plant population structure and components of individual fitness | Louthan A.M., Doak D.F., Goheen J.R., Palmer T.M., Pringle R.M. | 2013 | Journal of Ecology | 101 | 4 | 10.1111/1365-2745.12090 | Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States; Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya; Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, United States; Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States; Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States | Louthan, A.M., Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States, Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya; Doak, D.F., Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya, Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, United States; Goheen, J.R., Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States, Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya, Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, United States; Palmer, T.M., Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya, Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States; Pringle, R.M., Mpala Research Centre, PO Box 555, Nanyuki, 10400, Kenya, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, United States | Past studies have shown that the strength of top-down herbivore control on plant physiological performance, abundance and distribution patterns can shift with abiotic stress, but it is still unclear whether herbivores generally exert stronger effects on plants in stressful or in nonstressful environments. One hypothesis suggests that herbivores' effects on plant biomass and fitness should be strongest in stressful areas, because stressed plants are less able to compensate for herbivore damage. Alternatively, herbivores may reduce plant biomass and fitness more substantially in nonstressful areas, either because plant growth rates in the absence of herbivory are higher and/or because herbivores are more abundant and diverse in nonstressful areas. We test these predictions of where herbivores should exert stronger effects by measuring individual performance, population size structure and densities of a common subshrub, Hibiscus meyeri, in a large-scale herbivore exclosure experiment arrayed across an aridity gradient in East Africa. We find support for both predictions, with herbivores exerting stronger effects on individual-level performance in arid (stressful) areas, but exerting stronger effects on population size structure and abundance in mesic (nonstressful) areas. We suggest that this discrepancy arises from higher potential growth rates in mesic areas, where alleviation of herbivory leads to substantially more growth and thus large changes in population size structure. Differences in herbivore abundance do not appear to contribute to our results. Synthesis. Our work suggests that understanding the multiple facets of plant response to herbivores (e.g. both individual performance and abundance) may be necessary to predict how plant species' abundance and distribution patterns will shift in response to changing climate and herbivore numbers. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Ecology © 2013 British Ecological Society. | Aridity; Climate change; Plant distributions; Plant-herbivore interactions; Population dynamics; Savannas; Stress gradients | abundance; aridity; climate change; climate effect; fitness; phytomass; plant-herbivore interaction; population size; savanna; East Africa; Hibiscus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751470672 | Postgraduate palliative care education: Evaluation of a South African programme | Ens C.D.L., Chochinov H.M., Gwyther E., Moses S., Jackson C., Thompson G., Harding R. | 2011 | South African Medical Journal | 101 | 1 | None | Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Manitoba FASD Centre, MB, Canada; Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, MB, Canada; Centre for Global Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, MB, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba, MB, Canada; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St Thomas Hospitals Carla | Ens, C.D.L., Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Manitoba FASD Centre, MB, Canada; Chochinov, H.M., Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, MB, Canada; Gwyther, E., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Moses, S., Centre for Global Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, MB, Canada; Jackson, C., School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Thompson, G., Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba, MB, Canada; Harding, R., Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St Thomas Hospitals Carla | Aim. We aimed to assess the postgraduate palliative care distance education programme of the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of its perceived ability to influence palliative care delivery. Methods. A mixed-methods approach, consisting of two surveys using open-ended and multiple-choice options, was conducted from January to December 2007 at the UCT School of Public Health and Family Medicine. All students registered in the programme from 2000 - 2007 were invited to participate; 83 (66.4% of all eligible participants) completed the general survey, and 41 (65.7%) of the programme's graduates completed the graduate survey. The survey scores and open-ended data were triangulated to evaluate UCT's palliative care postgraduate programme. Results. General survey scores of graduates were significantly higher in 5 of the 6 categories in comparison with current students. The graduate survey indicated that curriculum and teaching strengths were in communication and dealing with challenging encounters. Graduates also stressed the need to develop a curriculum that incorporated a practical component. Conclusions. In addition to current postgraduate training, palliative care education in South Africa should be extended to undergraduate medical students, as the benefits of UCT's programme were limited to a small cohort of practitioners. | None | article; controlled study; curriculum development; education program; female; health care delivery; human; male; medical student; palliative therapy; postgraduate education; South Africa; teaching; Education, Medical, Graduate; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Humans; Palliative Care; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961119304 | Understanding global change impacts on South African biomes using Dynamic Vegetation Models | Moncrieff G.R., Scheiter S., Slingsby J.A., Higgins S.I. | 2015 | South African Journal of Botany | 101 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2015.02.004 | Fynbos Node, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Private Bag X7, Rhodes Drive, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Research Institute, Natural History Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Botany, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand | Moncrieff, G.R., Fynbos Node, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Private Bag X7, Rhodes Drive, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Scheiter, S., Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Research Institute, Natural History Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Slingsby, J.A., Fynbos Node, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Private Bag X7, Rhodes Drive, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa, Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Higgins, S.I., Department of Botany, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand | The distribution of South African biomes is expected to be drastically altered as a result of climatic change and increasing atmospheric CO2 in the 21st century. Developing the capacity to anticipate change is of critical importance if we are to mitigate and efficiently adapt to the reorganization of South African vegetation cover. Dynamic Vegetation Models (DVMs) simulate the distribution and functioning of plant functional types (PFTs) and their interactions. Outputs include biome distribution maps, assessments of carbon cycling and the quantification of plant productivity, all of which can be produced for past, present and future conditions. DVMs were originally conceived of as analogs to general circulation models (GCMs) and applied globally, but to be unbiased globally necessitates choosing parameters and representing processes that may not be regionally appropriate. Models populated with a modified suite of PFTs and parameterized appropriately for local conditions are better suited to studies concerned with vegetation dynamics and global change impacts at the country or continent-scale. In their current form DGVMs do not include the plant types and key processes of many South African biomes. Therefore, while projections of global change impacts are available for biomes dominated by forest trees, savanna trees and grasses, little can be learned about some of our most biodiverse and threatened biomes, particularly the Fynbos and Thicket biomes, and the Succulent Karoo. We outline the limitations of existing DVMs and improvements required before reliable projections of global change impacts on South African biomes can be produced. Reparameterization of some PFTs and fire models could easily be achieved, and would lead to large improvements in model simulations. However, there remain numerous processes and facets of the ecology of South African vegetation that will limit the applicability of DVMs in their current form. © 2015 South African Association of Botanists. | Biome; CO2; Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (DGVM); Dynamic Vegetation Model (DVM); Fynbos; Global change; Plant functional type (PFT) | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547122887 | Field evaluation of FD-DAT, rK39 dipstick and KATEX (urine latex agglutination) for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in northwest Ethiopia | Diro E., Techane Y., Tefera T., Assefa Y., Kebede T., Genetu A., Kebede Y., Tesfaye A., Ergicho B., Gebre-Yohannes A., Mengistu G., Engers H., Aseffa A., Desjeux P., Boelaert M., Hailu A. | 2007 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 101 | 9 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2007.05.002 | Gondar University, Amhara Regional State, Gondar, Ethiopia; Kahsay Abera Hospital, Tigray Regional State, Humera, Ethiopia; Biomedical Research and Training Program (BRTP), Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Control, Prevention and Elimination (CDS/CPE), Cluster of Communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (DMIP), Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Diro, E., Gondar University, Amhara Regional State, Gondar, Ethiopia; Techane, Y., Kahsay Abera Hospital, Tigray Regional State, Humera, Ethiopia; Tefera, T., Kahsay Abera Hospital, Tigray Regional State, Humera, Ethiopia; Assefa, Y., Kahsay Abera Hospital, Tigray Regional State, Humera, Ethiopia; Kebede, T., Biomedical Research and Training Program (BRTP), Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Genetu, A., Gondar University, Amhara Regional State, Gondar, Ethiopia; Kebede, Y., Gondar University, Amhara Regional State, Gondar, Ethiopia; Tesfaye, A., Gondar University, Amhara Regional State, Gondar, Ethiopia; Ergicho, B., Gondar University, Amhara Regional State, Gondar, Ethiopia; Gebre-Yohannes, A., Gondar University, Amhara Regional State, Gondar, Ethiopia; Mengistu, G., Gondar University, Amhara Regional State, Gondar, Ethiopia; Engers, H., Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Aseffa, A., Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Desjeux, P., Department of Control, Prevention and Elimination (CDS/CPE), Cluster of Communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland; Boelaert, M., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Antwerp, Belgium; Hailu, A., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (DMIP), Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Three novel diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), namely FD-DAT, rK39 dipstick and KATEX, were evaluated under field conditions using 101 clinical cases suspected of having VL enrolled in a trial either by active (63 patients) or passive (38 patients) surveillance. VL was confirmed in 49 patients: 35 by both aspirate smear microscopy and NNN culture, 10 by NNN culture alone and 4 by aspirate smear microscopy alone. Based on tests performed in the field, sensitivity for FD-DAT, rK39 dipstick and KATEX was determined to be 95.3% (95% CI 82.9-99.2%), 71.7% (95% CI 56.3-83.5%) and 57.4% (95% CI 42.3-71.4%), respectively. Similarly, the specificity was determined to be 62.7% (95% CI 48.1-75.5%), 82.4% (95% CI 68.6-91.1%) and 84.3% (95% CI 70.9-92.5%), respectively. A higher sensitivity of KATEX (73.9% vs. 41.7%) and higher specificity of FD-DAT (100.0% vs. 48.6%) were demonstrated under passive case detection compared with active case detection. FD-DAT is recommended for confirmation of VL diagnosis in hospital settings, whereas its use in the field will be limited to exclude VL in clinical suspects. The sensitivity of KATEX and rK39 dipstick tests needs to be improved to promote their use as first-line diagnostic tests in the field setting of northwestern Ethiopia. © 2007 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Diagnostic tests; Ethiopia; Latex agglutination test; Leishmania K39 antigen; Serology; Visceral leishmaniasis | stibogluconate sodium; agglutination test; article; assay; clinical article; confidence interval; controlled study; diagnostic test; Ethiopia; human; microscopy; sensitivity and specificity; smear; visceral leishmaniasis; Endemic Diseases; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Latex Fixation Tests; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Male; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Reproducibility of Results; Rural Health; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27344439988 | Technological performance judged by American patents awarded to South African inventors | Pouris A. | 2005 | South African Journal of Science | 101 | 42496 | None | Institute for Technological Innovation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Pouris, A., Institute for Technological Innovation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | PATENTS ARE ACCEPTED INTERNATIONALLY as a reflection of a country's inventive and technological achievements and are used for monitoring and assessing national systems of innovation. In South Africa, patents are one of the technological indicators monitored by the Department of Science and Technology. This article reports the results of an assessment of South Africa's technological performance based on the number of utility patents granted to South African inventors by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The analysis shows that the country is losing ground in the international technological race. South Africa's shares in the USPTO halved from 0.13% in 1988 to a mere 0.07% in 2001. Finer analysis reveals a small shift towards modern technologies (such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and computers and peripherals) and Science Linkage indicators identify the areas (in particular biotechnology and pharmaceuticals) in which South Africa is producing leading-edge technologies. | None | innovation; international comparison; social indicator; technological development; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903942795 | Nanofluid Viscosity: A simple model selection algorithm and parametric evaluation | Nwosu P.N., Meyer J., Sharifpur M. | 2014 | Computers and Fluids | 101 | None | 10.1016/j.compfluid.2014.04.001 | National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Nwosu, P.N., National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Meyer, J., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Sharifpur, M., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | In this paper, a study is undertaken to investigate the degree of variability between empirical nanofluid viscosity data and the viscosity model predictions. It is seen that there is a high degree of variability in the compared data, which suggests that a wide range of constitutive factors need to be incorporated into the models in order to adequately account for the rheological behavior of nanofluids. A selection algorithm is also proposed as a simple but effective tool for the model selection process in different nanofluidic conditions/compositions; consequently the odds of redundancy are substantially reduced. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Algorithm; Model; Nanofluid; Viscosity | Algorithms; Models; Viscosity; Degree of variability; High degree of variability; Model Selection; Nanofluids; Rheological behaviors; Selection algorithm; Simple modeling; Viscosity modeling; Nanofluidics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960394623 | The economic and poverty impacts of animal diseases in developing countries: New roles, new demands for economics and epidemiology | Rich K.M., Perry B.D. | 2011 | Preventive Veterinary Medicine | 101 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.08.002 | Norwegian Inst. of International Affairs (NUPI), International Livestock Research Inst. (ILRI), Department of International Economics, C/O NUPI, P.O. Box 8159, 0033 Oslo, Norway; University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, United Kingdom; University of Pretoria, South Africa; c/o P.O. Box 437, Gilgil 20116, Kenya | Rich, K.M., Norwegian Inst. of International Affairs (NUPI), International Livestock Research Inst. (ILRI), Department of International Economics, C/O NUPI, P.O. Box 8159, 0033 Oslo, Norway; Perry, B.D., University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, University of Pretoria, South Africa, c/o P.O. Box 437, Gilgil 20116, Kenya | Animal disease outbreaks pose significant threats to livestock sectors throughout the world, both from the standpoint of the economic impacts of the disease itself and the measures taken to mitigate the risk of disease introduction. These impacts are multidimensional and not always well understood, complicating effective policy response. In the developing world, livestock diseases have broader, more nuanced effects on markets, poverty, and livelihoods, given the diversity of uses of livestock and complexity of livestock value chains. In both settings, disease control strategies, particularly those informed by ex ante modeling platforms, often fail to recognize the constraints inherent among farmers, veterinary services, and other value chain actors. In short, context matters. Correspondingly, an important gap in the animal health economics literature is the explicit incorporation of behavior and incentives in impact analyses that highlight the interactions of disease with its socio-economic and institutional setting. In this paper, we examine new approaches and frameworks for the analysis of economic and poverty impacts of animal diseases. We propose greater utilization of " bottom-up" analyses, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of value chain and information economics approaches in impact analyses and stressing the importance of improved integration between the epidemiology of disease and its relationships with economic behavior. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Decision-making; Developing countries; Poverty impacts; Value chain; Veterinary epidemiology and economics | animal; animal disease; article; developing country; economics; epidemic; human; poverty; Animal Diseases; Animals; Developing Countries; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Poverty; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751549294 | High rates of HIV in surgical patients in Soweto, South Africa: impact on resource utilisation and recommendations for HIV testing | Martinson N.A., Omar T., Gray G.E., Vermaak J.S., Badicel M., Degiannis E., Steyn J., McIntyre J.A., Smith M. | 2007 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 101 | 2 | 10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.04.002 | Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Anatomical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Martinson, N.A., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Omar, T., Department of Anatomical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Gray, G.E., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Vermaak, J.S., Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Badicel, M., Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Degiannis, E., Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Steyn, J., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; McIntyre, J.A., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Smith, M., Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Interactions between HIV and surgical diseases are relatively poorly described in high HIV prevalence settings. We report HIV prevalence and its associations in a prospective study of adults admitted to surgical units in Soweto, South Africa. Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV was offered to surgical inpatients. Research nurses interviewed participants at enrolment and doctors reviewed records after discharge. In HIV-infected participants, CD4 counts and viral loads were ascertained. Of 1000 participants, 537 consented to VCT, of whom 176 (32.8%, 95% CI 28.8-36.9%) tested HIV positive. A history of tuberculosis (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.0, 95% CI 1.5-6.2) or sexually transmitted infection (AOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.8-4.2) was associated with HIV infection. Diagnoses of cutaneous abscesses (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-8.1) and anorectal sepsis (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1-9.0) were associated with HIV and indicated advanced disease. There were no differences in rates of operative procedures, wound sepsis, investigations or length of stay by HIV status. Hospital-acquired pneumonia was more common in HIV-infected participants (P = 0.028). In conclusion, in this high HIV prevalence setting, resource utilisation is similar between HIV-infected and uninfected patients in surgical wards where high rates of HIV in young adults support routine HIV testing. WHO clinical staging of HIV should include anal sepsis as an indicator of advanced HIV disease. © 2006 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. | Anal sepsis; Clinical staging; HIV; South Africa; Surgery; VCT | CD4 antigen; abdominal wall hernia; adult; anorectal disease; appendicitis; article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; cellulitis; controlled study; female; hemorrhoid; hospital admission; hospital infection; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; informed consent; injury; interview; lymphocyte count; major clinical study; male; medical record review; patient counseling; pneumonia; prevalence; prospective study; resource management; screening test; sepsis; sexually transmitted disease; skin abscess; skin disease; South Africa; staging; surgical infection; surgical patient; surgical technique; surgical ward; tuberculosis; virus load; wound infection; Adult; Aged; Cohort Studies; Female; Health Resources; HIV Infections; Hospitalization; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; South Africa; Viral Load; Wounds and Injuries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27344432029 | Evaluation of an optical characterization model for infrared reflectance spectroscopy of GaAs substrates | Engelbrecht J.A.A., James G.R. | 2005 | South African Journal of Science | 101 | 42496 | None | Physics Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Engelbrecht, J.A.A., Physics Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; James, G.R., Physics Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | The assessment of substrates by infrared spectroscopy was evaluated by comparing the electrical properties of GaAs substrates obtained optically with the values measured electrically. | None | gallium; infrared spectroscopy; optical method; substrate | None |
| None | None | Impact of the pharmaceutical sciences on health care: A reflection over the past 50 years | Rowland M., Noe C.R., Smith D.A., Tucker G.T., Crommelin D.J.A., Peck C.C., Rocci Jr. M.L., Besançon L., Shah V.P. | 2012 | Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 101 | 11 | 10.1002/jps.23295 | School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco CA 94143, United States; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria; Department of Chemistry, University of Capetown, Capetown, South Africa; Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Clinical Pharmacology, University of Sheffield, The Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom; Simcyp Ltd, Blades Enterprise Centre, John St, Sheffield S24SU, United Kingdom; UIPS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; ICON Development Solutions, Ellicott City, MD 21043, United States; International Pharmaceutical Federation, Andries Bickerweg 52517 JP, The Hauge, Netherlands | Rowland, M., School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco CA 94143, United States; Noe, C.R., Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria; Smith, D.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Capetown, Capetown, South Africa, Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Tucker, G.T., Clinical Pharmacology, University of Sheffield, The Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom, Simcyp Ltd, Blades Enterprise Centre, John St, Sheffield S24SU, United Kingdom; Crommelin, D.J.A., UIPS, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Peck, C.C., Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco CA 94143, United States; Rocci Jr., M.L., ICON Development Solutions, Ellicott City, MD 21043, United States; Besançon, L., International Pharmaceutical Federation, Andries Bickerweg 52517 JP, The Hauge, Netherlands; Shah, V.P., International Pharmaceutical Federation, Andries Bickerweg 52517 JP, The Hauge, Netherlands | During the last century, particularly the latter half, spectacular progress has been made in improving the health and longevity of people. The reasons are many, but the development of medicines has played a critical role. This report documents and reflects on the impressive contribution that those working in the pharmaceutical sciences have made to healthcare over the past 50 years. It is divided into six sections (drug discovery; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; drug formulation; drug regulation; and drug utilization), each describing key contributions that have been made in the progression of medicines, from conception to use. A common thread throughout is the application of translational science to the improvement of drug discovery, development, and therapeutic application. Each section has been coordinated by a leading scientist who was asked, after consulting widely with many colleagues across the globe, to identify "The five most influential ideas/concepts/developments introduced by 'pharmaceutical scientists' (in their field) over the past 50 years?" Although one cannot predict where the important breakthroughs will come in the future to meet the unmet medical needs, the evidence presented in this report should leave no doubt that those engaged in the pharmaceutical sciences will continue to make their contributions heavily felt. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | ADME; Drug design; Drug formulation; Drug regulatory; Drug utilization; Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics | drug metabolizing enzyme; generic drug; article; biochemistry; bioequivalence; biotechnology; drug absorption; drug bioavailability; drug design; drug development; drug disposition; drug distribution; drug excretion; drug formulation; drug metabolism; drug release; drug safety; drug utilization; health care; molecular biology; patient compliance; personalized medicine; pharmaceutics; pharmacodynamics; pharmacogenomics; pharmacokinetics; signal transduction; simulation; structure activity relation; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Drug Discovery; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Pharmacokinetics; Pharmacology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57949084113 | Coupled-channel evaluations of cross sections for scattering involving particle-unstable resonances | Fraser P., Amos K., Canton L., Pisent G., Karataglidis S., Svenne J.P., Van Der Knijff D. | 2008 | Physical Review Letters | 101 | 24 | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.242501 | School of Physics, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Padova, I-35131, Italy; Department of Physics and Electronics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MN R3T 2N2, Canada; Advanced Research Computing, Information Division, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia | Fraser, P., School of Physics, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Amos, K., School of Physics, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Canton, L., Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Padova, I-35131, Italy; Pisent, G., Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Padova, I-35131, Italy; Karataglidis, S., Department of Physics and Electronics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Svenne, J.P., Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MN R3T 2N2, Canada; Van Der Knijff, D., Advanced Research Computing, Information Division, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia | How does the scattering cross section change when the colliding bound-state fragments are allowed particle-emitting resonances? This question is explored in the framework of a multichannel algebraic scattering method of determining nucleon-nucleus cross sections at low energies. Two cases are examined, the first being a gedanken investigation in which n+C12 scattering is studied with the target states assigned artificial widths. The second is a study of neutron scattering from Be8, a nucleus that is particle unstable. Resonance character of the target states markedly varies evaluated cross sections from those obtained assuming stability in the target spectrum. © 2008 The American Physical Society. | None | Resonance; Targets; Cross sections; Low energies; Multi channels; Scattering cross sections; Scattering methods; Target spectrums; Target states; Scattering | None |
| WoS | WOS:000287165400017 | The contribution of South African curricula to prepare health professionals for working in rural or under-served areas in South Africa: A peer review evaluation | Cakwe, M.,CHEER,Reid, S. J. | 2011 | SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL | 101 | 1 | None | University of Cape Town, University of Kwazulu Natal | "Cakwe, M.: University of Kwazulu Natal","Reid, S. J.: University of Cape Town" | Setting. The Collaboration for Health Equity through Education and Research (CHEER) was formed in 2003 to examine strategies that would increase the production of health professionals who choose to practise in rural and under-served areas in South Africa.
Objectives. We aimed to identify how each faculty is preparing its students for service in rural or under-served areas.
Methods. Peer reviews were conducted at all nine participating universities. A case study approach was used, with each peer review constituting its own study but following a common protocol and tools. Each research team comprised at least three reviewers from different universities, and each review was conducted over at least 3 days on site.
The participating faculties were assessed on 11 themes, including faculty mission statements, resource allocation, student selection, first exposure of students to rural and under-served areas, length of exposure, practical experience, theoretical input, involvement with the community, relationship with the health service, assessment of students and research and programme evaluation.
Results. With a few exceptions, most themes were assessed as inadequate or adequate with respect to the preparation of students for practice in rural or under-served areas after qualification, despite implicit intentions to the contrary at certain faculties.
Conclusions. Common challenges, best practices and potential solutions have been identified through this project. Greater priority must be given to supporting rural teaching sites in terms of resources and teaching capacity, in partnership with government agencies. | ,CHOICE | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856647364 | Conceptual and procedural approaches to mathematics in the engineering curriculum: Student conceptions and performance | Engelbrecht J., Bergsten C., Kågesten A. | 2012 | Journal of Engineering Education | 101 | 1 | None | University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden | Engelbrecht, J., University of Pretoria, 0002 Pretoria, South Africa; Bergsten, C., Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden; Kågesten, A., Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden | BACKGROUND Demands by engineering faculties of mathematics departments have traditionally been for teaching computational skills while also expecting analytic and creative knowledge-based skills. We report on a project between two institutions, one in South Africa and one in Sweden, that investigated whether the emphasis in undergraduate mathematics courses for engineering students would benefit from being more conceptually oriented than the traditional more procedurally oriented way of teaching. PURPOSE (HYPOTHESIS) We focus on how second-year engineering students respond to the conceptual-procedural distinction, comparing performance and confidence between Swedish and South African groups of students in answering conceptual and procedural mathematics problems. We also compare these students' conceptions on the role of conceptual and procedural mathematics problems within and outside their mathematics studies. DESIGN/METHOD An instrument consisting of procedural and conceptual items as well as items on student opinions on the roles of the different types of knowledge in their studies was conducted with groups of second-year engineering students at two universities, one in each country. RESULTS Although differences between the two countries are small, Swedish students see procedural items to be more common in their mathematics studies while the South African students find both conceptual and procedural items common; the latter group see the conceptually oriented items as more common in their studies outside the mathematics courses. CONCLUSIONS Students view mathematics as procedural. Conceptual mathematics is seen as relevant outside mathematics. The use of mathematics in other subjects within engineering education can be experienced differently by students from different institutions, indicating that the same type of education can handle the application of mathematics in different ways in different institutions. © 2012 ASEE. | Conceptual and procedural thinking; Confidence; Mathematics | Computational skills; Conceptual and procedural thinking; Confidence; Engineering curriculum; Engineering faculty; Mathematics course; South Africa; Undergraduate mathematics course; Engineering education; Knowledge based systems; Mathematical techniques; Societies and institutions; Students | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921943604 | Magnitude of the impact of hot flashes on sleep in perimenopausal women | De Zambotti M., Colrain I.M., Javitz H.S., Baker F.C. | 2014 | Fertility and Sterility | 102 | 6 | 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.08.016 | Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | De Zambotti, M., Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States; Colrain, I.M., Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Javitz, H.S., Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States; Baker, F.C., Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, United States, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Objective: To quantify the impact of objectively recorded hot flashes on objective sleep in perimenopausal women. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants underwent 1-5 laboratory-based polysomnographic recordings for a total of 63 nights, including sternal skin-conductance measures, from which 222 hot flashes were identified according to established criteria. Data were analyzed with hierarchical mixed-effect models and Spearman's rank correlations. Setting: Sleep laboratory. Patient(s): Thirty-four perimenopausal women (age ± SD: 50.4 ± 2.7 years). Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Perceived and polysomnographic sleep measures (sleep quality, amount of time spent awake after sleep onset, and number of awakenings). Subjective (frequency and level of bother) and objective (frequency and amount of hot flash-associated awake time) hot-flash measures. Result(s): Women had an average of 3.5 (95% confidence interval: 2.8-4.2, range = 1-9) objective hot flashes per night. A total of 69.4% of hot flashes were associated with an awakening. Hot flash-associated time awake per night was, on average, 16.6 minutes (95% confidence interval: 10.8-22.4 minutes), which accounted for 27.2% (SD 27.1) of total awake time per night. Hot flash-associated time awake, but not hot flash frequency, was negatively associated with sleep efficiency and positively associated with waking after sleep onset. In addition, self-reported wakefulness correlated with hot flash-associated waking, suggesting that women's estimates of wakefulness are influenced by the amount of time spent awake in association with hot flashes during the night. Having more perceived and bothersome hot flashes was correlated with more perceived wakefulness and awakenings and more objective hot flash-associated time awake and hot-flash frequency. Conclusion(s): The presence of physiological hot flashes accounts for a significant proportion of total objective time awake during the night in perimenopausal women. ©2014 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine. | Hot flash; Menopause; Polysomnography; Skin conductance; Sleep | adult; arousal; Article; climacterium; cross-sectional study; electroencephalogram; female; hot flush; human; menopausal syndrome; outcome assessment; polysomnography; priority journal; skin conductance; sleep disorder; sleep quality; wakefulness; climacterium; complication; hot flush; middle aged; physiology; sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hot Flashes; Humans; Middle Aged; Perimenopause; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders; Wakefulness | HL103688, NIH, National Institutes of Health; U54-HD28934, NICHD, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856624708 | Comparative MIC evaluation of a generic ceftriaxone by broth microdilution on clinically relevant isolates from an academic hospital complex in South Africa | Lowman W., Aithma N., Coetzee J.F., Dusè A.G., Mer M. | 2012 | South African Medical Journal | 102 | 2 | None | Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand; and Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa; Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | Lowman, W., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand; and Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Aithma, N., Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa; Coetzee, J.F., Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa; Dusè, A.G., Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand; and Infection Control Services Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mer, M., Department of Medicine, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa | We evaluated the in vitro microbiological efficacy of a generic ceftriaxone product against several clinically significant organisms collected from sterile sites. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each was determined simultaneously with the reference and the generic ceftriaxone product. Comparative analysis of MICs between the two products for each isolate was performed using both categorical (interpretive) agreement and essential (actual MIC value) agreement. A total of 260 isolates were tested. Overall, there was categorical agreement of 98.9% and essential agreement of 95.8%. The categorical agreement for all isolates (96.7 - 100%) accorded with international standards, as no very major errors were seen and the major error rate was less than 3%. Of the 90 isolates of E. coli (40), Klebsiella spp. (40) and Salmonella spp. (10), 87.6% had an MIC less than or equal to 0.12 mg/l. The generic ceftriaxone product showed equivalent efficacy by MIC determination to the reference formulation. Ceftriaxone remains a viable and useful antimicrobial agent against a variety of clinically relevant organisms in our setting. | None | ceftriaxone; extended spectrum beta lactamase; alpha hemolytic Streptococcus; antibiotic sensitivity; article; bacterium isolate; broth dilution; comparative study; drug efficacy; Enterobacteriaceae; Escherichia coli; Haemophilus influenzae; Klebsiella; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; phenotype; Salmonella; South Africa; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptococcus pyogenes; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Ceftriaxone; Citrobacter; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Escherichia coli; Haemophilus influenzae; Humans; Klebsiella; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Staphylococcus aureus; Viridans Streptococci | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898811147 | Is there a 'browse trap'? Dynamics of herbivore impacts on trees and grasses in an African savanna | Staver A.C., Bond W.J. | 2014 | Journal of Ecology | 102 | 3 | 10.1111/1365-2745.12230 | Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X1, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Staver, A.C., Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States; Bond, W.J., Botany Department, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X1, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Despite widespread acknowledgement that large mammal herbivory can strongly affect vegetation structure in savanna, we still lack a theoretical and practical understanding of savanna dynamics in response to herbivory. Like fire, browsing may impose height-structured recruitment limitations on trees (i.e. a 'browse trap'), but the demographics of herbivore effects have rarely been considered explicitly. Evidence that cohorts of trees in savannas may establish during herbivore population crashes and persist long term in savanna landscapes is anecdotal. Here, we use an experimental approach in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in South Africa, examining the response of grass biomass and tree populations to 10 years of graduated herbivore exclusion, and their subsequent response when exclosures were removed. We found that grazer exclusion increased grass biomass and that, despite presumable increases in fire intensity and grass competition, herbivore - especially mesoherbivore, including impala and nyala - exclusion resulted in increases in tree size. After herbivore reintroduction, grazers reduced grass biomass over short time-scales, but tree release from browsing persisted, regardless of tree size. Synthesis. This work provides the first experimental evidence that release from browsing trumps grazer-grass-fire interactions to result in increases in tree size that persist even after browser reintroduction. Escape from the 'browse trap' may be incremental and not strictly episodic, but, over longer time-scales, reductions in browsing pressure may lead to tree establishment events in savanna that persist even during periods of intense browsing. Explicitly considering the temporal demographic effects of browsing will be the key for a much-needed evaluation of the potential global extent of herbivore impacts in savanna. This work provides the first experimental evidence that release from browsing trumps grazer-grass-fire interactions to result in increases in tree size that persist even after browser reintroduction. Escape from the 'browse trap' may be incremental and not strictly episodic, but, over longer time-scales, reductions in browsing pressure may lead to tree establishment events in savanna that persist even during periods of intense browsing. Explicitly considering the temporal demographic effects of browsing will be the key for a much-needed evaluation of the potential global extent of herbivore impacts in savanna. © 2014 British Ecological Society. | Browse trap; Browsing; Demographic variability; Elephant; Grass; Herbivory; Large mammal; Plant-herbivore interactions; Savanna; Tree | biomass; browsing; elephant; exclusion experiment; grass; herbivore; herbivory; plant community; plant-herbivore interaction; population dynamics; recruitment (population dynamics); reintroduction; savanna; tree; Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park; KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa; Aepyceros melampus; Mammalia; Poaceae; Tragelaphus angasii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953655248 | CAT-7 cable evaluation for Square Kilometre Array analogue signal transport | Langat P.K., Van Der Merwe P., Ikin T., Reader H.C. | 2011 | SAIEE Africa Research Journal | 102 | 1 | None | Department of Electrical anil Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom | Langat, P.K., Department of Electrical anil Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, P., Department of Electrical anil Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa; Ikin, T., Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom; Reader, H.C., Department of Electrical anil Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa | Data-cable systems are essential for an evolving Square Kilometre Array (SKA) phased array demonstrator project. Loss, dispersion and channel coupling are the characteristics of interest. We evaluate a Category 7 (CAT-7) cable system, which incorporates a 20 m CAT-7 cable, balun transformers, and ARJ45 connectors. Measurements from 30 MHz - 1.5 GHz are made using a calibrated Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Through, Reflect, Line (TRL) as well as Short, Open, matched Load, Through (SOLT) calibration techniques were performed, which separately test the cables and the entire system performance respectively. A further measurement isolates the baluns. The connectors and baluns are mounted on customised printed circuit boards. We investigated phase dispersion, return loss, attenuation, near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and far-end crosstalk (FEXT). The best system was found to have a linear phase response in the 30 MHz to 1.4 GHz band, with NEXT and FEXT levels below -50 dB and -63 dB respectively. Such performance makes this cable class a candidale lor high-volume dala streams anlicipaled lor Ihe SKA. | Baluns; Calibration; CAT-7 cables; Connectors; EMC; Far-end crosstalk; Near-end crosstalk; Square Kilometre Array | Baluns; CAT-7 cables; Connectors; EMC; Far end crosstalk; Near end cross talks; Square Kilometre Array; Calibration; Crosstalk; Dispersions; Electric network analysis; Electric network analyzers; Electronic equipment manufacture; Microstrip devices; Printed circuit boards; Cables | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867466705 | Impact of 20-day strike in Polokwane Hospital (18 August - 6 September 2010) | Bhuiyan M.M.Z.U., Machowski A. | 2012 | South African Medical Journal | 102 | 9 | 10.7196/SAMJ.6045 | Department of General Surgery, Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa | Bhuiyan, M.M.Z.U., Department of General Surgery, Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa; Machowski, A., Department of General Surgery, Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa | Background. Doctors' strikes have a negative effect on hospital performance indicators. Hospital mortality during such strikes is the most important indicator. Objective. To determine the effects of the 2010 strike on Polokwane Hospital. Methods. Information was collected from the Hospital Information System, Polokwane Hospital Casualty Department, wards and theatres. Results. During the 20-day strike, a total of 262 patients were admitted to Polokwane Hospital, with 40 patients to the surgical department; 96 operations were performed in the hospital and 40 in the surgical department; and 50 deaths were reported in the hospital (8 deaths in the surgical department). During 20 days of a non-striking period in May 2010, there were 975 admissions to the hospital, with 125 to the surgical department. In the entire hospital, 340 operations were performed, and 79 in the surgical department. For this period, 61 deaths were reported in the hospital and 12 in the surgical department. Conclusions. The total number of patients admitted to the hospital and the surgical department during the strike was significantly lower than during a non-striking situation. Total mortality during the strike in Polokwane Hospital decreased, compared with the normal situation, but it increased when judged against emergency cases. However, when mortality was qualified by the number of admissions, it showed a significant increase. Strikes seriously and significantly affect service delivery. | None | article; death; hospital; hospital admission; hospital personnel; human; mortality; surgical ward; trade union; Emergency Service, Hospital; Hospital Mortality; Hospitalization; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Physicians; South Africa; Strikes, Employee | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881028983 | Design of an anti-inflammatory composite nanosystem and evaluation of its potential for ocular drug delivery | Du Toit L.C., Govender T., Carmichael T., Kumar P., Choonara Y.E., Pillay V. | 2013 | Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 102 | 8 | 10.1002/jps.23650 | Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Berea, Durban 4041, South Africa; Ophthalmology Division, Department of Neurosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Du Toit, L.C., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Govender, T., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Berea, Durban 4041, South Africa; Carmichael, T., Ophthalmology Division, Department of Neurosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Kumar, P., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Choonara, Y.E., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Pillay, V., Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | This study compared two specific embodiments of an ocular nanosystem (NS): one portraying a purely polymeric system, referred to as the chitosan-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanosystem, and the other based on a composite lipoidal-polymeric NS architecture utilizing phospholipids-the lipoidal-chitosan-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanosystem. Investigations undertaken were implicit to warrant inclusion in an implantable system for the intelligent treatment of inflammatory disorders (specifically ocular afflictions). Results obtained highlighted the enhanced efficacy of both NS to an indomethacin suspension in terms of tissue permeation, cell uptake, and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, the size (134.3 vs. 140.7 nm); surface charge (+49.4 vs. +55.7 mV); drug incorporation efficiency (75.00% vs. 67.20%); flux across the retinal pigment epithelium-choroid-sclera (0.002951 vs. 0.001255 mg cm -2 h-1); anti-inflammatory efficacy, demonstrated by a decrease in 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole complex formation (0.0031 vs. 0.0023 mmol L-1) and decrease in NFκB formation (decrease in relative optical density of 0.2027 vs. 0.2420); and enhanced inflammatory cell uptake, visualized via high-speed fluorescence and confocal microscopy, all highlighted the enhanced potential of the lipoidal system compared with the purely polymeric NS for potentially targeting inflammatory disorders of the posterior segment of the eye. Mechanics energy relationships revealed the favorable hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of the composite NS compared with the purely polymeric NS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association. | Cell uptake; Computational modeling; Confocal microscopy; ELISA; Lipids; Liposomes; permeation; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Ophthalmic drug delivery | 4 chloro 7 nitrobenzofurazan; chitosan; ganciclovir; I kappa B; indometacin; liposome; nanoparticle; nifuroxime; phospholipid; polycaprolactone; polymer; antiinflammatory activity; article; choroid; confocal microscopy; drug delivery system; drug efficacy; drug uptake; energy; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; fluorescence; human; human cell; hydrophilicity; inflammation; lipophilicity; nanotechnology; optical density; permeability; pigment epithelium; sclera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955960146 | Evaluation of natural radioactivity in soil, sediment and water samples of Niger Delta (Biseni) flood plain lakes, Nigeria | Agbalagba E.O., Onoja R.A. | 2011 | Journal of Environmental Radioactivity | 102 | 7 | 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.03.002 | Department of Physics, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria; Dept. of Radiation Biophysics, Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Agbalagba, E.O., Department of Physics, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria; Onoja, R.A., Dept. of Radiation Biophysics, Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This paper presents the findings of a baseline study undertaken to evaluate the natural radioactivity levels in soil, sediment and water samples in four flood plain lakes of the Niger Delta using a hyper pure germanium (HPGe) detector. The activity profile of radionuclides shows low activity across the study area. The mean activity level of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K is 20 ± 3, 20 ± 3 and 180 ± 50 Bq kg-1, respectively. These values are well within values reported elsewhere in the country and in other countries with similar environments. The study also examined some radiation hazard indices. The mean values obtained are, 76 ± 14 Bq kg-1, 30 ± 5.5 ηGy h-1, 37 ± 6.8 μSv y-1, 0.17 and 0.23 for Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq) |